Ford Motor has decided to postpone the launch of two new next-generation electric vehicles as it alters its strategy towards smaller and more affordable models.
According to the U.S. company, the decision affects a new pickup truck, the successor to the F-150 Lightning, which was scheduled to be produced at the Tennessee plant, now postponed to 2027. Additionally, Ford has also delayed the production of the E-Transit van, initially set to start in Ohio in 2026, to 2028.
“The F-150 Lightning, the best-selling electric pickup in the U.S., and the E-Transit continue to meet the current needs of customers”, the company said, adding that “it will be agile in adjusting the product launch schedule to meet market needs and customer demand, while also aiming to improve its profitability.”
It is worth noting that Ford and other automakers have been facing competition from Chinese companies, which offer cheaper electric models and production with lower costs. In response to this pressure, Ford and other brands are focusing on producing affordable models on a simplified platform, with an emphasis on delivering smaller electric vehicles.
