Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

February 19, 2019
Ford Halts Heavy Truck Business in South America

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.

1 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.

More Global Fleet

SponsoredMarch 1, 2026

One University Cut Motor Pool Costs by $45K. Here's the Playbook.

Still managing your motor pool with spreadsheets and manual approvals? Loyola University replaced outdated processes with automated fleet management, eliminating overtime and saving up to $50,000 annually. See how they did it.

Read More →
A world graphic of workers holding hands surrounds a globe with a line of cars on top, representing Global Fleets.
Global Fleetby News/Media ReleaseOctober 30, 2025

Enterprise Fleet Management Surpasses 900,000 Vehicles in U.S. & Canada

Enterprise Mobility connects with mobility solutions around the globe

Read More →
Two people pose with a sign symbolizing Viaduct's partnership with SRI.
Global Fleetby Chris BrownSeptember 8, 2025

Sumitomo Rubber Industries to Acquire Viaduct

Viaduct will join Sumitomo as an independent subsidiary. Partnership strengthens global reach and accelerates AI-driven innovation for fleets and manufacturing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A presenter speaks on stage at a conference, addressing an audience seated at round tables, with large screens displaying presentation slides in the background.
Global FleetAugust 11, 2025

AfMA’s 2025 Education & Leadership Summit: 26 Years of Impactful Connection

Held in Sydney, the Australasian Fleet Management Association’s 2025 Summit marked ten years of growth as the event expanded its global reach and doubled down on practical, non-commercial fleet leadership programming.

Read More →
Graphic of awards announcement
Global Fleetby StaffJune 6, 2025

Closing Soon! Nominate a 2025 Global Fleet Team of the Year

Submit your nomination for the award that honors outstanding multinational fleet teams. Nominations close Aug. 15.

Read More →
A graphic with cars driving past in the background with motion blur. Text reads "Reducing Preventable Accidents".
Global FleetNovember 26, 2024

Seven Strategies to Reduce Preventable Accidents

“Accidents” suggest inevitability, but most crashes are preventable — caused by driver actions and behaviors. Here’s why shifting the narrative can improve road safety.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Four people sitting on stage doing presentation.
Global Fleetby Chris BrownNovember 6, 2024

2024 Global Fleet Conference in Photos

Check out photos from the first two days of the 2024 Global Fleet Conference, which convened for the first time in San Diego Nov. 4-6 as part of the new Fleet Week series of conferences.

Read More →
A black and blue graphic with a business portrait of Colin Sutherland, with text detailing his interview with Chris Brown.
Global Fleetby StaffOctober 17, 2024

Inside the 2024 Global Fleet Conference: Insights from Bobit CEO Colin Sutherland

With GFC joining Fleet Forward and Fleet Safety Conferences, attendees can engage in essential discussions on procurement, ESG goals, and safety.

Read More →
A sky blue and lime green graphic detailing the Global Fleet Conference seminar "Strategies to Reduce Fleet C02 Emissions on a Journey to Achieve Net-Zero."
Global Fleetby StaffOctober 11, 2024

Global Fleet Conference: Achieving Net-Zero Goals

On Nov. 5 in San Diego, join industry leaders from Schindler Elevator and Geotab as they share ideas and approaches to reaching emissions goals in global fleet operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and gold graphic detailing open nominations for the 2024 Global Fleet Manager of the Year.
Global Fleetby StaffJuly 23, 2024

Call for Nominations: 2024 Global Fleet Manager of the Year

Nominate a fleet manager or team today and recognize some of the best and brightest in the global fleet industry.

Read More →