Ford CEO Jim Farley has slammed Tesla’s Cybertruck, calling it a “science experiment” and saying it lacks the “soul” of the iconic Ford F-150. These statements were made during Farley’s appearance at the Wolfe Virtual Auto, Mobility & Technology Conference where he fielded several questions related to his company’s vehicle lineup. Farley said that Ford’s pickup truck has “earned its place in American society” and represents the “emotional connection to the idea of the pickup.” He went on to say that the Cybertruck is almost “purpose-built as a piece of stainless steel machinery,” while the F-150 is “tough and carries the soul of the country.”
Tesla announced the futuristic-looking Cybertruck in November 2019, garnering attention for its unconventional angular design that was compared to a military vehicle rather than a traditional pickup. The electric truck is set to be released in 2022, with initial pre-order sales reportedly exceeding the 250,000 mark. Ford will introduce its first all-electric pickup truck, the F-150 Lightning, later this year.
This article caught my attention due to the strong language used by Ford’s CEO and the ongoing rivalry between two of the biggest players in the automotive industry. The comments made by Farley serve as a reminder that carmakers are not afraid to make bold statements to set themselves apart from their competitors.
It is interesting to see how electric vehicles are changing the way we think about trucks and their purpose. The F-150 and the Cybertruck represent two different visions of what a pickup truck can be, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. As Ford prepares to face off against Tesla, the success of the F-150 Lightning could shape the future of electric trucks for years to come.
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