Production of the Ford F-150 Lightning, which once revolutionized the world of electric vehicles, has been halted. Ford made this significant decision following a massive fire at a supplier factory, causing a financial loss of billions of dollars for the company.
The fire broke out at Novelis’ aluminum sheet plant in Oswego, New York, disrupting the supply chain of several automobile companies. Ford stated in its recent quarterly report that the incident could result in losses of approximately $1.5 to $2 billion (approximately Rs. 16,000 crores).
Ford F-150: Why Lightning Production Halted
Ford stated in a statement that its current focus is on producing gasoline (ICE) and hybrid F-150 trucks. The company has sufficient stock of the F-150 Lightning, which is why it has decided to temporarily halt production.
The company has clarified that this halt is temporary, and production will resume at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center (REVC) in Dearborn, Michigan, as soon as conditions return to normal. However, no specific date has been announced.
Ford F-150: Focus on Gasoline and Hybrid Trucks
Ford is now prioritizing production of its best-selling F-series trucks. The company has announced that it will increase production of these models to 50,000 units by 2026. This will involve adding approximately 1,000 new jobs at the Dearborn and Louisville plants, including 900 at the Rouge factory and 100 at the Louisville plant.
Ford says this strategic move will allow it to compensate for losses incurred due to the supplier incident while also meeting growing market demand.
Ford F-150: Electric Dream on Hold, But Hope Remains
The Ford F-150 Lightning has been the most popular model in Ford’s electric truck lineup, achieving significant market success since its launch. Now that production has been halted, Ford says this is only a temporary pause, not a permanent decision. A company spokesperson said, “We are currently focused on increasing production of the F-150 ICE and hybrid trucks. We have sufficient inventory of the F-150 Lightning, and we will resume production at the appropriate time.”
While Ford’s move may be disappointing for electric vehicle enthusiasts, it is part of the company’s long-term strategy. Ford wants to maintain its market position with its strong gasoline and hybrid models while making up for losses. It remains to be seen when the F-150 Lightning will return to production and give Ford’s electric journey a new impetus.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on public reports and automobile industry sources. Details regarding production, pricing, or timing may change in the future. Readers are advised to check Ford’s website or authorized channels for any official updates.
