Headlight News for the Week of 2-19-24 – Ford Plans Low-Cost EVs – Cybertruck Rust – Rivian Teases New EV – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review – and a Week in Automotive History.
Ford
With Stellantis Now Onboard, Tesla Has Won the Charger Battle
Stellantis will adopt the Tesla-style North American Charging Standard. The parent of brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram was the last holdout among major automakers to go with the NACS plug. It means owners will have access to a substantial wider network of plugs and formalizes Tesla’s Superchargers as the de facto winner in the charging battle. Tesla, meanwhile, is taking steps to prevent the embarrassing charger failures many owners ran into during a recent Midwest cold snap.
UAW Chief Fain Blasts CEO Farley for Comments on Ford’s Future
UAW President Shawn Fain clapped back at Ford CEO Jim Farley after the automaker’s chief expressed disappointment in the union’s decision to strike Ford and concern about how it may change the relationship between the two. Fain suggested it may be time for the automaker to get a different CEO, among other things. Find out more at Headlight.News.
Shifting Focus to Smaller, More Affordable EVs is “Nonnegotiable,” says Ford CEO Farley
After delaying billions of dollars in investments, Ford is shifting its EV strategy to put more focus on smaller, more affordable models – but ones that will also deliver quick profits, CEO Jim Farley said during an automotive conference in New York on Thursday. EV...
Ford CEO Farley Reveals “Skunkworks” Program Developing Low-Cost EV
With EV sales growth flattening out, automakers are struggling to find ways to charge them back up. A critical step will require the launch of new, affordable models like the Model 2 Tesla reportedly is developing. During an earnings call, Ford CEO Jim Farley said he’s not planning to cede the market to his rival, revealing that the second-largest Detroit automaker has a “skunkworks” project underway to develop new EVs that could match, perhaps even undercut what Tesla is working on.
Ford Reports Q4 Loss, but Enjoys Full Year Profits
Ford took a hit in the fourth quarter courtesy of a massive charge, reporting a loss for the period. However, the company saw its revenue rise and it finished in the black for 2023. Get details at Headlight.News.
Ford Debuting Two Off-Road EVs, Mustang Mach-E Rally and Lightning Switchgear, at Chicago Auto Show
Ford may be slowing its $11-billion EV investment program but it’s still rolling out new entries, and two of them will make their debut at the Chicago Auto Show this coming week. Notably, both the Mustang Mach-E Rally and F-150 Lightning Switchgear take aim at those looking for off-road-capable battery-electric vehicles, a growing EV niche. See the story at Headlight.News.
Ford EV Owners Getting Free Tesla Supercharger Adapters
Ford was the first automaker to tie up with Tesla, announcing plans to switch to the NACS plug letting owners of products like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning use the big Tesla Supercharger network. Ford CEO Jim Farley on Wednesday announced “eligible” owners...
UAW Endorses Biden for Second Term as President
President Joe Biden’s brief visit in September to a union picket line in Ypsilanti, Michigan during the United Auto Workers strike against Ford, General Motors and Stellantis is paying off with an UAW endorsement of Biden’s re-election. Find out more about the ties between the two at Headlight.News.
Ford Recalls Over 2 Million Explorers; Trim Parts Can Fly Off
Ford recalled more than 2 million Explorer SUVs. The automaker told federal regulators that trim parts may not have been attached properly and could fly off while driving, potentially leading to a crash. More from Headlight.News.
The Past Lane: Ford Launches the F-Series
Having spent 47 years as America’s bestselling truck and 42 years as its bestselling vehicle, it’s hard to imagine when the Ford F-Series wasn’t so predominant. In fact, it made its debut 76 years ago this week. Headlight.News tells you it rose to prominence.
Ford Cuts Lightning Production, Adds Bronco and Ranger Jobs
Ford plans to further roll back production on its F-150 Lightning electric pickup to keep it in line with demand. On the flip side, it plans to add 1,600 workers to the Michigan plant that builds Broncos, Rangers and the Raptor variant of each, including 900 all-new...