Ford to Focus Its Electric Car Efforts in China
As one of the largest and most iconic car manufacturers, Ford has been lagging behind the competition when it comes to the electric vehicle market. The manufacturer has not released a new electric or hybrid model since 2013. However that looks set to change soon as Ford looks to focus on the Chinese electric market.
China has very recently introduced new fuel-consumption laws, which have resulted in 553 models being outlawed. This means there’s a great opportunity for car manufacturers to take advantage of the growing demand for electric vehicles there.
Although Ford has released statements in the past signalling its intention to released new electric and hybrid models, there has been little to show for it over the past few years. However new Ford chairman Bill Ford announced in August of last year that Ford would be entering a joint venture with Chinese car manufacturer, Zotye to create electric vehicles.
CEO and chairman of Ford China, Jason Luo said “From luxury Lincolns to Ford cars and SUVs, to an all-new electric vehicle brand, we will meet the growing desire and need in China for great new energy vehicles,” He said the cars the company will be releasing in China will be “backed by an ecosystem that makes charging, sharing and servicing easy.”
Ford has been criticized in some quarters for its apparent lack of true investment in electric technology so this announcement will come as welcome news as there will be more choice for consumers who want to purchase their first electric vehicle.
