Hashtag ‘Not a Mustang’ – Ford’s 2021 Mustang Mach-E Late last year, Ford announced the release of their 2021 Mustang Mach-E, an all-electrical SUV. Now, a bunch of petitions are flying around the internet trying to get Ford to change the name of the car. The petition declares that the Mach-E “goes against the essence of what Mustang stands for in automotive history. It’s insulting to the tens of thousands of Mustang enthusiasts who love the Pony Car and support Ford.”1 Indeed, Ford has stood for horsepower and fuel-based performance for over a century now. Some loyal consumers worry that the SUV configuration of their new Mustang would effectively make an iconic name mean nothing, because it was designed as an entirely different vehicle, but then stated to be “Mustang-inspired”. Supporters felt that the Mustang name had been slapped on like a sticker with no thought to the iconic car’s heritage. Yet, from a marketing point of view, it makes sense. If Ford named the car anything else, it would go unnoticed by the media. A Competitor for Tesla Seeing American companies take the lead in transformative engineering is… new. And rather fresh. “Unexpected,” is the word used in Ford’s own introduction of the model.2 Ford’s targeted competitor is of course Tesla. The leading electric car manufacturer in the United States for years now, Tesla has not been directly challenged like this before. It even looks like Ford’s teasers and advertising for the Mustang Mach-E have cloned Tesla’s vision. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is rival to Tesla’s Model Y in particular. This makes sense, as many YouTube review channels immediately spotted. Both electric SUVs, both fully electric models with various trims and options. For some, it was still like comparing apples to oranges, but others have found it useful to compare precise specifications, such as charging time, wheel size, glass panoramic roof, etc. Perhaps predictably, Tesla came out on top of many reviews for its greater efficiency, CPMoR, and better value for features. They have been longer in the game, after all. However, despite contention over the name, viewers have praised the overall look and feel of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. One thing is for sure, though: it’s an exciting new beginning for Ford. What Does the Ford Mustang Mach-E Mean for Ford’s Future? In the current climate, this looks very much like the tip of the mainstream push toward electric cars. Within a couple of decades, motorways even in the UK will likely be full of electric cars. Therefore, Ford’s first electrical model needed to make an impression, even if that impression is “Hang on, they can’t do that.” There’s no such thing as bad publicity, after all. So… just a marketing tactic? Or a brand new direction? What do you think? Would you sign the petition? Let us know your thoughts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Sources: Name Change – Mustang Mach-E Ford’s Introduction Video Liked This Article? More Like This: Introducing the UK’s Biggest Mustang Dealership McQueen’s Bullitt Mustang Sells for Record $3.4 Million