Ford to launch 300-mile electric SUV 03 | 02 | 2017

    FORD HAS COMMITTED to launch a fully-electric SUV, by the year 2020, with a range of 300 miles: that’s the equivalent of driving from Glasgow to Birmingham on one charge.

    The pledge comes as part of the US car maker’s push to appeal towards the ever-growing number of eco-conscious Millennials.

    According to Ford, the new model  will appeal to a growing market for economical SUVs that appeal to the generation of motorists are motivated by a strong social conscience, keen to rent, and willing to share goods and services.

    “More than four-in-five Millennials believe SUVs have become more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly during the last five years,” Ford said. “Having shed their gas-guzzling reputation, SUVs are now on the shopping lists of one-in-four Millennials in the market for a new car.”

    _H7A7451_edit-copy-2.jpg

    Industry SUV registrations were up 21% in 2016, accounting for one-in-four new vehicles registered.

    Ford introduced three new SUVs in Europe last year, and the new zero-emission model will be one of five arriving by 2020.

    “SUV sales are rising faster than any other type of vehicle in Europe, and eco-conscious Millennials are a driving force behind growing SUV demand,” Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe, said. “Last year, Ford’s SUV sales outpaced even this rapid industry growth.

    _JL80358-copy.jpg

    “Customers are discovering the fuel-efficiency offered by advanced engines like our new 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi diesel that meets the latest Euro Stage 6 emissions requirements and delivers 115g/km CO2 in the new Kuga (main picture), and the multi-award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine in the Ford EcoSport.”  

    Sales of Ford’s SUV models in the UK — the compact EcoSport, medium-size Kuga and full-size Edge — are up 320% in three years and grew 31% in 2016 compared to 2015 in Europe. (Related: Roadtest — Ford Edge 2.0TDCI Sport)

    Last year Ford performance car sales — including the Fiesta ST, Focus ST and Focus RS hot hatchbacks, as well as the Ford Mustang — grew by 60% for the second year in succession. (Related: Roadtest — Ford Focus RS)

    Related: New GT is fastest-ever production Ford

    Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars

    Jim McGill

     

User Comments

Login or register to post comments.