Ford Veers From Luxury Pickup Strategy

When Ford Motor Co. launches the new ’09 F-150 fullsize pickup this fall, it will not heavily advertise the premium Platinum edition, a top marketing manager says.

During the first phase of the truck’s launch, which was pushed back two months so dealers can clear their lots of ’08 models, Ford will focus its marketing dollars on the F-150s best suited for buyers that use their trucks for work purposes, rather than personal use, says Mike Crowley, group marketing plans manager for ...