The EPA is entertaining the idea of rolling back future target mpg standards. Ford has been playing with the idea of dropping sedans for a while and maybe they think now they'll be able to if the pressure from the EPA for efficiency targets is let up a bit.It will be interesting to see how ford will make their fleet average mileage numbers without cars though.
It's close to irrelevant, because a huge number of "crossovers" are just large hatchbacks. The way car architecture is designed these days, there are platforms on which cars, trucks, and SUVs are all built. The difference, e.g., between a Malibu and an Equinox, is mostly window dressing; same applies to a Prius and a Rav4, and there are many other examples across manufacturers (although I admittedly know very little about Ford). The fuel economy differences are real due to the added weight of a bigger body, and often AWD, but they're not huge.
My understanding is that the overall fuel economy of the fleet has to reach a certain number. I'm no expert, so I may be incorrect. I think that if Ford introduces an all electric truck that would count for a lot no matter that it's a truck (or that electric cars aren't really that great for the environment!). Edit: I mean to say that it's irrelevant in terms of fuel economy by my understanding. I actually think they're making a huge mistake strategically, as fashions change with the wind.