Ford is probably the top name when it comes to trucks. For a long time, the F150 has been probably the most popular full-sized pickup. . The Ford Ranger was the best selling light pickup for a while, but the Ranger is being retired after 2011. The only other truck that is not an F series is the Sport Trac, a half truck, half SUV. The Sport Trac is also retiring this year. Only the F series is going to stay in the Ford truck line, as the automaker is cleaning house.
Sport Trac getting shuttered
As of October 2010, there will not be another Sport Trac made by Ford, according to the Courier-Journal. The model is being retired, after performing dismally the last few years. The Sport Trac has a cult following, but not enough to justify continued manufacture. It was first offered in 2000, and sales were steady at about 60,000 for a couple of years. Nevertheless, after 2005, sales kept declining. Fewer than 6,000 have been sold so far this year. Trucks smaller than full size are down as a total market segment, making up only two percent of sales for the entire auto industry. The F150 performs so much better in sales that it would cost more to keep making the Ranger and the Sport Trac.
Washing house by Ford
Ford Motor Co. is getting rid of each brand and automobile that does not sell well. According to Automotive News, Ford is paring its offerings down to no fewer than 30 autos. Ford offered up to 97 as recently as 2006. Ford has sold off underperforming brands for instance Aston Martin, Volvo, Land Rover and Jaguar. Also, Ford is closing one of its longest running brands. Earlier this year, the end of Mercury was announced.
Lean, mean vehicle making machine
Why keep making vehicles that do not sell? Ford isn’t. The business is making some other changes. Cars will also me sharing more parts in common. The Fiesta, which has 10 versions offered worldwide, shares 65 percent of its parts with other Ford automobiles. Ford believes the turbo V6 in the new F150 will appeal to more people.
Citations
Courier Journal
courier-journal.com/article/20100925/BUSINESS/309260013/1008/NEWS01/Ford to end Sport Trac production in December
Auto News
autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100927/OEM04/100929868/1257
