Ford Motor Co. is boosting Class A motorhome and commercial chassis production capacity by approximately 35 percent to meet renewed recreational vehicle demand in the United States. At the same time, Ford is increasing production capacity of its 6.8-liter V-10 engine that powers its motorhome chassis lineup.
“We’re pleased that while other chassis manufacturers have left this segment, Ford continues its commitment to the RV upfitter industry,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We’re increasing our participation in this industry as motorhome customers return to the market.”
The Detroit Free Press reported Ford partner Detroit Chassis will add 34 jobs to make more chassis for motorhomes and commercial vans, while Ford will make more engines for the same vehicles. Ford supplies parts such as the frame rails, suspension, powertrain and steering components to Detroit Chassis for assembly into motorhome chassis for customers like Winnebago, Thor and Fleetwood.
Detroit Chassis is hoping to build about 14,000 chassis in the next year, up from 10,000 last year. Almost all are sold through Ford’s sales network.
The automaker announced that it is expanding a Windsor engine plant by 25 percent by 2014 for production of the 6.8-liter, V-10 gasoline engine. In 2012, Ford made about 61,000 of the large V-10s that are used in motorhomes and commercial vans as well as the E-Series vans, F-Series Super Duty pickups and chassis cabs, the F-650, and third parties that use the engine as a generator.
