Ford Increases F-Series Production After Novelis Fire Disruptions

According to CNBC, Ford Motor is increasing production of its F-Series full-size pickup trucks after fires at aluminum supplier Novelis disrupted output over the past year. Ford said F-Series production, including the F-150 and larger models, has risen every month this year to levels in line with or slightly above historical norms, and F-150 production reached 57,504 units in August, the highest monthly total in two years. Ford also said U.S. sales fell 10.3% in August from a year earlier, while F-Series sales were down 10.9% through August and declined 1.2% last month. The company said dealers currently have about 40 days' supply of pickup trucks and is targeting 50 to 60 days, compared with historical industry levels of 75 to 90 days. Ford said the Novelis disruption is expected to cost the automaker $1.5 billion this year.