Are electric cars ruining famous car names or saving them? The arrival of the new Ford Capri, Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning upset the purists | Opinion 28 Jul 2024

AutoExec Summary
William Shakespeare once pondered, ‘What’s in a name? Would a Ford Mustang with an electric motor still be a Ford Mustang?’ This question resurfaces with the unveiling of the all-new, all-electric Ford Capri, sparking debate among fans of the original fastback model. Ford’s strategy of introducing new electric models under iconic nameplates like the Capri, Mustang Mach-E, Explorer, F-150 Lightning, and E-Transit is not unique. Other brands like Fiat, Renault, and Chevrolet are following suit with electric versions of their popular models. While some may find this trend unsettling, it serves to make EVs more appealing in a world rapidly shifting towards electrification. This approach also allows traditional internal combustion engine models to coexist, providing a bridge between past and future automotive technologies.

Brands mentioned: Ford, Fiat, Renault, Chevrolet.