Ford caused a lot of controversy announced plans to build an electric crossover which would be called Mustang. For some it doesn’t matter How good is the Ford Mustang Mach-E, just putting a badge on the car was a step too far. Generally, we don’t think it really matters and you can just call it Mach-E if you want, but we get it. So the arrival of Ford CEO Jim Farley came as something of a surprise some comments on Autocar this suggests that he doesn’t consider the Mach-E a real Mustang.
“We will never build a Mustang that is not a Mustang,” Farley told Autocar. “For example, there will never be room for a diminutive, two-row Ford SUV with a Mustang badge on it. But could we create other Mustang body styles – four-door or otherwise? I believe we could, provided these models have the performance and character of the original.”
Now you might look at this quote and think, “Oh, amazing! I would love a sports sedan with a Mustang engine!” You’d also be right, because a four-door Mustang would actually be awesome. But let’s focus on that second sentence instead. By Ford standards, the Mustang Mach-E Is a diminutive, two-row Ford SUV with a Mustang badge on it. So has Ford built a Mustang that isn’t a real Mustang? Or was that statement just poorly worded?
He also said: “Some people think we could combine the Mustang with off-road driving – look what Porsche did with the 911 Dakar and what Lamborghini did. But I’m not so sure about that.” Which is intriguing because Ford just revealed details of the development Mustang Mach-E Rally this shows that yes putting much more effort into the off-road variant than was probably necessary.
Later in the interview, Farley said: “But I can promise you that we will never produce a fully electric Mustang. I look at other pure electric users like Formula E and even companies like Rimac and I just don’t think it would be right for the Mustang. Great for other Fords – look at the worldwide success of the Transit – but not for the Mustang.
Last time we checked, the Mustang Mach-E is indeed fully electric. Based on his other comments, we’re pretty sure the only logical conclusion is that Ford’s CEO doesn’t think the Mustang Mach-E is a real Mustang.
Asked for comment, a Ford spokesman said: “The most significant takeaway from Jim’s interview is that the Mustang isn’t going anywhere and has a very radiant and electrifying future ahead of it.”
