Earlier today, Ford unveiled its new, universal EV platform, which will underpin a variety of future models, starting with a mid-size pickup. That vehicle will be produced at the Louisville Assembly plant starting in 2027, using a production process that’s quite a lot different – and far more efficient – than what that facility leans on today. As one might imagine, that sort of radical shift calls for a major investment, and when the Louisville Assembly plant closes later this year for retooling, that’s precisely what’s going to happen.
In fact, Ford will invest a whopping $2 billion in the Louisville Assembly plant to prepare it for the production of its new mid-size EV pickup, a project that’s being supported with an incentive offer from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority. That money is in addition to the $3 billion that Ford has invested in BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, which is set to build the lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries used in the forthcoming mid-size EV pickup starting next year. As for the pickup itself, that’s slated to launch in 2027.
As part of this process, the Louisville Assembly plant will expand by 52,000 additional square feet, which will enable materials to move more efficiently. Ford will also give the facility a variety of digital infrastructure upgrades that will reportedly result in it having the fastest network with the most access points of any Ford plant across the entire globe – enabling more quality scans. Louisville will lean on 2,200 hourly employees to build Ford’s new EV pickup, and together with BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, the company expects to create nearly 4,000 direct jobs.
“Today, Ford and Team Kentucky are introducing the world to the future of automotive production with nearly $2 billion being invested to transform the Louisville Assembly Plant, which will also secure 2,200 jobs for Kentuckians,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear. “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. Thanks to Ford’s leaders for their continued faith in Kentucky and our incredible workforce. Ford and Kentucky have been a tremendous team for more than 100 years, and that partnership has never been stronger than it is today.”
A way to deal with worn out physical controls.
It's in great condition, too.
The automaker showed off six different potential body styles.
It's a cheap and quick repair, thankfully.
The shocks can be upgraded or replaced, as needed.
It will be quick, spacious, and affordable.
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So I assume that's the final kiss of death for the Escape and Corsair. But hey, another EV that no one can afford or want.
You are correct. With the Edge gone, next the Escape and the Corsair, I can't see the EV sales replacing roughly 250K units lost from the discontinuation of popular models.
Yup, another 6 billion wasted on the EV wish!
Good decisions on managements part, NOT!
Let's kill vehicles that most customers will buy and build ones that very few customers will buy.
And these guys get paid millions to make these decisions!
More production capacity for vehicles that nobody wants.
Not only should Farley and Bill Ford get canned but the Board of Directors should be held accountable as well.
If only their focus was were it should be. On quality!
Absolutely right on.
Regardless of the above comments, I want an EV. Mach-e still in my sights, but might wait to see what else is offered.
The only one who seems to realize we're competing with China is the Ford exec.