FORD EXECS DEFEND DECISION TO CANCEL CARS THAT AREN'T THE MUSTANG
Source: Motor Trend
Last week, Ford shocked the industry when it announced a plan to discontinue the majority of its U.S. car lineup. The Mustang will stick around, and well get the Audi Allroad-esque Focus Active hatchback, but thats it. The Fiesta, Focus sedan, Fusion, and Taurus will all disappear. Since the announcement, Fords faced plenty of criticism, but executives are already pushing back.
Automotive News reports that according to Ford CEO Jim Hackett, sedans werent profitable for the American automaker. Were going to feed the healthy part of our business and deal decisively with the parts that destroy value, he said. Other value destroyers include some of its international operations and most of Lincolns current lineup. By Fords calculations, making those cuts will save the company more than $25 billion by 2022.
Ford hasnt said exactly how much money it loses selling cars in North America, but UBS analyst Colin Langan told Automotive News he believes its around $800 million a year. In contrast, Ford says its high performing divisions earned more than $3 billion in first-quarter profits this year.
According to Jim Farley, Fords head of global markets, critics are wrong to suggest this is a repeat of the same mistakes that nearly toppled the American auto industry last time gas prices spiked. Customer view and experimentation on the utility side is so much more broad, Farley told Automotive News. Utilities are the preferred body style. This wasnt the case before the downturn.
Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/news/why-ford-cancel-cars-us-lineup/
Congratulations for President Trump and Scott Pruitt for helping kill Ford cars. By committing to the roll back of auto-efficiency standards, there is less and less incentive to try to build sedans, particularly with the deemphasis on pushing alternative fuel cars and electric cars.
Sadly, American auto workers will suffer with this rollback.
Archae
(46,346 posts)jalan48
(13,884 posts)docgee
(870 posts)Fucker only runs downhill.
Fix or repair daily
Full of redneck dicks
That's all I can remember.
sandensea
(21,664 posts)Fix It Again, Tony.
Dr Hobbitstein
(6,568 posts)TlalocW
(15,391 posts)Oh, wait...
TlalocW
RainCaster
(10,914 posts)That was my Tore-Ass. What a horrible excuse for a car.
OK- so we all agree that Ford makes crappy cars. What will the rental firms do? Go to all Toyotas and Kias?
cstanleytech
(26,319 posts)pstokely
(10,530 posts)Last edited Tue May 1, 2018, 07:36 AM - Edit history (1)
I guess they'll go to GM or FIAT/Chrysler for cars that only rental agencies buy
cstanleytech
(26,319 posts)I always get those two confused.
Major Nikon
(36,827 posts)Luciferous
(6,085 posts)vehicles I have ever owned. After thousands of dollars in repair bills I finally gave up and traded it in for a Honda.
DeminPennswoods
(15,290 posts)I never had a problem with any of them except they're prone to rust over the rear wheel. They were great cars, but Ford screwed them up with a complete redesign in 2013 making them just another crossover.
I was recently in the market for a new car and looked at Fords, but the Tauras' interior was bulky and claustrophobic although the car handled well and the ride was smooth. Lincoln MKZ was similar. The Focus and Fusion were better, but no room in the backseats. I can see why the sedan class loses money, it's not a real well-designed class.
Luciferous
(6,085 posts)Hangingon
(3,071 posts)no_hypocrisy
(46,190 posts)Good car --- for only 100,000 miles/six years of normal usage.
tazkcmo
(7,300 posts)Great car. Used it like a pickup truck as I was in construction at that time. It made several trips from KC to San Antonio and to Steamboat Springs. My brother had one also and it lasted almost 20 years.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,898 posts)It was absolutely the worst car ever. In the week I had it, men were constantly admiring it. Once I pulled up to a rural grocery store, and two men pulled up in some genuinely down on its luck beater of some sort, and stared enviously at my Mustang. I told them that if it weren't a rental I'd have swapped it on the spot for their car. They laughed, but I know they didn't believe me as to how awful it was.
And a couple of months earlier my sister reported to me that she'd gotten a Mustang as a rental and it was a terrible car. She was so right.
So okay, that was more than a decade ago, and perhaps they're better now, but somehow I doubt it.
