Ford shelves plans to build a RWD sedans

As demand for large sedans cars shrinks, FoMoCo has drooped plans for new rear-wheel-drive based sedans. According to design chief J Mays, plans for a rear-wheel-drive Ford and Lincoln have been shelved for now.

“We’ve got other priorities at the moment,” Mays told Automotive News. “We’re going down a path right now that is all about fuel efficiency, and we’ve got a lot to do about that. So we’re not talking about rear-wheel drive.”

About a year ago Alan Mullaly and product...
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NItePhire - 1/13/2009 10:38:09 AM

+4 Boost

You know rear wheel and fuel economy can coexist as long as RandD is done on it. I know that right now Ford doesnt want to spend the money but they really should do it now or pay a higher price later. The BMW 1 and 3 series are rear wheel drive and they get excellent fuel economy.

SteedPub - 1/13/2009 12:14:34 PM

+4 Boost

This means a lot of things. It likely means that there is NOT going to be a new modern day Mustang chassis with IRS anytime soon. This means that there is NOT going to be a replacement for the Crown Victoria anytime soon. This means that Ford has chosen NOT to play in the arena of the Pontiac G8, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger. It means Lincoln will NOT compete with RWD Cadillacs.

It is a sign of the times no doubt. But this is nothing new at Ford as even in good times they have never appreciated the value and desire consumers put on a premium RWD chassis. The coming CAFE standards, bad economic time just give Ford some cover this time around when asked about why they are not doing RWD. GM made this grave mistake in the 1980's and 1990's, ditching RWD. Along with it went much of their business, and much of their brand values. Ford will return to RWD again someday, but it will cost a lot more then.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/13/2009 7:47:49 PM

0 Boost

GM has NOT stayed the same. I don't know why people are ignoring their new cars and not giving them the credit they deserve. Every new introduction is better than the last. Just look at the Chevy Cruze--it's every bit as high-quality on the inside as the Euro Fords. And it's a Cobalt replacement!