The Real Reason Ford is Phasing Out its Sedans

[Ohiogal]

They're not profitable enough. And their slick marketing is convincing us that we want their bigger vehicles.

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Isn’t it lucky that Ford’s most profitable vehicles are also its most popular?

Now, as then, Ford and others are exploiting a well-crafted loophole in fuel economy regulations that makes bigger more profitable. In 2011, the industry won a change in the EPA’s calculation of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). The “footprint rule”—which refers to the area within the perimeter of the four wheels—calculates a vehicle’s fuel economy as a function of its size. The rule change effectively incentivizes building larger vehicles by holding them to progressively easier standards. As a result, the largest and most profitable vehicles also enjoy the lowest relative costs of compliance. The rule change also constituted a backdoor tariff on more efficient imports, but that’s another story.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/the-real-reason-ford-is-phasing-out-its-sedans/ar-AAwHSHJ?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=mailsignout

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Okay for Ford, I don't buy their products anyway. But I sure as hell don't want to be made to believe I need to drive some huge behemoth around just to go to the grocery store and do all my other everyday errands. I guess I'm in the minority.....

[Historic NY]

1. You get a Mustang, and you get a Mustang....

pretty much they got left aren't what you want to drive in city traffic. Unless they trying to copy GM, the Chevy Equinox is the most popular selling vehicle they have right now.

[Ohiogal]

2. I'd be open to trying a small SUV

I've always owned small sedans, but am thinking maybe the next time, I might look into a small SUV, since I buy my groceries twice a month (and loading would be easier) and also getting my dog into the vehicle might be easier, as well. But I don't like GM products, we had have a few bad experiences with them in the past.

[GeorgeGist]

8. I swore off GM shortly after I bought one.

Worst vehicle I ever owned. Essentially dead after 4 yrs.

[SonofDonald]

6. I drive my mustang in city traffic lol n/t🐴

[Kilgore]

3. Don't agree that's the only reason

In my area is one large Ford dealership and two smaller ones in nearby towns. I doubt there are 40 cars between them, but each has a lot full of trucks and SUV's of every flavor.

In this area trucks and SUV's are what people want to drive. On my street, I can't think of anyone who just has a car, and most just have an SUV, a truck, or both. So Ford may just be reacting to what the market wants. If cars were selling, I'm sure Ford would have plenty on their lots.

[JayhawkSD]

9. I believe you have it wrong.

"In this area trucks and SUV's are what people want to drive."

According to the original post, they actually don't, they only think they do due to Ford's "slick marketing," which apparently has brainwashed them into thinking differently than they really want to think. If Ford had not messed with their brains they would actually want to drive small cars that got outstanding mileage and were friendlier to the environment.

[Sherman A1]

4. There is always more than one answer

Marketing is only one of those answers. Demand for a vehicle that is more suitable to what one needs for self or family is another. Minivans were a big deal at one time, station wagons at another.

I believe Ford is making a mistake in this move, but time will tell.

[samnsara]

5. is my beloved Escape going away?....

...actually I have had 2 Escapes and my current one is 8 yrs old. I love the old body style and HATE HATE that crossover look....so if they phase out the crossover escape im good with that.

[safeinOhio]

7. I see Ford is keeping the Focus and dropping the Fiesta.

I worked for Ford for 30 years and have seen many changes in production. First thing is, in less than a year they can bring a car back, it only takes $7 gas and they know that. There are many modular ways to produce cars now. Take seats. They now use the same seat frame in all cars. Same ones in little and big cars, they can change what they add to them using the same seat frame world wide.
I have a 2012 Focus and am very happy with it. I have a 2000 Chevy work van and love it and I also have a 2001 MB 340SLK that I love, but will probably sell this year. As a hobby business I flip older BMWs. My friend and I have 8 of them at the moment. We buy them at salvage auctions cheap and do a little work on em and then sell them. We keep a couple for parts and then look for ones the same color, model and damaged we have the parts for. Lots of fun and make a few bucks.