Production of F-150 Lightning Resumes after Battery Issue
After identifying a potential battery problem in mid-February, Ford had to suspend the production of its popular F-150 Lightning electric vehicle. The battery issue caused delays that led to the temporary closure of production lines at Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan. However, according to company officials, the issue has been resolved and production has resumed.
Ford Increases Prices for F-150 Lightning
Ford Motor Company has announced that it is reopening orders for the F-150 Lightning electric pick-up truck after addressing a battery issue that caused production delays. However, customers looking to place an order for the EV will have to pay more. According to a new price list posted on Ford’s website, prices for some versions of the 2023 F-150 Lightning have increased due to material costs, market factors and supply chain constraints.
The entry-level price for Ford’s 2023 F-150 Lightning Pro now starts at $61,869, including destination fees – up by $4,000 from when it was launched last summer. The Lariat version with a standard-range battery pack increased $1,500 to $77,869, while Platinum trim models that come with an extended-range battery pack increase $1,200 to $99,969.
Steady Orders for F-150 Lightning Despite Price Increase
Despite the increase in prices for the F-150 Lightning electric pick-up truck, orders remain steady. The next wave of reservation holders can now place their orders as production resumes at Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. However, this time around customers will have to pay higher prices due to material costs and supply chain constraints that have affected prices globally.
Ford is ramping up production at its Rouge site in Michigan in an effort to reach an annual run rate of 150,000 EVs by the fall of 2022. According to Ford officials, the company is confident that demand for its electric vehicle will continue to grow, especially with a recent trend towards electric vehicles.
Ford’s EV Sales Strategy
In February, Ford met a price cut on its Mustang Mach-E to compete with Tesla Model Y’s price reduction. However, since then, the company has remained firm on its pricing strategy. The increase in prices for the F-150 Lightning electric pick-up truck reflects a broader trend in the auto industry influenced by market factors and supply chain issues affecting raw material costs.
Ford plans to open retail orders for the F-150 Lightning in late spring. By ramping up production at Rouge Electric Vehicle Center, Ford aims to fill good-paying jobs while meeting high demand for its electric vehicles.
Conclusion
The F-150 Lightning electric pick-up truck from Ford is a popular option among customers looking for a rugged and reliable vehicle that offers eco-friendly features. While the recent price increases may seem steep at first glance, they reflect an industry-wide trend driven by material costs and supply chain constraints. Despite this, interest in the F-150 Lightning remains strong as evidenced by steady customer orders in spite of higher prices. With plans to ramp up production and open retail orders soon, Ford is optimistic about meeting demand for its popular electric vehicle in the months ahead.
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