Ford to Exit the Minivan Market?
All the car blogs lately have been speculating on the direction that the Ford Motor Business is going to take in the wake of declining sales and stiff competition. We know that Ford has as well much capacity and we know that the company will be closing some essential plants and laying off an as but to be determined number of personnel. What hadnt been clear is which models would be cut from the line up. Now, it appears that holy water Ford will exit the lucrative minivan market. Thats correct, Ford apparently will stick with building cars, trucks, and SUVs, and leave the minivan marketplace to the other players.
Ever because the Chrysler Corporation invented the minivan market place back in the early 1980s with its line of K-vehicle derived minivans the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, and the Chrysler Town & Country Ford has been playing catch up. Indeed, a series of forgettable star named minivans were served up by Ford and summarily rejected by consumers: catholic church supplies the Aerostar, Windstar, and the Freestar. Later, each Honda and Toyota brought out their own entries and Ford, along with Chevrolet found themselves trailing badly in an overcrowded segment. Indeed, a number of GM divisions sell minivans, as does Kia and Nissan, producing the market specifically tight.
Should Ford make a decision to deacon cross go ahead with plans to ditch the minivan industry, it wouldnt be a total retreat. For one particular, many shoppers favor the automakers common Ford Explorer SUV although its all wheel drive Freestyle wagon/crossover competes nicely as well. Ultimately, yet another automobile the Edge will soon make its debut and likely pull many minivan clients more than. The Edge will be yet yet another crossover car somewhat of a SUV/wagon hybrid and fill the need for shoppers.
Yes, Ford appears ready to ditch the minivan marketplace. No loss to shoppers and possibly a wise move for the beleaguered automaker.