TlalocW
(15,391 posts)A 1983 when I was growing up. That's my only experience with Mustangs, and that thing was a hunk of junk. I was kind of relieved when it was stolen though Dad was upset. We got it back a month or two later - some neighbor kids spotted its very distinct orange when they went to another town to play a baseball game.
TlalocW
SunSeeker
(51,698 posts)Then they had a soul-ectomy. Might as well have called them a Taurus at that point.
Canoe52
(2,949 posts)Not much more than a bucket of bolts and sheet metal.
SunSeeker
(51,698 posts)I loved my 65. Wish I never sold it. So many great memories with that car. Beautiful, great handling and acceleration, and it never left me stranded.
Canoe52
(2,949 posts)after it had become popular? I was always curious to know others experience with them.
Or maybe just that time period with American cars...My mom bought a new 1970 Buick LeSabre and it was built cheap too, rusting out everywhere in three years.
wasupaloopa
(4,516 posts)the years.
My 1967 fast back won the D stock national championship drag races in 1967. I bought after the original owner lost his job and had to sell it. It had a 390 352 horse power engine.
My 2015 has a 6 cylinder with 305 hp.
SunSeeker
(51,698 posts)tonyt53
(5,737 posts)Since they knew that was the last of those, they put everything imaginable in them, powertrain-wise. Mine had the 351 Cleveland with a four barrel and ram air. After buying it, I looked at the heads and they were "Boss" heads. I drove the hell out of it for the two years I had it. Every time I took off I had to leave rubber. Bought a lot of tires. That car could move. Then I wrapped it around a tree.
SunSeeker
(51,698 posts)Glad you survived the crash!
I put Boss 302 heads on the 289 small block of my 65 Mustang Fastback, which really upped the compression. I chirped tires in all 4 gears. Had a Hurst shifter and McLeod pressure plate, otherwise everything else was stock. Loved that car. Then I needed money for college and it was getting harder and harder to find the premium leaded gas it needed, so I sold it to some rich kid. He promptly wrapped around a light post. He was fine, but my poor baby was totaled.
SkatmanRoth
(843 posts)He complained that the rear tires were worn down and had very little tread. He also complained his clothes and the whole car constantly smelled like burning rubber.
Atman
(31,464 posts)What a piece of garbage. Terrible layout of controls, which were all super-cheap plastic. Couldnt even reach into the back seat to put down a package or anything. It was just a big toy, I couldnt imagine owning one. We own a Sonata 2.0 Turbo Sport Limited with the Tech package I couldnt wait to get back to it. Everything about it is 10x better than that Mustang junk.
wasupaloopa
(4,516 posts)They do sell well.
My wife isn't found of my mustang. She just got a Lincoln MKX.
I can understand folks not liking Mustangs but I am not that type of person.
still_one
(92,397 posts)happen to fuel prices if trump pulls out of the Iran nuclear deal
I suspect also a lot of folks will lose their job with this decision
cstanleytech
(26,319 posts)Because of this change my prediction is the next time gas prices spike extremely high that Ford will end up filing for bankruptcy.
SunSeeker
(51,698 posts)It has a total range of 600 miles, amazing for a plug-in. I was actually thinking of getting one next year. I guess there will be no next year for them.
It's crazy for Ford to get rid of their entire line of compact cars. Toyota must be loving this news.
still_one
(92,397 posts)SunSeeker
(51,698 posts)I want to buy an American brand.
still_one
(92,397 posts)internal combustion engine. GM has said they will be incorporating the Volt technology in all their vehicle line ups in the next two years.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a plug-in mini van which gets about 35-40 miles on all electric.
Mitsubishi is about the only plug-in SUV that I am aware of that gets reasonable all electric mileage before kicking into the internal combustion engine, but it isn't an American car.
