The U.S. auto industry is undergoing a strategic shift as major automakers delay electric vehicle (EV) rollouts and refocus investments on gasoline and hybrid models in response to slower-than-expected EV demand and shifting federal policies.
On February 18, the Detroit Free Press reported that Ford Motor Co. will postpone the next-generation F-150 gasoline and hybrid pickups by one year, extending production of the current model until at least April 2028. Ford spokesman Mike Levine declined to confirm the report, stating, “We don’t comment on speculation about future products.”
According to Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at Auto Forecast Solutions, this decision reflects a larger industry trend.
“Money is shifting around, and next-generation internal combustion engine vehicles have been put back into development plans, while EVs are being delayed across the Detroit Three,” Fiorani told the Free Press.
While Ford’s shift is one of the most prominent, Fiorani noted that numerous vehicle programs are being pushed back across the industry, though he did not disclose specific models due to proprietary information. A General Motors (GM) spokesperson denied any changes to its product roadmap, and Stellantis declined to comment.
Evolving Market Forces and Policy Uncertainty
The slower-than-expected growth in EV demand has led automakers to reassess their development priorities. Ford, for example, had been planning a next-generation, high-performance F-150 Lightning EV but is now focusing on improvements to its gasoline-powered F-150 instead.
Additionally, future emissions regulations could further shape automakers’ product strategies. Former President Joe Biden set a target for 50% of passenger vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2030, but this policy was rescinded by President Donald Trump upon taking office. Fiorani predicts that under a Trump administration, emissions regulations could be relaxed, making gasoline-powered vehicles, including V8 engines, more viable for automakers.
While new EV models will still enter the market, production volumes are expected to be lower than previously planned. Meanwhile, aging vehicle models could lead to higher sales incentives as automakers navigate this industry-wide shift in strategy.
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