Is Ford Laying The Groundwork To Become A SUV And Truck ONLY Automaker?

Is Ford Laying The Groundwork To Become A SUV And Truck ONLY Automaker?
An evolving lineup that matches consumer demand is the hallmark of any healthy automaker, and Ford has no problem dropping unpopular models.
 
That’s the message delivered by Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of the Americas, who hinted that changes could be in store for the company’s car lineup in the face of a crossover and SUV-hungry marketplace.
 
Speaking with Automotive News yesterday, Hinrichs said the automaker’s main focus is on growing its SUV portfolio.

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malba2367malba2367 - 12/6/2016 11:40:41 AM
+3 Boost
The focus and fiesta are big sellers overseas...I doubt they would just drop these models. When someone talks about "main focus" that probably means they will focus their marketing money/efforts on these models.


t_bonet_bone - 12/6/2016 6:34:25 PM
+2 Boost
Have we not yet reached Peak SUV?


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/6/2016 7:52:11 PM
0 Boost
The US market doesn't need the Fiesta and Focus, but the Fiesta is currently slated to come to the USA from Thailand. That could see the Fiesta repositioned as a Mirage competitor i.e. one that sells solely on price.

The Ecosport is probably the new "Fiesta" for the USA. With the "new" Fiesta being the old Fiesta with updated styling, Ford may have made an error in judgment by not doing a new platform to underpin the Ecosport, which enters a growing segment.

I think there could be space for a crossover between the Ecosport and the Escape which will likely grow a bit in the next round.




ricks0mericks0me - 12/6/2016 10:05:37 PM
+3 Boost
Is Ford stupid enough to stop making the Mustang


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/6/2016 11:01:32 PM
+1 Boost
no


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/6/2016 11:02:09 PM
0 Boost
But then again I have mine


mini22mini22 - 12/7/2016 1:08:31 AM
+3 Boost
Look FCA has already figured out that small and midsize sedans cannot sell anymore in the USA unless you are Toyota, Honda, or Nissan. Further unless your product is at or near the top in reliability and quality. This takes many years to achieve. This is why Ford GM and Chrysler are or have been on shaky ground when it comes to these cars. When the financial crises hit in 2008 and 2009 the big 3 only had large cars and trucks to really offer. However the Japanese and now the Koreans have been slowly but steadily been building their reputation as builder of small and midsized cars. They also have a lots and lots of repeat customers. The big three have never have carried the reputation of building reliable cars with decent quality until the re-organization from bankruptcy. So their small and midsize history is not as solid as Toyota, Honda, Nissan Hyundai/Kia. So I predict eventually Ford and later GM will eventually get rid of small sedans and midsized sedans. The small Suv's and CUV's are selling like hot cakes. They will eventually shift over and stop production of these sedans.


MDarringerMDarringer - 12/7/2016 8:23:48 AM
+1 Boost
Just as crossovers are a better way to sell station wagons and minivans, they will become how small hatchbacks are sold. Ford will probably always have a car like the Fusion because sedans will not go away. They will just be a smaller part of the overall product mix.

I do think Ford and Chevy could increase the sales of the Mustang and Camaro respectively by offering a second body style--a shooting brake--that blends the appeal of the muscle car and the perceived utility of a crossover.

I also think crossover pickups will pop up as well.


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