04-26-2018, 05:05 PM
(04-26-2018, 04:32 PM)pbrower2a Wrote: Ford will only sell two kinds of cars in America
54 comments
9 out of 10 Fords in the US will be trucks and SUVs, alongside a hybrid version of the new Bronco
Ford has previously made it known it’s placing its bets on two major areas: the extremely profitable line of trucks and SUVs and a heavy investment in more forward-looking mobility solutions like connected cars and smart cities. But the automaker made that official, as it announced Wednesday it would be abandoning all of its traditional sedans and hatchbacks for the North American market.
In its quarterly earnings call, Ford CEO Jim Hackett said the company would offer only the Mustang and new Focus (in SUV-like Active trim) in North America at some point in the near future, after the current product cycle winds down. This effectively kills the Fiesta and Fusion ranges, while the new Focus arrives sometime next year — likely sourced from a plant in China. The Taurus and current Focus sedans were due to expire this year, too.
Ford does have to keep an eye on its fuel economy averages, though. Hackett confirmed the 2020 Bronco SUV, which will share components with the 2019 Ranger pickup, would get a hybrid version. The Bronco is set to compete with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. Jeep added a 48-volt mild hybrid system to the 2018 Wrangler, but it’s unclear if the Bronco will get a similar system or a plug-in hybrid format. Hybrid versions of the F-150, Escape, Explorer and Mustang have previously been announced.
With Ford now mostly getting out of its loss-making sedan business, however, the company could be on a better track to invest in new technologies. It’s already made further investments in its mobility services this year, as well as being fully invested in its “smart city” concept for the long-term.
Ford reported its first quarter net income for the year at $1.7 billion, up 9 percent year over year. However, its mobility division reported losses of $102 million for the quarter, which the company attributed to a one-time $58 million investment.
https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/25/17282...arnings-q1
Some more data:
If you have been thinking that you might buy a Mercury -- that division has been defunct since January 4, 2011.
I haven't seen any news on the Lincoln division. Lincoln vehicles, I understand, are pricey -- and profitable, so I would not expect those to quite being sold.
If you are thinking of buying a new small car in the next five years, you might not have a Ford in your future.
Bill Ford,Company Chairman Wrote:..he vision has to be there and you have to work toward it. If you can get people out of poverty and getting to where the work is and deliver health care and food easily in city centers, we will enhance the quality of life and standard of living around the world and that’s a worthy goal. ...
This is the usual horseshit. IIRC, laying folks off and importing cars from China doesn't get people out of poverty. Same as always bloviating about technology as a be all to end all.
---Value Added 