Ford kills sedans
#21
I hope Ford makes lots of money with their new plan because when the price of gas spikes again they're going to need every penny to retool to produce small sedans when they find that they can't sell those SUVs. They didn't need a government bailout last time, but with this strategy this time could be different.
#22
Whatever happened to "needing small cars to meet the CAFE standards?"
I could understand closing/retooling a plant or two, but I think Ford is making a huge mistake. Time will tell.
I could understand closing/retooling a plant or two, but I think Ford is making a huge mistake. Time will tell.
#23
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Many people will rent cars in Europe and discover astonishing gas mileage. Why? Europe measures pollutants differently than the US.
In the US we run a gallon of gas though an engine and measure what comes out. In Europe they measure emissions by mileage or “work” being done.
A typical Europe engine emits 10% or so more than a typical US engine run with a gallon of gas. Sounds bad right? Except the Europe engine can do the same trip in mileage for 30% less gas which equates to less emissions for that trip to Costco than a US engine.
We manufacture great mileage engines here in the US that cannot be sold here but can be elesewhere.
CAFE is screwed up.
In the US we run a gallon of gas though an engine and measure what comes out. In Europe they measure emissions by mileage or “work” being done.
A typical Europe engine emits 10% or so more than a typical US engine run with a gallon of gas. Sounds bad right? Except the Europe engine can do the same trip in mileage for 30% less gas which equates to less emissions for that trip to Costco than a US engine.
We manufacture great mileage engines here in the US that cannot be sold here but can be elesewhere.
CAFE is screwed up.
#24
#25
I hope Ford makes lots of money with their new plan because when the price of gas spikes again they're going to need every penny to retool to produce small sedans when they find that they can't sell those SUVs. They didn't need a government bailout last time, but with this strategy this time could be different.
#27
Right or wrong Ford has thrown in the towel and decided they are going to be just a "truck company". Its all about ROI and typical American short-term decision driven Wall Street expectations. Ford's small entry level vehicles will be built in China and other locations around the world. There is lots of talk in Washington about lowering the CAFE standards; TBD. Ford says it is also betting on EVs in its future plans. Somehow the Asian companies can make a profit on their cars but Ford was taking a loss on theirs. Clearly the Asian companies as in the past are long term planners and seem to have the right products at the right time.
#28
That is exactly right and exactly the problem. This mindset has always haunted the American auto industry and is largely responsible for why the industry is in the position it is. Add to that the fact that management always takes care of itself first with little or no regard for the future.
#30