The rumors around the future of the Excursion have been pretty quiet until now.
Over on TDS someone posted a reply he got about a week ago from Ford Customer Service stating that the Excursion would indeed be removed from the line-up at the end of 2004. Leaving room for speculation that a few 2005 year models would be the end of it if not end of 2004 models.
Well, I heard another rumor, and here are links to validate it.
This one in Detroit Auto News
and
This one in Detroit Free Press
Again, here's my take. Ford is still trying to put together a small diesel engine. The new Expedition needs a few couple years to get "golden" before stretching out it's wheelbase which by then hopfully they would have a Baby PSD.
The Excursion is a cash cow in a niche market so they can justify, and need to, keep filling that void until the new Expy is ready to compete with the Sub. Once that's done, the Excursion is gone. Could be 2006 could be 2007. All depends on where they can get with a smaller SUV that can compete in the emerging market which has to have a small, powerful diesel that meets the strict US emission standards.
On a side note, I'm guessing the current Super Duty's days are numbered as well. I bet we see the new 2004 F150 become THE Ford truck platform in about the same time frame. Both scenerios allow consolidation of assembly lines, parts etc. Effieciency! Ford, GM and Dodge have some good competition in the truck arena coming on strong from Japan. They have to do something.....
<wipes spilled Crown Royal off first then packs up crystal ball, and sits down>