I believe in the next two years you will see a reasonable number of plut-in hybrid mini SUVs
I currently have Honda Clarity plug in hybrid, which gets about 50 miles all electric before kicking into the internal combustion engine. Previous to that I had a 2013 Volt, so as you can see I pretty sold on the PHEV concept, because you have the most flexibility
still_one
(92,397 posts)alienation of the European allies, not only on the Iran deal but the threat of tariffs and a trade war, point to significantly higher fuel prices sooner than later, and if that occurs I wouldn't be surprised if Ford backs away from this before it even gets started
cstanleytech
(26,319 posts)deciding to not buy a Ford vehicle now like my older brother and as time goes by more and more will reach that conclusion.
oneshooter
(8,614 posts)BeyondGeography
(39,379 posts)after a comically bad experience with a 2001 Ranger that often wouldnt start unless I slammed the door really hard. Long story.
The two arent even close in terms of reliability. The Ranger has since been killed. Long live the Taco.
doc03
(35,367 posts)Tacoma, I have had more recalls on it than all the Rangers combined. They recalled it to check the frame for rust,
and found it was rusted clear through. They had to replace the frame, front and rear springs, A-arms and the tire carrier
for rust. Last week I had to have the shift cable replaced $329 (rust). I never drove it when their was salt on the road the first 5 years I owned it.
doc03
(35,367 posts)years old still on the job for every 1 Toyota. Toyota re-called nearly all the Tacomas made from 1995 to 2004 and scraped them from 2005 on they have been replacing the frames. How many Toyota 100s you see on the road?
BeyondGeography
(39,379 posts)Read it and weep:
Why Are People Paying So Much For Used Toyota Tacomas?
Indeed, a look at Consumer Reports ratings for the Tacoma show that the small, compact pickup truck show it has a long history of strong reliability among testers and customers.
The 2013 Tacoma scored a 5-out-of-5 in reliability, a rating that scores how models have performed in the past. Subsequent models from 2014 and 2015 also scored 5-out-of-5 in reliability.
https://consumerist.com/2017/07/25/why-are-people-paying-so-much-for-used-toyota-tacomas/
Demsrule86
(68,674 posts)American jobs lost as a result of those decisions... those who buy foreign contribute toward income inequality and the weakening of unions. And Japan totally screws Americans autos by selling them cheap here and then making up the difference in their closed markets in Japan..yes closed. They take no Americans cars. Enjoy your foreign car...I wouldn't ...it costs way to much...and I am not talking about what you paid for it but for what the country pays for every foreign car that is sold in this country. It is my opinion that the loss of American jobs as a result of bad trade paved the way for Trump.
BeyondGeography
(39,379 posts)They had me and they lost me. Build a better vehicle and you get the business. Duh.
Demsrule86
(68,674 posts)market and dump their cars here for cheap while making up the lost money at home...they would have more money to spend on manufacture and maybe if Americans bought American cars...in order to strengthen unions and combat income inequality as well as increasing our GDP...things would be better. And I would like to add that the idea that American cars are shit is simply not true. There are some really great American cars...consider that Japan knowingly killed people with the acceleration defect for years. The steel tariff makes it worse as American car makers will be further disadvantaged. In fact GM Lordstown (Ohio) laid off the second shift...couldn't keep going after the $1200.00 cost increase per car. so someday when American companies are gone...I wonder how much your vehicle will cost then...in the meantime, here in Ohio, thousands of jobs are lost.
doc03
(35,367 posts)and delivers impressive off road prowess, it's primitive. The ride is stiff, handling is ponderous, the cabin
is very loud and the riding position is awkwardly low." "First year reliability of the redesign has been well below average."
The Tacoma road test score is 41, Chevy Colorado road test score 67-69! Explain how CR reports has body hardware as mush better than average on the Tacoma when literally 100s of thousands were recalled and crushed for scrap?
BeyondGeography
(39,379 posts)But we were talking about Ford. My last Ranger had a malfunctioning computer chip that would very often render the truck incapable of starting. Only by slamming the drivers side door as hard as possible would it come to life. This was about once every four times I would get in the vehicle. When I explained it to the dealer he looked at me like I had two heads and, after I demonstrated it to him said there was nothing they could do about it. I still kept the truck because I liked it, but that was before the bottom rotted out at the nine-year mark. I switched to Toyota and haven't had a single problem in six years. Until it lets me down, that's where I'll stay. American cars are very often stylish and very often unreliable. The Colorado is a newbie; let's see what people are saying in five or ten years. Until then, Ill stick with the known quantity unless it gives me reason to switch. That's how this business works for most people.
