FORD shocks drivers with announcements to discontinue three popular gas-powered models to speed up EV production.
Despite projected losses of billions, the automaker continues to invest in electric vehicles.
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Ford, one of America’s oldest automakers, is transitioning to producing all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, even after its EV division lost $4.3 billion last year.
Ford has announced the discontinuation of several models to channel resources into its latest hybrids and EVs.
The Taurus, Fusion, Focus and Fiesta have all been discontinued in recent years due to low sales and to allocate those materials to trucks and SUVs.
However, three more models are heading to the chopping block.
Read more about discontinuations
Unlike the aforementioned models, all three models are popular with Ford buyers – and drivers are sad to see them go, according to Autoblog.
The first model mentioned was the Ford Edge – a midsize family-oriented two-row SUV launched in 2006.
The Escape is the automaker’s smallest SUV, and the Edge sits between the Escape and the much larger Explorer.
“The Edge will be discontinued next year as Ford prepares to convert the Oakville assembly plant where it is built into an EV facility,” he wrote Automotive News.
The second model heading to the scrapyard in the sky is the Transit Connect, which is popular with buyers due to the ease of converting the midsize cargo van into a trailer.
Ford has confirmed that the van’s final model year is 2023.
However, the van will still be sold in Europe.
The most shocking discontinuation was the Escape – which outsells the popular Bronco Sport SUV.
“However, as things stand now, Ford has no plans for a next-generation gasoline or hybrid model,” the outlet wrote.
“Production is expected to end in 2025, before an electric crossover replaces it.”
Readers of Autoblog’s announcement coverage couldn’t understand the Escape’s unconfirmed demise.
“I can see the Transit Connect, but not the other two,” wrote one reader.
“Especially not the Escape, which is in the best-selling category.”
Several viewers responded, saying Bronco Sport was behind the major decision.
Someone wrote that a series of Escape recalls left a bad taste in the mouths of potential buyers.
Electric vs gas vehicles
Pros and cons of electric vehicles versus gasoline-powered vehicles
EV PROS:
- Convenient (when charging at home)
- Cheapest (depending on the state or city)
- Cheaper maintenance due to lack of mechanical parts
- Great for commuting
- Reduced CO2 emissions
- Federal and state tax incentives
- More performance (speed, handling – depending on make and model)
EV CONS:
- Higher initial cost
- Higher Insurance Rates
- More frequent tire and brake replacement intervals
- Higher tare weight (thus causing faster wear on crucial parts)
- Low resale value
- High depreciation rates
- Lack of charging infrastructure
- Unreliable public loading (related: slow loading times)
- Poor performance in winter and summer
- Lack of clean energy alternatives means more “dirty energy” from coal and nuclear sources
- Range anxiety
PROS OF GAS:
- Highly developed refueling infrastructure
- Fast replenishment
- Cheapest insurance rates depending on make, model and configuration
- Established repair industry
- Lower initial cost
- Greater range before refueling, especially with hybrids
- Many manufacturers produce engines with almost fewer emissions
- Cheaper refueling depending on location
PROS OF GAS:
- Finite resource (related: heavy dependence on oil)
- Carbon emissions/greenhouse gases
- Higher repair costs
- Higher insurance rates depending on make, model and configuration
- Varying costs at the pump depending on state, city and county
Source: Driver, Perch Energy, Automatic Week
“At one time, the Escape was competitive in the small SUV market, but then came a wave of recalls,” they wrote.
“Ford’s problems remind you so often you could turn it into a drinking game.”
Another reader said that stopping Escape, if true, is reckless.
“Ford is once again shooting itself in the foot,” the comment read.
“I had two Lincoln sedans and looked elsewhere when they killed the sedans. I’m not a fan of SUVs, but even I recognize that the Escape is a cash cow. Now, if they choose not to sell the new Nautilus by killing the Edge, I I have no hope for them.”
NamCar Spectators video coverage on YouTube (@NamCar) felt that the push toward an all-electric lineup is proving too costly for the automaker.
“Right now, all-electric is a huge waste of money,” wrote one viewer.
“And little excitement when driving.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
