A small change can make a big difference.
Automakers are trying to cut costs and redirect funds to fund their ambitious EV projects as the dawning of the electric era approaches. The goal is to reduce costs. Even the smallest changes can make a difference in the life of a vehicle.
This is especially true when the model at issue is the F-150, the most popular vehicle in America. A cost-cutting measure that reduces vehicle production has a greater impact on the overall vehicle’s production. Ford decided to eliminate proximity sensors from the Super Crew model’s rear doors for the F-150’s fourteenth generation.
This small change is unlikely to save the Blue Oval much money. The rear proximity sensor delete, according to COO Hau Thai Tan during a Goldman Sachs investor call, equates with six and a quarter million dollars each year. After looking at the connected vehicle data, it was clear that very few vehicles can be opened through the rear doors.
“And you’ll see it across our product line here with the Aviator Explorer, Nautilus and Edge Ranger – 80 plus and 90 percent of time, it’s being used only in the driver’s side door. But, very often, it’s being used in all the doors, especially the second row. This feature was eliminated from the F-150’s second row crew cabs as part of our go-to-markets.
Ford made the decision to remove the paddle shifters and adjustable pedals from select 2021 models using connected vehicle data. This was after Ford noticed that these were rarely being used. Although these might seem minor changes, every dollar saved is important nowadays.
This is especially true if you are Ford and looking to expand your portfolio with the Broncos, a Maverick small pickup and the Broncos, in addition to the EV push ushered by the Mustang Mach–E and the forthcoming F-150 electric vehicle.