Ford to Exit the Minivan Marketplace?
All the car blogs lately have been speculating on the direction that the Ford Motor Firm is going to take in the wake of declining sales and stiff competition. We know that Ford has also a lot capacity and we know that the organization will be closing some important plants and laying off an as but to be determined number of workers. What hadnt been clear is which models would be cut from the line up. Now, bishops items it appears that Ford will exit the lucrative minivan marketplace. Thats correct, Ford apparently will stick with constructing cars, trucks, and SUVs, and leave the minivan industry to the other players.
Ever considering that the Chrysler Corporation invented the minivan market place back in the early 1980s with its line of K-car derived minivans the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, and the Chrysler Town & Country Ford has been playing catch up. Indeed, a series of forgettable star named minivans were served up by Ford and summarily rejected by buyers: the Aerostar, Windstar, and the Freestar. Later, each Honda and Toyota brought out their personal entries censer stand and Ford, along with Chevrolet identified themselves trailing badly in an pyx overcrowded segment. Indeed, many GM divisions sell minivans, as does Kia and Nissan, generating the market place especially tight.
Should Ford decide to go ahead with plans to ditch the minivan industry, it wouldnt be a full retreat. For 1, many customers choose the automakers well-liked Ford Explorer SUV even though its all wheel drive Freestyle wagon/crossover competes effectively too. Finally, another automobile the Edge will soon make its debut and most likely pull a lot of minivan clients over. The Edge will be however an additional crossover vehicle somewhat of a SUV/wagon hybrid and fill the need to have for buyers.
Yes, Ford seems prepared to ditch the minivan market. No loss to shoppers and almost certainly a smart move for the beleaguered automaker.