Ford to Cut Production of Electric Pickup Due to Weak Demand

Ford to Cut Production of Electric Pickup Due to Weak Demand

 Ford is making significant cuts to the production of its electric pickup, the F-150 Lightning, citing weaker-than-expected demand for the vehicle.

The automaker is scaling back the production of its "top-selling electric pickup in the U.S." to achieve an "optimal" balance between profitability, sales growth, and production, the company announced on Friday. This move reflects the latest adjustments in the electric vehicle (EV) sector due to lower-than-anticipated customer demand.

Ford President and CEO Jim Farley explained, “We are taking advantage of our manufacturing flexibility to offer customers choices while balancing our growth and profitability. Customers love the F-150 Lightning, America’s best-selling EV pickup. We see a bright future for electric vehicles for specific consumers, especially with our upcoming digitally advanced EVs and access to Tesla’s charging network beginning this quarter.”

To implement these changes, the company will be reducing the production of the F-150 at its Rouge Vehicle Center in Michigan. This decision will impact approximately 1,400 employees and involve a downsizing from two shifts to one, effective April 1. Some workers will be reassigned to work on gas-powered vehicles.

Around 700 workers are set to be transferred to the Michigan Assembly Plant, while others will find placements at the Rouge Complex or other locations within the company.

In anticipation of increased demand for the production of Bronco and Ranger pickups, Ford plans to create 900 new jobs. This includes adding a third crew at the Michigan Assembly Plant.

Despite these adjustments, Ford remains optimistic about the F-150 Lightning, reporting a 55% increase in sales in 2023. The company expects "further growth" in the year 2024.

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