Ford Halts Heavy Truck Business in South America
Ford is ending its commercial heavy truck business in South America, ceasing production of its Cargo lineup, F-4000 and F-350, as well as its Fiesta, and redirecting its focus instead on SUVs and popular pickups in the region.

Ending the sale of heavy commercial vehicles, including the F-350, will result in the company ceasing production at its São Bernardo do Campo plant in Brazil during 2019
Photo courtesy of Ford.
Ford is ending its commercial heavy truck business in South America, ceasing production of its Cargo lineup, F-4000 and F-350, as well as its Fiesta, and redirecting its focus instead on SUVs and popular pickups in the region.
Ending the sale of these vehicles will result in the company ceasing production at its São Bernardo do Campo plant in Brazil during 2019, according to a release from Ford. Other recent initiatives of Ford in the region included reducing salaried and administrative costs region-wide by more than 20%; strengthening its portfolio of SUVs and pickups; and leveraging global partnerships, such as the recently announced alliance with VW to develop mid-size pickup trucks.
The decision to exit the heavy commercial trucks business came after months of pursuing viable alternatives, including possible partnerships and a sale of the operation, as a way of returning its operations in the region to sustainable profitability.
The company expects to record pre-tax special item charges of about $460 million, and roughly $360 million will be paid in cash and are primarily attributable to separation and termination payments for employees, dealers, and suppliers, Ford said in a release.
Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
More Vehicle Research

Ram ProMaster City Fleet Guide Specs Cargo Capacity and 2027 Updates
Work Truck’s Ram ProMaster City Fleet Guide tracks the latest specifications, cargo capability, configurations, fleet technology, pricing, and model-year updates for Ram’s mid-size commercial van.
Read More →
Ford F-150 Fleet Guide Specs Capability and 2026 Model-Year Updates
Explore 2026 Ford F-150 fleet specs, engines, towing and payload capability, configurations, work features, technology, and model-year updates.
Read More →
TCI Now Sells & Supports Battle Motors’ Vocational Trucks
Midwest truck dealer Truck Centers, Inc. (TCI) has expanded its transportation solutions with sales and service support for Battle Motors’ heavy-duty vocational trucks at locations in locations in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri
Read More →
Ram 1500 Fleet Guide Specs, Capability and 2027 Model-Year Updates
Explore always up-to-date Ram 1500 fleet specs, engines, towing and payload capability, configurations, technology, pricing updates, and model-year changes.
Read More →
Peterbilt Trucks Equipped with Paccar TX-18 Pro Boost Efficiency for Maryland Fleet
Patuxent Companies is replacing aging trucks with the Peterbilt Model 567 and Model 589, specified with the Paccar TX-18 Pro 18-speed automated transmissions, and is reporting an 8% to 10% improvement in fuel economy.
Read More →
Stellar Expands into Fire Apparatus Market with Acquisition of Midwest Fire
Stellar Industries has acquired Midwest Fire, a custom fire apparatus manufacturer headquartered in Luverne, Minnesota, with nearly four decades of specialized apparatus experience.
Read More →
Recalls You Need to Know About in August 2026
If you have Altec, Chrysler, Ford, Heil, General Motors, International, Mack Trucks, Paccar, Rivian, Royal Truck, Toyota, US Truck Body, or Volvo Trucks vehicles in your fleet, you should check these important recalls issued by the National Highway Safety Administration.
Read More →
130 Years of Trucks: Mercedes-Benz Trucks Kicks Off the Deutschlandfahrt 2026
As part of the “130 Years of Trucks” anniversary year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks is participating in the Deutschlandfahrt 2026 with selected historic vehicles, including the original Daimler Motor Truck from 1899.
Read More →
DTNA Opens Ordering for Detroit Gen 6 Engines
Customers can begin specifying Detroit Gen 6 DD13 and DD15 engines in Freightliner and Western Star trucks beginning Sept. 1.
Read More →
2027 Ram ProMaster City Van Starting Price Under $40K
The 2027 ProMaster City arrives in the first quarter of 2027 with a starting price, including destination charges, under $40,000, which Ram Professional said is the lowest MSRP in the commercial van segment.
Read More →
