Talk about a dramatic shift, Ford is going to revamp U.S. truck plants to build European Fords. One such conversions I'm excited to hear about is that Ford will start building the European Dodge Sprinter-sized Transit vans here, possibly at their Avon Lake factory, which currently build E-Series vans. Other models under consideration for U.S...
assembly include the Fiesta, a Fusion/Mondeo replacement, and the next-generation European Focus. Also, the next-generation Expedition and Navigator could possibly be built off the smaller upcoming F-100 chassis.
Full story here.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Ford Said to be Studying Crash-Dive Retooling Program
Full story here.
Here's AutoObserver's take: Ford Said to be Studying Crash-Dive Retooling Program
moparbad says:
10:08 AM, 06/12/08
Euro Fords can not be built and sold in the USA and still have Ford realize a profit. Ford has repeatedly stated this for over 20 years.
It is less expensive to design a vehicle from scratch for US than it is modify Euro vehicles to US regulations.
Sound rediculous? You bet it does, yet this has been the mantra from Ford (and GM) when they made excuses why they could not market small vehicles in the US that were of equivalent quality of their Euro counterparts.
Maybe there is something to be thankful for in high fuel prices.
rsholland says:
11:40 AM, 06/12/08
The last 8 weeks have changed their thinking obviously.
estreka says:
03:17 PM, 06/12/08
Fantastic news. If this pans out, they might be able to salvage Mercury afterall.
hondacura4 says:
03:19 PM, 06/12/08
Im unsure why Ford didnt think of this a few years ago. You dont wait for the market to shift then 2 to 4 years later finally cater to it. You have the ammo ready before it changes.
addisonbrown says:
10:29 PM, 06/23/08
Seem plausible to me. Ford will not be able to sell trucks in the number they have for the last 20 years, and tooling fro smaller cars is smart long-term strategy. Of course this would make sense to all of us who love cars and those Auto Hub