The Final Ford Escape Has Been Signed Off On … By Everyone

Ford Escape production wrapped up at the automaker’s Louisville Assembly Plant last week, where it had been assembled since 2012.

The Lincoln Corsair that shares its platform was also discontinued as Ford temporarily abandons the compact SUV segment, which is the largest in the U.S.

The Escape had been the lowest-priced vehicle built in the U.S. by an American brand with a starting price of $31,845.

Ford is retooling the factory to build a lineup of low-cost electric vehicles that is scheduled to kick off with a $30,000 compact pickup in 2027.

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Additional vehicle types will follow, but Ford has not announced any plans for a non-electric replacement for the Escape or Corsair. Its only two-row crossover SUV is the smaller Bronco Sport and its most affordable model is the Maverick pickup. Both are imported from Mexico.

Workers at the Louisville plant the Escape a fitting sendoff by signing the last body as it made its way down the assembly line. A photo of the white vehicle shared on social media shows it covered in signatures and sketches.

American Cars And Racing reached out to Ford to ask what would happen to the signed vehicle. A spokeswoman declined to provide an answer, but said that “the small SUV and small premium utility segments are important to Ford and Lincoln, and we’ll have more news to share in the future.” A message sent to the UAW Local 862 that represents the plant had not been answered when this story was published.

According to Ford’s November sales report, it had approximately 26,000 Escapes in stock ad dealers across the country, which represents just more than two month’s supply at this year’s sales rate.

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