7Mary3

Actually, while GM talks a pretty good game about an all-EV future, they really seem to be the ones that are hedging their bet a bit on the ICE side. Ford's business plan is very much EV only, with ICE products lumped into a separate division ('Ford Blue') that will be pumped for maximum profits with minimal investment. Two things you can be sure off regarding 'Ford Blue': White collar layoffs and discontinuing product lines. It has started with 3000 positions and the Transit Connect. GM's EV plans are really not more aggressive than Ford's, it just seems that way because they have been working on EV's longer and many programs are coming to fruitation in the near future. Ford wasted a lot of time (particulaly on battery development) and is playing catch-up. It's true that commodity costs have driven up EV prices, but ICE's have seen substantial price increases as well. California has passed legislation prohibiting the sale of new gasoline-fueled passenger cars in 2035. Frankly that's the funniest thing I have heard in years. Legislation or not, I think very few people will want a new ICE passenger car by that time.

Remember there are 2 stripped chassis models. The E-series built at Avon Lake and the F53 built at Detroit Chassis (a contractor). FWIW, my guess is the E series is probably on the way out but the F53 may have a future as it doesn't take up valuable Ford plant space. Historically the stripped chassis business has been very low margin, GM used to own it but left because of meager profits even though the unfinished vehicles are so easy to produce.

I have heard rumors that there has been a number of roll-over/roof failure accidents with Super Duty trucks and many have been settled out of court. I know at some point the Super Duty cab rear window went to a bonded design, which can add significant strength but no idea if that was a response to a roof crush issue. Seems to me there was also some talk about a 'smoking gun', a roof or windshield header that possibly was in the original design but omitted at some point. If true I am sure it will come out. I think the NHTSA has had roof strength standards for light trucks for some time, and within the last few years the standards were made significantly more stringent. That's the reason for the massive 'A' pillars in truck cabs these days.

Sadly yes, I would have to agree. My guess is the 650/750 and the E series will likely get cut due soon to volume. When I heard about the fuel cell medium duty project I was hoping that it would include the F-650 and 750, figuring that would indicate those products have a future. Unfortunately at this point the FCV medium duty is F-550 based.

Very much so. Even without any legislation, the passenger car market will very likely be all electric long before 2035.

I really don't think hybrids have much of a future. EV technology will make them obsolete soon.

I have heard rumblings about this issue for some time, looks like it might be coming to a head: https://www.thestreet.com/technology/ford-dealt-a-huge-blow?puc=yahoo&cm_ven=YAHOO

Interesting recent developments: https://www.gmdefensellc.com/site/us/en/gm-defense/home/news-and-events/press-releases/2022/american-rheinmetall-vehicles-and-gm-defense-team-to-pursure-us-armys-common-tactical-truck-program.html https://www.truckinginfo.com/10179048/socalgas-joins-ford-to-reduce-emissions

To date Navistar asembles Express/Savanna cutaway van chassis and Silverado medium duty trucks for GM. Both are produced at Navistar's Springfield plant.

Thats wrong. GM Wentzville still builds Express/Savanna passenger and cargo vans. Cutaway van chassis production was farmed out some years ago to Navistar. The Express/Savanna will be replaced by a full size BEV van in two years, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if Navistar picks up production, at least on a limited basis.

Is the 6.2L gone for 2023? I keep hearing rumors.

I saw a piece on FordAuthority that stated Farley is concerned with the number of ICE's that Ford currently has in production and wants to drastically reduce the number of engine options in ICE vehicles.

Not looking good for the 650 and 750, but the 600 is showing a strong increase. It will be interesting to see if the 650 and 750 survive the coming ICE product cuts. Probably the only rational reason for keeping them around at this point is that they are potential place-holders for a medium duty fuel cell or BEV truck. I am hearing rumors of a Ford fuel cell medium duty, but it may be F-550 based.

Big improvement overall from last year, but Mustang and Lincoln sales are disappointing, I figure the Mustang sales are off at least in part due to buyers waiting for the new model. 'Ford Blue' will be under considerable pressure to maximize profits so expect many poor performing products to be dropped over the next few years.

I follow REVan Evan and Brian Wolfe, they had an interesting live stream discussion the other day. Wolfe was in charge if engine development at Ford and gives some good insight why the 6.2L never went anywhere and the real reason for the pushrod 7.3L. Also note someone asked about the 6.8L Godzilla, but the question was not answered. And that was not the fiirst time it wasn't answered....

I think this is far more of an issue than Ford not offering what people want to buy. We just took delivery of a bunch of new Super Duty trucks. Panel alignment is awful and we are seeing multiple BCM failures. And then there is the Bronco..... All manufacturers are moving in the same direction with regards to product, I don't think other manufacturers will be offering many types of vehicles Ford does not offer. Sedans are dead and minivans are right behind.

First I have heard of the oil pan issue, I wonder if it's a problem that happens while extreme off-roading. Regardless I hope it doesn't turn out to be another 'Bronc-Woe'.

They can only charge so much until sales fall off... What Ford will really need to do is discontinue models that are currently unprofitable as soon as possible and then reduce the models with the lowest margins. They should be able to come up with the most profitable ICE product mix possible quickly.

A smaller version of the BrightDrop will be out very soon. Also, Amazon has been testing the large BrightDrop as Rivian seems to be struggling getting production if their van going.

His long range plan was to get Ford out of auto manufacturing, Just marketing, sales, and service. Have subcontractors build all the vehicles. He had all the answers.

Sure, the batteries are recyclable, it's just the employees are not.... Ford getting into battery recycling is a scary thought, remember when Jac Nasar bought all those junkyards? Genius, pure genius......

The EV NGDV does exist, who supplies the battery and electrical components?

I think the USPS delivery fleet is perfect for mass electrification. Short distance, low speed stop-and-go, back every night to a specific location. Too bad they didn't see it coming, if it were my call all the NGDV's would be BEV's, and use COTS's for the few instances were a ICE vehicle would be desirable. Ford's deal to supply drivetrains for the ICE NGDV's is inconsequential, no great loss if they loose half of it. Or all of it.

'COTS" stands for Commercial Off The Shelf, meaning a standard comsumer type vehicle. Notice they stated NGDV or COTS. USPS might be figuring the NGDV is too expensive (and it is). The BEV Transit could be a contender, but I am thinking USPS would be looking for something a bit smaller. Maybe the BrightDrop 410? BEV Connect?

I really wonder what 'Ford Blue' is going to look like in a year or two.