Big shift: Ford plant produced last truck today, will start making small cars in 2010

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, MPG, Ford

It’s no secret that Ford is shifting production capability of its plants from large vehicles to smaller, more sensible rides. Workers at the Michigan Truck Plant, long the birthplace of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs, produced their last vehicle of the behemoth variety today at 1:30 in the afternoon. The plant will now be shut down and retooled - at a cost of $75 million - to build small, fuel-efficient C-Cars (think Ford Focus) starting in 2010.

Pardon the possible pun, but this is a big shift. Since opening over 50 years ago, the plant has built the iconic F-Series trucks and the Ford Bronco. The smaller cars coming in two years aren’t as obviously iconic, but could be a strong rebranding contender if Ford wants to turn the oval green. Ford will still make large vehicles at its Kentucky plant.

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