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.
