Ford South Africa invests over R900 million to modernise dealer network and future-proof brand

Ford is preparing to unveil a versatile, low-cost electric vehicle platform in August 2025, marking a strategic pivot focused on affordability and broader vehicle range to compete with cheaper Chinese EVs. Backed by a team of industry experts and significant investments in battery production, the move signals a major shift in Ford’s global EV approach amid market pressures and previous product delays.Ford Motor Company is getting ready for what many are calling a major milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) plans, with the big reveal of an entirely new EV platform scheduled for August 2025. Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, has referred to this development as a “Model T moment” for the automaker — basically, a way to signal that they’re aiming for an affordable, mass-market EV that could be a game-changer, much like how the original Model T made cars accessible to the masses more than a hundred years ago. This push is part of a larger effort to drive down EV costs and sharpen Ford’s competition against cheaper Chinese electric vehicles, both here in the U.S. and across the globe. The new platform, it’s believed, will probably be built in the U.S., most likely at the Kentucky truck plant — although, of course, that hasn't been officially confirmed. Unlike Ford’s current bigger EV models like the F-150 Lightning or Mustang Mach-E, this platform will focus on smaller, more affordable vehicles. Okay, so while we don’t know all the models planned just yet, it’s expected that this new architecture will support a bunch of different vehicles — all packed with high-tech features, more efficient performance, and flexible interior space and utility. Honestly, this approach lines up with Ford’s broader mission to radically overhaul how it does engineering, supply chains, and manufacturing entirely, in order to stay competitive on the fast-evolving global EV scene. Supporting all this, Ford has brought together a ‘skunkworks’ team, led by Alan Clarke, a former Tesla engineer, based out in California. This team — approximately 300 experts, by the way — includes folks from Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and even Apple. Their mission? To develop a really versatile, low-cost EV platform capable of supporting—as many as eight different body styles, including pickups, crossovers, and possibly sedans or other kinds of vehicles. And, if you ask me, the first product they’re likely to roll out from this platform is a more budget-friendly electric pickup truck, one that will hopefully satisfy consumer demand for longer range, better utility, and more usability overall. Now, the focus on bringing costs down isn’t just about the platform itself — it extends to batteries and other key components like chassis and electronics as well. To make these efforts profitable, Ford is counting on getting around $700 million in U.S. federal tax credits, thanks to its $3 billion investment in a new battery manufacturing plant in Michigan. Plus, the company plans to shift some of its battery production back home, taking advantage of incentives laid out by the Inflation Reduction Act. This is part of a broader reshuffle in the supply chain, all aimed at reducing costs and improving manufacturing efficiency. Of course, things haven’t always gone perfectly. Earlier in 2024, Ford announced delays with its electric F-150, which is now expected to launch in 2027. They also discontinued an ambitious three-row electric SUV project dubbed the “personal bullet train,” citing slow adoption rates for EVs and financial pressures as the main reasons. Instead, Ford’s shifting focus to more proven segments like pickups and commercial vehicles, while also expanding their investments in hybrid models. It’s pretty clear they’re trying to recalibrate on the fly. Jim Farley’s own experience driving a Chinese-made Xiaomi SU7 EV for several months really hammered home the urgency Ford feels about rethinking its EV strategy. He’s highlighted how that exposure was quite the eye-opener, forcing the company to consider major changes in engineering and manufacturing. Industry insiders note that while Ford has been hinting at a shift toward more advanced, connected EV tech since the era of former CEO Mark Fields, the current focus on beating Chinese rivals adds a new layer of strategic urgency — like, “We really need to step this up fast,” you might say. In the end, all these announcements suggest that Ford is embarking on a big evolution in its EV roadmap. They’re prioritizing affordability, manufacturing flexibility, and expanding their vehicle lineup—all in a bid to reclaim some ground in a market that’s changing rapidly. The upcoming platform reveal is sure to set the tone for Ford’s place in the EV world for years to come, especially as they face stiff competition from both domestic rivals and increasingly capable global EV manufacturers. It’s pretty interesting, right? Source: Noah Wire Services

