Ford rethinking it's future large car platform

In a not so entirely suprising move, Ford is considering nixing it's future large car platform. "We need to understand the role of those vehicles, given the change in the market mix," said Ford Product chief Derrick Kuzak. A final decision, however, has not been made and the models are still on target for production begining in 2013.

In the meantime Ford has announced that it will bring it's European Focus and Fiesta models to the U.S. in 2010, sporting the company's new Ecoboost engines which they are also considering placing the future Mustang and F Series trucks.

I just can't understand why this would happen. It would seem obvious with declining sales in truck, SUV, and large cars that it would be. But there is still a niche customer that appreciates these large vehicles, and a rabid consumer base that was excited at the potential of the Ford Interceptor concept car.

An all out axing of the large car platform just seems like a bad business idea. Scaling back on production to meet demand would make more sense. Using the more economical EcoBoost V6's also seems like a viable way to make it happen.

You can't blame automakers for thinking this way. Ford recently reported that it's sales for June were down 28%, whereas Focus sales were up a record 53% in the month of May. People just have the perception that only small cars get good gas mileage, and in turn that's what they will buy. I have a friend that recently purchased a new Honda Pilot and negotiated $9000 off sticker because it's an SUV. An SUV that gets 20+ mpg.

I for one hope that Ford explores all of it's options before making a move of this magnitude. I know that my love for large, rear wheel drive, V8 cars is not shared by everyone and is not practical for most. But I hope there is at least enough interest out there to save them in some capacity. There is something distinctly pleasing about a big American car.