The first of many full electric Ford’s for China…….Malaysia how?
Ford is investing heavily in the Chinese EV market. Ford has also just announced the sales of its first electric vehicle, a battery-powered version of the Ford Territory SUV at a starting price of 199,000 yuan which is about USD29,000.
Partners
Ford’s domestic partners Changan Automobile and Jiangling Motors, will be better integrated into the development of vehicles for the Chinese market. Changan Ford will design and develop the next-generation Ford Escort, and Jiangling will play a key role in the Ford Territory BEV.
Ford’s research and development facilities are to be expanded to include a China Innovation Center and a China Design Center, and more local talent will be integrated into the company.
Technology
The importance of business in China is also demonstrated by the launch of new technologies: The company presented Sync+, its new infotainment system based on the artificial intelligence technology of the Chinese tech giant Baidu. It was developed especially for Chinese drivers, and from this year most Ford and Lincoln vehicles built in China will be equipped with Sync+.
5G Ready
In addition, all new products and technologies from 2021 onwards will be complemented by C-V2X technology, which is becoming increasingly important, especially in connection with the ultra-fast 5G mobile communications standard and car automation. The technology, which networks vehicles with the infrastructure, is intended to improve their perception in their environment and serve traffic safety and efficiency.
Range
After government subsidies, the price will be lowered to 182,800 yuan, Ford said. The electric Territory will go sale late this year with a range of 360 kilometers on one change.
Like its petrol driven variant, it will be assembled at Jiangling Motors Co., Ford’s truck joint venture.
Ford markets only one electrified vehicle, the plug-in hybrid variant of the Mondeo, in China. The vehicle is built at Changan Ford, Ford’s passenger vehicle partnership.