doc03
(35,367 posts)one was a 1996 with 113,000 miles that I traded for the 2006 Tacoma. The last few years Ford never updated the Ranger. That is exactly what they are doing with their cars now, just crank anything out until they shut the line down. That is why I never bought a 2006 Ranger. But like I said the ones I owned were great. You will still see more of them from the 80s and 90s on the road than a Toyota. How was I supposed to give a CR review of the Ranger when they haven't been made in years?
nitpicker
(7,153 posts)It still runs.
sarcasmo
(23,968 posts)Plucketeer
(12,882 posts)Filled it with $3.29 a gallon regular at the cheapest station in town - this is in central California. I see premium brands elsewhere around town where regular is $3.70 or so and climbing.
nitpicker
(7,153 posts)Last week, the hunt was for gas under $2.50 a gallon.
Not the hunt is for sub-$2.70 gas.
KentuckyWoman
(6,692 posts)I own one and hate it. The engine is loud. The tires are loud and the ride is bouncy as hell. My Freestyle was mechanically a clunker and the styling was nothing to write home about but the ride was smooth and you could fit an Army and their gear in that thing. I still wish I'd paid for a new engine instead of trading it in.
And quite frankly I'm a little mad that my husband retired from Ford and not Toyota....
pstokely
(10,530 posts)well the Ecosport is basically a Fiesta on stilts
doc03
(35,367 posts)big SUVs and pickups and didn't build competitive small fuel efficient cars. Then the gas prices spiked and they came to the American taxpayer for a handout to retool to make small cars. If this happens again screw em. This CEO ran a f---ing furniture company before coming to Ford. Allen Malally turned Ford around now this asshole kills it. Where is the Ford family? Oh I own a Ford Fusion and love it
had it almost 3 years so far and never had one problem. I can't say that about the Toyota Tacoma I own, had more recalls on it than all my other vehicles combined.
cstanleytech
(26,319 posts)Sherman A1
(38,958 posts)When the gas prices go up and they already are doing so, Ford will be wishing that this decision wasnt made. I owned many Fords over 4 decades and they were generally good cars and trucks for my needs, but I will be looking elsewhere when time comes to trade.
The old adage in Retail is You can Never make up a lost sale. Ford with this decision will not only lose my sale, but countless others.
Staph
(6,253 posts)I love it! It gets great mileage and has next to no problems. I got my first recall last month, for the passenger side airbag. That's the problem of Takata, not Ford.
I've been buying new American made cars since my first, a 1977 Camaro. Each car has had better gas mileage than the previous one. I don't know what I'll do, when I need to replace the Fusion in seven or eight years!
C Moon
(12,221 posts)SunSeeker
(51,698 posts)kwassa
(23,340 posts)Lost the clutch on the way back, marooned in King of Prussia eating HJs saltwater taffy ...
still_one
(92,397 posts)opportunity I would be looking to unload it while I get still get a reasonable price for it
genxlib
(5,535 posts)When they are no longer available, the used market might go up to meet the demand.
still_one
(92,397 posts)Ilsa
(61,698 posts)I'm not worried about aftermarket parts. Intend to keep it almost forever.
still_one
(92,397 posts)Ilsa
(61,698 posts)a very small number of models, not my impala.
still_one
(92,397 posts)for that revamping. GM also announced that they have plans to move Volt type technologies in their other lines.
I am surprised that Ford is putting the Fusion in that category to stop production. I thought the Fusion's were selling at least 200000 a year.
Ilsa
(61,698 posts)People thought it was a European luxury car when they first saw it. Doesn't look like a rental car at all.
still_one
(92,397 posts)Ilsa
(61,698 posts)Using cruise control, I get better than the rating for highway driving. I've gotten 32--33 mpg, but 22-25 around town.
still_one
(92,397 posts)DoctorJoJo
(1,134 posts).. When is the last time you saw a Ford car advertised?
Kilgore
(1,733 posts)Our areas Ford dealership has a very large lot filled with trucks & SUV's of every size but very few cars.
They sell 10 F150,250,350 trucks for every car sold according to a salesman friend
Why build a product no one wants?
