Ford Adds 3rd Crew to MAP to Meet Bronco/Ranger Demands, Reduces F-150 Lightning Production

Laura
Jan 19, 2024
Moderator Staff member

Administrator

Jan 19, 2024

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 19, 2024 – Ford Motor Company announced plans to create nearly 900 new jobs as part of a new third crew at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne to meet demand for the popular Bronco and Bronco Raptor and the all-new Ranger and Ranger Raptor.
The company is moving nimbly across its global footprint to capitalize on its balanced lineup and serve customers with the right mix of gas-powered, hybrid and electric vehicles, while optimizing financial returns.

In addition to nearly 900 net new hires, the new 1,600-person third crew at Michigan Assembly Plant will also include approximately 700 employees from Ford’s Rouge Complex in Dearborn who applied for job openings.

Ford is adding the manpower this summer to support planned future volume increases for vehicle lines assembled at the plant. The all-new Ranger and Ranger Raptor are on track to launch this year. Michigan Assembly Plant will transition to producing vehicles seven days a week versus five currently, with three crews working two shifts.

Matching F-150 Lightning production to customer demand
The company also has capacity available to scale production of gas-powered and hybrid F-150 trucks based on customer demand.
Ford was America’s No. 2 best-selling electric vehicle brand in 2023, and F-150 Lightning is America’s best-selling electric truck with sales up 55% in 2023 and further growth forecast for 2024.

“We are taking advantage of our manufacturing flexibility to offer customers choices while balancing our growth and profitability. Customers love the F-150 Lightning, America's best-selling EV pickup,” said Ford President and CEO Jim Farley. “We see a bright future for electric vehicles for specific consumers, especially with our upcoming digitally advanced EVs and access to Tesla's charging network beginning this quarter."
Approximately 1,400 employees will be impacted as the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center transitions to one shift effective April 1. Roughly 700 will transfer to Michigan Assembly Plant and the others will be placed in roles at the Rouge Complex or other facilities in Southeast Michigan, or take advantage of the Special Retirement Incentive Program agreed to in the 2023 Ford-UAW contract.

A few dozen employees could be impacted at component plants supporting F-150 Lightning production, depending on the number of employees who apply for the Special Retirement Incentive Program. Ford would provide placements for impacted employees within Southeast Michigan.
2021 Oxford White 2-door non-Sas Mid package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top
2021 Carbonized Gray 2-door Sas High package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top
Keeping the Jeeps: stock '89 XJ and 3.5" lifted '00 XJ on 31s and '89 MJ
SwiftMustang, BuckYeah

Gladesmen

Jan 19, 2024

#1
This is good news!
Maybe they should have had a 3rd shift back when they had 190K reservations in two weeks. But I get it they would have had all those workers and no parts to assemble vehicles with. This should help lead times for future orders. maybe its time I order a Bronco for myself. 😉
Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery
Splaktar, SAVEUP
Moderator Staff member

Administrator

Jan 19, 2024

#2
hmm, what pairs well with an Everglades ....
I don't have much knowledge in this area, but I'll be curious to hear from people who do on what it might do for values and pricing as more dealer stock enters the market.
2021 Oxford White 2-door non-Sas Mid package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top
2021 Carbonized Gray 2-door Sas High package 2.7L/10-speed Badlands with MIC top
Keeping the Jeeps: stock '89 XJ and 3.5" lifted '00 XJ on 31s and '89 MJ
Kenneth, Deano Bronc

MN_Warthog

Jan 19, 2024

#3
In theory, classic supply and demand rules should mean that when dealer stock is higher, prices should come down to meet the demand. Or we should see more incentives, so dealers are not holding on to stock very long.
2024 Ford Bronco Raptor - Shelter Green - Order Confirmed 9/21/2023, Scheduled 1/29/2024, In Production 2/2/2024, Built 2/23/204, Shipped 2/25/2024, Delivered 3/12/204.
Laura, Kenneth

KCsBronco

Jan 19, 2024

#4
Gotta like Ford's consumer focus (finally) in these moves. Obviously, selling high dollar consumer capital stuff is a tough market with tightening credit terms & much higher interest rates.

'Free' COVID $$s & hold on student loan payments helped a lot, but gone now. Big EV cuts are big $ adds to Ford's bottom line, and Bronco/Ranger demand seem Ford;s bright spots - Truck sales Not so much.

Here's a big Denver Ford dealer's add this morning:
Ford Promo Jan-24.png.
Ford's stock price reflects auto biz's tough market - Trend isn't Ford's friend though:
Ford Stock Price Chart Jan-24.png

Can't know the future, financial mkts expect interest rates to come down later this year. However, we may be surprised how long rates stay high .. too high. IMO, as long as federal gov't keeps spending like drunken politicos - Rates remain high, maybe even higher..

Cheers
Roughstock11, Deano Bronc
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Jan 19, 2024

#5
Would have been a lot of "hurry up and stand around".

That's my kinda job, where do I sign up??

---

@fordvideoguy talked about this on his last live stream. But honestly, I don't think Ford is going to be able to move a lot of Broncos or Rangers right now without incentives. With the way prices are right now, most people are going to need to finance, and there needs to be something out there to push down interest rates.

And they need to hurry up with the 2.7L on the Ranger. There are a lot of people I've talked to who are interested in that vehicle, but just about everyone is waiting for the 2.7L engine option.
The incentives are all ready starting on other vehicles they are selling. I am looking at a new Explorer Timberline at a really good price. Just above invoice
Roughstock11, Deano Bronc

Rank V

Jan 20, 2024

#6
NO...NO...NO...THEY CAN'T CUT THE F-150 EV. NOT THE EV...I WAS GOING TO ORDER ONE OF THE F-150 EV'S. I COULD PUT MY MOTHER IN LAW IN THE FRONT TRUNK.
Roughstock11, PSUTE

Genius on the cusp of Insanity

Jan 20, 2024

#7
NO...NO...NO...THEY CAN'T CUT THE F-150 EV. NOT THE EV...I WAS GOING TO ORDER ONE OF THE F-150 EV'S. I COULD PUT MY MOTHER IN LAW IN THE FRONT TRUNK.
An electronic marquis (Ohio, I believe) read over the holidays: "Visiting In-Laws? Slow Down, Arrive Late!"
Roughstock11, PSUTE

Dusty Rhodes

Jan 21, 2024

#8
This will put pressure on pricing, and impact residual values for current owners. By the end of the model year, 2024's could be cheaper than 2022's (no ADM, rebates, finance offers). Later this year could be a great time to buy a new Bronco.

Bronco should have all the tools to outsell Jeep at retail in 2024.
Splaktar, Roughstock11

Rank V

Jan 22, 2024

#9
An electronic marquis (Ohio, I believe) read over the holidays: "Visiting In-Laws? Slow Down, Arrive Late!"

Or stick them under the hood of your F-150 EV...outta site...outta...

Rank IV

Jan 22, 2024

#10
Sweet! Maybe I’ll get a build date soon! Lol.
'24 Badlands Sasquatch
SwiftMustang

Rank IV

Jan 23, 2024

#11
Sweet! Maybe I’ll get a build date soon! Lol.

You and me both I hope!
Polaris425

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