New generation of F-150, only in 2028

Launched in 2021, the current generation of the F-150 will probably still have a long life in the market. At least this is what the US Automotive News portal, which would have obtained information from suppliers who were warned by the manufacturer about the late project of the next pickup.

Although the reason for the postponement is not clear, it occurs at a turbulent time for the auto industry. With the United States facing a trade war, regulatory uncertainties and challenges in the transition to electric vehicles – including risks of widespread crisis with the end of tax incentives – the decisions of manufacturers in North America have been practically frozen for new products.

The same is true of the Stellantis group, which, after the departure of its former CEO Carlos Tavares, has been promoting internal restructuring in all its brands. As a consequence of this process, RAM announced, at the end of the last year, the postponement of the production of its 1500 Electric pickup, which was scheduled to be manufactured in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Similar situation happened with General Motors, which has postponed at least one year the launch of the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra EV, now scheduled for 2026.

The reprogramming of the new generation F150 occurs at a time when its electric version, called lightning, has not yet unleashed in sales, which has left many supplies in a financial deficit. The automaker issued a “call to action” to suppliers last year, requesting plans to reduce electrical costs, where Ford lost $ 5 billion by 2024. The company made it clear that it expects cost economies on traditional platforms as well.

Next Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Electricas will also delay

Contracts with Ford, as well as with other automakers, usually require suppliers to offer between 2% and 4% cost reduction each year during the life cycle of a program, according to executives heard by Crain’s agency. The idea is for suppliers to continually improve their manufacturing processes and pass these economies to the automaker.

New vehicle launches are essential for suppliers, who depend on them to establish new contracts with prices adjusted to economic reality. Simply put, a new model redefines the costs of the entire chain, which is advantageous to suppliers, but costly for manufacturers.

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Fonte: Mario Villaescusa / Motor1.com

Communicate a postponement in advance, as Ford is doing with the F-150, allows parts manufacturers to plan better and avoid capital immobilization, according to industry representatives. Since executive Liz Door took over Ford’s supply chain in 2023, the automaker’s communication and transparency with suppliers have improved significantly, the sources added.

At the same time, the delay invites more competition, giving suppliers extra time to quote the program and provide the cost and quality solutions that Ford is looking for. For the traditional F-150, which represents strong and reliable volumes, the competition is fierce.

Photo De: Ford

In Brazil, F-150 only in the Lariat version

The current generation of the F-150 was launched in Brazil in 2023, having suffered a half-life restyling at the end of last year. Its two versions: Lariat and Lariat Black, both priced at $ 545,000. Under the hood, the picapona has a V8 5.0 engine with 405 hp and 56.7 kgfm of torque, connected to the 10 -speed 4×4 gears with reduced and automatic option. The 136 -liter tank allows a range above 1,000 km, according to Ford, with a consumption of 6.3 km/liter in the city and 8.6 km/liter on the road, approved by Inmetro.

The restyling of the F-150 truck here had changes in look, equipment and technology, as well as losing the old top of the line due to a reconfiguration of the brand’s portfolio. In the US, the F-150 Platinum was sold only with 3.5 EcoBoost.

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