Ford Motor Co says that its F-150 pickup truck will remain America’s most popular pickup despite the threat posed by General Motor Co’s new, more fuel-efficient pickup trucks.
Ford’s F-series pickup trucks have been the best selling trucks in the U.S. for close to 30 years. In an attempt to dethrone the F-series, GM is bringing to market the 2014 GMC Sierra and the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado which are both more fuel efficient than Ford’s pickups. GM’s V8 pickups will rate a combined 19 mpg, while Ford’s earns a mere 18. The company that Henry built responded to the threat by pointing out that the F-150 continues to be the most powerful of the leading pickups. However, the Fords are powered by the company’s turbocharged Ecoboost V6, while their GM counterparts house 5.4L V8s – those extra two cylinders remain a draw for many buyers, as evidenced by Ford’s decision to retain a V8 option in models like the Expedition.
This March, 67,513 new F-Series pickups were sold, while 53,378 Sierra and Silverado trucks were moved.