OnyxSharpie
(33 posts)Driver Returns On Foot.
lunasun
(21,646 posts)Ironic as I have had a couple of Fords last long with little repair issues but I always heard that saying
D23MIURG23
(2,850 posts)The only gripe I have is that it had a lot of safety recalls. This is sad news for me because I would have considered a fusion again next time I need a car. Beats the hell out of a prius, and don't even get me started on Honda. The worst car I've ever had was an accord. It was a total POS lemon that died in the middle of a highway drive and left me stranded. I'd get a moped before I bought another Honda.
MrScorpio
(73,631 posts)So, I'm cool.
ThoughtCriminal
(14,049 posts)Hey, they forgot the Falcon!
Sailor65x1
(554 posts)Well played
JDC
(10,133 posts)LudwigPastorius
(9,170 posts)It did get $5.9 billion in very low-cost government loans through the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF). These loans helped the company avoid bankruptcy on the stipulation that it retool its factories to help meet the Obama administrations plans of having a million electric cars on the road by 2015 (a goal that wasnt met due to corporate foot-dragging).
Now, after the bailout backed by American taxpayers, Ford has the balls to snub the American market because those kinds of vehicles arent making them quite as much money.
Fuck Ford.
rpannier
(24,338 posts)They'll have trouble selling their cars and they'll blame the unions
duforsure
(11,885 posts)Did a number on them with changing standards it was headed in the wrong direction of a unprofitable future, and loses more ground also with steel and aluminum pricing going to jump dramatically from trump. Then add to that all the economic policies they've made that'll hurt this economy it'll put them in a very bad position sooner than later. Bound to happen, especially with the help of trump. Many will lose their jobs over this as their market here evaporates.
Demsrule86
(68,674 posts)lost. It is deeper than just the tariffs though...Japan doesn't take our cars...they have a closed market...so they can sell their cars cheap here and make up the difference at home...Trump is an asshat and doesn't understand the first thing about trade...but there is no doubt it needs to be addressed. Telling people the jobs aren't coming back won't work. We saw that clearly in 2016. Sure, some who voted for Trump were racist scum...but some were those that used to work good union jobs in manufacturing who now work at Walmart for pennies on the dollar.
Ohiogal
(32,065 posts)Demsrule86
(68,674 posts)MichMan
(11,972 posts)The Chevrolet Cruze, built in Lordstown Ohio is also another sedan that has seen significant softening of sales. This has resulted in the 2nd shift being laid off as they need to balance production with demand.
This is exactly the same scenario that has caused Ford to make their decision as they would be in a similar situation. By dropping the sedans, they can retool the plant to manufacture hot selling crossovers and thus bring back all the laid off employees.
If was due to steel tariffs, why are the other UAW represented GM plants that are building Trucks, SUV and Crossovers working overtime and in some cases adding a 3rd shift? Those use as much or in some cases, even more steel than a Cruze.
Demsrule86
(68,674 posts)the addition of a $1200.00 cost per car made it happen now. The shift was holding until then...And as for Ford. I think it is very shortsighted of them. But Trump's tariff has really hurts autos...Ford can't really afford to make cars here. The steel tariffs will send better paying auto jobs overseas in the end. Trump is too stupid to manage trade. We have to compete with foreign companies who can get cheaper parts as the asshole fake Russian appointed president put a tariff on steel. This no doubt helps our foreign competitors and hurts American autos by increasing the price of manufacturing.
MichMan
(11,972 posts)"It is a combination of factors...yeah the Cruze isn't selling no car is really doing well"
That is exactly why Ford is doing what they are doing
Demsrule86
(68,674 posts)MichMan
(11,972 posts)I still don't understand why you keep talking about steel tariffs. GM has not raised the price of the car what so ever. The only reason the production was cut is due to sales being down because it just doesn't appeal to consumers nd they aren't buying them. Nothing hurts the profits more than a big assembly plant running just one shift a day
The Crossovers, trucks and SUV that are selling like hotcakes have more steel in them than the Cruze; if it was due to tariffs wouldn't they be more affected?
I would think that the workers at the Lordstown plant would be better off building something much more popular? Don't you?
