Ford Motor confirmed that production of its Super Duty trucks reached a 20-year high last month, while F-150 output hit its highest level in two years, according to statements made Wednesday. The increases represent a recovery from production disruptions caused by fires at aluminum supplier Novelis’ facility in Oswego, New York. Ford spent the past year assisting the supplier in restoring operations at the plant following the incidents.
Super Duty production totaled more than 39,000 units in August, marking the strongest month since March 2006, while F-150 production achieved its best performance since August 2024. Increased truck availability is expected to arrive at dealership locations over the coming weeks and months as production ramps accelerate. Ford’s head of U.S. sales indicated that dealers would begin observing the production increase within the next 30 to 90 days, with a healthy supply of vehicles in transit and in the distribution system.
Ford dealers currently maintain approximately 40 days’ supply of pickup trucks, roughly half of the historically healthy industry level. The company is targeting a days’ supply between 50 and 60 days as it works to balance production with consumer demand. Management stated the production increases aim to recover lost output and meet pent-up customer demand, with Novelis-related issues expected to cost the automaker $1.5 billion this year.
Despite the production recovery, Ford experienced an 8th consecutive month of year-over-year U.S. sales declines, with overall August sales down 10.3% compared with the prior year. F-Series sales remained off 10.9% through August compared with the same period previously. Ford attributed the sales weakness to vehicle discontinuations earlier this year, planned reductions in fleet sales, and timing factors related to holiday comparisons, while noting its U.S. retail market share remained relatively stable at 11.7% in August.
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