On Tuesday, Ford announced its intention to boost its Super Duty truck production at a Canadian facility, previously earmarked for a significant $1.34 billion makeover to become an electric vehicle assembly hub.
In a strategic shift, the automaker revealed that its Oakville Assembly location in Ontario, Canada, will commence the manufacture of F-Series Super Duty trucks starting in 2026. This expansion is expected to increase production capacity by roughly 100,000 units each year and will subsequently postpone the introduction of a new three-row electric vehicle initially planned to be assembled at the Oakville plant in 2027.
The scope of Ford’s investment in the Super Duty series extends further than the Oakville site. Approximately $3 billion will be allocated across three North American facilities to enhance Super Duty production. Of this, $2.3 billion is designated for the Oakville Assembly Complex, now 71 years in operation. This funding will support the installation of assembly and integrated stamping operations, introducing for the first time a “multi-energy” platform, hinting at an electrified Super Duty model down the line, though no specific timeline has been disclosed by Ford.
Further plant expansions are planned for Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant, signifying a considerable increase in Super Duty production capabilities. The expansion at Oakville is set to create 1,800 jobs in Canada, 400 more than the number required for the originally planned electric vehicle production.
Ford’s redirection from its April 2023 announcement—which detailed plans for turning the Oakville site into a hub for next-gen electric vehicles—underscores a substantial investment in the gas-powered Super Duty trucks, crucial for use by commercial clients and a core source of Ford’s revenue, derived largely from its flagship F-Series trucks.
Interestingly, this announcement comes shortly after CEO Jim Farley emphasized the societal need to embrace smaller cars at the Aspen Ideas festival, expressing concern over the preference for larger, heavier vehicles despite his personal fondness for them.
Farley’s critique, aimed at encouraging the production of smaller, lighter electric vehicles, was met with acclaim, reflecting an ongoing commitment to electrification even as the company navigates the complexities of the transition.
Ford continues to advance its electric and hybrid offerings, propelled by a specially assembled skunk works team in California dedicated to next-gen electric vehicle development. According to Farley, in a recent discussion with TechCrunch, the company is exploring various pathways for this innovative team, tasked with designing a cutting-edge electric vehicle.
“Their achievements with the platform are commendable,” Farley remarked in a June 28 interview. “Presently, we’re faced with challenging decisions, with multiple options on the table.”
While specifics weren’t provided, Farley praised the team’s unique approach compared to not only Ford’s first-generation offerings but also potentially surpassing the innovations of competitors’ subsequent models. “The true test will come when we measure up against the Tesla Model Two, and offerings from Chinese manufacturers like BYD,” he concluded.
The story has been updated to note Ford’s future plans to introduce an electrified version of the Super Duty truck.
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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