He does a good job of explaining the Super-Sized Trucks and SUVs today, but offers hope for small EV trucks since they will not fall under CAFE at all.

 

Here's another video about the subject.

 

I think the general estimation of how many people want > would buy a compact truck is heavily over-weighted.

 

Well .......................
Why Ford Is Done Selling The 2023 Maverick - Slash Gear

Take the 2023 Ford Maverick, for instance. It's probably one of the top-selling vehicle debuts in Ford's history, barring the iconic Ford Mustang and Ford Transit van. According to Motor Biscuit, the 2022 Ford Maverick became an instant best-seller upon its debut, accounting for about 73% of U.S. vehicle sales in 2022.

Ford Maverick Outsells Hyundai Santa Cruz By More Than Double in 2022

One of the best judges of a truck's popularity is how well the vehicle actually sells. With more than a year of teething under their respective belts, both the Maverick and Santa Cruz have been selling like hotcakes. However, year-end sales data for both automakers reveals that the Ford Maverick has been outselling its direct competitor at a rate of nearly double through 2022.

 

Sold 74K in '22. Is that pulling from full-size truck buyers... or laterals from CUV buyers hoping to 'butch up'?

 

I think there is an untapped market of consumers that feel current trucks are way too big (and expensive) and are now taking the truck plunge with a "right size" for them.

 

How does this absolute rubbish article explain the rest of the worlds "Trucks" increasing in size and weight over the years as well?

The hint is the market asked for them

 

Getting bigger seems to be the typical evolution of vehicles. (Not to mention of Americans over the years.) Look at a 2003 Accord then look at a 2023 Accord or _ (you name it),

 

Seems doubtful. I think they're coming mostly from CUVs (& the deflating sedan) segments.

Maverick's 'ace' is it's dirt cheap.

 

Seems doubtful. I think they're coming mostly from CUVs (& the deflating sedan) segments.

Maverick's 'ace' is it's dirt cheap.

Except you can't get the cheapest one right now.

 

About a week ago I checked and my local Ford dealer is still charging $5K over MSRP for Mavs! Others too I assume. Ford could clearly have sold many thousands more Mavs if they had produced enough. A lot of customers coming from crossovers (FWD hybrid) but some from Ranger-type customers too I’d say (AWD version).

I looked into buying one myself a couple of years ago but the prices including dealer fees were crazy so I didn’t bother. Zero chance of me paying $5K over MSRP sorry Ford.

 

https://fordauthority.com/2023/07/2024-ford-maverick-to-drop-2-5l-hybrid-as-standard-engine/

 

We have a wider selection of truck sizes than ever before that are WAY more efficient and powerful. We have lost nothing. This argument continues to make no sense.

For one thing, much of this is based on the myth that current midsize trucks have grown so big that they are now the size of old-school full-size trucks, when in reality they are still dimensionally closer to the 80's /90's small trucks, with the exception of length. What's changed is that the 80's/90's trucks were largely Single or Extended cab with low riding 2WD suspensions, small tires, and long beds. Today we've traded bed length for cab length with high riding 4WD suspensions as standard. There use to be great graphic that illustrated this but I've long since lost it. To replicate the era, Ford/GM/Toyota/Nissan would have to make single or standard cabs with lower 2WD setups and small tires. Ford happens to do that in other parts of the world.

Anyway, Maverick and Santa Cruz are smaller than old school "compact" trucks, but have better cab space because they aren't using frames...and again the cab space takes priority. The market continues to drive truck diversity.

 

We have a wider selection of truck sizes than ever before that are WAY more efficient and powerful. We have lost nothing. This argument continues to make no sense.

For one thing, much of this is based on the myth that current midsize trucks have grown so big that they are now the size of old-school full-size trucks, when in reality they are still dimensionally closer to the 80's /90's small trucks, with the exception of length. What's changed is that the 80's/90's trucks were largely Single or Extended cab with low riding 2WD suspensions, small tires, and long beds. Today we've traded bed length for cab length with high riding 4WD suspensions as standard. There use to be great graphic that illustrated this but I've long since lost it. To replicate the era, Ford/GM/Toyota/Nissan would have to make single or standard cabs with lower 2WD setups and small tires. Ford happens to do that in other parts of the world.

View attachment 70086
View attachment 70087

Anyway, Maverick and Santa Cruz are smaller than old school "compact" trucks, but have better cab space because they aren't using frames...and again the cab space takes priority. The market continues to drive truck diversity.

If Ford sold that regular cab long bed Ranger in the USA I would be at the dealer tomorrow, crew cab short bed no chance.

 

My first truck was a 1988 Chevy S-10, I can't go back to the small trucks. My Silverado LT Trail Boss is so much roomier and the 6.2L engine is so much more powerful, I'm too spoiled now. I like the idea of small trucks, but the reality is the market said "pass" when crew cab full sizes came out.

 

I heard it was because the Big 3 lobbied to make full-size trucks count as light duty to avoid the mpg/safety reg requirements, compact trucks would be beholden unto those standards thus cutting into the profit margin as they would have to meet passenger car regs. It's all about money, not the EPA, but I get it, it's cool these days to hate on the department tasked with making sure we can't burn our tap water or making sure we don't have to chew our air.

 

It's all about money, not the EPA

EPA is all about the money, with a proposed budget of over $12 billion for FY 2024 and a complete lack of accountability and transparency.

CAFE should be repealed and EPA should be abolished. Yesterday, if possible.

 

AT the end of the day manufacturers are in the business to make money

You make the maximum amount of money selling higher spec vehicles to customers at a price they appear to be comfortable paying

There is volume in selling bare bones single cabs to fleet and trades but no real money in it

There my friends is your answer

 

Saw an ‘80s Ranger in traffic the other day; shocking to see how small the mini trucks were/are.

 

They were that way past 2000. I had to rent one because Enterprise ran out of everything else. It was fun to drive, it would be a great utility car

 

I started with a '94 F-150 XL RC/LB with the straight 6. I still miss that truck- so basic. AM-FM, rear bumper, A/C, bedliner, brand new: $15K out the door.

 

My brother had a Ranger. It was so uncomfortable to ride in during long-distance trips. But it was cheap and looked nice.

Today's customers want the most comfort and versatility they can buy.