AUCKLAND, 26 July 2021 – Ford New Zealand has welcomed the rebates introduced as part of the Government’s Clean Car Discount Programme.
“Ford Motor Company has and continues to invest significantly in no-and-low emission vehicle mobility solutions and, over time, we look forward to introducing an expanded range of fully capable Electric and Plug-In Hybrid models to Kiwi motorists,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director of Ford New Zealand.
For motorists who would like to embark on low-emission plug-in hybrid motoring experience, Ford New Zealand has three plug-in hybrid models available to order now: the All New Escape PHEV, the Transit Custom Van PHEV and the Tourneo PHEV.
The Escape and Transit Custom Van qualify for the $5,750 government rebate on new PHEV vehicles.
“We have made the decision to make the Transit Custom Van PHEV more accessible than ever before and have adjusted the price to make it a more viable option for people who want to drive a greener alternative,” said Mr Rutherford.
“Customer feedback was that they were prepared to pay a premium for the PHEV compared with the diesel, but we’ve been able to make it an even more attractive proposition.
“From August 1, the Custom PHEV will be available from $78,990 (+ORC), which enhances its consideration level for new van buyers as it now falls within rebate eligibility requirements.”
The second quarter of 2022 will see the introduction of an all-electric Transit Cargo, offering a range of up to 350km.
“For Tradies and our other customers with key functional needs who are likely to be one of the groups most affected by future penalties, we are looking at providing them with alternatives in the new Transit Custom and Tourneo Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles,” said Mr Rutherford.
“A range of 350km will likely be more than enough for the majority of city-based drivers, such as couriers and tradesmen, and is certainly far in excess of the average distance most people drive each day.”
Many Ford models will also fit into the Government’s proposed ‘no fee’ band, scheduled for introduction next year.
For customers who still require the versatility of a Ute, the 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo Ranger with its 10-Speed Automatic transmission is a fuel-efficient and one of the lowest carbon emitting options in the Ute segment. This relatively low CO2 will translate into being at the lighter end of the penalties in the Ute segment in 2022.
The investment in this new technology has helped deliver more torque and power than the 3.2 engine – giving Ford customers what they need from a performance perspective, but with the added benefit of a lower CO2 footprint.
“There’s been a real step-change in the way EV and PHEV models are viewed, which makes it an exciting time to be bringing new energy powertrain options to the market,” said Mr Rutherford.
“Our Dealer partners are ready, having completed technical training and invested in charging infrastructure to become certified EV dealers and be at the forefront of the change.”
