The Ford F-150 Lightning displayed at the Philadelphia Auto Show on Jan. 27, 2023, in Philadelphia. Ford says it’s reducing production of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup vehicle as it adjusts to weaker-than-expected electric vehicle sales growth. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Ford is cutting production of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup after weaker-than-expected electric vehicle sales growth.
Ford said that about 1,400 workers will be impacted by the move to lower F-150 Lightning production, with the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center transitioning to one shift, effective April 1. Approximately 700 employees will transfer to Ford's Michigan assembly plant while other workers will be placed in roles at the Rouge Complex or other facilities in Southeast Michigan. Some employees are expected to take advantage of the Special Retirement Incentive Program agreed to in the 2023 Ford-UAW contract.
Ford said a few dozen employees could be impacted at component plants supporting F-150 Lightning production, depending on how many workers apply for the retirement program. The company said it would provide placements for impacted employees within Southeast Michigan.
Ford also said Friday that it's creating almost 900 new jobs and adding a third crew at its Michigan assembly plant to meet demand for the Bronco and Bronco Raptor and the all-new Ranger and Ranger Raptor.
It's a tough time for the job market. Amid wider economic uncertainty, some analysts have said that businesses are at a “no-hire, no fire” standstill. At the same time, some sizeable layoffs have continued to pile up — raising worker anxieties across sectors. Some companies have pointed to rising operational costs due to U.S.'s new tariffs, while others have redirected money to artificial intelligence investments. Workers in the public sector have also been hit hard. Federal jobs were cut by the thousands earlier this year. And many workers are now going without pay as the U.S. government shutdown has now dragged on for more than a month.
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