Ford Motor Company will launch a new low-cost electric vehicle platform in August 2025, described by CEO Jim Farley as a “Model T moment” that could revolutionise affordable EVs in North America and beyond, with production likely based at its Kentucky plant.Ford Motor Company is gearing up to introduce a new electric vehicle (EV) platform sometime in August 2025. CEO Jim Farley has called it something along the lines of a “Model T moment” for Ford, hinting at a potential revolution. The idea is to produce more affordable EVs — pretty much in the spirit of Ford’s historic achievement more than a century ago when they made cars accessible to the masses. This upcoming platform is meant to usher in a fresh line of vehicles that will focus on cutting-edge technology, efficiency, roominess, and eye-catching features. It’s confirmed that the platform will be entirely new and will be made right here in the United States, with strong signs pointing to the Kentucky truck plant as the likely manufacturing site. This strategic move is a part of Ford’s bigger goal: slashing EV prices and standing toe-to-toe with the cheaper electric offerings from China, both at home and across the globe. Farley’s announcement during the 2025 first-half earnings call marked a pretty noticeable shift in how Ford is approaching its electrification plans. While they’re already selling models like the F-150 Lightning pickup and the Mustang Mach-E crossover in the US, it seems like Ford is now leaning toward developing smaller, more budget-friendly EV options. Rumors about affordable compact pickups and SUVs have been out there for a while, but those projects seem to be delayed. Still, this new platform suggests Ford is doubling down on rethinking EV engineering, supply chain logistics, and manufacturing techniques. Interestingly enough, Farley also shared a personal detail — he’s been driving a Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle daily for several months now. He described the experience as pretty eye-opening, even influential in reshaping Ford’s approach to EV design and production. This announcement arrives at a time when the broader EV market faces some hurdles that have seriously impacted Ford’s product plans. Despite earlier promises to develop electric pickups and large SUVs—like a new electric truck originally slated for a Tennessee factory and a three-row electric SUV planned for Ontario—those projects have been pushed back to around 2026 and 2027, mainly because EV sales growth in the U.S. has slowed down. In fact, the market share for EVs in the first quarter of 2024 fell to just over 7%, a sharp decline from the 47% increase seen the previous year. At the same time, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales are actually climbing quite a bit. Reflecting this change, Ford plans to offer hybrid versions across all its gasoline passenger models in North America by the end of this decade, showing a practical approach—balancing ambitions with the current market realities. Looking at the bigger picture, Ford’s shift toward affordability lines up with global ambitions, especially in Europe. The company recently withdrew quite a few popular internal combustion engine models there, like the Mondeo, C-Max, Fiesta, and soon the Focus. These moves hurt sales—European numbers dropped by about 15%—and Ford also plans big workforce cuts. Still, the company remains committed to selling only electric passenger vehicles in Europe by 2030—well, five years ahead of the EU mandate. They’re aiming to ramp up production to about 2 million EVs a year by 2026, and they’re targeting around a 10% operating margin. Ford is also working with Volkswagen’s MEB platform for European models like the Explorer and Capri SUVs, while investing heavily in manufacturing infrastructure, such as the Cologne plant. On the technical side, the new EV platform Ford’s developing is being led by a team of experienced engineers. That includes former Tesla engineer Alan Clarke, along with other ex-Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and even Apple staff. This crew is focusing on creating a low-cost, adaptable platform that can support different body styles — trucks, crossovers, maybe even sedans someday. The first vehicle based on this platform, possibly a midsize electric pickup, is expected to hit the roads in 2027. To keep costs down and secure supply, Ford plans to use prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, licensed from China’s top EV battery maker CATL. Production of these batteries will be set up in a dedicated Michigan plant. This move is a direct response to the tough competition from Chinese manufacturers who have been offering cost-effective EV options. However, Ford’s journey into electrification hasn’t been without some roadblocks. A notable example is the cancellation of its next-generation electrical architecture project, called FNV4 internally. This was meant to develop a centralized software brain for Ford vehicles, similar to Tesla’s system, but it was abandoned due to rising costs and delays. Still, Ford plans to take lessons learned from that experience and apply them to refining their existing software systems instead. Overall, this upcoming announcement signals a crucial turning point for Ford’s EV plans—emphasizing smart innovation, affordability, and competitiveness. The idea of a “Model T moment” really underlines how serious Ford is about not just participating in the EV game but leading it — aiming to reshape the entire mass-market electric vehicle scene in North America and elsewhere. And for parts suppliers, OEMs, and logistics companies, Ford’s push toward a flexible, low-cost EV platform spells significant changes in component sourcing, manufacturing methods, and service models as electric mobility speeds up. Source: Noah Wire Services

