The trusted voice of the industry
for more than 30 years

Ford NZ joins EV lobby group

Marque encouraged by initial demand for low-emissions vehicles in domestic market.
Posted on 06 May, 2021
Ford NZ joins EV lobby group

Ford New Zealand wants to help encourage wider adoption of low-emissions vehicles across the country after becoming a member of advocacy group Drive Electric.

The blue oval’s local arm has joined the non-profit organisation, which wants to make electric-vehicle (EV) ownership in New Zealand mainstream, as part of the carmaker’s global pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Simon Rutherford, pictured, managing director Ford NZ, says: “As a volume brand we see our products and technology as a key enabler of de-carbonising the transport sector through effective and targeted renewal of New Zealand’s aging vehicle fleet. 

“As the consumer appetite for EVs grows, capacity increases, infrastructure and accessibility improve, we aim to further expand our EV line-up as Ford has done in many markets around the world.

“Joining Drive Electric helps us to contribute further to the industry-wide efforts and discussions to find a pragmatic, customer-focused and scalable pathway to the wider adoption of new EVs in New Zealand.”

Ford globally is investing more than $22 billion to electrify many of its vehicles and nameplates as it takes steps towards a zero-emissions future.

It has been encouraged by initial demand in New Zealand for the recently introduced Transit PHEV and the Escape Plug-In Hybrid, pictured below, is due to be launched this year.

An all-electric E-Transit, a full-size Transit Cargo with DC charging and a 350km range. is set to hit the market in 2022.

Mark Gilbert, chairman of Drive Electric, says he welcomes Ford NZ’s decision to join other organisations committed to accelerating the uptake of e-mobility. 

“Ford has already committed to sell only electric passenger vehicles in Europe by 2030, a demonstration of their global leadership on electrification,” adds Gilbert. 

“We are excited about seeing how Ford can contribute to New Zealand’s zero emissions transport future.”

The announcement came on the opening day of the E-World Expo in Auckland, which runs from May 6-8, where Ford will have its latest PHEVs on display.