Ford Announces Plans for Cheaper Electric Truck

## Overview Ford Motor Company is a global automotive industry leader, recognized as the second-largest automaker in the United States (after General Motors) and the sixth-largest worldwide[1]. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, Ford designs, manufactures, markets, and services a full line of vehicles—including cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles, and luxury vehicles under the Lincoln brand[1]. The company operates in every major automotive market and is renowned for its innovation, manufacturing scale, and iconic brands. ## History and Key Achievements Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, the company revolutionized the automotive industry with the introduction of the Model T in 1908, making cars affordable for the masses through assembly line production. This innovation not only transformed Ford but also set a new standard for industrial manufacturing worldwide. Over more than a century, Ford has introduced several landmark vehicles, such as the F-Series trucks—America’s best-selling vehicle for over four decades—and the Mustang, an enduring symbol of American automotive culture[1]. ## Current Status As of 2025, Ford continues to demonstrate strong financial performance, with revenues of $185 billion and net profits of $5.9 billion in 2024[1]. The company is led by CEO Jim Farley, who has prioritized both electrification and quality improvements since taking the helm in 2020[1]. Ford’s vehicle lineup remains robust, with the F-Series leading U.S. truck sales and electrified vehicles accounting for nearly 16% of its U.S. sales in the third quarter of 2025[3]. The company is aggressively investing in electric vehicles (EVs), committing $5 billion to develop a family of affordable, adaptable EVs and building a new battery plant in Michigan[2]. ## Notable Aspects and Challenges Ford is currently at a pivotal moment in its history. It is reinventing its manufacturing system to produce next-generation EVs, aiming to secure American jobs

The **Louisville Assembly Plant (LAP)** is a major Ford Motor Company vehicle production facility located on Fern Valley Road in Louisville, Kentucky. Opened in **1955**, it spans over **3.15 million square feet** on a **180-acre** site near Louisville International Airport, employing about **4,610 workers** operating three shifts[1][6]. LAP has been central to Ford’s vehicle assembly in the region for over seven decades, reflecting the evolution of the American automotive industry. Historically, Ford’s Louisville operations began in **1913** with small assembly shops on South Third Street, gradually expanding through several plants before settling at the current LAP site in 1955[1][2][5]. The plant initially produced a broad range of vehicles, including the **ill-fated Edsel line (1957-59)**, notable for constituting about 67% of Edsel production[1][6]. Over the years, LAP shifted focus from passenger cars to light trucks and SUVs, reflecting market trends. Key milestones include the 1969 spin-off of heavy truck production to the separate **Kentucky Truck Plant**[1][2][3], the introduction of popular models such as the **Ford Ranger and Bronco II in the 1980s**[1], and the early 1990s debut of the **Ford Explorer**, a pivotal model for Ford’s SUV lineup, with production continuing into the 2000s[1][3]. The 2010s saw LAP transition to producing the **Ford Escape** and luxury **Lincoln MKC and Corsair SUVs**, highlighting its adaptability to changing consumer preferences and technology[1]. LAP has also faced challenges, notably near-closure threats during economic downturns, but local leadership, unions, and Ford management successfully negotiated reinvestment agreements, preserving its role[5]. Looking ahead, LAP is scheduled for a significant remodel in late 2025 to prepare for **electri