Ford has resumed F-150 Lightning manufacturing at its Rouge Electrical Automobile Middle (REVC) in Dearborn, Michigan after a six-week shutdown.
The plant was briefly offline as Ford labored to increase and retool the ability with a purpose to triple its manufacturing capability. By this fall, the automaker can have means to supply the F-150 Lightning at an annualized price of 150,000 items.
Whereas the non permanent shutdown of the Rouge EV Middle restricted buyer deliveries this summer time, Ford says the ability is now able to speed up the ramp-up course of to unlock provide and assist meet demand for its electrical truck.
The power is on observe to construct greater than 70,000 F-150 Lightning vans in calendar 12 months 2023 with manufacturing for US clients anticipated to ramp within the fall.
“We’re all trying ahead to getting these F-150 Lightning vans into the arms of our clients – from the U.S. to Norway. This milestone is the results of loads of onerous work and collaboration.”
Debbie Manzano, director of producing, Ford Motor Firm
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Apart from growing manufacturing capability, the brand new tooling can also be mentioned to assist Ford’s drive for top of the range. That is as a result of the Rouge Electrical Automobile Middle now makes use of tools to robotically measure and validate exterior physique match for margin and flushness precision. It is the primary time a Ford North American plant has used such instruments.
As well as, a 3rd station was added to validate wheel alignment and headlamp intention for driver help know-how. Ford says that coaching for 1,200 extra manufacturing staff will proceed for 3 weeks, with incoming operators shadowing skilled staff in a buddy system for speedy onboarding.
To match the dimensions of F-150 Lightning meeting on the essential plant, Ford can also be ramping up manufacturing of battery packs on the Rawsonville Elements Plant and EV energy items on the Van Dyke Electrical Powertrain Middle in Michigan.
The manufacturing capability enhance at REVC results in shorter order-to-delivery instances for purchasers. Ford is specializing in constructing high-demand trim ranges like XLT, which makes up over 50 % of recent orders.
Moreover, the F-150 Lightning Professional is now accessible once more for retail clients in restricted portions, with the items allotted for loyal reservation holders who’ve been ready to order since launch.
Lastly, Ford says the elevated manufacturing capability additionally opens up the chance to broaden the variety of trim ranges provided throughout the lineup, one thing clients have been asking for because the reveal.
“We now have realized so much from our first – ever EV truck clients, together with a choice for know-how and visible differentiation. We proceed to refine the F-150 Lightning lineup to make the soar to an EV truck a simple selection for purchasers.”
Marin Gjaja, chief buyer officer, Ford Mannequin e