Ford MotorFord announced on Friday a temporary halt in shipments of all 2024 model year F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks to conduct undisclosed quality checks.
The suspension of shipments, initiated on February 9, has paused deliveries of the electric vehicle (EV) truck since January.
The automaker did not specify a timeline for the resumption of shipments or the nature of the quality issue being addressed.
Simultaneously, Ford commenced the distribution of the newly redesigned gas-powered 2024 model F-150 pickups to dealers this week.
The company stated its intention to increase shipments gradually in the upcoming weeks following comprehensive launch quality assessments to ensure adherence to their stringent standards.
Reportedly, an accumulation of hundreds, if not thousands, of 2024 model gas-powered F-150 trucks has been observed in storage lots in southeast Michigan since production commenced in December, as per Automotive News.
Ford reaffirmed its commitment to its previously announced schedule, indicating that it remains “on plan” to deliver the new F-150.
However, last month’s decision to reduce production of the F-150 Lightning reflects lower-than-expected demand for EVs.
Production of the F-150 Lightning EV truck continues despite the shipment halt, with plans to reduce operations at the Michigan Rouge Electric Vehicle Center to one shift starting April 1, as communicated to suppliers in December.
This decision follows a temporary cut in one of three shifts at the EV plant in October.
Ford initially planned to produce approximately 1,600 F-150 Lightning EV trucks per week starting in January, representing a reduction from the previously projected 3,200 units per week.
Despite the challenges, Ford experienced a 55% increase in F-150 Lightning sales in the U.S. last year, amounting to 24,165 units out of a total of about 750,000 F-150 sales.
The company had previously outlined ambitious production targets, aiming for a 150,000-vehicle annualized production rate for the F-150 Lightning plant by October, with plans to double EV truck production.
However, adjustments to production schedules reflect the dynamic nature of market demand and operational considerations.