Ford is set to launch a revolutionary electric vehicle platform on August 11 at its Kentucky plant, aiming to make EVs affordable and domestically produced. The strategy involves a dedicated engineering team, substantial investment, and a diversified powertrain approach to challenge global rivals, notably Chinese manufacturers.Ford’s gearing up to roll out a game-changing electric vehicle (EV) platform and strategy on August 11 at its Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky. CEO Jim Farley has called this a “Model-T moment”—pretty bold, right?—for the 120-year-old automaker. This shift isn’t just a tweak; it’s a major overhaul of how Ford designs, makes, and sells EVs. The focus? Making them affordable, efficient, and keeping most of the production right here in the U.S. The new EV roadmap will feature a family of vehicles built on a domestically designed and assembled platform. The whole idea is to outpace global competitors, especially Chinese EV giants like BYD and Geely. Farley pointed out that Ford’s main rivals in this space are actually these Chinese companies, known for their low prices and decent quality. To stand a chance, Ford is reengineering pretty much everything—its engineering methods, supply chain logistics, and production lines—to be more competitive. The Louisville plant, which used to crank out traditional models like the Ford Escape, is now shifting gears. Thanks to a hefty $1.2 billion investment under Ford’s 2023 UAW contract, it’s becoming pretty much ground zero for the company’s EV push. Also, it’s close to the BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky and Ford’s own lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Michigan—points that underline Ford’s strategic focus on domestic production and American tax breaks to keep costs in check. At the heart of Ford’s new approach is a low-cost EV platform, developed by what you could call a special ops team — a kind of ‘skunkworks’ unit outside the usual company structure. This team of top engineers includes veterans from Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and even Apple—pretty impressive, huh? Their mission? To create a flexible, cost-effective platform that can support several vehicles, maybe even electric versions of popular models like the Fiesta and Focus. The aim isn’t just to keep EVs affordable—since cost is one big barrier to more widespread adoption—but also to embed advanced software and services that can boost long-term profits. It’s no secret that Ford’s Model e division has been losing some serious money—$1.3 billion in Q2 and a total of $4.7 billion in 2023—so that’s a critical point. The plan is to focus R&D and production on a few main body styles, or “top hats,” where profits are more sustainable. Basically, avoid spreading resources too thin across dozens of models. Ford isn’t just sticking to one powertrain, either. Their refreshed strategy involves offering hybrids, extended-range EVs, and the new affordable all-electric models. Farley has emphasized that a balanced mix is better than just focusing on high-end, pricey EV crossovers, which are currently king in the market but aren’t exactly accessible for middle-income folks. This diversified approach seems like a smarter move, especially given market unpredictability. Production plans are fitting into this carefully crafted puzzle. The first vehicles based on this new platform are expected to roll out by late 2026 or early 2027 at the Kentucky plant—an effort clearly aimed at building in the U.S. from the ground up. That’s quite different from many competitors, who rely on sprawling international supply chains. Ford’s strategy is to secure a stronger domestic footprint and take advantage of evolving regulations and incentives, which could give them a pretty handy edge. All in all, Ford’s upcoming announcement signals a pretty decisive shift in how the brand is approaching EVs. They’re combining lessons from international markets with a laser focus on cost and American-made solutions. By developing a flexible, scalable EV platform and sourcing batteries locally, Ford wants to regain its competitive edge and boost profits, even as global competition heats up and challenges for its EV division continue. Honestly, it’s quite a bold plan—what do you think? It seems like Ford is betting big on making EVs more accessible and keeping things mainly stateside, which, well, could really change the game. References: Paragraph 1 — [1], [4] Paragraph 2 — [1], [2], [5] Paragraph 3 — [3], [4], [6] Paragraph 4 — [1], [7] Source: Noah Wire Services