Ford has revealed its new strategic plans, which not includes more focus on electric cars, but also will see the automaker shift its overall attention from cars to trucks over the next few years. The aggressive shift in priorities will see Ford move production of the Focus to China as it works to bring more trucks and SUVs to market.
Ford will reallocate $7 billion of capital from its passenger cars to SUVs and trucks, including the Ranger and EcoSport in North America and the upcoming new Ford Bronco. In a nod towards electrification, Ford is also going to reduce internal combustion engine capital expenditures by one-third and redeploying that capital into electrification. Ford plans to introduce 13 new electric vehicles in the next five years, including F-150 Hybrid, Mustang Hybrid, Transit Custom plug-in hybrid, an autonomous vehicle hybrid, Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan, and a fully electric small SUV.
In addition to the shift to trucks and electric vehicles, Ford is also making a push to connected, smart vehicles. By 2019, 100 percent of Ford’s new U.S. vehicles will be built with connectivity. Ford has similarly aggressive plans for China and other markets, as 90 percent of Ford’s new global vehicles will feature connectivity by 2020.
“Ford was built on the belief that freedom of movement drives human progress,” stated Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett. “It’s a belief that has always fueled our passion to create great cars and trucks. And today, it drives our commitment to become the world’s most trusted mobility company, designing smart vehicles for a smart world that help people move more safely, confidently and freely.”
Source: Ford
