Ford introduced plans to construct F-Sequence Tremendous Obligation vans in Ontario on Thursday. The announcement comes after Ford delayed the launch of its first three-row electrical SUV on the facility.
Ford to construct Tremendous Obligation vans in Ontario amid EV delay
Ford will start constructing Tremendous Obligation vans at its Oakville Meeting plant in Ontario, Canada, beginning in 2026.
The corporate is boosting manufacturing with as much as 100,000 models unfold throughout three plans. Ford will now construct the pickups in Kentucky, Ohio, and Ontario. In response to Ford, its Kentucky truck and Ohio Meeting plans are working at full capability.
Ford stated the transfer “paves the way in which to deliver multi-energy know-how to the subsequent technology of Tremendous Obligation vans.” CEO Jim Farley defined Ford is including manufacturing as a result of it “can’t meet demand.”
Regardless of plans to construct extra Tremendous Obligation vans, Farley stated, “We stay up for introducing thee-row electrical utility automobiles.”
Ford delayed the launch of its next-gen EVs, together with its first three-row electrical SUV, in April, with plans to broaden its hybrid lineup.
Ford’s three-row electrical SUV is anticipated to launch in 2027, two years later than initially deliberate. The delay will give time “for the buyer marketplace for three-row EVs to develop additional.”
In response to Ford, boosting Tremendous Obligation manufacturing in Ontario will add round 1,800 extra. Ford claims that is 400 greater than what would have been wanted to construct the three-row electrical SUV. Ford confirmed it nonetheless plans to construct its next-gen electrical pickup at its Tennessee EV heart.
After promoting almost 24,000 EVs within the second quarter, Ford remained the second best-selling EV model within the US behind Tesla.
Electrek’s Take
Ford’s announcement comes as rivals like GM are additionally pulling again on EV initiatives. GM’s CEO Mary Barra stated throughout an occasion this week that the automaker wouldn’t hit its aim of constructing 1 million EVs subsequent 12 months.
The transfer is shocking, given Farley’s current feedback. Farley stated the US is “simply in love with these monster automobiles” earlier this month, referring to bigger vans and SUVs.
Though he agreed, “I like them too,” Farley acknowledged a “radical change” is required. Ford is shifting gears to concentrate on smaller, extra worthwhile EVs.
The corporate has been poaching expertise from Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, and Apple to develop a brand new low-cost EV platform.
Ford is anticipated to launch its first EV on the platform in 2027. It’s anticipated to value round $30,000, and based on Farley, it is going to be worthwhile.