Ford will be bringing its brand new all-electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) called the Ford Mustang Mach-E to China in 2021. A senior executive with the company confirmed the reports claiming that its latest product sporting its iconic pony badge will be coming to Chinese shores. Ford's new SUV is expected to take on both domestic and international players in the world's second-largest car market.
The company's global director for battery electric vehicles, Darren Palmer, confirmed the claims following the official unveiling of the new vehicle on Sunday at the Jet Center in Los Angeles. The new Ford Mustang Mach-E sets a new benchmark for the 116-year old company as it is officially its first all-electric SUV offering.
The new Mustang Mach-E is part of the company's ambitious $11.5-billion plan to develop up to 40 new all-electric vehicles and hybrids by 2022. The SUV is expected to be the first of a volley of new products to be rolled out in the coming months, paving the way for the company's full electrification.
The release of the new product is also significant as it carries with it the company's iconic Mustang branding famous for its flagship sports model that has remained in uninterrupted production since 1964. As of last year, over 10 million Mustangs have been produced in the United States. The vehicle has found its way into pop culture and has become an icon in the automotive industry.
The Mach-E utilizes the company's new EV architecture, which will also be used for its future full-electric products. Ford executives mentioned during the unveiling on Sunday that the new model will be kicking off a "new age" for the company.
Palmer, who heads an internal team focusing on electric vehicles, stated that they had gotten several inspiring ideas from the Chinese market. The internal group, calling themselves Team Edison, was inspired partly on China's drive in developing electric mobility.
The senior executive pointed out that China and its automotive industry is playing an important role in the global shift to new energy vehicles. In part, the country's drive to further develop the technology has influenced Ford's blueprint for its future.
Ford plans to first optimize its rollout strategy in China before the commercial release of the Mach-E in the country. This will include optimization work on integrating and utilizing China's global-leading digital financial services and networks.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is expected to be priced similarly to Tesla's upcoming SUV, the Model Y. The vehicle's performance and range is also expected to be on par with its rival. Tesla's fully-electric SUV is expected to become available in the US in late 2020.
