Two-thirds of the F-150 Lightning assembly workforce will be cut or retired
Ford is set to launch a third crew at its Michigan assembly plant, creating nearly 900 new jobs. These new employees will play a critical role in increasing production of the Bronco and Ranger models. Meanwhile, about 1,400 workers, about two-thirds of the workforce currently employed at the F-150 Lightning plant, will either retire or be reassigned to other positions due to the slowdown in electric pickup production.
Even though the F-150 Lightning claimed the title of America's best-selling electric pickup truck last year, with sales up 54.7% from 15,617 units in 2022 to 24,165 units in 2023, Ford expects demand to slow. for electric vehicles.
Ford has told suppliers it intends to cut production of the F-150 Lightning in 2024 from 3,200 pickups per week to 1,600. Ford CEO Jim Farley told Bloomberg that demand for electric vehicles has not grown as much as the company expected. He attributed this to high prices and immature charging infrastructure, which are deterring buyers.
On the other hand, Ford believes it can better meet demand for the Bronco and Ranger models. By reassigning workers from one production line to another, Ford is seeking to achieve its goals while complying with its new agreement with the UAW.
The Lightning production slowdown will affect approximately 1,400 employees. Approximately 700 people will move to the Bronco and Ranger production line, while the rest will be employed at other facilities or «take advantage of a special retirement incentive program».