Ford delays 2009 Ford F-150 to help clear out current inventory, announces upcoming changes
06/20/2008, 1:25 PM
By paulee
Ford announced today that the next-generation 2009 F-150 will now make its debut at dealerships in late fall. Ford’s move is an attempt to clear out the current stock of 2008 model year F-150s which have a hard time finding new owners due to the high price of gasoline and slowing economy.
In related news, the automaker also recently announced it will eliminate one shift at its Kentucky F-150 plant indefinitely. Production of the 2009 F-150 will begin in August at the Kansas City Assembly Plant and in September at Dearborn Truck in Michigan.
The shift elimination is one part of the automaker’s bigger plan to cut third-quarter vehicle production by 50,000 vehicles.
At the same time, Ford said it would build the next-generation Ford Focus and Fiesta economy cars Stateside, launching them in 2010. The press release mentioned European powertrains being brought over from Europe, which may or may not include diesel engines. The next-generation Focus will get higher fuel eceonomy thanks to a new direct-inejction engine coupled with a new advanced six-speed transmission.
Updated versions of the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ will debut later this year, bringing with them hybrid versions of the first two models. By the end of 2010, the automaker will introduce the next-generation Ford Mustang, advanced direct-injected and turbocharged EcoBoost engines and a new European Transit Connect cargo van, to do battle in the sales charts with Chrysler’s European-sourced Sprinter.
Ford admitted the continued downward trend in the current economy will mean the automaker will not break even company-wide before taxes next year. Annual operating costs will be reduced by some $5 billion in 2008, the company said. Ford will release an updated financial outlook again in July.
06/20, 1:44 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Great news: we’ll get US made Fords.
How Transit Cargo can compete with twice the size Sprinter? I can see it easily competing with F150.
06/20, 2:56 PM
posted by:
SigmaHyperion
Clearly the Transit isn’t going to be “doing battle” with the Sprinter on the sales charts — they’re too different to steal sales from one another.
But saying that they compete with one another is like saying that the Ranger competed with the F-350. They’re completely different markets. What the Transit will compete with is fleet-modified Rangers and (one day) the new F-100s. And, to some extent, the E-series as well.
06/20, 4:41 PM
posted by:
NoNameDenton1
Once more, I am not shocked.
06/20, 7:29 PM
posted by:
441Zuke
5 billion that pretty ****ing good ford looks like the tampa rays of the auto industry they have good prospects but they just aren’t ready yet
06/20, 7:47 PM
posted by:
wbent
Ford is actually reacting to the market which is definately a change for them. The Focus and Fiesta to be built stateside is wonderful news now they need to open Norfolk plant up and build the Transit stateside as well.
06/21, 8:42 AM
posted by:
Arbiter
Yes,
The Transit is the “Connect” model, not the larger Transit unit. It will create a new market for smaller fuel-efficent vans that is now being filled with vans larger than the customers really need. It will take some E series sales, but will really open up a new market. The HHR Panel has sold decently but it has little room inside and is not “square” enough for real commercial service.
06/22, 12:40 PM
posted by:
mazdaman
It appears as though Ford is finally stepping up their game to become competitive in a drastically changed U.S. market. They still have some rough seas ahead that they will need to navigate, but I think they will be alright in the long run.
It’s great to see them focus on car products and small vehicles once again. It is wise of them to introduce the Fiesta and next generation Focus at around the same time as the Fiesta will validate the slight move upmarket of the next generation Focus. I think Ford should consider adding the 3-door model to the 4-door/5-door Focus lineup in the U.S.; there are still some people who equate sportiness with a vehicle that only has 2 side doors.
I think there should be a focus on providing premium sub-MKZ/sub-MKX small cars for Lincoln. The excellent C1 platform could be used to produce a compact sedan/coupe-cabrio and crossover for Lincoln. The MX-5 Miata platform could be used to produce a premium retractable hardtop roadster for Lincoln as well. With gas prices continuing to rise, small premium products will become increasingly more important in the U.S. market (it would also make Lincoln more globally marketable if Ford still plans on expanding the brand beyond the U.S.). As long as Ford Corporation gives these products their own distinct exterior/interior designs and upscale features, then the products should be successful for Lincoln.
I would also like to see an EcoBoost 4 cylinder engine become the base engine in the MKZ and MKX. I think this would increase the marketability of these two products for Lincoln. Hybrid versions would also be a good idea for these 2 Lincoln products.