Ford has responded to Tesla’s aggressive Model Y price cuts by slashing up to $US5900 ($A8400) from the top of its Mustang Mach-E electric crossover.
The price cuts are linked in part to greater scale, with Ford saying a healthier supply chain will allow it to significantly increase production this year to trim back wait times.
The Mustang Mach-E was the number three EV model in the US in 2022, and the company says its updated pricing is part of its “plan to keep the SUV competitive in a rapidly changing market”.
“We are not going to cede ground to anyone. We are producing more EVs to reduce customer wait times, offering competitive pricing and working to create an ownership experience that is second to none,” said Ford chief customer officer Marin Gjaja.
However, this doesn’t necessarily translate to a quicker Australian arrival for the in-demand electric ‘Stang, which remains off limits to local buyers.
While Ford Australia hasn’t made official comment, we understand the Mustang Mach-E won’t get here until next year – as one of the previously announced five electrified Fords due here by the end of 2024.
When it does arrive here, the Mustang Mach-E will join the Escape PHEV (launched in 2022), the E-Transit EV (due in early 2023), and E-Transit Custom EV (also due in 2024), as well as one more mystery vehicle – potentially the long-anticipated Ranger PHEV.
The introduction of the Mustang Mach-E will give Ford a rival to not only the Tesla Model Y, but also the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 and upcoming Subaru Solterra and Toyota bZ4X.