Demsrule86
(68,674 posts)The fact is the additional $1200.00 per car ended any hope for the second shift. No doubt poor sales contributed...but autos will be really hurt because of the tariffs.
Vinca
(50,304 posts)airmid
(500 posts)who had inherited it and just didn't need another car. That being said, I despise the PATS system Whenever it gets really cold it will engage without notice and I am stranded until I pull the battery for a few hrs to reset the system.
TranssexualKaren
(364 posts)He said we should just let Detroit go bankrupt and may he was right.
cab67
(3,007 posts)Of the four cars I've owned, three have been Fords. That includes the 2009 Fusion I'm currently driving (1).
I've been happy with them. They've been reliable and no more expensive to maintain than the Honda I had in grad school.
I'm going to be trading in the Fusion fairly soon. I'd assumed it would be for another Ford. But not anymore.
This is perhaps the most boneheaded business move I've ever seen. Not only will it drive customers to competitors, it will cost Ford big time when more responsible leadership is in office and efficiency standards again increase.
(1) I'm not driving the Fusion at this very moment.
Ilsa
(61,698 posts)than ever before, so I doubt they'll be sold off for subcompacts when gas prices rise again.
MBS
(9,688 posts)I'd already assumed that my next car would also be a Ford hybrid (or perhaps an even cleaner next-generation plug-in hybrid or electric), but they've now lost me. I certainly have zero interest in their remaining lineup.
This is a phenomenally bad decision; I can easily see it as a future business-school case study, much as Coca-Cola's "New Coke" debacle has provided plenty of educational fodder for MBA students for the last 30 years.
The thing is: will Ford wake up in time to reverse themselves, as Coca-Cola did? It doesn't seem likely alas.
Trump (including also - especially - the people who brought us Trump and continue to enable him) has sent my beloved country backwards on every front.
RhodeIslandOne
(5,042 posts)It'll be great until Papa breaks his back on the job and no one has health insurance or disability. Then they can all live out of it.
harun
(11,348 posts)artificially inflated economy.
Somehow they will still blame it on Hillary and Obama.
brooklynite
(94,728 posts)Either there's a market for their car models or there isn't.
Adrahil
(13,340 posts)I bought a new 2018 Accord Touring a few months ago. My favorite car ever. It's great in just about every way. I wish they offered a Hybrid in that trim level. The Clarity came out after I bought, or I would considered that.
melm00se
(4,995 posts)as there is going to be a complete revolution in personal autos (autonomous, alternative fuel vehicles) over the next decade or so.
this will allow Ford, if they are smart, to throw their savings into new car R&D and come out like gangbusters with a completely new platform.
Tikki
(14,559 posts)if this will further hurt local economies.
I believe they will still build SUV's, Trucks and Light Utilities.
Maybe now they can wrangle out some innovations in these lines that will compete with
vehicle manufacturers who are taking the environment seriously.
Tikki
GoCubsGo
(32,093 posts)Not everyone wants to drive a goddamn truck, including me. Nor, do I have any use for a muscle car. When my Focus dies, I will look elsewhere. And, yes. I consider SUVs to be trucks.
llmart
(15,552 posts)the fact that the population is aging. Do they really think that seniors want a pickup truck? Or can afford an SUV or the gas to put in it? I live in a senior community and most everyone in here drives a car and not a truck. Lots of Fusions, especially for the women. I bought a new car four years ago and test drove the Focus and Fusion but ended up with a Honda. It's been a great car!
Cold War Spook
(1,279 posts)you might be right. Under 90, and they are still driving pickups here in Eastern NC. They need a pickup for their hunting dogs.
llmart
(15,552 posts)You're in NC. And no, I don't mean seniors in their 90's. I'm not quite 70 and there are some in here in their early to mid 60's. Many more single women than men (that's usually the case when you get older) and I highly doubt the women want a pickup truck. Even the men in here don't have pickup trucks and they're not 90 either.
Plus, I'm in the Detroit area so add that to the equation. I guess we won't know the outcome of Ford's decision right away.
