Ford is Reportedly Delaying the Next Version of the F-150

All of the recent chaos in the automotive industry may be contributing to Ford’s decision to delay the next version of its popular Ford F-150. President Trump has pulled back on mandates for the industry to go all-electric which is breathing new life into gas-powered vehicles like the F-150. However, while the industry is scrambling to figure out what the public really wants, looming tariffs is causing uncertainty in future pricing. Automotive News is reporting that Ford is telling its suppliers that it is delaying the next generation of the F-150 until at least 2028.

Next Generation of the F-150

Typically, automakers issue new models of popular vehicles every six years or so. In the middle of the cycle, they often do a refreshened version. The Ford F-150 was refreshed for the 2024 model year. Most of the automakers have been investing heavily in new EV models which has taken money away from the gas-powered vehicles. Ford admits that it loses money on every electric F-150 Lightning that it sells. Launches of new models are extremely expensive because automakers have to retool their manufacturing plants to build the new models.

Ford was expected to unveil a new generation of the F-150 for the 2027 model year. Automotive News says that production for the program has been pushed to at least mid-2028. The trucks at built in America at Dearborn Truck in Dearborn, Michigan and Kansas City Assembly. Ford also reportedly told suppliers that it would stick with the current version until 2028.

New versions of vehicles typically are loaded with the latest in technology and create excitement among consumers. The truck segment is particularly competitive because it is the major profit center for most automakers, especially the Detroit Three.

Huge infotainment screens and better trailering technology are just some of the key improvements in recent years. The delayed launches are not surprising in the industry, especially during the recent concerns about tariffs and EV uncertainty. Ram recently pulled ahead production of the Ramcharger hybrid truck while delaying the planned Ram 1500 REV EV. Many wonder if the Ram REV will ever be built. GM has also delayed building more of its Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EVs. Sales weren’t great to start with but now that President Trump has eased, if not eliminated, the push to go all electric, demand is expected to drop off. Some buyers have rushed to take advantage of the rebates for buying an EV, but if the rebates are eliminated, EV sales are expected to slow.

The Ford F-Series has been the leader in overall sales for nearly five decades. Ford can’t really afford to lose its reputation as the industry leader. Delaying the next generation of the F-150 is a gamble, but one it needs to take in the industry undergoing so much chaos.

Ford Photo

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.