Ford has resumed F-150 Lightning manufacturing after a retooling interval. Following a six-week shutdown to increase and prep the plant for faster turnarounds and better output, the automaker has reopened its Rouge Electrical Car Heart in Dearborn, Michigan. That ought to assist Ford meet the demand for the favored EV after its latest $10,000 worth drop spurred a sixfold spike in orders.
Beginning this fall, the automaker says the Dearborn plant can produce the F-150 Lightning at an annualized fee of 150,000 models — triple its earlier output. Though it would nonetheless fall effectively in need of that quantity this 12 months because of the shutdown and slower speeds pre-revamp (it estimates 70,000+ models for 2023), the corporate expects the manufacturing spike to make ready occasions much less of a headache. Ford lately adjusted expectations, bumping again its estimated date for reaching its purpose of 600,000 whole EVs produced to someday in 2024 from its authentic 2023 goal date.

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Ford says the manufacturing unit’s improved capability can even assist it to supply extra in style trim ranges like XLT. As well as, Lightning Professional models at the moment are out there by retail channels, and “new trim ranges are set to hitch the lineup quickly.”
A part of the plant’s output increase will come from new gear. The Rouge Electrical Car Heart now has machines to “mechanically measure and validate exterior physique match for margin and flushness precision,” a primary for Ford’s North American vegetation. The manufacturing unit additionally has an additional station to validate wheel alignment and headlamp goal for driver-assist tech. As well as, the plant now employs 1,200 new staff, a probable boon for productiveness and the Detroit-area financial system.
Ford says it’s additionally growing output at its close by Rawsonville Parts Plant and Van Dyke (Mich.) Electrical Powertrain Heart. The automaker expects battery pack and EV energy models to “match the dimensions of F-150 Lightning meeting on the Rouge Electrical Car Heart.”