Ford plans to launch five new rally-bred cars in Europe by 2029, all of which will draw on the company's extensive heritage in rallying. The new models will sit in the B- and C-segments and include a Bronco-inspired 'multi-energy' SUV, a small electric hatchback, and a crossover that will be built on a Renault platform, as well as two further multi-energy crossovers.
Ford has also confirmed a new 'extreme' Ranger Super Duty pick-up truck, which will join the recently revealed Transit City van as part of an expanded commercial vehicle line-up. The company dominated the UK sales charts for decades with models including the Fiesta and Focus, but its market share has slumped in recent years, in part due to the decision to axe both of those models to convert its Frankfurt factory to produce the Explorer and Capri electric SUVs, which are built on a Volkswagen Group platform.
View Price on AmazonHowever, Ford has insisted that it remains committed to the European car market and has now outlined its “renewed commitment” to the region. The American company's European boss, Jim Baumbick, has vowed that "we don't just want to compete, we're here to play to win". The new cars will arrive as part of a wider global strategy called ‘Ready Set Ford’, which involves focusing on areas of key strength where Ford can differentiate itself from rivals.
The new cars will be part of a plan by Ford to turn the Bronco from a single off-road model into a global brand. There is already a road-focused Bronco Sport in the US and an unrelated Chinese-market Bronco New Energy that is offered with electric and range-extender powertrains. The new European Bronco will be true to the US model's heritage but will also be "produced in Europe and sized for the European market", adding that "it will be a high-volume model".
Source: autocar.co.uk
