Ford will also launch what it describes as two ‘rally-bred crossover models’ that will use a multi-energy platform and will arrive before the end of 2029.
No details of these models have yet been released, such as whether they will be produced in-house at Ford or in partnership with another manufacturer.
But Ford has been keen to emphasise the importance of strategic partnerships such as it has with Volkswagen and Renault, noting thet are “central” to competing in Europe by allowing the firm to benefit from faster development and greater economies of scale.
Baumbick said that partnerships “aren’t just deals” but “strategic levers”, adding: “We partner with the best to move with speed and scale and we obsess over the product to deliver passionate, unmistakably Ford vehicles.”
That emphasis would suggest that Ford’s two new multi-energy vehicles could yet be part of its European plan.
Ford has long been linked to a deal to jointly develop cars with Geely, which could involve the Chinese giant investing in Ford’s plant in Spain. Geely, which owns Volvo and Polestar, has a number of multi-energy platforms.
Baumbick repeatedly refused to comment on the reports linking Ford to a partnership with Geely.
Ford’s rallying heritage
All five of the new vehicles are claimed by Ford to be ‘rally-bred’, drawing on its long history of off-road competition. It added that they will blend “thrill and adventure” with “control and precision.”
The decision to draw on its off-road heritage reflects a similar strategy Ford has taken with its US line-up in recent years. Based on the success of the revived Bronco, its more road-focused Bronco Sport sibling and Raptor variants of its pick-ups, the firm has focused on becoming “the Porsche of off-road”.
Ford will use its rallying heritage to follow a similar path in Europe, believing that it will reinforce its history of producing cars with strong driving dynamics.