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Ford has a rich history of iconic sedans, but in recent years, the brand seems to have shifted its focus away from this segment. While technically still present, models like the Mustang remain niche, and the Taurus is only available in select markets.
However, Ford is planning to introduce a new product that isn’t a pickup truck, SUV, or van. This commitment comes from William Clay Ford Jr., the great-grandson of founder Henry Ford and Executive Chairman since 2006.
In an interview with Autocar, Bill Ford acknowledged the company’s significant gap in low-slung vehicles after discontinuing models like the Ka, Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion. “In the passenger car segment, we realize we’re not as strong as we need to be. We’re working on a future strategy. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what’s coming,” he stated.
It remains unclear whether these new models will reach North America. Rumors of a four-door Mustang sedan, internally named “Mach 4,” have circulated, but Ford has never confirmed them. In Europe, Automobilwoche recently reported that dealers have been informed of upcoming new vehicles. As Ford reverses its plan to sell only electric vehicles in Europe by 2030, these new models are likely to feature internal combustion engines, especially given the sluggish sales of the Explorer and Capri EV.
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Could a future sedan emerge from a collaboration between Ford and Volkswagen? Photo: VW. |
Regarding the partnership with Volkswagen, there’s potential for additional joint products. “We don’t rule out sharing technology again in the future,” said Martin Sanders, VW’s Sales and Marketing Director (formerly a Ford Europe executive), in a media statement.
Nonetheless, the decision to reintroduce low-slung vehicles marks a shift from CEO Jim Farley’s statement last year. He previously declared Ford’s exit from “boring cars” to focus on iconic vehicles. The “boring” list included models Farley admitted were “loved by customers but couldn’t justify further capital allocation, unlike commercial vehicles.”
In essence, Ford wasn’t generating enough profit from these models, leading to their discontinuation in favor of more lucrative segments like pickups. With the new lineup, profitability is expected to improve. Whether Ford will leverage VW’s platform as a shortcut remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: low-slung vehicles are making a comeback.
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