Hyperdrive
Ford Boosts Output of Big SUVs for Second Time in Two Years
- Automaker strains to meet demand for Expedition, Navigator
- Factory to build 20% more SUVs by speeding up, reworking line
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Ford Motor Co. is boosting production of its biggest, highly lucrative sport utility vehicles for the second time in two years at a U.S. factory already bursting at the seams.
The automaker is increasing Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator output by 20 percent -- about 20,000 additional SUVs a year -- by speeding up the assembly line and redesigning it so multiple workers can manufacture the SUVs simultaneously. Ford executives declined to say how much they’re spending, but an upgrade of the same Kentucky plant announced in February 2018 cost $25 million and followed a $900 million investment the year before.