Ford doubles the production target for F-150 Lightning electric pickup so that the company can meet overwhelming demand. In a recent post on Twitter, the CEO Jim Farley noted that the demand for F-150 Lightning is high and they are doubling its production again to 150,000 trucks per year.
As noted by Farley, Ford appears to have been surprised by the positive reception for the Lightning. Previous production plans for the vehicle were only for 40,000 units annually, though this was eventually raised to 80,000 trucks per year. With order books for the vehicle still growing, however, even a production goal of 80,000 per year seemed overly conservative.
Farley wrote, “In Sept., due to huge demand for #F150Lightning, we doubled our production plan from 40k to 80k trucks per year. The demand keeps growing, so we’re doubling it again and now plan to produce 150,000 annually. America wants an all-electric @Ford F-150 and we plan to deliver,”
In Sept., due to huge demand for #F150Lightning, we doubled our production plan from 40k to 80k trucks per year.
The demand keeps growing, so we're doubling it again and now plan to produce 150,000 annually.
America wants an all-electric @Ford F-150 and we plan to deliver.⚡️ pic.twitter.com/xpyLKApLol
— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) January 4, 2022
Producing and delivering 150,000 is an impressive goal for Ford, as they have more models to manufacture as well. Their focus on F-150 Lightning is strong, and as the vehicle is well received by customers, it could actually push the sales for the automaker than the time when they sold only fuel-powered vehicles.
Overcoming the semi-conductor shortage
It is nothing new for the auto industry by now, the semi-conductor chip shortage and other supply chain constraints have hit the automakers badly. Now, as the demand for electric pickups increases, every automaker is struggling for production. Despite having the capacity, Rivian which first launched an electric pickup into the market is seen struggling to complete its targets. However, unlike other automakers, Ford has been in the industry for a long time. Also the CEO, Jim Farley has been stating the increase in production plans since revealing F-150 Ligthning. So, it could be possible that they actually meet the demand, which would put Ford in a much favourable position.
We're pulling out all the stops and planning to nearly double production of our first all-electric version of America’s best-selling vehicle, the legendary union-built F-Series, with @UAW members leading the way at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. #F150Lightning pic.twitter.com/QqvQ1Jrg39
— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) January 4, 2022
There has been much excitement about the Ford F-150 Lightning. This is due in no small part to the fact that the vehicle is the all-electric version of America’s best-selling automobile. Just recently, the vehicle’s pricing was reportedly leaked from a Ford dealership, and based on the information in the document, it appears that Lightning will be competing in segments from the sub-$40,000 category to the above $90,000 market. As per the document, the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro will have an MSRP of $39,974, and the Ford F-150 Lightning XLT will have a $52,974 MSRP. The Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat would feature an MSRP of $67,474, and the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum will be offered with an MSRP of $90,874.
Credits for the pricing information- Teslarati
