Ford News: Ford Will Finally Reveal What Cars Will Be Cut Later This Year

[William Maley]

Since last year, we've been hearing various rumors of Ford cutting a number of passenger cars. In October, Ford CEO Jim Hackett said various cuts were incoming, including ones for the vehicle lineup. This would be part of a $7 billion shift of development funds from passenger cars to SUVs/Trucks. At the time, Ford wouldn't say what vehicles would be cut.

During Ford's fourth-quarter and 2017 earnings call, Hackett said details about which models would be cut would finally be revealed later this year. Analysts hoping to get an answer were frustrated by this news.

Ford has already ended production of the C-Max Energi late last year and is planning to end production of the C-Max Hybrid sometime later this year. Other models that have been rumored to be cut include the Fiesta, Taurus, and recently the Fusion. 

Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)

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[David]

Shot themselves in the foot as making that statement in their earnings call already has depreciated these unsold new auto's. People are now wondering if they should even bother looking at them. Bad move Ford.

Best thing I think they could do is make a positive marketing message about a great time to buy X, Y and Z Auto's for a real deal!

[smk4565]

Probably cutting Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Flex.  Adding Bronco, Ranger and a sub Ecosport SUV.

[Robert Hall]

And the MKT also..

10 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

Probably cutting Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Flex.  Adding Bronco, Ranger and a sub Ecosport SUV.

That would be cutting all the cars except for Mustang, MKZ and Continental...don't think they will go that far...MKT will go if Flex goes, I would think. 

[David]

33 minutes ago, smk4565 said:

Probably cutting Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Flex.  Adding Bronco, Ranger and a sub Ecosport SUV.

 

22 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

And the MKT also..

That would be cutting all the cars except for Mustang, MKZ and Continental...don't think they will go that far...MKT will go if Flex goes, I would think. 

Yet with the multi billion investment in EV's do not be surprised if they do cut that deep to make room for the new EV family.

[ocnblu]

The new EV family that no one will buy.  Great move!

[Cmicasa the Great]

Didn't GM do this dumb shit 20 years ago? I get producing more CUVs but there is still a huge level of car lovers out there. Autonomous driving added to this will kill the average enthusiast buyer. 

[Robert Hall]

If they drop all of their sedans, it's basically them giving up and saying they can't compete with the Asians. Which is sad. 

[ccap41]

11 hours ago, dfelt said:

 

Yet with the multi billion investment in EV's do not be surprised if they do cut that deep to make room for the new EV family.

That's actually a very good point. Here I'm thinking, "why would they cut all 4 cars???" but if two are getting replaced with EVs, then it doesn't matter. 

It would seem odd to get rid of the fusion before an EV replacement comes out though, and the Focus. Those seem to have a pretty solid name behind them and still sales high enough one would think they're profitable. 

Just now, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

If they drop all of their sedans, it's basically them giving up and saying they can't compete with the Asians. Which is sad. 

Or that the investment isn't worth it because car sales have absolutely tanked the last few years. 

[Robert Hall]

1 minute ago, ccap41 said:

That's actually a very good point. Here I'm thinking, "why would they cut all 4 cars???" but if two are getting replaced with EVs, then it doesn't matter. 

It would seem odd to get rid of the fusion before an EV replacement comes out though, and the Focus. Those seem to have a pretty solid name behind them and still sales high enough one would think they're profitable. 

Or that the investment isn't worth it because car sales have absolutely tanked the last few years. 

Or a sign that they are incompetent at managing product budgets and costs.

[ccap41]

1 minute ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Or a sign that they are incompetent at managing product budgets and costs.

Or a million other reasons why not to sell a car. Automotive margins are usually pretty tight to begin with then cars are even worse as they're cheaper. 

They screwed up ~10 years ago not consolidating platforms and making more flexible platforms. 

[David]

21 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

That's actually a very good point. Here I'm thinking, "why would they cut all 4 cars???" but if two are getting replaced with EVs, then it doesn't matter. 

It would seem odd to get rid of the fusion before an EV replacement comes out though, and the Focus. Those seem to have a pretty solid name behind them and still sales high enough one would think they're profitable. 

Or that the investment isn't worth it because car sales have absolutely tanked the last few years. 

My gut tells me they will announce all these product cuts but not actually kill them off yet but produce them as legacy products till they are ready to cut over to the EV product replacing it.

Kinda how GM did the Malibu and Ford with the F150. We are seeing so many Legacy products hang around for 1-2 years. 

Agree that with a couple hundred thousand units selling yearly, they could milk it for 12-18 months till they are ready to go EV production, then kill it, change over the assembly line with a 6 month shutdown and then Boom. EV product production.

