FYI: Ford halts new retail orders for the 2024 F-150 gasoline and hybrid models due to production delays, impacting buyers who want custom configurations.
### Ford Halts New Retail Orders for 2024 F-150 Models Amid Delays
Ford Motor Company has recently announced a suspension of new retail orders for the 2024 Ford F-150 gasoline and hybrid models, starting from August 2, 2024. This holds significance for enthusiasts and potential buyers, as the F-150 lineup faces the same production challenges previously seen with the 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor, albeit on a larger scale.
### Immediate Action Required for Custom Orders
For those interested in purchasing a customized 2024 F-150, the clock is ticking. Buyers must place their orders by Friday night at 10 p.m. ET if they want to specify their preferred colors and options. Notably, the all-electric 2024 F-150 Lightning remains unaffected by these new restrictions, continuing its availability.
### Production Delays and Constraints
The production delays that have plagued the F-150 lineup are also affecting delivery times. Forum discussions on platforms such as Ranger6G and F150Gen14 reveal that many customers have experienced significant wait times, some even opting to cancel custom orders to purchase from dealer inventories instead.
### Issues Leading to Delays
The delayed start of production for the 2024 F-150 is a central issue. Ford began producing the refreshed 2024 models only in December 2023, a stark contrast to previous years where production started much earlier. According to Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, the delayed rollout was a strategic move to iron out potential problems that could have led to recalls. Specifically, parts like head-up displays remain in short supply, impacting the production schedule into September.
### Looking Ahead: The 2025 F-150
Ford aims to avert similar delays with the 2025 F-150, given its status as the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. through the first half of the year. The automotive giant faces significant pressure to streamline its manufacturing processes, especially with supply chain limitations and fierce market conditions.
### Conclusion
The current situation underscores the complexities and challenges in automotive manufacturing, particularly for high-demand models like the Ford F-150. For those eager to personalize their 2024 F-150, immediate action is needed, and patience might be a virtue as the company navigates these production hurdles. Ford’s efforts to overcome these issues will be crucial for the success of future models and to maintain its competitive edge in the market.
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Authored by: Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