50 Shades Of Blue
(10,043 posts)Now I'll be choosing among several other makes.
wasupaloopa
(4,516 posts)MicaelS
(8,747 posts)GM is killing the Impala and Sonic. http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/report-ford-taurus-fiesta-chevy-sonic-impala-put-out-pasture
I think this is just the start. I predict other automakers will be next.
kwassa
(23,340 posts)kwassa
(23,340 posts)Blue_Tires
(55,445 posts)MichMan
(11,972 posts)Ford is dropping these sedans because, news flash, consumers are not buying them.
Sedans are no longer popular as Crossovers are very popular right now. 20 years ago, everyone wanted Minivans, now it is Crossovers. A decade from now, it will probably be something else. For those that don't understand, Crossovers are car based chassis and engines with SUV type bodies & are NOT the big Truck based SUV.
Apparently many posters think that auto manufacturers should ignore consumer preferences and keep building more and more of the ones already not selling. Do you understand the massive amount it costs to keep an assembly plant operating only one shift a day or being idled for weeks at a time due to poor sales?
Just because there are lots full of unsold small sedans because customers prefer crossovers, Ford should continue to keep cranking them out anyway. Someday, when gas prices continue to rise, they will have a plentiful supply of 2 year old unsold cars to sell.
How would American workers suffer if their employers are building the products that are selling well? The reason that there were layoffs at the GM plant in Lordstown is exactly because sedans like the Cruze are not selling. Their UAW counterparts at the truck, SUV and Crossover plants are working overtime and hiring workers
Tikki
(14,559 posts)between my husband and I we have already seen a dozen Tesla 3's.
True, people are buying the vehicle they need. But many don't need a SUV or
Crossover.
Many need a vehicle that gets stellar mileage and is reliable.
FORD, for the most part, makes a reliable truck, et al...
Tikki
Midwestern Democrat
(806 posts)a core product line - sedans - isn't a little thing - I'm a current Ford Taurus owner and Ford will literally not be offering anything I'm willing to buy. I'm willing to accept that my preference - full size sedans, which by the way, used to be the very backbone of the automobile industry, is going away (times change and for some, it's not always for the better) - but I'm shocked Ford isn't going to at least offer a midsize sedan like the Fusion - I wouldn't be happy if that was the largest American sedan that was on the market, but I could probably suck it up and live with it - but I'm not buying a Mustang (I'm not a young man anymore) and I'm certainly not buying a Chinese made compact car like the Focus is going to be, and I'm sure not buying a truck, SUV, or crossover.
DeminPennswoods
(15,290 posts)Recently bought a crossover and it's just a conventional hatchback that has an SUV look, fold down rear seats, sits at about the same height as a sedan and gets over 30mpg combined driving. I've owned original Explorers and Escapes and this car is not at all like them.
sarcasmo
(23,968 posts)nitpicker
(7,153 posts)Kaleva
(36,343 posts)Most vehicles were crossovers, SUVs and pickups. I hadn't paid attention to this before until I read this thread and when I went to town, I was quite surprised by how few sedans there were compared to the other types of vehicles. Another rarity was the minivan.
MichMan
(11,972 posts)if people are buying them or not.
Kaleva
(36,343 posts)Went to town again this morning and I counted the vehicles at the parking lots of the post office, Family Dollar and the grocery store. Just 6 sedans. Crossovers/SUVs dominated followed by pickup trucks and then minivans.
Proud Liberal Dem
(24,437 posts)and have been pretty happy with it. I hope that they will still produce parts.
DetroitLegalBeagle
(1,926 posts)After that, its up to the aftermarket to make them.
CanSocDem
(3,286 posts)Need I say more? Of course I get NO respect, not even from the dealership that sold the car to my ol'pappy last century.
.
Marthe48
(17,021 posts)Stood an old Chevrolet
Its fenders all tattered and torn
Along came the Lord
In His Model A Ford
And towed that old Chevy away
(sung to the tune of The Old Rugged Cross)
I learned the sung from my Dad, whose only new car was a 1957 Chevy Nomad.
Marthe48
(17,021 posts)If Ford has a better idea, why don't they use it?
FORD: Fix Or Repair Daily
and
How do you spell Ford? RUST
He had a friend who had a Ford convertible and my brother had a '57 Chevy. So they razzed each other a lot