Ford’s chief executive has revealed that the company currently has 5,000 unfilled mechanic positions, each commanding an average total compensation of $160,000. This shortage has led to service bottlenecks at more than 300 dealerships nationwide, delaying routine maintenance and slowing down pre-delivery inspections for new vehicles. Industry insiders warn that, unless hiring accelerates, Ford could face extended service wait times and potential dips in customer satisfaction scores later this year.

In its full-year report for 2025, Ford posted a 6% increase in U.S. retail deliveries compared with the prior year, outperforming the industry average decline of roughly 7%. The company credited the robust performance of its hybrid lineup—led by a record-setting Maverick model—and an expanded range of value-priced pickups. Hybrid models accounted for 18% of total volume, up from 12% in 2024, while the entry-level truck segment grew by 9%, offsetting a 15% year-over-year drop in electric vehicle deliveries during the fourth quarter.

Ford’s shares trade at an 11x forward price-to-earnings multiple and a 0.28 price-to-sales ratio, contrasting sharply with the higher valuation levels seen in pure-play EV challengers. The automaker’s 4.5% dividend yield remains one of the most generous among large-cap industrial names, supported by a 7.6% gross margin in the latest fiscal quarter. With net debt reduced by $3.2 billion over the past 12 months, investors gain exposure to stable cash flows and an attractive income stream.

After scrapping several large-scale battery electric vehicle projects earlier in 2025, Ford has reallocated R&D resources toward hybrid and traditional internal-combustion powertrains. The company’s EV production for the year fell 30% from original forecasts, prompting leadership to emphasize profitability over unit volume. Executives indicate that future electrification efforts will focus on higher-margin segments such as performance SUVs and commercial vans, rather than mass-market passenger cars.