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It’s Earth Day, in case you hadn’t heard. For environmentalists this is a big day usually meant for over-the-top agendas being crammed down our throats. As you can tell, from that opening statement, I’m not a tree hugger.
But like everyone else, I occupy space on this planet we live on, so I do care about its well-being. I’m not going to the extremes of other environmentalists. I don’t want to get into politics, but I rarely vote at the ballot box based upon environmental stances.
All of that being said it is Earth Day, so I’m taking this time, and my forum here at Torque News as a beat writer for Ford to address some things related to Earth Day. Don’t worry, I’m not going to espouse all the things that are great with the Mustang Mach-E such as the one-pedal driving mode.
If you’ve read my coverage of the Mustang, which does include the Mach-E, you might’ve already seen my official review of the Mustang Mach-E, which despite the badge is a homerun for Ford Motor Company. And that leads me to the point of this opinion piece.
If the Mustang Mach-E succeeds, and so far it looks like it is, that’s a good thing for everyone who claims to be a Blue Oval enthusiast. I’m looking right at you “That’s Not a Mustang” guy and also you “muscle cars need a loud V8” guy.
Related story: Mustang Mach-E already taking market share from Tesla.
Stay with me here, I promise I won’t be condescending but hope to offer reasons for everyone why EVs shouldn’t threaten you or your preferred vehicle type.
Ford’s Electrified Future
Unlike General Motors, which has naively committed to a full electric lineup by 2035, Ford has not been so aggressive. Of course, EVs are a big part of Ford’s future, but they’ve not put a ridiculous and unattainable deadline on it, and that’s a good thing.
I think the internal combustion engine (ICE) will still be part of Ford’s future in some capacity for at least the next 20 years or so. So even as Ford plows ahead with plans to electrify their product line it doesn’t mean you can’t still drive your growling V8 Mustang or lifted F-150.
The F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in North America for a reason and that’s not going to change, even as Tesla challenges them with the Cybertruck or GM comes in with an EV Silverado and Hummer.
So far, Ford put a hybrid powertrain into the 14th-generation F-150, and it’s awesome by the way. An EV F-150 is coming in the next year or two. And that, even more so than the Mach-E, will be the single-most-important EV for Ford thus far.
The competition in EVs is good for the consumer. As more get made, the technology advances and any issues get vetted through the process. Ford has led the way in automotive manufacturing for more than 100 years. They didn’t make it through 118 years of automotive manufacturing without understanding the market and without being a trendsetter.
Tesla has been an interruptive force in the industry, and Ford has reacted without overreacting. The looming battle between Tesla and Ford will be one of the things I’m most paying attention to.
Related story: Why Ford may be a better stock than Tesla in coming years.
How Ford fans can be better than Tesla fans
Tesla fans are amongst the most passionate enthusiasts around. They are a different make up and a different type of auto enthusiast than what we are used to with GM fans or even Mopar fans. That’s neither a good nor a bad thing.
However, the Tesla fans tend to be obnoxious with their comments, posts and downright “troll-like” behavior at times on the internet. This is a generalization, yes, as there are plenty of great people who are fans of Tesla. But when Tesla fans threaten the life of a Mach-E enthusiast that is where I lose respect for them.
You can be passionate without being obnoxious or negative or threatening. This is where I worry about some Ford enthusiasts.
When I post stories about the Mustang Mach-E or the EV F-150 or even some hands-free driving technology, the boisterous obnoxious Ford fans come out. These are the same people who claim to love and support Ford, but yet dump on it for advancing technology.
This type of behavior I expect from the Teslarati, but not from the Ford enthusiasts. Hopefully, even those who are opposed to change, can grow to understand and even root for such change to lead to success for Ford.
If Ford succeeds, and you’re an alleged fan of Ford, then that’s a good thing. Even if it means the success comes from a technology you don’t understand or support or have interest in. It should not threaten you or your vehicle of choice. If Ford succeeds in their EV endeavors it could mean more investment in their entire product line.
And most of all, if you want your V8 to succeed, then the best way to have your voice is heard is with your wallet. Money talks. Ford is in the business of making money, as are all automakers. Buy what you want, support the brand and the vehicle and the powertrain you like. You don’t do that by being nasty on social media, or starting a petition.
On Earth Day, we should all realize we live on the same planet and we all have a minimal amount of time here, so why not co-exist peacefully together. That sounds a little hippie dippy, but it’s the message I’m preaching for Ford enthusiasts here on Earth Day.
You get the last word, by leaving your comments. Am I right or wrong? What is your take?
Jimmy Dinsmore has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade and been a writer since the high school. His Driver’s Side column features new car reviews and runs in several newspapers throughout the country. He is also co-author of the book “Mustang by Design” and “Ford Trucks: A Unique Look at the Technical History of America’s Most Popular Truck”. Also, Jimmy works in the social media marketing world for a Canadian automotive training aid manufacturing company. Follow Jimmy on Facebook, Twitter, at his special Ford F-150 coverage on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can read the most of Jimmy's stories by searching Torque News Ford for daily Ford vehicle report.
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