It’s very rare that an automaker will shut down a factory just a month after the launch of an all-new product line, but that is exactly what Ford intends to do in order to keep supply in line with demand. The Michigan automaker announced on Friday that it will be idling its Hermosillo, Mexico plant for the entire month of January.
The January closure will follow the December production launch of the new 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ . The 2010 models are expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2009, but volume production of the new models won’t start until February, according to Automotive News.
Although new models usually help to bolster sales, Ford ’s inventory lines are currently log jammed with current models, which must be cleared off dealer lots before the new models hit. As of November 1st, Ford had a 120-day supply of the Ford Fusion , a 150-day supply of the Mercury Milan and a 229-day supply of the Lincoln MKZ .
If you’re in the market for a mid-size sedan, it sounds like the coming months will be a good time to get behind the wheel of one of Ford’s triplets.
