Back in May, Ford said it would idle its Wayne, Michigan truck and SUV assembly plant for five weeks, but today’s reports have that shutdown extended by four weeks. The shutdown comes as a result of record-high gasoline prices and record-low truck and SUV sales.
The plant is due to close starting on August 25, suspending production of the Lincoln Navigator as well as the vehicle it is based on, the Ford Expedition . Sales of each of the large SUVs fell by 37 and 43 percent, respectively in May, compared to the same time last year, as per an Automotive News report.
The automaker also announced recently its engine supplier for heavy-duty F-series engines will also be idled.
The company also plans to increase car production while decreasing truck output to cater to the changing market.
