Todd Willing’s departure from Model e raises questions about Ford’s EV strategy.

Ford Motor Co. appointed Todd Willing the new Global Design Director for Ford and Lincoln brands worldwide. Willing was formerly the Global Design Director for Ford’s electric vehicle (EV) division, the Model e. Willing’s promotion leaves a gap in the Model e division’s team.

Electric vehicle sales have been on a decline this year for most EV automakers. Earlier this month, Ford suggested that it would focus less on pure EV production and shift plans to hybrid-electric vehicles. Willing’s promotion supports Ford’s upcoming plans.

“We’re committed to creating long-term value by building a competitive and profitable business. With pricing and margin compression, we’ve made the decision to adjust our product and technology roadmap and industrial footprint to meet our goal of reaching positive EBIT within the first 12 months of launch for all new models,” said Ford Vice Chair and CFO John Lawler.

  • fubarx@lemmy.ml
    11·
    19 days ago

    Ford currently has only two electric models for sale, the Mach-E and the F-150 Iightning (source: https://www.ford.com/electric/). The Mach-E is an SUV with a ton of competition and, amazingly, an inability to tow. The F-150, though unique, is on the high end of premium pricing and now has Rivian to compete against.

    They don’t have anything else in the other form factors and price ranges. If they wanted to be serious about EV, they could do well just to fill in the gaps. Maybe a new head of EV will see the light and bring some fresh perspective instead of waiting for a participation trophy.

    At least they’re not boneheaded enough to drop CarPlay/AndroidAuto like some other carmaker.

    • cron@feddit.org
      6·
      19 days ago

      Here in europe, Ford also sells two additional models, the Ford Capri and Explorer, starting from 35.000 €.

      Both cars are based on the Volkswagen MEB platform and are produced only in germany.

      Edit: Image of the Ford Capri

      • ebc@lemmy.ca
        3·
        19 days ago

        So basically 2 re-skinned ID.4. So nothing unique or original here, basically no differentiation from the gazillion 5-seater CUVs on the market already.

    • Jimmycakes@lemmy.world
      1·
      19 days ago

      They shut down all the car production lines they can’t make anything small and that’s the gap right now

    • SacralPlexus@lemmy.world
      1·
      19 days ago

      Seriously need some other options. I think Dodge’s upcoming Ramcharger looks promising and I’m surprised more truck manufacturers haven’t tried to design vehicles that are electric with a generator backup to extend range. Come on, Ford. I would say come on GMC but they took out CarPlay.