ExplorerDude

Mustang Mach-E will get a huge production increase at Cuautitlan bringing production out of there to 200,000 a year. The Explorer and Aviator BEVs were to be built there but they really want to maximize Mach-E production to satisfy this side of the world demand for it. Remember the Mach-E is also built in China for consumption there. We always knew the Maverick would be a runaway hit, just not this huge of a hit. Hermosillo isn’t even close to full capacity yet but I know they want to pump up and out as many more Bronco Sports and Mavericks as much as possible. Maverick is a Top 5 product of importance within Ford now. F-Series, Explorer, Maverick, Bronco and Bronco Sport in that order, I kid you not. The amount of interest and lead volume dealers are getting on Maverick actually surpasses Bronco and Bronco Sport combined. If there is a need to build more Mavericks eventually, it will be promptly resolved.

This right here is pretty spot on. From what I’m hearing through the grapevine, there are a number of key vehicle lines that will have redesigned ICE and BEV versions that will live side by side with each other for many years to come.

Test mules for S650 are already on the streets. I don’t know when production starts with all the COVID and chip issues but the planned MY hasn’t changed.

Yes, S650 has gone completely silent and it bothers me as well. Originally before COVID it was due to start production in September 2022 as a MY2023. Now I can’t really say what is happening with S650. It’s still important but unfortunately Ford’s favorites and flavors of the week change as the headlines do. Farley has been great for product and for letting teams do their best work. But he was also who made the decision to cut the Fusion. In fact, Hackett passed the decision along to Farley to make as Hackett was 50/50 on the Fusion staying. Farley made the final call at the time and said it was the hardest decision of his career. Farley couldn’t find a way to make it profitable as Hackett wanted and the goal was no more wasting resources on products that don’t make us profitable. Done deal.

Unfortunately there are still ZERO plans for another Ford branded sedan in North America but I have heard some serious consideration taking place about the Zephyr for Lincoln but it’s purely speculation. The business case for the Lincoln sedan was/is for it to be a BEV only like the Model 3 and not sure where that stands. Importing from China is most likely the only way they can justify it at 15,000-20,000 units a year. The product plans have been changing like the wind blows. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many programs stopped, shelved, restarted and then stopped again before. Priorities seem to be pouring resources into F-Series family, Bronco family, Explorer (upcoming family), Maverick (upcoming family), Mustang Mach-E, plus Expedition and to some degree Ranger because of its global importance.

From Automotive News: DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. is delaying the start of production of battery-electric versions of the Explorer and Lincoln Aviator crossovers by roughly 18 months and no longer plans to build them in Cuautitlan, Mexico, paving the way to substantially hike Ford Mustang Mach-E output. Ford informed suppliers in a memo this week that the new EVs, previously code-named CDX746 and CDX747, are now slated to go into production in December 2024 as programs U759 and U760. https://www.autonews.com/cars-concepts/ford-delays-explorer-aviator-evs

Product plans have changed so much recently it’s been hard to follow what programs are still on or which have been shelved or completely changed. The Edge program has been changed, shelved, rethought, reshelved and still TBD in the US. In China, the next gen Edge appears to be moving forward. The only start from scratch “new” products that have internal codes but no official name yet are the new Ford and Lincoln BEVs that have changed plants multiple times which are rumored to be 7 passengers as well. Not sure how they fit with an electrified Explorer and Aviator as well. The next gen Nautilus is being developed as a continuation of the existing Nautilus formula with Gas and Electric variants but built in China and imported here.

And then how does the Mustang go from #34 in 2020 to #2 in 2021? I understand the criteria but it’s honestly puzzling.

The MY2022 Edge gets another facelift, at least that was the plan. It’s not a major MCA but similar in vein to the facelifts that the 2018 Explorer got for its final 2 years before being redesigned and what the 2019 Fusion got for its final 2 years before being sunset. Expect a modified grille and front bumper fascia as well as rear bumper. Some new wheels, but no major sheet metal changes. I don’t think much changes inside either. As for long term, the US Edge program was shelved. The China Edge program is still moving forward and the Nautilus is also still moving forward. As I’ve said the MY2023 Nautilus will be all-new and imported from China to the US. I honestly don’t know what the Edge program will become if anything at all. The Edge nameplate might live on here on another product like the 2 BEVs or it might not. I’ve also heard the Ford BEV might carry the Explorer name to expand the Explorer family into another subbrand. It seems like anything the Explorer and above is safe and moving forward with scheduled MCA’s and full redesigns. But EcoSport, Escape and Edge have hazy futures. Bronco and Bronco Sport are of course the new focus and have a lot of future investment coming their way.

The Nautilus redesign was never cancelled. It’s still coming for MY2023 and the next Nautilus will be built and exported from China for global consumption. The MY2021 refresh was just meant to keep it fresh for a little longer

Super Duty gets an “F-150” type of makeover for the 2023MY. This 2022MY update is to keep the Super Duty competitive with the other heavy duty trucks.

