Ford to Exit the Minivan Industry?
All the vehicle 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 candlelight service candles know that Ford has also significantly capacity and we know that the business will be closing some important plants and laying off an as however to be determined quantity of workers. What hadnt been clear is which models would be cut from the line up. Now, it seems that Ford will exit the lucrative minivan market place. Thats correct, Ford apparently will stick with developing cars, trucks, and SUVs, and leave the minivan marketplace to the other players.
Ever since the first communion Chrysler Corporation invented the minivan market back in the early 1980s with its line of K-automobile 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, both Honda and Toyota brought out their own entries and Ford, along with Chevrolet discovered themselves trailing badly in an overcrowded segment. Indeed, several GM divisions sell minivans, as does Kia and Nissan, making the market place specifically tight.
Must Ford choose to go ahead with plans to ditch the minivan industry, it wouldnt be a full retreat. For one, many consumers prefer the automakers vestments popular Ford Explorer SUV whilst its all wheel drive Freestyle wagon/crossover competes well too. Finally, yet another vehicle the Edge will soon make its debut and likely pull many minivan clients more than. The Edge will be but another crossover vehicle somewhat of a SUV/wagon hybrid and fill the need to have for consumers.
Yes, Ford seems prepared to ditch the minivan market. No loss to buyers and most likely a wise move for the beleaguered automaker.