2 hours ago, Cmicasa the Great said:

Didn't GM do this dumb shit 20 years ago? I get producing more CUVs but there is still a huge level of car lovers out there. Autonomous driving added to this will kill the average enthusiast buyer. 

Yes Ford has FAILED in the consolidation of Platform game. But as I stated below, I can see them announcing a large level of product end of life and then move into a 12-18 month Legacy production till they are ready to replace it with an EV model.

Will stop by and talk to the local Ford dealer as they are remodeling and have a large area with trenches in the ground. I am thinking it will be a large outside fast charging lot for the new EV family coming.

[ccap41]

6 minutes ago, dfelt said:

My gut tells me they will announce all these product cuts but not actually kill them off yet but produce them as legacy products till they are ready to cut over to the EV product replacing it.

Kinda how GM did the Malibu and Ford with the F150. We are seeing so many Legacy products hang around for 1-2 years. 

Agree that with a couple hundred thousand units selling yearly, they could milk it for 12-18 months till they are ready to go EV production, then kill it, change over the assembly line with a 6 month shutdown and then Boom. EV product production.

I could see something like that. It isn't like they said they're cutting them off as of the announcement just that some vehicles are getting cut. 

It would be nice to see them go full on with their EVs because the half-ass stuff they've done so far hasn't been worth a damn. The C-Max wasn't terrible but it's range and awkward body of a car/hatch/cuv just couldn't appeal to too many people. A true EV car that's midsize would be very welcoming. 

[David]

From Fords Communication Director which would go with my thinking above:

Christin Baker, provided the following statement:

We are driving carbon reductions with more hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. Last week, we announced we are investing $11 billion to put these new electric vehicles on the road.

Specifically, by 2022, we will have 16 battery electric vehicles and 24 plug-in hybrids and regular hybrids for a total of 40 electrified vehicles.

[ocnblu]

And yet they are WAY ahead of any hope for a market beyond impractical dreamers.  And there are not enough of those to sustain the company.  They don't sell now, they won't sell in 4 years.  WHO is going to buy all this silliness?  And with aluminum going up and up in price as a commodity... it could easily become a doomsday scenario for Ford when they'll be depending even more on trucks.

[David]

1 minute ago, ocnblu said:

And yet they are WAY ahead of any hope for a market beyond impractical dreamers.  And there are not enough of those to sustain the company.  They don't sell now, they won't sell in 4 years.  WHO is going to buy all this silliness?  And with aluminum going up and up in price as a commodity... it could easily become a doomsday scenario for Ford when they'll be depending even more on trucks.

Or you can stay like an Ostrich with his head in the sand and deluid yourself that EVs have no valid need in today's society and yet many will Dump ICE auto's the moment there are more options for a less maintenance required appliance to drive daily to and from work.

There are plenty of options to Aluminum and the hold back is just that simple, options for variety auto's. This has always been and with China Dictating the type of auto's, the days are over for US Leadership dictating what people drive. 

Enjoy your delusion as the future is EV's that do not require all the maintenance of ICE auto's and with a plethora of options coming, people will dump the ICE for EV faster than many realize.

Fact is regardless of the powertrain, there will always be a need for repair shops as humans are inherently lazy. The bulk of people want simpler transportation and it is coming with the EV from a powertrain standpoint but accidents will keep you employed as you have to fix them still.

[smk4565]

They are fools if they cut the Focus and Fusion, and both those cars could continue on with an electric motor instead of a gas motor.  I think coming up with a new model name for an electric car isn't the way to go, when you already has established names.   

But these are the people that killed the Taurus when it was their #1 selling car, gave us the Five Hundred, gave us the Freestyle after introducing the equally terrible Freestar so that customers could get the 2 confused.   They killed the Continental, only to bring it back because the MKS was a total flop.   So not the best track record here.

[daves87rs]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Or you can stay like an Ostrich with his head in the sand and deluid yourself that EVs have no valid need in today's society and yet many will Dump ICE auto's the moment there are more options for a less maintenance required appliance to drive daily to and from work.

There are plenty of options to Aluminum and the hold back is just that simple, options for variety auto's. This has always been and with China Dictating the type of auto's, the days are over for US Leadership dictating what people drive. 

Enjoy your delusion as the future is EV's that do not require all the maintenance of ICE auto's and with a plethora of options coming, people will dump the ICE for EV faster than many realize.

Fact is regardless of the powertrain, there will always be a need for repair shops as humans are inherently lazy. The bulk of people want simpler transportation and it is coming with the EV from a powertrain standpoint but accidents will keep you employed as you have to fix them still.

 

Ocn does make a valid point though...don't get me wrong-I agree with you as well. It's just in Ford's case, they might want a backup plan and keep a little ICE, just because they do not have a large lineup like many other automakers It's putting all the eggs into one basket and praying. The true test for Ford is going to be balance.Bring the future, but don't forget to have a foot in the past.....

