Breaking: Ford To Move Focus Production; Declining Compact Sales To Blame?

[Perian]

Automotive News

July 9, 2015



Article Quotes:

Ford Motor today said its Michigan Assembly Plant will stop building the Focus and C-Max in 2018, in a sign that the automaker sees slow demand for small cars to continue in the foreseeable future.

Ford did not say where it would move Focus and C-Max assembly or which vehicles would replace them at the plant in Wayne, Mich. Both the Focus and C-Max are due to be redesigned for the 2018 model year.

“We actively are pursuing future vehicle alternatives to produce at Michigan Assembly,” Ford said in a statement, “and will discuss this issue with UAW leadership as part of the upcoming negotiations.”

UAW leaders, who are scheduled to formally open talks with Ford on July 23, posted a letter to their members on Facebook saying they are “extremely confident” that Ford would assign a new product to Michigan Assembly and “maintain a full production schedule” at the plant.

"We currently are reviewing several possible options for the Focus and C-Max and will share details once our studies are complete,” Ford spokeswoman Kristina Adamski wrote in an email.

Because Michigan Assembly is one of Ford’s only U.S. plants with any significant excess capacity, the announcement likely means they are headed to Mexico or overseas.

[Perian]

Because Michigan Assembly is one of Ford’s only U.S. plants with any significant excess capacity, the announcement likely means they are headed to Mexico or overseas.

The Focus may be off to join Fiesta production in Mexico. The question thus remains: What does Wayne get...More F-150 production, or perhaps the reincarnation of the Ranger?

Ford can not ignore the success of the Colorado for much longer.


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[mkwelbornjr]

Its a shame that Americans don't appreciate the Focus ST.

[richmond2000]

The Focus may be off to join Fiesta production in Mexico. The question thus remains: What does Wayne get...More F-150 production, or perhaps the reincarnation of the Ranger?

Ford can not ignore the success of the Colorado for much longer.


.

OR could we be getting a "global" car NEW to US IE ECOSPORT?

[syr74]

The Focus may be off to join Fiesta production in Mexico. The question thus remains: What does Wayne get...More F-150 production, or perhaps the reincarnation of the Ranger.

Ford can not ignore the success of the Colorado for much longer.

100k units per year of a vehicle that will burn CAFE credits like Marlboros when the fuel economy belts start to tighten? Oh yeah, I'm betting Ford can ignore that kind of success pretty easily. Personally, I wouldn't expect to see Ranger on our shores unless and until the Territory shows up. Combined you have an argument, otherwise......

I'm betting you are correct on Focus moving to Mexico though. The UAW doesn't screw them together any tighter than they do south of the border, they just charge a lot more money for the trouble.

[Stéphane Dumas]

Its a shame that Americans don't appreciate the Focus ST.

Agree, the Focus leave under the shadows of the Civic Type-R/Si and Golf GTI.

[syr74]

Agree, the Focus leave under the shadows of the Civic Type-R/Si and Golf GTI.

I agree with the latter, but to be fair the GTi is a more 'mature' car and, as such, appeals to a broader audience IMO. As for the former.....The Civic Si has seen it's glory days come and go, also IMO.

[Perian]

100k units per year of a vehicle that will burn CAFE credits like Marlboros when the fuel economy belts start to tighten? Oh yeah, I'm betting Ford can ignore that kind of success pretty easily. Personally, I wouldn't expect to see Ranger on our shores unless and until the Territory shows up. Combined you have an argument, otherwise.

The Focus will become profitable with Mexican production, and with the margins on pickup trucks, Ford will figure out a way to deal with CAFE fines - perhaps as MBUSA does - just pay them and charge more. Note the gas guzzler tax on the Chevy SS for example.

[Greg Burr]

Its a shame that Americans don't appreciate the Focus ST.

I like the car, but I believe that the gas tank is too small and the range per tank was unacceptable.

I thought that I read that there were big changes afoot with the Focus: AWD and expansion of the model line. I would love to see a new Bronco

[syr74]

The Focus will become profitable with Mexican production, and with the margins on pickup trucks, Ford will figure out a way to deal with CAFE fines - perhaps as MBUSA does - just pay them and charge more. Note the gas guzzler tax on the Chevy SS for example.

I agree regarding Focus; in fact I was surprised when they moved Focus production to Wayne in the first place. I'm still skeptical on the mid-size pickup short of Territory coming over as well. Though, I have to say, I'm a little surprised Ford doesn't just replace the Explorer with a rebadged, U.S produced Everest (I said Territory initially, my apologies) and call it a day. There is very little to be lost there and quite a lot to be gained IMO.

[62Lincoln]

OR could we be getting a "global" car NEW to US IE ECOSPORT?

It sure as hell won't be the Ecosport as currently sold. Ford need a new product from the ground up to compete in that segment in the U.S.. They are learning that lesson right now with the Ecosport in Europe - what works in third world countries doesn't work elsewhere.

[Butz]

What a shame. And manufacturing was making a comeback!

[pontiacgt02]

If we get a new administration after 2016 that is not hell bent on climate change, CAFE rules will probably be changed. Ford is building a new plant in Mexico so my bet is production is going there.

[Member17739]

I'm thinking more F150 production or smaller than Escape SUV.

[Shoot]

Ford can not ignore the success of the Colorado for much longer.

Until the Colorado/Canyon sales have shown sustained success, I suspect Ford to leave the Ranger where it is at.

If we get a new administration after 2016 that is not hell bent on climate change, CAFE rules will probably be changed.

When have you known an administration to soften CAFE rules? Ain't gonna happen. Future CAFE rules may not be so severe but existing CAFE rules will probably not change no matter what administration is in office.