Ford Ramps Up F-Series Production Amid Sales Decline

Ford Motor increased production of its F-Series pickup trucks in August to 57,504 units, marking the highest monthly output in two years. The ramp-up follows supply chain disruptions caused by two fires at a Novelis aluminum plant in New York last year. The company is now targeting a dealer inventory of 50 to 60 days' supply to address pent-up demand.

Despite the production surge, the automaker reported a 10.3% decline in U.S. new vehicle sales for August, the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year decreases. Sales for the F-Series specifically fell 10.9% through August. Ford attributes these losses to the discontinuation of two vehicle models, planned reductions in sales to rental fleets, and the timing of the Labor Day holiday.

Rob Kaffl, head of U.S. sales, stated that the company is being intentional to ensure production meets demand. Ford estimates a broader 6% decline in new vehicle sales across the entire U.S. automotive industry.