Ford to Build Super Duty Trucks Instead of New EVs in Ontario
Forget about next-generation electric vehicles being manufactured by Ford in Ontario. The automaker will instead use the now-orphan Oakville plant to build Super Duty trucks starting in 2026.
Ford initially had planned to invest $1.8 billion to produce brand new EVs in Ontario from 2025, more specifically three-row Ford and Lincoln SUVs. Then, last April, the company pushed back the start of production to 2027 as it focuses on “offering the right mix of gas, hybrid and electric vehicles based on demand today.”
- Also: Ford Pushes Start of EV Production in Ontario to 2027, Wants More Hybrids
- Also: Ford to Spend $1.8B to Build EVs in Ontario Starting in 2025
Retooling at Oakville Assembly began this spring soon after production of the Ford Edge crossover ended.
Under its new plan, Ford expects to build up to 100,000 Super Duty units in Ontario, capitalizing on strong demand. These pickups are also assembled at two U.S. plants that currently operate at full capacity (they’ve combined to make over 200,000 units in the first half of 2024).
“Super Duty is a vital tool for businesses and people around the world and, even with our Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant running flat out, we can’t meet the demand,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said on Thursday. “This move benefits our customers and supercharges our Ford Pro commercial business. At the same time, we look forward to introducing three-row electric utility vehicles, leveraging our experience in three-row utility vehicles and our learnings as America’s No. 2 electric vehicle brand to deliver fantastic, profitable vehicles.”
In total, Ford plans to invest approximately $2.3 billion USD (around $3.2 billion CAD) to install assembly and integrated stamping operations at Oakville Assembly. Boosting Super Duty production will initially secure approximately 1,800 jobs in Oakville, or 400 more than would have been needed to produce the three-row EVs. Unifor-represented employees will return to work in 2026, a full year earlier than previously planned.
What’s more, the increased production will create 150 jobs at the Windsor engine plant, also in Ontario.
