The consensus that builds around the Mustang Mach-E is that it is a very capable and fun to drive EV – which should be a big news for both Ford and potential buyers. But his name raised more than a few eyebrows. Now, however, the automaker has revealed the reasons behind the choice of name.
The simple answer is because it would generate exactly that type of speech. This is according to Jason Castriota, global director of the Ford brand for battery electric vehicles, who recently spoke to Road & Track.
“The idea of how we stand out from the crowd, how we cut through all the noise and clutter of yet another fully electric vehicle has really become the essential issue that we had to resolve,” said Castriota.
See also: What does Jay Leno think of the Mustang Mach-E?
Worse, it was a problem that Ford faced at the end of the development process. The team behind Mach-E realized that it would be announced as soon as other manufacturers were launching their own EVs.
Then, according to Castriota, it was clear to the team that their EV had to be a Mustang. Suddenly changing course is not easy. The decision to call the car a Mustang led to major changes in the vehicle’s architecture, transmission system and vehicle performance.
There was also the challenge of designing an SUV to look like a Mustang. Even after the models were ready and Mustang’s design tips added, the team knew they were in an uphill battle.
“I had the dubious honor of introducing the Mustang Mach-E to the presidents of the Mustang club,” explained Castriota. “Let’s say they came with arms crossed, a frown on their faces.”
After showing presidents what Mach-E could do, Castriota said they were pleased that Ford was not taking the Mustang away, just adding another horse to the stable.
Apparently, public reception for Mach-E has been good enough that Ford plans to continue the trend, leveraging its more well-known names as it presents more EVs. Don’t expect them all to be Mustangs; there is a limit to what this name can be applied to. Fortunately, Ford has a rich history to look back on.
