1-2 Student Blog: Final Project Review

Chosen Company: Ford Motor Company

Rationale

I have chosen the Ford Motor company because it represents a long history of innovation and a strong commitment to the future of transportation. Ford was founded in 1903 and became one of the first companies to make automobiles accessible to average consumers through the introduction of the assembly line production (Ford Motor Company, 2025). Today, the company continues to build on that legacy through electric vehicle innovation, sustainability initiatives, and advanced technology integration.

Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley has stated “What makes this company different is that Ford has a higher purpose. We serve others and improve lives … We try to make the world a better place.” Ford’s purpose is explicitly stated in their website; they are producing cars to help build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.

Ford has a reputation for creating vehicles that are dependable, affordable, and built to last. The public generally expects Ford to continue improving its vehicles in ways that balance performance, innovation, and practicality. As consumer preferences shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles, many people now expect Ford to deliver environmentally friendly options that remain affordable for everyday drivers.

One segment of the population that has growing needs in this area includes young professionals and city residents who want a small, affordable, and efficient electric vehicle for commuting. Many of the electric vehicles currently available, such as those from Tesla or Hyundai, are either too expensive or too large for urban drivers. Ford has the opportunity to create a product that meets these needs while maintaining its reputation for reliability and practicality.

New Product Concept: The Ford Aero

The new product concept I am proposing is the Ford Aero a compact, fully electric vehicle designed for city driving. The Ford Aero emphasizes efficiency, sustainability, and smart technology. Its name reflects aerodynamic design, lightness, and a smooth driving experience; key qualities for navigating modern urban environments.

Some of the key features would include:

• A price point under $25,000 to make electric vehicles accessible to younger buyers.
• A compact size for easy parking and maneuvering in crowded cities.
• A range of about 200 miles per charge, with fast-charging capability that allows 80% battery power in under 30 minutes.
• Smart technology integration through Ford’s SYNC system, which allows drivers to connect their phones, control vehicle settings, and use navigation apps.
• Eco-friendly materials in the interior design, such as recycled fabrics and sustainable plastics.

I selected this concept because the market for smaller electric vehicles is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicle affordability and manufacturing are important trends shaping the future of mobility (IEA, 2025). The Ford Aero gives Ford a chance to expand its electric vehicle lineup, reach younger customers who may not have bought a car yet, and reinforce its brand as a leader in sustainability and innovation.

Research Design and Objectives

The main goal of this research project is to determine whether the Ford Aero would be successful in the United States market, especially in large metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Target Audience Research

The target audience for this product includes urban consumers between the ages of 25 and 40 who are environmentally conscious and looking for a reliable, affordable electric vehicle. The research objectives would focus on understanding their motivations for buying electric vehicles, their opinions about existing options, and their price expectations. I would also want to learn about their concerns, such as charging accessibility, maintenance costs, and performance expectations.

Competition Research

Ford would face strong competition from existing electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the Hyundai Kona Electric, and the Tesla Model 3. Research would focus on analyzing these competitors’ prices, features, marketing strategies, and customer satisfaction levels. According to Carlier (2024), Tesla remains the leading electric vehicle brand in the United States, but competitors like Chevrolet and Hyundai are gaining market share through more affordable options. By studying these competitors, Ford could find opportunities to differentiate the Aero through its pricing, technology features, and brand reputation.

External Factors

Several external factors could impact this new product concept. Government policies that provide tax credits or incentives for electric vehicle buyers could increase demand. Economic conditions, such as inflation and interest rates, could affect consumers’ ability to purchase new vehicles. Environmental and technological changes, such as improved battery efficiency and more charging stations, could also play a major role in how the market develops (IEA, 2025).

Research Methods

To collect data, Ford could use both primary and secondary research methods. Primary research would include surveys and focus groups with potential consumers to learn about their needs, attitudes, and purchase preferences. Ford could also run small pilot programs in major cities to gather feedback from test drivers.

Secondary research would include analyzing industry reports, competitor financial data, and government policy information. Reliable sources such as Statista, the International Energy Agency, and automotive market reports would help Ford understand broader industry trends and consumer behavior.

Conclusion

The Ford Aero could be an important step in Ford’s strategy to make electric mobility accessible to everyone. Through careful research on consumer needs, competitive analysis, and awareness of external factors, Ford can determine whether this new compact EV would meet market expectations and strengthen its position as a leader in innovation and sustainability.

– Graciela Garcia-Santiago

References

Carlier, M. (2024, December 20). Topic: Electric vehicles in the United States. Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/4421/the-us-electric-vehicle-industry/?srsltid=AfmBOop2ZWxGu4eoo6F2zPhkcdfYeX_G_ZUGIzlsarUdSCT_I235X9GA#topicOverview

Ford Motor Company. (2025). About Us | Our Purpose | Ford Motor Company. Our Purpose. https://corporate.ford.com//about/purpose/

IEA. (2025, May 14). Global EV Outlook 2025 – Analysis – IEA. IEA. https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2025