Sure....As I’ve said before the MY23 S650 is an all-new generation Mustang with a completely new tophat body on a modified platform, now known as D5. This platform will be heavily modified with some CD6 components mixed in. This generation (S650) is currently projected to have a lifespan of 8 model years and at Flat Rock as of now. The generation after that is officially dubbed S750 and is expected to change platforms. It should launch as a MY31 and while I know that seems far away, it takes time to configure that into Fords future roadmap. CD6 may not be the platform of choice by then and it may move to another plant. Honestly hard to say where it will be by then. Lots of changes happening all the time. Also next generation Nautilus is already done. Will be sold globally everywhere. Think RR Velar with Lincoln styling. I’m sorry to say however it won’t come from current plant. Nautilus will be built and sourced from China for global consumption.

The Maverick is completely a Ford Maverick, no Bronco name to be used anywhere near it. Yes, it will have the XL, XLT and Lariat trims just like the Ranger does. There will also be a Tremor package added 1 year after launch. In terms of looks and how much Bronco Sport parts it will share, it will use the same front door panels, front fenders, glass, windshield etc. I believe it may also use the same hood but headlights, grilles and front bumper will be uniquely Maverick in a downsized Ford truck style. This thing will sell like hot cakes because of size and price. It honestly looks like a mini version of the original Sport Trac. Sport Trac name may live on and appear on the regular Bronco upcoming pickup truck. But that’s 2025ish. Remember Sport Trac was a rugged body on frame vehicle. A Bronco Sport Trac would look to maintain that legacy. As for the Ford Fusion Active aka the Ford Outback, I don’t know where that stands anymore. It’s C2 based, I’ve seen it and it’s gorgeous for what it is, but I don’t know if it makes it out the gate or not. I don’t even think it has an internal model code yet. Slightly concerning....

Nautilus is freshened for 2021MY with new interior, then redesigned for 2024MY with next gen being built in China and imported to the US.

Yes, this is the 2021 Explorer Timberline Fx4. It will have the slight suspension lift, a unique from grille and bumper cover, plus unique rear bumper cover. The interior will also get unique items to set it apart. Hiking boots = more $$$$. It actually looks the best of all current trims. There will also be a 2021 Explorer King Ranch according to the grapevine. The new Explorer is doing really well from a sales standpoint so they want to cash in on the more expensive models as much as possible. Time for the fine tuning to begin.

Remember Ford is was well known for “Outfitters” with their very successful advertising campaign from 1999-2003 dubbed “Ford Outfitters, No Boundaries” I don’t know all of these specific details but I’ve heard that Ford plans a new marketing campaign connection with the Bronco family and adventure gear. Outfitters will be woven into this somehow. It’s exciting.

This is very interesting to me because I haven’t seen anything that corresponds with this in the cycle plan yet. That being said, you can’t find a used Excursion anywhere. People rebuild them, they put new engines and transmissions in them and keep them going. If an Excursion is totaled they scrap the parts for immediate use. If this is Super Duty based again I gotta wonder where they’ll build it. KTP is maxed out.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/ford-excursion-trademark-news/

From what I’ve gathered and seen, yes the S650 will be launching for the 2023MY and it’s expected to use the same platform (D2C) which is now called D5. This was done for substantial cost savings. As it is the program is still pretty expensive. But it’s expected to use many CD6 components. Again, apparently using all the CD6 components would’ve made it too big and too heavy. The S650 is basically a new top hat on the same platform with more CD6 components used. I’ve seen a sketch, and it’s not that far off from this article’s illustration. I will say the roofline drops 1 inch to make it even more swept back. It will be gorgeous I can assure you.

Not sure if anyone noticed but Ford has officially combined Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility sales together as one. Makes sense and that will add (on a good year) about 30,000 additional units to the Explorer’s yearly total. It was always silly for them to split them out. But that was more so because of the Taurus and Police Interceptor Sedan.

I think he meant Explorer Sport Trac Pioneer Edition with the upgraded sound system.

Technically it’s an MCA, but it’s significant for both Expedition and Navigator. I mean the 2021 F-150 is a new generation but it’s not an all new truck with the general footprint and cabs all carrying over. One could say the changes the Expedition and Navigator get are exactly on par with the F-150s changes. Both get new sheetmetal from windshield forward plus, new headlights, grilles and bumpers, plus new rear sheet metal on hatch with new taillights. Inside both get new dashboards and new door panels in front row. Yes the new F-150 dashboard will be shared with the 2022 Expedition. There will be powertrain updates as well but don’t know specifics. It’s honestly nice to see the Expedition and Navigator stay fresh right along with the F-150. No more languishing for these beasts seeing as they make so much money.

Not sure what’s planned to be shown in Chicago but in addition, the 2021 Explorer gets the following: - XLT Sport Appearance Package - King Ranch trim - FX4 Off Road trim

Maverick was the original intended name and probably is on some early parts planning documents but that was changed. Again this is going to be called the Bronco Sport. I’ve heard it and I’ve seen the final badging on the Baby Bronco’s body, it’s Bronco Sport. Although personally I liked a Bronco Scout. All 3 Broncos will be showed in the spring at the New York Auto Show as a family.

I agree, I thought that there’d be a refresh as well seeing as the ‘18 Explorer and ‘19 Fusion both got a mild refresh and so did the ‘13 Mustang for their last 2 model years. Again, I hope I’m wrong and they do update the S550 with new bumper covers or lights but I just don’t see any action plans on it.