by Ford vs GM: Battle for the Army Contract
Ford is entering a direct confrontation with its competitor General Motors for the right to create the next tactical truck for the U.S. Army. However, the company will have to overcome a significant hurdle before anyone signs a multi-million dollar military contract. The Blue Oval has not participated in this fight for decades, and now wants to return.
Army Seeks 600 New Trucks
The Army plans to purchase approximately 600 new trucks. Prototype contracts have already been awarded to GM, Ford, and off-road specialist BC Customs. All three companies will build vehicles for delivery and testing next year, when the real evaluation begins.
Ford’s Idea: Cheaper and More Practical?
The Wall Street Journal reports that Ford will develop three prototypes under the contract, each based on the F-Series Super Duty. How exactly Ford plans to turn its most popular pickup into something suitable for the armed forces is not yet known. The Army has stated that it needs vehicles that will operate as mobile charging stations for drones and advanced command and control systems.
Ford is well-prepared for this task. Its Pro Power Onboard system serves as a built-in generator for consumer models, providing external power from 2.0 kW to 9.6 kW through 120V and 240V outlets.
Can Ford Compete with GM?
However, Ford will have to try very hard to encroach on GM’s military business. While Ford mostly left the defense sector in the 1990s, GM Defense has established itself as an extremely important player in the field, recently receiving a $1 billion contract to build 10,000 infantry vehicles for the U.S. Army.
In addition, military officials have already begun testing heavy-duty versions of the Chevrolet Silverado specially designed for the Army. GM also plans to expand into heavier military equipment, including ammunition.
Earlier this year, Ford CEO Jim Farley said the company is in talks with the Pentagon on several defense projects, although it has not yet received any significant contract.
This competition between the two American auto giants for military orders highlights the Army’s growing need for flexible and affordable transportation solutions. Ford is betting on its civilian power technology, while GM already has a strong base and experience in the military sphere. If Ford can prove that its Super Duty with an industrial generator is more efficient and cheaper than competitors’ offerings, it could shift the balance of power in the defense industry. At the same time, GM is not going to give up its positions, planning expansion even into ammunition. The results of prototype testing next year will be decisive for the future distribution of billion-dollar contracts.
