The 2022 Ford F-150 Struggles Against Declining Sales
Is America’s favorite pickup truck, the Ford F-150, on the decline? This massive pickup isn’t bringing in buyers as it used to, while rivals like the GMC Sierra 1500 are growing in popularity. Why is the 2022 Ford F-150 facing reduced sales?
Is the 2022 Ford F-150 the best-selling truck?
Yes, the 2022 Ford F-150 continues to be the most popular truck for the 46th year in a row. So, it might be hard to feel compassion for it as it struggles against declining sales. According to CNBC, Ford Motor Company sales decreased by 2.2 percent in 2022.
But things could be looking up. Sales of the F-150 were down by about 13% in November but only faced a 9.9% decline in December. There was an increase in F-Series truck sales in December, with a 3.2 percent boost.
About 75,000 Ford F-150 models were sold in December, making it the best month of the year. This is a 20.1% increase over December 2021. But while the F-150 is still down, General Motors increased a 2.5% increase in sales.
Ford could not make up for declining sales in 2021 but narrowed the gap a little. Andre Frick, Vice President of Ford sales, believes that Ford Motor Company is in a good position for 2023, and sales have slowly been increasing for the new year.
Why are F-150 sales down?
The 2022 Ford F-150 could still be facing supply chain disruptions, inflation, and disrupted production. While the semiconductor chip shortage may last into 2024, it isn’t the only supply constraint.
Ford has struggled against rubber shortages for tires, foam shortages for seats, hardtop supply issues, and even blue oval badge shortages. Ford has been building incomplete F-150 models and storing them until the necessary parts arrive.
That’s why there are lots filled with Ford F-150 trucks that are just sitting pretty. The rows of trucks can be seen from space.
Plus, the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak hasn’t helped. Ford factories have faced closures to keep workers and their families safe.
Typically, it takes about six to eight weeks for a brand-new 2022 Ford F-150 model to be built and shipped. However, waiting times have gotten up to 30 weeks long.
Also, the 2022 Ford F-150 Hybrid fell off the map. F-150 Hybrid sales are down by 41% compared to the 3rd quarter of 2022 and 2021. It’s ranked as the least reliable truck.
How much does the 2022 F-150 cost?
The 2022 Ford F-150 price starts at $31,520, but the 2021 F-150 starts at $29,290. Now the 2023 Ford F-150 has a starting price of about $34,585. That’s a rampant price increase of $5,295 since 2021.
Plus, the 2023 F-150 has a $1,795 delivery fee, and the prices listed are the MSRPs. They don’t include dealership markups. Adding 4×4 to the 2022 F-150 costs between $3,425 to $4,645, depending on the trim level.
Declining sales of the 2022 Ford F-150 might be related to inflation. However, that didn’t stop drivers in December. Also, Ford could recover even more F-150 sales in 2023 thanks to the addition of the F-150 Rattler, the new affordable off-roading oriented model.
The 2023 model may have better production rates, but covid and supply chain issues are still present. People might also be waiting for the refreshed 2024 F-150 to arrive.
