Why did they stop making Ford Excursions?
The Ford Excursion, a large sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Ford Motor Company, was discontinued in 2005 due to a combination of factors, including declining sales, increasing fuel prices, and changing consumer preferences.
The Rise and Fall of the Ford Excursion
The Ford Excursion was introduced in 1999 as a response to the growing demand for large SUVs in the United States. It was designed to be the largest SUV on the market, offering seating for up to nine passengers and a spacious cargo area. The Excursion was marketed as a versatile vehicle suitable for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who needed to tow heavy loads.
Initially, the Excursion was a popular choice among consumers, particularly in rural and suburban areas where large vehicles were in high demand. However, its popularity began to wane in the early 2000s as fuel prices started to rise and environmental concerns about greenhouse gas emissions became more prominent.
Factors Leading to the Discontinuation of the Ford Excursion
- Declining Sales: As fuel prices increased and environmental awareness grew, consumers became less interested in large, gas-guzzling SUVs like the Excursion. Sales of the Excursion steadily declined, from a high of over 54,000 units in 2000 to just over 18,000 units in 2004.
- Fuel Efficiency and Emissions Concerns: The Excursion's large size and powerful engine made it one of the least fuel-efficient vehicles on the market, with an average fuel economy of around 13 miles per gallon. This, combined with growing concerns about the environmental impact of greenhouse gas emissions, made the Excursion less appealing to many consumers.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: As the popularity of large SUVs waned, consumers began to shift their preferences towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles, such as hybrid and electric cars, as well as smaller crossover SUVs.
- Corporate Restructuring: In the early 2000s, Ford was undergoing a major corporate restructuring, which included a focus on improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions across its vehicle lineup. The decision to discontinue the Excursion was likely part of this broader strategy.li>
Ultimately, the combination of declining sales, fuel efficiency and emissions concerns, changing consumer preferences, and corporate restructuring led Ford to discontinue the Excursion in 2005, marking the end of an era for one of the largest SUVs ever produced.
