Ford Empowers Dealers with Mustang Mach-E Rentals, Boosting EV Accessibility

Jan 27, 2024 12:06 AM EST

LUXURY SHELBY MUSTANG STANDING ON PARKING LOT — (Photo : PEXELS/ERIK MCLEAN )

Ford now permits dealers to offer Mustang Mach-E rentals as part of their dealer rental programs. As of January 15th, the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E can be included in both the Ford Rent-A-Car (FRAC) and Dealer Daily Rental (DDR) programs. This change aims to facilitate increased accessibility to electric vehicles (EVs) as loaner vehicles and to expedite the clearance of remaining inventory from dealership lots.

Now Available: Ford Mustang Mach-E Rentals

As stated in CarsDirect report, Ford's objective with this initiative is to potentially expand the pool of available EVs for loaner services and support the launch of the Model e Pickup & Delivery with a Loaner standard. Additionally, this gives non-Model-e dealers the chance to provide their clients access to EV loaners.

Furthermore, the report stated that Ford's approach to selling electric vehicles (EVs) has stirred some controversy among dealers. Although increasing the number of EVs available to consumers is a noble goal, it begs the issue of whether Ford is looking for a way to deal with a surplus of Mustang Mach-E inventory in the face of declining consumer demand.

Notably, Ford's communication explicitly states that the 2024 Mustang Mach-Es "will not be eligible for participation" in this program. National inventory data indicate that there could be as many as 17,000 2023-model-year Mach-Es still in dealership stock. Ford's official website continues to feature only the 2023 model, with no mention of the 2024 EV.

Another report from Electrek shared that with a remarkable delivery of more than 40,700 units in the previous year, the Mach-E secured the second-place position in electric SUV sales, following Tesla's Model Y.

This recent program allows Ford dealers to incorporate the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E into both their Ford Rent-A-Car and Dealer Daily Rental programs. It's worth noting that the 2024 model year Mach-E will not qualify for inclusion, as per Ford's guidelines.

Additionally, with this Model E dealer program Ford targets to reduce expenses, increase profitability, and raise overall customer satisfaction.

In December 2022, CEO Jim Farley announced that 1,920 dealers, which amounts to two-thirds of them, had enrolled in the program. However, as of last month, Ford Spokesperson Marty Gunsberg verified that the figure has decreased to 1,550, representing slightly over half of the dealers.

Ford Mustang Mach- E, Specs, Features

Car and Driver presented its review on Ford Mustang Mach-E. According to it the base price is $45,390. A Mustang Mach-E can cost up to $51,890 depending on the trim.

Positively, the GT trim impresses with its quick acceleration, similar to that of Tesla's electric cars, and presents an attractive appearance and interior design.

On the flip side, the sterling performance of the Mach-E GT starts to wane once it surpasses 60 mph, failing to maintain the same level of excitement as a Mustang coupe on winding back roads. Its comparative driving range with other well-known manufacturers in the industry further enhances its appeal as an electric SUV.

However, when evaluating the overall verdict, it's important to focus more on the "Mach-E" part of the name rather than the "Mustang" association. In this regard, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT emerges as a top-tier electric SUV, delivering a compelling combination of performance and electric mobility.