DETROIT, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Ford is dropping two of its most expensive sport-utility vehicles, the Excursion and the Lincoln Aviator, after the 2005 model year, AutoWeek said.
A supplier source told the auto industry magazine Ford plans to cease production of the Lincoln Aviator in July and eliminate one of two shifts at the St. Louis Assembly plant where it is made alongside the Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer.
Ford reportedly plans to build just 12,582 midsize Aviators in 2005 and will introduce an all-new Canadian-built 2006 Aviator based on a modified Mazda6 car platform.
The gas-guzzling Excursion is Ford's largest SUV and is assembled at the same Louisville, Ky., plant where the No. 2 automaker builds its popular F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pickups.
The truck-sized Excursion has drawn criticism from environmentalists since its introduction because of poor gas mileage. Ford had previously said 2004 might be the end of the line, but Excursion production will continue through 2005.
AutoWeek said Ford plans to build an extended version of the Expedition SUV in 2007.
