North American Automotive Production Forecast till 2025

VRYALT3R3D

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FORD GROUP
 Production for the Ford Edge (CD539) has been moved ahead to September 2021 from December
2021. The program code for Ford Edge (CD539(ng)) has been updated to CDX706. In addition,
production has been moved ahead to October 2021 from January 2022.
 Current‐generation Ford Escape (C520)’s facelift timing has been moved to March 2016 from June
2015; production will end November 2018. Subsequently, timings for the Ford Escape (C482) have
been adjusted at both Cuautitlán and Louisville Truck with SOP December 2018, a refresh for January
2022, and EOP for August 2024.
 EOP for Ford Explorer (U502) has been moved back to December 2018 from September 2018. This
results in a timing shift for the Ford Explorer (U625 having an SOP in January 2019, a facelift for
January 2022, and an EOP for December 2025).
 Rather than the next‐generation Fiesta, the C484 program will be a Small Car to replace the Fiesta at
Cuautitlán.
 The Ford Flex (D471) and Lincoln MKT (D472) EOPs have been moved out three years from December
2015 to December 2018.
 Program code for the next‐generation Mustang (S550(ng)) has been changed to S650 and the SOP has
been shifted back from January 2022 to May 2020. Subsequently, the EOP for the S550 has been
moved to April 2020.
 The lifecycle for the Ford Taurus (D258) has been extended out beyond our forecast horizon to June
2023 from June 2017.
 EOP for the Lincoln Continental (D544) has been moved from March 2022 to May 2023 and therefore
shifting the next‐generation out of the forecast horizon.
 Added a Large Sedan to the forecast for Lincoln with a program code of CD714, SOP of July 2020,
facelift of Jul‐2023, and EOP of June 2026.
 Lincoln Midsize SUV (U611) SOP shifted from February 2019 to January 2019.
16
 The next‐generation Lincoln MKX SOP was moved out from January 2021 to March 2022. The
program code was also changed from U540(ng) to CDX707. The facelift for the CDX707 was changed
as well from December 2023 to March 2025 and the EOP from December 2026 to February 2028. The
U540 EOP was shifted as a result from December 2020 to February 2022 and the facelift from
November 2017 to May 2018.
 The Lincoln MKZ (CD533) EOP was extended from July 2018 to June 2019. The next‐generation MKZ
(CD622) was moved from the Hermosillo plant to Flat Rock Assembly with an SOP of July 2019 (was
August 2018), facelift of July 2022 (was July 2021), and EOP of June 2026 (was July 2024).
 

Rainmaker

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Interesting about the Ford Taurus. I like the car (especially the SHO), but I am curious what Ford's strategy is. Isn't the Taurus the same size as the Fusion? They seem like they are two models that compete with eachother, but Ford only really markets the Fusion. What role does the Taurus play? They must have large LEO contracts or something because I am surprised it not only has not been discontinued but now extended production.

Thoughts?
 

thomas91169

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 Rather than the next‐generation Fiesta, the C484 program will be a Small Car to replace the Fiesta at
Cuautitlán.

 Program code for the next‐generation Mustang (S550(ng)) has been changed to S650 and the SOP has
been shifted back from January 2022 to May 2020. Subsequently, the EOP for the S550 has been
moved to April 2020.

So

1) No more fiesta? I figured those things sell like hotcakes and the name has been a good branding.

2) So we will have a new Mustang chassis by 2020?

Interesting about the Ford Taurus. I like the car (especially the SHO), but I am curious what Ford's strategy is. Isn't the Taurus the same size as the Fusion? They seem like they are two models that compete with eachother, but Ford only really markets the Fusion. What role does the Taurus play? They must have large LEO contracts or something because I am surprised it not only has not been discontinued but now extended production.

Thoughts?

The taurus is Fords full-size sedan, with the fusion being more of a mid-sized one. I think they aim the fusion at being slightly more "sporty" especially considering they are going to do the 2.7EB version (might as well call it a Fusion ST instead of a Fusion Sport). AFAIK theres no "sport" version of a Taurus aside from the performance SHO.
 

Rainmaker

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So

1) No more fiesta? I figured those things sell like hotcakes and the name has been a good branding.

2) So we will have a new Mustang chassis by 2020?



The taurus is Fords full-size sedan, with the fusion being more of a mid-sized one. I think they aim the fusion at being slightly more "sporty" especially considering they are going to do the 2.7EB version (might as well call it a Fusion ST instead of a Fusion Sport). AFAIK theres no "sport" version of a Taurus aside from the performance SHO.

Yea, that makes sense. After I typed my post I did some quick research and it's pretty obvious the Taurus is a larger car. Is it me or does it seem like Ford isn't giving the Taurus as much attention as the Explorer, F150, Fusion etc. It seems to be it should be Ford's flagship car.
 

