ICE melts: Ford builds more Mach-E Mustangs than V8s
Ford is building more battery electric Mustang Mach-Es than orthodox internal combustion engined versions of the iconic pony car.
It’s not only buyer demand for the new BEV SUV that’s prompted this symbolically important transition, but also a conscious decision by Ford to protect new models as it grapples with the global computer chip shortage.
According to Bloomberg Ford has built 27,816 examples of the Mach-E at its Puebla plant in Mexico this year, compared to 26,089 Mustangs powered by four-cylinder, V6 and V8 petrol engines at its plant in Flat Rock Michigan.
The Mach-E is outsold three-to-one by the ICE model in the USA but is gaining popularity in other markets as it is rolled out. It was the top-selling vehicle outright in Norway in May.
Ford global CEO Jim Farley told reporters at the F-150 Lightning pick-up launch last month that Mach-E demand had been far stronger than expected.
He said Ford had totally run out of stock and the waiting time even in the USA was months.
Farley said the company’s latest launches – the Mach-E, the Bronco SUV, Bronco Sport and the F-150 – were prioritised for supply of semiconductor modules, which were in global short supply because of huge increases in demand at the same time as manufacturing sites were forced to shut because of COVID.
“We have purposely protected our launches,” Farley said. “If we can switch a module over to one of those launch vehicles, we have. We’re very protective of the launches because they are so important for our business.”
The news of Mach-E’s spiralling success comes as Ford Australia drops solid hints it will soon announce a BEV roll-out strategy. The only electrified model confirmed so far is the plug-in hybrid Escape PHEV, which has been delayed because of a fire risk.
But the Mach-E and F-150 are both potential additions and in the longer term Ford has confirmed it has plans to produce fully electric versions of the top-selling Ranger ute.
“Electric vehicles are a big part of our future, both in Australia and our other markets,” a Ford Australia spokesman told EV Central by email.
“Globally, Ford is investing at least US$30 billion (almost $39 billion) in electrified vehicles through 2025; we’ll share more about our local rollout plans soon.
“We’re pleased to see a growing appetite for EVs in Australia, and we’re taking a considered approach to electrification to make sure we get our offering right for our customers.
“Whether their vehicle is for commercial or personal use, Ford owners are very clear that they expect toughness, performance and capability from our vehicles, and so our focus is on offering EVs to meet those expectations.
“Ford Australia’s EV line up will grow quickly, first with our Escape PHEV SUV and soon with other BEVs and electrified models. We’ll share details about these in due course.
“As we accelerate our EV plans, we’re aware of the importance of visible investment in the infrastructure that supports EVs, like charging networks, to help build consumers’ confidence in this emerging technology.”
