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Ford plans to shift focus to SUVs and EVs

American car giant will move $7 billion of its budget into SUVs and pick-up markets, with less emphasis on traditional cars

Ford Edge - Ford badge

Ford has announced that it will be moving away from 'traditional cars' and will invest more heavily in autonomous and electric vehicles.

In a statement from the car giant’s new CEO Jim Hackett, he said that Ford needed to improve its ‘fitness’ in the “evolving and disruptive period for the auto industry.”

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A new dedicated electrification divison has been set up, called Team Edison, that will focus the brand's attention on hybrid and electric vehicles.

Ford EcoSport - front

Ford is committed to delivering 13 new electric vehicles over the next five years. Flagship models such as the F-150 and Mustang will feature hybrid technology by 2022 alongside a fully electric small SUV.

The Detroit manufacturer has said it will shift $7 billion worth of resources from traditional cars to the SUV and pick-up markets, with particular emphasis on the 2018 North America Ranger and the worldwide launch of the new Bronco in 2020. The next-generation North American Focus will now be assembled in China as part of its SUV-orientated budget shift.

Ford Dominoes self-driving pizza delivery - front

Autonomous vehicles are also a big focus according to Hackett. Ford has already announced partnerships with app-taxi company Lyft and pizza delivery company Domino’s to develop autonomous transport for Lyft customers getting to and from a destination, as well as autonomous food delivery methods.

Hackett also announced that Ford will reduce automotive costs by 50 per cent (approximately $14 billion) through 2022. Connected smart vehicles are also on Ford’s priority list, with a global connectivity target of 90 per cent by 2020.

What do you make of Ford's plans? Give us your view below...

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