I asked Ford Europe design director Amko Leinart why Ford used VW's poor controls in both the Explorer and Capri, and he told me that Ford worked with a partner to get better feedback on the sliders (but they Didn't tell me how), then admitted that “We tried to improve it a little bit – and I think we did – but at the same time, it is what it is. VW is our supplier on some parts, and at the time let us choose that option Was.”
It's a shame, because these decisions made on balance sheets and in meeting rooms can destroy perfectly good cars. And in the case of the Explorer it's complicated because it's a good EV, quiet on the road, and has a good range and a distinctive, winning exterior.
Courtesy of Ford
I think the project delays meant the Explorer and Capri missed their window of opportunity and potentially better competitive options came at the wrong time for Ford – but by focusing on the range above everything else, and development Over time, the gamble did not pay off. And then things get even more difficult when trying to get away with charging around £54,000 (about $68,500) for the top-of-the-range model.
Jim Farley is a smart guy, and I'm sure he's looked at the Explorer and the Capri, and then looked at his Xiaomi, and realized there's a better way for Ford to deal with EVs than to tailor platforms to rivals. There is a better way. But then there's the UK's zero emissions vehicle mandate, which requires it in at least 2025 a quarter of new cars Products sold by UK manufacturers are emission-free. Ford needs to sell more EVs, and fast. This is a difficult circle to square.
I know Ford's focus is on hybrids right now, but given the successes of the F-150 Lightning and Mach-E, and all the elements celebrated in the EU-only Explorer, I'm hopeful we'll see one from the company in 2025. Much more full-EV action. Just make it Ford-built and accessible to everyone – then surely it can't lose.