Blue Bird to Take Over Manufacturing of Ford Stripped Chassis
Blue Bird Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement with Ford Motor Company to assume responsibility for the design, manufacturing, and sales of the next-generation Ford F-53 and F-59 commercial stripped chassis platforms.
To support the transition, Blue Bird will acquire the Detroit Assembly Plant assets of Detroit Chassis LLC (DCP), the long-standing contract manufacturer of the F-53/F-59 platforms. Under the collaboration, Blue Bird will produce the chassis integrated with Ford powertrain systems, with new vehicle production scheduled to begin in early 2028.
The F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis serve as foundational platforms for walk-in delivery vans, commercial step vans, box trucks, and motorhomes across North America.
“By combining the knowhow of Detroit Chassis, with Blue Bird's proven chassis design and manufacturing capabilities, along with Ford's industry-leading powertrain technology, we will bring the next generation F-53 and F-59 platform to market,” said John Wyskiel, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation.
“Customers have placed their trust in Ford's F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis platforms for generations,” noted John Emmert, Ford Pro global director of product marketing. “We're focused on continuing to serve this segment with Blue Bird products powered by Built Ford Tough powertrain technology.”
The partnership secures long-term product availability, dealer support continuity, and ongoing chassis modernization across key commercial delivery segments.
