2025 Nautilus Order Guide

[RedHoncho]

My sales representative told me the 2025 order banks will open at the end of April. Has anyone seen the 2025 dealer order guide yet?

 

[APL Rep]

We just got 24s a month or so ago?
I know your statement is true regarding Aviators. But I’d think 25 Nautilus will be last on their list. Navi is also being redone.
He was partially right. For some models yes.

 

[Black Label]

Yep, nothing from the guru on Blue Oval Forums.

 

[RetiredGuyinFL]

Ford had backed itself into a predicament. The last orders and build-out of the prior generation Edge and Nautilus at Oakville, Ontario is nearly complete. I believe Edge production was scheduled to end any week now; there was a big incentive promotion recently for the Edge but not the old Nautilus -- 3-year leases for an Edge SEL for a couple hundred dollars, depending on the market area. Last week Ford announced they are now delaying production of the new EVs planned for Oakville until 2027. That's nearly three years of no production at that plant. Lincoln has the new Nautilus. Ford dealers will have no Edge as I know of no plans to import the rather unattractive Chinese version. Perhaps the big brains in Dearborn will decide to keep building the Edge for another year or so. From the Detroit News:

Ford delays EV launches, will offer full hybrid lineup by 2030​

"In another sign the auto industry is downshifting its transition to electrification, Ford Motor Co. will delay the launch of new three-row electric vehicles in Ontario, adjust the timing of its next-generation electric truck and offer hybrid powertrains across its entire internal combustion engine lineup in North America by the end of the decade.
Ford says it wants to give the market for three-row EVs time to develop further and take advantage of emerging battery technologies that could offer more range and better value. Leaders have discussed how the company is shifting its focus to cheaper, smaller EVs, including the development of a new platform with a small "skunkworks" team in California. As a result, launch of the three-row vehicles at Oakville Assembly Plant will begin in 2027 instead of the previously expected 2025."

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[RedHoncho]

Ford had backed itself into a predicament. The last orders and build-out of the prior generation Edge and Nautilus at Oakville, Ontario is nearly complete. I believe Edge production was scheduled to end any week now; there was a big incentive promotion recently for the Edge but not the old Nautilus -- 3-year leases for an Edge SEL for a couple hundred dollars, depending on the market area. Last week Ford announced they are now delaying production of the new EVs planned for Oakville until 2027. That's nearly three years of no production at that plant. Lincoln has the new Nautilus. Ford dealers will have no Edge as I know of no plans to import the rather unattractive Chinese version. Perhaps the big brains in Dearborn will decide to keep building the Edge for another year or so. From the Detroit News:

Ford delays EV launches, will offer full hybrid lineup by 2030​

"In another sign the auto industry is downshifting its transition to electrification, Ford Motor Co. will delay the launch of new three-row electric vehicles in Ontario, adjust the timing of its next-generation electric truck and offer hybrid powertrains across its entire internal combustion engine lineup in North America by the end of the decade.
Ford says it wants to give the market for three-row EVs time to develop further and take advantage of emerging battery technologies that could offer more range and better value. Leaders have discussed how the company is shifting its focus to cheaper, smaller EVs, including the development of a new platform with a small "skunkworks" team in California. As a result, launch of the three-row vehicles at Oakville Assembly Plant will begin in 2027 instead of the previously expected 2025."

From what I have read, suppliers have already wound down their operative support for the North American Edge so extending production will not be an option. Ford will proceed with the retooling of the plant as that won't change much.

When the EV cycles were announced by several automakers, I said that battery and charging technologies will change drastically within the next 5 years. I was correct in that Tesla's NAC charging has become the de facto charging standard. This is a move in the right direction. Battery technologies are changing rapidly too with both less expensive options now available and with solid state batteries becoming closer to production reality.

I believe the next move will be with the vehicle electrical system moving from the ancient 12V system to the 48V system Tesla put into their Cybertruck. The 48V system offers advantages by reducing wiring complexity and sizes. The biggest hurdle for this will be for suppliers to begin production of components such as heat pumps, lighting, etc. with the 48V capability. There is a financial hump to get over but I think this will happen quickly as more vehicles move to this architecture.

The bad part of this comes at the expense of the Oakville Assembly Plant employees. They will be on reduced pay of 80% for a longer period of time. As painful as that is, I believe Ford is making the right move now that will ensure a long term future for Oakville.