Decreasing Ford F-150 Sales Is Hardly a Real Problem
It’s rare to hear about the Ford F-150 losing sales because it’s incredibly popular. Rising prices for decades haven’t put a dent in its interest. However, Ford F-150 production was interrupted by the United Auto Workers (UWA) strikes, leading to a dip in profit.
Is the Ford F-150 losing sales?
The Ford F-150 recently hit a bit of a rough patch due to the United Auto Workers (UWA) strike, which officially ended after six weeks of protesting. During this time, the Ford Michigan Assembly plant in Detroit was closed.
As a result, Ford F-150, Bronco, and Ranger models weren’t being built. Overall, Ford sales dropped by 5.3%. But F-150 sales only dropped by 5.1%, while the Ford Bronco experienced a 56% sales decrease.
But during this time, sales of SUVs like the Ford Escape increased, Ford electric vehicles gained a 120% increase compared to October 2022, and hybrid sales increased by 38%. So, Ford had a lot of vehicles to fall back on.
Plus, The F-150 still has plenty of growth. In the first three quarters of 2022, the Ford F-Series models moved 458,547 units. During the same time period in 2023, F-Series models account for 561,110 sales.
That’s a 22.37% increase year over year, so the 5.1% decrease probably isn’t making anyone panic. The factories have reopened as workers received raises and better benefits. Also, the more expensive 2024 Ford F-150 enters production in December.
When can you order the 2024 F-150?
You can order the 2024 Ford F-150 right now. The order banks opened back on September 13. The build and price configurator are live. We know it’s hard to resist the urge to build your ideal model.
In an ideal world, new truck models are built within four to six weeks of being ordered. But, the UAW strike caused factories to be shut down for six weeks. That may have caused substantial delays.
Also, it’s hard to guage how many people got their reservations in ahead of you. In 2022, the 2023 F-150 had over 200,000 preorder reservations. The amount of preorders for 2024 hasn’t been released.
Last but not least, things like inflation, the semiconductor chip shortage, and other supply chain constraints have been slowing production.
Hopefully, December production won’t be delayed. But Ford needs to get 2023 orders out first. A majority of 2023 Bronco orders were pushed back until 2024, so the same thing could happen with the F-150.
How much does the 2024 F-150 cost?
Take a deep breath to prepare yourself because the 2024 Ford F-150 MSRP is $36,570. The $1,995 destination fee and $645 acquisition fee bring the price up to $39,210.
But the 2023 F-150 has a $34,585 MSRP with a $1,795 destination fee. So, the MSRP increased by $1,985, the destination fee increased by $200, and the acquisition fee is brand new. It’s the only acquisition fee in the industry.
The F-150 got a midcycle refresh, so perhaps the new styling inside and out helps distract you from the high pricing. It has modern tech and more standard power. The outgoing base engine was replaced by the turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Stay tuned as we track the Ford F-150’s production and performance. Do you think it needs to be worried about that dip in sales? Is it too expensive now?
