Ford has decided it’s time for another revolution. Not in the “let’s put America on wheels” way the Model T did in 1908, but in the “let’s rip up two of our most popular SUVs, burn the blueprints, and build something entirely new” way.
The company’s calling it their Model T moment, which is brave, given the last one was over a century ago and changed civilisation. This time, the grand innovation is a low-cost, flexible electric vehicle architecture — a one-size-fits-most chassis they’ll use to crank out all sorts of EVs, including a mid-size pickup. The magic ingredient? The “Universal EV Production System,” which sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel but is actually Ford’s plan to simplify assembly lines and slash costs.
The big gamble? They’re starting this at the Louisville, Kentucky plant, currently home to the Escape and Lincoln Corsair. To make space, both of those models are… well, being sent to the great used car lot in the sky. Production ends later this year, and Ford says there’ll be enough stock to keep dealers smiling until 2026.
Which is all well and good — unless you’re the type who notices that the Escape was Ford’s second-best-selling SUV last year. And that the Corsair was basically the golden gateway to the Lincoln brand, accounting for a quarter of its sales. Pulling the plug on both without immediate replacements is like closing your best pub because you fancy trying out a craft brewery — exciting, sure, but risky if your regulars get thirsty.
Ford isn’t saying when these SUVs will return or where they might be built, but history tells us the Escape has a knack for relocating. It’s already hopped between Ohio, Missouri, and Kentucky in its lifetime. Odds are, it’ll pop back up somewhere. Eventually.
In the meantime, Ford is banking on the Bronco Sport to keep the compact SUV faithful from defecting to Toyota or Honda. But if demand outstrips production capacity, well… let’s just say there could be some awkward conversations at Ford dealerships next year.
Still, it’s hard not to admire the audacity. Killing off two major sellers to usher in a whole new EV era? That’s pure Henry Ford energy. Let’s just hope this gamble pays off — otherwise, Ford’s “Model T moment” might end up feeling more like a Model Oops.
Source: Ford