The present EV period is ripe with revered traditional automotive designs and nameplates which can be being reborn as battery-powered rides – and the success of vehicles the Renault 5 proves it may be a profitable system. At present, I’m suggesting one other traditional that deserves a contemporary electrical replace: the OG Ford Taurus.
It may appear previous and dated now, however when the unique Ford Taurus made its debut in 1985, it was so recent, so completely different, so futuristic that it was included, nearly unchanged, in Robocop’s sci-fi imaginative and prescient of a dystopian Detroit. Actually.
I’d purchase that for a greenback
The aerodynamic design of the Ford Taurus wasn’t simply futuristic, it was profitable – and, from 1992 by means of 1996, the OG Taurus was not simply Ford’s best-selling automotive, however the very best promoting automotive in North America.
The sedan market may be very completely different forty years on – so completely different, in truth, that Ford doesn’t really promote any sedans in North America. Excluding the 2-door ICE Mustang, the Blue Oval model doesn’t even promote any vehicles, and operates nearly fully as a truck and SUV model.
Now, think about Ford decides to get again into the sedan sport. It’s 2025 now, and the Tesla Mannequin 3 has confirmed that there’s sufficient demand for at the least one profitable electrical sedan within the US. And, crucially, it looks like most of these patrons received’t be buying and selling their Tesla again in for an additional one.
If there was ever a time to do it, that point is now – and Ford is completely positioned to fast-track a new-age Taurus.
The VW connection
Sure, I do know that’s a Volkswagen – however hear me out. Ford and VW have a powerful, present relationship relating to EVs, having co-developed the MEB electrical skateboard platform that underpins each the high-riding Ford Capri (itself a contemporary tackle a traditional Ford) and the Volkswagen ID.7 proven, above.
The ID.7 is an fascinating piece, as a result of it was all the time Volkswagen’s authentic intention to deliver the automotive to the US, however slowing sedan demand and a seller physique that might reasonably promote Scout-branded SUVs and pickups than close to/entry-luxe sedans killed the automotive’s probabilities earlier than earlier than the primary one made it over. Now, it’s not coming to the US in any respect.
That may have been a mistake, for the reason that the midsized ID.7 sedan is at present the best-selling EV in Germany, with gross sales persevering with to speed up all through Europe within the wake of Tesla’s catastrophic, politically-fueled decline.
So, VW sellers don’t desire a completely succesful, Ford-developed, aerodynamic midsized sedan to promote within the US? No downside. Ramp up the BlueOval SK battery plant, set off a hiring frenzy at BlueOval Metropolis, begin constructing an oval-badged ID.7-based Ford Taurus within the US, and slap a Tesla conquest rebate on the factor to assist overcome Tesla purchaser’s more and more destructive fairness.
It even appears good in 90s Ford Taurus inexperienced.
Authentic content material from Electrek; featured picture by ChatGPT.
