Ford F-Series Hit by Pandemic Sales Slowdown

So much for “Built Ford Tough.” The American carmaker’s well-known truck model has not fared well during the coronavirus-induced economic slowdown.

Sales of Ford F-Series trucks fell by nearly 23 percent in the second quarter. That helped drive a more than 33 percent decline in Ford sales overall during the April-June period.

“Coronavirus concerns clearly affected Q2,” Ford said in a statement announcing the sales figures. 

Pandemic related business closings and shelter-in-place orders wreaked havoc on the auto sales market as economic activity slowed significantly. General Motors saw a 34 percent drop in car sales over the three-month period, for example, while Fiat Chrysler sales plummeted by 39 percent, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Ford said its fleet sales were particularly ravaged, as companies and government buyers pumped the brakes on new purchases. Daily rentals were down a whopping 94 percent during the quarter, according to the company.

The F-Series has been something of a goldmine for Ford, thanks to popular demand and an average price target of nearly $52,000. The company claims about one-third of the market for full-size pickup trucks. 

Big Pickup Recall

The slowdown is a threat to Ford’s economic availability. For Ford owners, the larger concern is whether the company can make vehicles that are safe.

Ford announced in January that it was recalling more than 260,000 pickup trucks, including several F-Series models. The company said a defect could cause tailgates to open unexpectedly, posing a hazard both for truck drivers and passengers and anyone else nearby on the road.

The good news for Ford owners in California is that the state’s lemon law offers some important protections. The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act requires Ford and other manufacturers to make certain repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. 

The law also obligates the manufacturer to buy back vehicles the company is unwilling or unable to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the purchase price, financing fees, rental cars and other related expenses. A manufacturer can offer instead to replace the vehicles, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept that alternative arrangement.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Lawyer

If you are a car owner or lessor who is grappling with a manufacturer over repairs, an experienced California lemon law lawyer can help. A lawyer can help you weigh your rights and options to ensure that the carmaker is held fully accountable.

At the Bickel Law Firm, we have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases in Southern California and across the state. We work tirelessly to get the people we represent the compensation they deserve.

Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco.  Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law lawyer today.