DHG1078

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That's pretty awesome the new mustang chassis is coming 2 years sooner than originally planned. I wonder if that means that mustang sales have far exceeded expectations, or CAFE requirements are forcing it or what. It will be interesting to see if the mustang really does get an all aluminum chassis, and if that's going to put 3 years between mustang and camaro cycles now.
 

thomas91169

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That's pretty awesome the new mustang chassis is coming 2 years sooner than originally planned. I wonder if that means that mustang sales have far exceeded expectations, or CAFE requirements are forcing it or what. It will be interesting to see if the mustang really does get an all aluminum chassis, and if that's going to put 3 years between mustang and camaro cycles now.

I hope its due to them redesigning the chassis using more (or fully) aluminum, once again slaughtering the Camaro's weight numbers that the Camaro merely dropped weight to match.

Id also like to see a slightly more aggressive front fascia and rear, and a 20hp/tq bump. I think theres still more power on the table for that motor that Ford has yet to materialize. Id love to see what it does with a 0.2L bump.
 

GTSpartan

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The chances of an all new Mustang chassis in 2020 is slim to none. Revised yes, but 5-6 yrs out of an already new platform would be a major waste. At ~100K units a year, they will need to get more mileage out of it.

Don't hold your breath for some all aluminum unibody either. Moving some steel panels to AL and support structure to more HSS will almost surely happen, but moving the entire structure aint gonna happen.

We are approaching the point of diminishing returns on weight. This car still begins life as a $25K car. We are back to the old saying of Performance, Cost, Safety.... Pick 2.
 
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VRYALT3R3D

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Interesting about the Ford Taurus. I like the car (especially the SHO), but I am curious what Ford's strategy is. Isn't the Taurus the same size as the Fusion? They seem like they are two models that compete with eachother, but Ford only really markets the Fusion. What role does the Taurus play? They must have large LEO contracts or something because I am surprised it not only has not been discontinued but now extended production.

Thoughts?

The Taurus is based on an aging Volvo platform. The Taurus has a less interior space than a fusion. I don't think it is a particularly good car and its telling when the SHO isn't apart of the "Ford Performance" line up.
 

DHG1078

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I hope its due to them redesigning the chassis using more (or fully) aluminum, once again slaughtering the Camaro's weight numbers that the Camaro merely dropped weight to match.

Id also like to see a slightly more aggressive front fascia and rear, and a 20hp/tq bump. I think theres still more power on the table for that motor that Ford has yet to materialize. Id love to see what it does with a 0.2L bump.

I really want to see what that displacement bump will do, too. I don't know that it will happen though with 2025 CAFE targets looming around the corner. I do expect to see, at a minimum, direct injection by then. Possibly auto stop/start and active cylinder shutoff as well.

The chances of an all new Mustang chassis in 2020 is slim to none. Revised yes, but 5-6 yrs out of an already new platform would be a major waste. At ~100K units a year, they will need to get more mileage out of it.

Don't hold your breath for some all aluminum unibody either. Moving some steel panels to AL and support structure to more HSS will almost surely happen, but moving the entire structure aint gonna happen.

We are approaching the point of diminishing returns on weight. This car still begins life as a $25K car. We are back to the old saying of Performance, Cost, Safety.... Pick 2.

Ford has already dumped a ton of money into developing technology for producing aluminum intensive vehicles. It won't be saved for trucks only. It will trickle into other cars, including the mustang. It's a good way to increase performance, and fuel economy for ever tightening CAFE standards. I agree, it won't be a total redesign of the chassis. It will be heavily based on the S550, I am sure. I can't see them not throwing aluminum at it though.
 

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The Fiesta has been spied recently testing for the refresh in 2017. Is this is true then what the hell are they testing?
 

thomas91169

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The chances of an all new Mustang chassis in 2020 is slim to none. Revised yes, but 5-6 yrs out of an already new platform would be a major waste. At ~100K units a year, they will need to get more mileage out of it.

Don't hold your breath for some all aluminum unibody either. Moving some steel panels to AL and support structure to more HSS will almost surely happen, but moving the entire structure aint gonna happen.

We are approaching the point of diminishing returns on weight. This car still begins life as a $25K car. We are back to the old saying of Performance, Cost, Safety.... Pick 2.

Approaching diminishing returns on weight?

Could you imagine a ~3300lb Mustang GT with a ~445hp 5.0L? Yes the car begins life at $25k but these gains would be seen across the board, in every aspect of performance and efficiency. There is no such thing as diminishing returns on weight. And if they do that sort of technology fleetwide for all mustangs it wont cost more than their price increase they tack on each generation.
 

2000gt4.6

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Approaching diminishing returns on weight?

Could you imagine a ~3300lb Mustang GT with a ~445hp 5.0L? Yes the car begins life at $25k but these gains would be seen across the board, in every aspect of performance and efficiency. There is no such thing as diminishing returns on weight. And if they do that sort of technology fleetwide for all mustangs it wont cost more than their price increase they tack on each generation.

How do you figure it wouldn't be insanely expensive? So you think if Ford or GM could offer a 3300lb car in the size, with the saftey requirements and creature comforts required to build a sales hit near current costs they wouldn't?

Dropping weight costs money, lots of it. They aren't just adding pounds for fun or to make MPG more expensive. Materials and the tech to build them are expensive.
 

