Quick Takeaways
- Ford has officially ended Escape production to free capacity for next-generation EV manufacturing.
- The Louisville Assembly Plant is being retooled as a strategic hub for Ford’s future electric vehicles.
Launched in 2000 as a 2001 model, the Ford Escape production ends after more than two decades as one of North America’s most recognizable compact SUVs. On December 17, Ford officially closed the chapter on the Escape and its premium sibling, the Lincoln Corsair, signaling a decisive shift toward the company’s next-generation electric vehicle strategy.
Ford Escape Production Ends After Two Decades of Market Presence
For nearly 25 years, the Ford Escape played a central role in Ford’s SUV portfolio, gaining strong traction across the U.S. and Canada. Competitive pressure from Asian automakers gradually eroded its market share, but the model remained commercially relevant, particularly in Canada, where demand stayed resilient despite a year-on-year decline.
Ford ensured sufficient inventory ahead of the shutdown, allowing Escape and Corsair sales to continue into 2026. In Canada alone, more than 21,000 Escape units were sold during the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting sustained consumer interest even as production wound down.
Louisville Assembly Plant Prepares for Electric Vehicle Future
The decision to end production is closely tied to Ford’s long-term manufacturing transformation. On August 11, the company unveiled its new Universal EV Platform during a major press conference, outlining plans for affordable, high-volume electric models, beginning with a midsize electric pickup targeted for 2027.
The Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, which employs around 2,800 hourly workers, will undergo extensive renovation and retooling. Ford has committed approximately USD 2 billion to modernize the facility, positioning it as a cornerstone for upcoming electric vehicle programs.
A Historic Plant Transitions to the Next Era
Operational since 1955, the Louisville plant has built a wide range of iconic Ford vehicles over the decades, including the F-Series, Ranger, Bronco, Explorer, and several passenger sedans. The end of Ford Escape production marks not just a product transition, but a broader realignment of manufacturing priorities toward electrification.
As Ford accelerates its EV roadmap, the retirement of established internal combustion models underscores how legacy automakers are reallocating capital, capacity, and talent to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Ford Escape Production Ends After Two Decades of Market Presence
For nearly 25 years, the Ford Escape played a central role in Ford’s SUV portfolio, gaining strong traction across the U.S. and Canada. Competitive pressure from Asian automakers gradually eroded its market share, but the model remained commercially relevant, particularly in Canada, where demand stayed resilient despite a year-on-year decline.
Ford ensured sufficient inventory ahead of the shutdown, allowing Escape and Corsair sales to continue into 2026. In Canada alone, more than 21,000 Escape units were sold during the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting sustained consumer interest even as production wound down.
Louisville Assembly Plant Prepares for Electric Vehicle Future
The decision to end production is closely tied to Ford’s long-term manufacturing transformation. On August 11, the company unveiled its new Universal EV Platform during a major press conference, outlining plans for affordable, high-volume electric models, beginning with a midsize electric pickup targeted for 2027.
The Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, which employs around 2,800 hourly workers, will undergo extensive renovation and retooling. Ford has committed approximately USD 2 billion to modernize the facility, positioning it as a cornerstone for upcoming electric vehicle programs.
A Historic Plant Transitions to the Next Era
Operational since 1955, the Louisville plant has built a wide range of iconic Ford vehicles over the decades, including the F-Series, Ranger, Bronco, Explorer, and several passenger sedans. The end of Ford Escape production marks not just a product transition, but a broader realignment of manufacturing priorities toward electrification.
As Ford accelerates its EV roadmap, the retirement of established internal combustion models underscores how legacy automakers are reallocating capital, capacity, and talent to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
Press release
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