Ford's Move Away from US Sedan Market and Future Outlook

TapTechNews June 19 - Ford Motor Company hasn't offered traditional four-door sedans in the US market for many years, attributing it to consumers' greater preference for SUVs, crossovers and pickup trucks.

It is known that Ford had invested heavily to maintain the sales of these traditional sedan models before, but with little effect and even resulting in huge losses. However, rumors about Ford's possible return to the US sedan market have never stopped. Two years ago, Ford released the official design of a four-door Mustang, and in May this year, Ford CEO Jim Farley also expressed interest in launching a four-door Mustang.

In an interview with The Smoking Tire recently, when Farley was asked why Ford quit the US sedan market while some foreign automakers still insist on producing sedans, Farley said, We're not saying no one wants to buy sedans. Sedan styling is still loved by many consumers... I myself was a product planner for the Toyota Camry in the early 1990s and can be considered a sedan enthusiast. But the reason for our withdrawal from the US sedan market is simple: We lost billions of dollars in the sedan business and we can no longer afford such losses.

TapTechNews noted that Farley clearly stated that even if it could be profitable, Ford would not reintroduce compact sedans like the Fiesta or Focus. The reason is that Ford has already launched models like the Maverick compact pickup. As we reduce costs and improve quality, Ford may have a chance to re-enter these market segments, Farley said. But many of the Maverick's customers were originally owners of Civics and Corollas, and they prefer pickup trucks.

So, what would a future Ford four-door sedan look like? This time, Farley didn't mention the four-door Mustang plan again. However, he hinted at the possibility of launching an electric sedan, citing that sedans inherently have better aerodynamic properties. Farley said, Ultimately, sedans have very good aerodynamic performance. In a situation where battery costs remain high, models like sedans or hatchbacks with less wind resistance will be very advantageous.

Farley also expressed appreciation for Mazda's car-making philosophy, saying it doesn't treat car design as a commodity. Farley said if Ford were to launch a new sedan, it would definitely be different in feel, appearance and positioning from other automakers' products. We don't want to make mediocre models.