Ford introduced manufacturing changes at its manufacturing websites in Michigan. the changes are in step with demand for explicit fashions, in response to Ford.
The corporate intends to extend manufacturing of the Bronco and Bronco Raptor sport-utility autos and the all-new Ranger and Ranger Raptor pickups. In the meantime, manufacturing of the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning pickup truck can be lower.
Get Totally Charged
Ford F-150 Lightning gross sales exceeded 24,000
In 2023, Ford offered within the U.S. 24,165 F-150 Lightning pickups, which was 55% greater than a 12 months in the past. This consequence makes the Lightning the top-selling all-electric pickup within the nation, however apparently, it isn’t promoting nicely sufficient, so Ford is chopping down its manufacturing.
Ford explains that’s lowering manufacturing of the F-150 Lightning, “to attain the optimum steadiness of manufacturing, gross sales progress and profitability.” We already heard rumors about that in December.
The mannequin was the best-selling all-electric pickup within the U.S. final 12 months, with over 24,000 gross sales. Ford expects that gross sales will proceed to develop in 2024, “although lower than anticipated.” This transfer might be associated to the current worth improve of among the 2024 mannequin 12 months trim ranges.
Ford President and CEO Jim Farley mentioned: “We’re profiting from our manufacturing flexibility to supply prospects decisions whereas balancing our progress and profitability. Clients love the F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling EV pickup. We see a vivid future for electrical autos for particular customers, particularly with our upcoming digitally superior EVs and entry to Tesla’s charging community starting this quarter.”
Beginning on April 1, 2024, just one shift will work on the Ford F-150 Lightning on the Rouge Electrical Automobile Middle, which can have an effect on 1,400 staff. The corporate says that “Roughly 700 will switch to Michigan Meeting Plant and the others can be positioned in roles on the Rouge Advanced or different services in Southeast Michigan, or reap the benefits of the Particular Retirement Incentive Program agreed to within the 2023 Ford-UAW contract.” Moreover, a number of dozen staff could possibly be impacted at element vegetation supporting F-150 Lightning manufacturing.
In the meantime, on the Michigan Meeting Plant, Ford will create almost 900 new jobs and add a 3rd shift (1,600 jobs, together with the 700 staff from Rouge Electrical Automobile Middle) to extend manufacturing of the Bronco/Bronco Raptor and the all-new Ranger/Ranger Raptor. As we perceive, demand for these fashions is excessive on the present pricing.
It is price noting that Ford talked about that it’s getting ready to launch next-generation EVs. As we all know from earlier studies, there’s additionally a next-generation, all-electric pickup mannequin within the pipeline.