Ford Tries to Address Dealer Concerns on Affordable Models

Ford dealerships are concerned about the American automaker’s recent major announcement.

Within the next few years, the only traditional passenger cars Ford will sell is the Mustang and Focus Active, although the Focus Active is more like a car-sized crossover. The company is choosing to focus on crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks, rather than sedans such as the Fiesta, Taurus, and Fusion. The decision isn’t sitting well with some dealers, which are wondering whether Ford will have more affordable, entry-level vehicles in its lineup.

“You still need an entry-level vehicle,” said Tim Hovik, owner of SanTan Ford near Phoenix, Arizona. “In the past we’ve always thought of that vehicle as a (sedan). It doesn’t necessarily have to be a car. There are still an awful lot of car customers, but not everybody in the car segment wanted a car. I think you’re going to see buyers look at price points instead of if the vehicle is a sedan.”

SEE ALSO: Here’s Why Ford is Killing Off Most of its Cars

Ford CEO Jim Hackett spoke to The Detroit News, confirming affordability will always be part of the brand’s promise. “Our ambition is to grow (our lineup) and hit all the price points,” he said. “The only thing that’s changing is how they’re going to look.”

There are new models that haven’t been announced coming from Ford, and the automaker says they’ll be car-sized crossovers that look totally different than what Ford currently sells. Expect the models to look similar to vehicles like the Honda Crosstour.

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