DHG1078

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How do you figure it wouldn't be insanely expensive? So you think if Ford or GM could offer a 3300lb car in the size, with the saftey requirements and creature comforts required to build a sales hit near current costs they wouldn't?

Dropping weight costs money, lots of it. They aren't just adding pounds for fun or to make MPG more expensive. Materials and the tech to build them are expensive.

Which is why the technology is starting in the trucks, where Ford sells huge volumes at large margins. I can't remember exactly, but the aluminum F-150's cost increased minimally due to the aluminum. It was like $1200 tops IIRC. The initial R&D is already being paid for by trucks. That knowledge, and tech will trickle down to the rest of the line-up over time at a much reduced cost compared to the F-150.

Alcoa and Ford also just came up with a new alloy/process combo last year, that Ford has exclusive rights to, that produces stronger, more form-able aluminum, in about 20 minutes (compared to 20 days for the old process), in a factory 1/4 the size. Because the aluminum is more form-able, you can create more complex shapes and require fewer pieces, i.e. a door panel made from 3 pieces could now be made from 1. Talk about some cost savings.

There are many ways Ford can spread the costs out on lower production vehicles, like the mustang. They already made huge steps in both reducing aluminum costs, and paying for the initial R&D with trucks.

I believe the new aluminum is 30% stronger and 30% lighter than HSS, and 40% more form-able than what is currently used.


Edit: changed production time info.

http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/news/news_detail.asp?pageID=20150914000289en&newsYear=2015
 
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svtfocus2cobra

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Which is why the technology is starting in the trucks, where Ford sells huge volumes at large margins. I can't remember exactly, but the aluminum F-150's cost increased minimally due to the aluminum. It was like $1200 tops IIRC. The initial R&D is already being paid for by trucks. That knowledge, and tech will trickle down to the rest of the line-up over time at a much reduced cost compared to the F-150.

Alcoa and Ford also just came up with a new alloy/process combo last year, that Ford has exclusive rights to, that produces stronger, more form-able aluminum, in about 20 minutes (compared to 20 days for the old process), in a factory 1/4 the size. Because the aluminum is more form-able, you can create more complex shapes and require fewer pieces, i.e. a door panel made from 3 pieces could now be made from 1. Talk about some cost savings.

There are many ways Ford can spread the costs out on lower production vehicles, like the mustang. They already made huge steps in both reducing aluminum costs, and paying for the initial R&D with trucks.

I believe the new aluminum is 30% stronger and 30% lighter than HSS, and 40% more form-able than what is currently used.


Edit: changed production time info.

http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/news/news_detail.asp?pageID=20150914000289en&newsYear=2015

The new process is the key to making the hopes for Aluminum across the lineup possible. Without that breakthrough in manufacturing the outlook on Aluminum wouldn't be possible.
 

2000gt4.6

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I hope I'm 100 percent wrong, but IMO being a large pickup dropped 600-700 lbs depending on cab, I'm not seeing a realitively small mustang dropping 400 on just aluminum.

Doesn't the mustang already use some aluminum or plastic body panels?
 

DHG1078

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I hope I'm 100 percent wrong, but IMO being a large pickup dropped 600-700 lbs depending on cab, I'm not seeing a realitively small mustang dropping 400 on just aluminum.

Doesn't the mustang already use some aluminum or plastic body panels?

On some body panels, and some suspension/drive-train components.

The mustang won't drop 400 pounds through the chassis alone, but could probably lose around 150-200 if they went 100% aluminum, plus make all the body panels aluminum/plastic. More suspension components could probably go aluminum, too if they really wanted to. Some parts will always remain steel parts, but there are quite a few areas that could be moved to aluminum/plastic/carbon fiber. Some aluminum parts won't see a price drop from the Alcoa tech mentioned above, but all the chassis/body panels could see a price drop.
 

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The chances of an all new Mustang chassis in 2020 is slim to none. Revised yes, but 5-6 yrs out of an already new platform would be a major waste. At ~100K units a year, they will need to get more mileage out of it.

Don't hold your breath for some all aluminum unibody either. Moving some steel panels to AL and support structure to more HSS will almost surely happen, but moving the entire structure aint gonna happen.

We are approaching the point of diminishing returns on weight. This car still begins life as a $25K car. We are back to the old saying of Performance, Cost, Safety.... Pick 2.

Check out the history of body styling timeframe: 94-98, 99-04, 05-09, and even 10-14 had updates within that 5 year timeframe. There is a very good chance that ford will change the styling at least a little bit after a 5 year run. Same basically chassis, but could be a big body style change.

And why wouldn't Ford throw aluminum at it's sporty car to improve performance and gas mileage. F-150's start pretty damn cheap too, but they still make both the XL and Platinum out of aluminum now.
 

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The Taurus is based on an aging Volvo platform. The Taurus has a less interior space than a fusion. I don't think it is a particularly good car and its telling when the SHO isn't apart of the "Ford Performance" line up.

I have a 2014 SEL and I love it.

Bought it cheap when Ford had a 6K rebate.

Comfortable and gets 30mpg, paid a little under 25k, hell of a value, loaded with leather and V6.

So far so good with reliability.
 

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