Why is Ford discontinuing sedans? It’s a fair question since many of their models have been trusted by generations of drivers across America, and those same drivers are now going to find themselves forced to upgrade if they consider sticking with their current manufacturer. So why is Ford to stop making sedans? It’s to ensure they can focus solely on utility vehicles, commercial vehicles, and trucks. In fact, you’ll find 90% of Ford’s North American lineup consisting of just those body types by 2020. If you’re a Ford customer that’s not in the market for a pickup truck, crossover, or SUV, your choices are about to become extremely limited.
Trying to picture what the Ford vehicle lineup is going to look like in the future? Just take a glance below to see what will be left in their showrooms by 2022. The Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, and Taurus will all have been phased out to leave the Ford Mustang as their last car standing.
Ford will be keeping their current selection of trucks and utility vehicles, but they’ll also be concentrating on ‘white space vehicles’ to fill the gaping holes left in their lineup. You might be unsure what white space vehicles are, so think of them as a kind of jack of all trades that merge the characteristics of traditional vehicle types. The problem is most will also be ‘king of none’ – with Fords strongest sales coming from their trucks, crossovers, and SUVs, anyone seeking a compact footprint, fleet-footed performance, or a focus on efficiency will clearly be out of luck. So is Ford really giving consumers what they want and need?
Sure, an active family of five might enjoy a larger vehicle, but what if you don’t need that excess space? In his story “The Real Reason Ford Is Phasing Out Its Sedans,” Dan Neil of the Wall Street Journal cited a study from 2017 that revealed 68.9% of light-truck owners used their vehicle primarily for transportation. That might make sense for Ford, but does it really make sense to only drive larger vehicles with lower fuel economy scores when you don’t actually need to?
Ford sedan models won’t be the only ones going missing from American roads. General Motors just announced they’ll be withdrawing six sedans by the end of 2019. They cite changing consumer behaviors and slumping sales as reason enough to make substantial layoffs and close five of their North American facilities. A new focus on crossovers, SUVs, hatchbacks, and trucks will mean no more Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CT6, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Impala, or Chevrolet Volt.
Ford and GM might be turning their backs on sedans and small cars, but Honda is prepared to adapt those model classes around changing needs instead of giving up on them altogether. All it takes is a look at ultra-efficient Honda sedan models like the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid or a test drive in the Honda Civic Sedan, Hatchback, Si, or Type R to understand these models are still pushing boundaries forward and defying expectations.
Honda’s sedans and small vehicles will draw on cutting-edge engineering and top-tier technology to bring their most popular models into the future. To explore the current award-winning lineup or find out more, simply stop by any West Michigan Honda Dealers location.