Ford is saving all its aluminum for F-150's after shortage is making the company park everything else
Published on Oct 25, 2025 at 1:50 PM (UTC+4)
by Molly Davidson
Last updated on Oct 22, 2025 at 5:03 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Ford’s running low on one of its most important materials – aluminum.
After a fire shut down a key supplier in New York, the company suddenly has less of the metal it needs to build its biggest vehicles.
So, it’s making a choice to keep the trucks rolling and put the rest on pause.
In Ford’s world, the F-150 always comes first.
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Why Ford is hoarding aluminum for the F-150
Ford has stopped production on the Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and F-150 Lightning to conserve aluminum for the F-Series pickups that bring in most of its profits.
The big SUVs built in Kentucky will be offline for at least two weeks, while the Lightning’s Michigan factory could stay quiet for longer.
And it’s not just a supply issue.
It’s also a numbers game.
The F-150 and Super Duty sell roughly 600,000 units a year, dwarfing every other Ford model.
The Expedition sells about 66,000, the Lightning 23,000, and the Navigator just 16,000.
So when supplies tighten, the math makes the call.
But that doesn’t mean it’s painless.
The damaged aluminum plant isn’t expected to restart until early 2026, which means Ford will be juggling short supplies for months.
Add rising metal prices from new import tariffs, and analysts estimate the financial hit to be between $500 million and $1 billion before the supply stabilizes.
Ouch.
What the shortage means for drivers
If you’re after a Navigator or Expedition later this year, expect to either wait or pay more.
Dealers are likely to mark up what’s left on the lots, and certain trims may quietly disappear until production resumes.
The F-150 Lightning is also caught in the slowdown, showing how fragile Ford’s EV momentum still is.
Meaning for now, both luxury buyers and EV fans are stuck in the same line waiting for Ford to find more metal.
Meanwhile, the workhorses – the trucks that built Ford’s reputation – will keep rolling off the line, shiny and fully stocked in metal.
The fire may have been in New York, but its ripple has been felt far and wide.
For now, Ford’s strategy is simple: protect the trucks, protect the profits.
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Molly Davidson is a Junior Content Writer at Supercar Blondie. Based in Melbourne, she holds a double Bachelor’s degree in Arts/Law from Swinburne University and a Master’s of Writing and Publishing from RMIT. Molly has contributed to a range of magazines and journals, developing a strong interest in lifestyle and car news content. When she’s not writing, she’s spending quality time with her rescue English staffy, Boof.
