Ford 'kills off' two popular SUVs for 'disruptive' new truck in $2billion change

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FORD is dropping some of its most popular models in order to make more electric pickup trucks.

The company is discontinuing two mid-size SUVs as it looks to strengthen its electric vehicle fleet.

Rear of a blue Ford Escape.The Ford Escape is getting axed later this year (stock image)Credit: GettyWhite 2024 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle at the New York International Auto Show.Ford is putting up major cash to assemble more electric vehicles (stock image)Credit: Getty

The Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair will be killed later this year.

"Production will stop for Escape and Corsair later this year when we start retooling the plant," a Ford spokesperson said, according to Edmunds.

"We're going to have enough inventory to sell Escape and Corsair well into 2026."

The Escape was the company's second-best-selling SUV, according to the outlet.

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But out with the old, in with the new: A Model T EV truck is expected to be a game-changer due to the low amount of affordable electric pickup trucks on the market.

The trucks are expected to hit the road in 2027, and will cost around $30,000.

Ford is putting up major cash to assemble the new line of electric vehicles, too.

Ford's electric investments

In Louisville, Kentucky, an assembly plant is getting a $2 billion upgrade in order to streamline the process of putting together the new electric cars, which are taking priority.

It will create 2,200 jobs, according to the company.

"Ford and Kentucky have been a tremendous team for more than 100 years, and that partnership has never been stronger than it is today,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement.

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“This announcement not only represents one of the largest investments on record in our state, it also boosts Kentucky’s position at the center of EV-related innovation and solidifies Louisville Assembly Plant as an important part of Ford’s future."

An additional $3 billion is being put into Michigan, which will build batteries for the new truck.

Almost 4,000 jobs are expected to be added with the expansion.

“We took a radical approach to a very hard challenge: Create affordable vehicles that delight customers in every way that matters – design, innovation, flexibility, space, driving pleasure, and cost of ownership – and do it with American workers,” Ford's CEO Jim Farley said in a statement.

“We have all lived through far too many ‘good college tries’ by Detroit automakers to make affordable vehicles that ends up with idled plants, layoffs and uncertainty."

A new truck hits the market

The company's electric truck has caught many's attention due to its low price point, size, and EV capabilities.

According to Ford, the car will have more passenger space than the popular Toyota RAV4, and a lower center of gravity from the battery which "improves handling" and "creates a quiet cabin."

“We took inspiration from the Model T – the universal car that changed the world,” Doug Field, Ford's chief officer of EV, digital, and design, said.

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"We applied first‑principles engineering, pushing to the limits of physics to make it fun to drive and compete on affordability. Our new zonal electric architecture unlocks capabilities the industry has never seen.

"This isn’t a stripped‑down, old‑school vehicle.”

Silver Ford Escape at auto show.Kentucky and Michigan are receiving a $5 billion investment from the company (stock image)Credit: AlamyLincoln Corsair SUV parked on a city street.The Lincoln Corsair SUV didn't make the cut as electric vehicles take the front seat (stock image)Credit: Alamy