“The Louisville plant being talked about builds the Ford Escape and its Lincoln MKC twin.”
Exactly right.
“Moving Escape’s 300,000 units to Mexico while leaving the more expensive MKC’s 30,000 units in Louisville isn’t much of a victory.”
You are right, that would be a disaster. However, that is not at all what is happening. I’ll explain later.
“The Fusion/MKZ is already built in Mexico.”
True. That doesn’t change in any future cycle plans for Ford.
“Something about this story doesn’t add up.”
OK, so here are the facts.
First, to address this recent news flurry. The Lincoln built in Louisville Assembly is nearly common with the Ford Escape. The Escape is a very good selling vehicle for Ford and they need more capacity to build more. As a result the next generation, 2020 MY, Lincoln C-platform Cross over is going to move to Mexico. That will allow the next generation Escape, 2019.5 MY, to be built at higher volumes in Louisville Assembly.
It will also allow for the very low volume 30-50K units of the Lincoln version to be more differentiated from the Ford badge.
The article is referencing the Mid Cycle Action (MCA) changes, which is not a full platform refresh. It is only an updated tophat and updates for federal regulations and safety improvements. It would be considered a 30-50% “refresh” to that vehicle.
The 2019 MY, and beyond, C-car platform is completely new. It will include a new Focus, C-max, Escape and Lincoln Escape. It will also include versions of these vehicles in Argentina, Germany, Russia and China. The Focus, C-max and Lincoln Escape are forecasted to have reduced volume expectations and are being consolidated in one new greenfield plant in central Mexico.
That moves the Focus and C-max out of Michigan Assembly. That capacity will now be used for the new Ranger (bringing that model from Australia) and eventually an additional SUV model that is TBD....(Hint: Check the rumor boards, they are all accurate..however I am obligated to not say the name.)
The Lincoln Escape will still be moving out of Louisville, however it will be replaced by more volume to produce the Ford Escape.
The F series will still be at Dearborn Assy, Kansas City and Kentucky Truck Plant. Transits will still be at Ohio and Kansas City 2. The Mustang and Town Car will remain in Flat Rock, MI.
The C-car platform moves have been in development in the Ford Product Development area for over 2 years, so this is nothing new. It is far to late to change those cycle plans at this time.
Yes, that seems about right. Thanks.