Ford to Revamp 75% of its N. American Lineup in Two Years

Ford Motor Co. plans to update three-fourths of its North American lineup and add four all-new trucks and SUVs by 2020.

The overhaul will add hybrid powertrain options for such high-volume models as the F-150 pickup truck, Mustang sport coupe and Bronco, Escape and Explorer SUVs.

Ford says it will standardize 4G LTE connectivity in all North American models by the end of 2019. The company also is rolling out Co-Pilot360, a package of driver-assist features that include automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning.

SUV/crossovers are likely to capture 50% of the U.S. auto market by 2020, according to Ford. The company expects its lineup will include eight such models by then, including performance versions of the Edge and Explorer. To bankroll the product shift, Ford is shifting $7 billion in capital spending from cars to SUVs over the period.

The company’s annual SUV sales are forecast to climb 20% to 950,000 units by 2020 and surpass 1 million the following year.