Believe it or not-I think i ford's case much of small cars are going to disappear- as it seems the compact is even going quicker than the sedan. JUst going to have to see how it plays off.....

[Cmicasa the Great]

And that's the thing.. I'm as much a gear-head as anyone, but i the end scenario.. the majority of the consumers these day simply are not.. They actually seem to see themselves as enthusiasts driving a Tesla.. a computer on wheels. Yeah.. the Tesla Model S is fast, but that's it. That being said.. and with no more enthusiasts of ole around.. why not move to the more cost efficient, more efficient.. "Generator powered" vehicles? The only thing that's holding back all manufacturers from leaving the ICE really boils down the ANXIETY from their customers. Conquer the fear.. conquer the range (400miles) and conquer the time it takes to charge up.. and its a wrap for the ICE

[balthazar]

On 1/26/2018 at 9:18 AM, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Or a sign that they are incompetent at managing product budgets and costs.

In that FoMoCo posted a $7.6B profit last year, I'm going to go ahead and say managing costs & budgets isn't a problem in Dearborn.

[daves87rs]

3 hours ago, Cmicasa the Great said:

And that's the thing.. I'm as much a gear-head as anyone, but i the end scenario.. the majority of the consumers these day simply are not.. They actually seem to see themselves as enthusiasts driving a Tesla.. a computer on wheels. Yeah.. the Tesla Model S is fast, but that's it. That being said.. and with no more enthusiasts of ole around.. why not move to the more cost efficient, more efficient.. "Generator powered" vehicles? The only thing that's holding back all manufacturers from leaving the ICE really boils down the ANXIETY from their customers. Conquer the fear.. conquer the range (400miles) and conquer the time it takes to charge up.. and its a wrap for the ICE

And price...and they will come....

[A Horse With No Name]

On 1/25/2018 at 9:06 PM, smk4565 said:

Probably cutting Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Flex.  Adding Bronco, Ranger and a sub Ecosport SUV.

One can only hope.

On 1/27/2018 at 8:31 PM, Cmicasa the Great said:

And that's the thing.. I'm as much a gear-head as anyone, but i the end scenario.. the majority of the consumers these day simply are not.. They actually seem to see themselves as enthusiasts driving a Tesla.. a computer on wheels. Yeah.. the Tesla Model S is fast, but that's it. That being said.. and with no more enthusiasts of ole around.. why not move to the more cost efficient, more efficient.. "Generator powered" vehicles? The only thing that's holding back all manufacturers from leaving the ICE really boils down the ANXIETY from their customers. Conquer the fear.. conquer the range (400miles) and conquer the time it takes to charge up.. and its a wrap for the ICE

Again, one can only hope this is the case.  it would get my vote.

On 1/26/2018 at 8:25 PM, ocnblu said:

And yet they are WAY ahead of any hope for a market beyond impractical dreamers.  And there are not enough of those to sustain the company.  They don't sell now, they won't sell in 4 years.  WHO is going to buy all this silliness?  And with aluminum going up and up in price as a commodity... it could easily become a doomsday scenario for Ford when they'll be depending even more on trucks.

Europe and China will move ahead of the US.  Head in the sand thinking will pull America down and push the others ahead...

On 1/26/2018 at 9:23 AM, ccap41 said:

Or a million other reasons why not to sell a car. Automotive margins are usually pretty tight to begin with then cars are even worse as they're cheaper. 

They screwed up ~10 years ago not consolidating platforms and making more flexible platforms. 

Quoted for Truth.

[Robert Hall]

On 1/26/2018 at 8:25 PM, ocnblu said:

And yet they are WAY ahead of any hope for a market beyond impractical dreamers.  And there are not enough of those to sustain the company.  They don't sell now, they won't sell in 4 years.  WHO is going to buy all this silliness?  And with aluminum going up and up in price as a commodity... it could easily become a doomsday scenario for Ford when they'll be depending even more on trucks.

I think they are aiming for a bigger market than rurals and the neo-Amish.

[ocnblu]

9 hours ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

I think they are aiming for a bigger market than rurals and the neo-Amish.

If you think "rurals and the neo-Amish" are the only electric car skeptics, then you are sadly mistaken.  Wake up and stop using that tired line.

[Robert Hall]

8 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

If you think "rurals and the neo-Amish" are the only electric car skeptics, then you are sadly mistaken.  Wake up and stop using that tired line.

Whatever..I don't care.   I won't buy an electric, but I can understand that there is a growing market for them...Ford needs to ride the wave and NOT sit on the sidelines...

Edited January 30, 2018 by Cubical-aka-Moltar