America has a long and storied history with Ford Motor’s F-Series pickup truck. Sold in America for over 60 years the line of pickups hasn’t just been a longtime symbol of Americana and its iron-clad glory. It’s also been the country’s top-selling vehicle (not truck, vehicle) for 23 years and top-selling truck for 31 years. But with its U.S. market share shrinking and Ford struggling, how analogous is the F-Series to America’s next great comeback?
With last year’s introduction of the new F-150 ushering the line into its twelfth generation, most Americans have grown up with the iconic truck, even playing with the countless toys inspired by the vehicle. But a changing car market in an increasingly-urban country has recently threatened the F-series’ top spot.
After finishing 2008 as America’s top-selling vehicle once again, word began to trickle that the truck’s long-standing place atop the industry was dwindling. For one thing, 2008 saw a rise in gas prices help the Honda Civic momentarily take the top spot away from Ford for the first time in decades. Even while a changing American car culture saw the pickup truck’s market share plummet, competing vehicles began targeting the F150. Chevy Trucks, who had a long association with Bob Seger’s “Like a Rock,” introduced an exclusive, new theme song from iconic rocker John Mellencamp while Dodge introduced the Dodge Ram Challenge, an over-the-top promotional series overseen by Top Gun director Tony Scott. By every indication, the F-series was in trouble.
But despite the troubled American auto industry, the Ford F150 still finished this past September as the country’s top-selling vehicle, outpacing popular sedans like Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. To be fair, Ford (who analysts have estimated saw half of their profits come just from the F-series), also saw its total sales fall by over 5% that same month. But Ford is starting to adapt to a changing market. Its Fusion mid-size Sedan has proven quite popular while its European sales have improved. But they’re most intriguing move may have been the introduction of an electric F-150. So in trying times, perhaps Americans can look at the endearing success of an iconic American vehicle for inspiration.
Discuss
Alice Briggs on October 22, 2009, 1:52 AM
Hi, I am Alice Briggs, born in Canada, brought up at Los Angles. I like to step in to all kinds of buisness
fields. Likewise, i had a intrest on working out all sites and publishing all over the world,my site
Tv Antenna Amplifier.
This site will make you to know huge ideas and collections.To have a bief about this site mail me at briggs.briggs3@gmail.com.
lustig james6 on October 22, 2009, 2:55 AM
Hi,my name is lustigjames6.I really very happy to use an amazing Cordless Digital Phones which is very comfort to work.Visit this website Cordless Digital Phones to see a different variety of
cordless digital phones.Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine,because I alone choose it.
Ryan J Lamb on October 22, 2009, 7:05 AM
My name is Ryan J. Lamb, I am a undergraduate, currently doing projects in Computing.
I hope to progress to a full member and on, to become a chartered engineer.
Usb Voice Recorder
Your comments or corrections are desirable.These will be useful for those who know a little
one or another language. The newest my project are constantly being developed. I like music, art,
literature, writing,computer. You can mail me at rnjlamb66@gmail.com.
newman david64 on October 22, 2009, 7:37 AM
Hi,my name is newmandavid64.I’m a person who got graduate under Oxford’s university and currently working as a system
engineer.For celebrating function with my friends and family it’s very enjoyment and easy to prepare variety foods and
pizza’s by using deep pizza dishes and pan’s.I have seen various pizza pan’s in this website Deep Dish Pizza Pan.
Charles Sikes on October 23, 2009, 2:22 AM
Hello!!! I am Charles Sikes from United States. I was born in Calcutta and lived there for nearly half my life. I started my carrier with a bachelor degree in computer science department at an age of 21. Then I stopped all my activites in business and went on to research modern things after emigrating to the UK. Recently i got information about Wireless Rain Gauge. I would like to spread my work to face new challenges. Keep in contact with me at charlssikes@gmail.com.
wayner blume on October 23, 2009, 5:58 AM
Hello my name is waynerblume.I’m a person who got graduate under Oxford’s university and currently working as a system
engineer.In my organization a variety of digital alarm clock radio is used which looks very amazing.For more details about this visit the website Digital Alarm Clock Radio.I like to travel for various places along with my digital alarm clock radio which makes me very comfortable in all situation.
Sharon Bailey on October 23, 2009, 6:20 AM
Hello, I am Sharon Bailey, from United States. I spent over ten years as a Philospher, Resercher and leader . If you want to read an extended version of my story .You might also like to visit my site Vibrating Watch. My site will help you to know the latest vibrating watches sets.So, that you can share it to all and easy for purchase.To know about me or to get more details mail me at sharonbailey84@gmail.com.
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to comment. Log in or Register