Ford has announced a significant reduction in the production of its electric pickup truck, the F-150 Lightning, starting in 2024. The decision, initially reported by Automotive News and later confirmed by Ford, indicates a halving of the vehicle’s production rate. This move, reducing output to approximately 1,600 trucks per week at the Dearborn, Michigan plant, marks a shift from the initial plan to produce around 3,200 units weekly.

More and more EV companies are redesigning their Production strategies

This decision can be seen as a strategic adaptation by Ford in response to the evolving electric vehicle (EV) market. Despite the overall health of the EV sector, which has witnessed record sales this year, Ford’s action underscores a nuanced reality. The growth in EV sales, although robust, hasn’t matched the earlier predictions of automakers, including Ford. This mismatch has led companies to recalibrate their production strategies, aligning more closely with current market demand.

From Ford’s perspective, this production adjustment is a prudent step. It reflects a keen awareness of market trends and customer demand, steering clear of overproduction. Ford’s spokesperson emphasized the company’s intent to align Lightning production with customer demand, suggesting a flexible, demand-driven approach.

The broader context reveals that Ford is not alone in this recalibration. Other major automakers like General Motors and Volkswagen have also announced cutbacks in their EV production plans. These revisions point to a collective industry response to a market that, while growing, is doing so at a pace different from initial forecasts.

This recalibration by Ford, particularly after their previous efforts to ramp up the Lightning’s production, underscores the dynamic nature of the EV market. It highlights the challenges automakers face in predicting consumer behavior and market trends in a relatively new and rapidly evolving sector. By adjusting its production strategy, Ford is not only responding to current market conditions but also demonstrating flexibility and adaptability—key qualities in the competitive world of EV manufacturing.

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Ford‘s recent sales figures present a fascinating narrative. As of November 2023, Ford’s total U.S. vehicle sales slightly declined by 0.5% year-over-year, summing up to 145,559 units. Despite this, the overall annual performance remains robust with over 1.8 million vehicles sold, marking a 7% increase from the previous year.

The company has already sold over 1.8 million vehicles

Breaking down the numbers, Ford’s sales dipped by 1%, while its luxury brand, Lincoln, saw a modest 2% rise. Year-to-date figures reflect a mixed picture: Ford’s sales grew by 8%, yet Lincoln experienced a 5% decline.

A spotlight shines on Ford’s battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), which soared by 43% compared to last year, reaching a new record of 8,958 units sold in November. This impressive performance outstrips the industry average in the U.S., excluding Tesla, with BEVs now constituting 6.4% of Ford’s total sales volume.

The Ford F-150 Lightning leads the charge, doubling its sales to 4,393 units in November. The Mustang Mach-E also contributed positively with a 21% year-over-year increase. However, the Ford E-Transit faced a significant 59% decline.

Cumulatively, Ford’s year-to-date BEV sales exceeded 62,000 units, a 16% improvement over the previous year, capturing 3.6% of its total sales volume. This growth, while commendable, falls short of the industry’s rapid evolution and Ford’s ambitious production targets.

The Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E demonstrate strong market appeal, yet the overall sales growth rate suggests potential challenges in scaling production and meeting consumer demand in the competitive EV market. The decreased production of the Mustang Mach-E in Mexico, down 31% year-over-year, hints at Ford’s strategic adjustments in response to market conditions. In contrast, the disappointing performance of the E-Transit underscores the hurdles in the commercial EV sector. Despite a modest annual increase, its sales in November raise definitely concerns about its ability to surpass its 2023 sales figures.

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Ford has announced plans to establish “retail replenishment centers.” This initiative emerges as a response to various challenges Ford has faced in the EV market, aiming to alleviate the burden on its dealerships and enhance customer experience.

Ford aims to cut costs for the average customer

These centers represent a strategic shift in Ford’s inventory management. By reducing the inventory each dealer needs to carry, Ford aims to cut costs and expedite the delivery of EVs to customers. Notably, these centers are not just storage facilities but are designed to optimize the distribution process. The specifics of these centers’ operations and locations remain undisclosed, but they are expected to be situated in proximity to dealerships for efficiency.

The concept of retail replenishment centers is particularly beneficial for Ford’s Certified Elite dealers. These dealers will maintain a limited stock for customer test drives while relying on the centers for additional inventory. This system promises faster delivery times for customers and a more cost-effective inventory model for dealers.

Ford’s approach mirrors a trend seen in other automotive giants like General Motors, which has established centralized EV fulfillment centers. This shift signifies a broader industry move towards more efficient and consumer-friendly distribution models.

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Ford recently disclosed plans to delay battery production at its second BlueOval SK plant in Hardin County, Kentucky. The decision came during its third-quarter earnings call, where the automaker highlighted that electric vehicle (EV) adoption hasn’t been as rapid as initially anticipated.

EVs are growing – just slower than what the public anticipated

While many might see this as a drawback for the electric revolution, Ford assures that EVs are growing, albeit not as quickly as forecasted. T.R. Reid, Ford spokesperson, emphasized that the slowing pace doesn’t indicate a lack of faith in EVs but is a strategic move to align with current market conditions.

The delay is a temporary maneuver responding to the financial hiccups that Ford has experienced lately. Their EV business, Model e, reported an operating loss of $1.3 billion for the third quarter. Each EV sold during this period cost the company around $36,000. It’s a loud wake-up call, signaling Ford to be cautious in how they proceed with their EV investments.

It’s not just Ford that’s recalibrating its approach; General Motors too has scaled back its initial aim to build 400,000 EVs in North America by mid-2024. This coordinated pulling of the reins by leading automakers is an acknowledgment of the current speed bumps on the highway to electric mobility.

However, let’s not forget that Ford still has ambitious plans, such as the Blue Oval City complex in Tennessee, set to kick off battery production in 2025. The company also maintains its joint venture with Korean battery manufacturer SK On, indicating that its long-term commitment to EVs is unwavering.

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Ford‘s recent recall of 34,762 Mustang Mach-E electric crossovers has caught the attention of not just the EV industry, but also the general public. While the immediate concern is vehicle safety, this incident serves as a crucial reminder of the technological challenges that manufacturers face as they transition to electric vehicles.

The contactors that have to be replaced serve as the connection between the battery and motors

The recall focuses on the high-voltage battery main contactors in specific models manufactured between May 2020 and May 2022. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that fast charging and aggressive acceleration can cause these contactors to overheat. Overheating could lead to a sudden power loss, raising the risk of a crash.

Most articles emphasize the defect and the recall’s impact on Ford’s reputation, especially considering the automaker leads in recalls this year with 46, affecting nearly 5 million vehicles in the U.S. But let’s dig deeper. The contactors are essential components in an EV’s high-voltage system. They act as a bridge for electricity between the battery and the motors. They also serve as a safety switch, breaking the connection in emergencies. This recall underscores the need for technological innovation in even the most basic, yet critical, components of electric vehicles.

Ford has been proactive, offering to replace the problematic junction box for free and stating they are not aware of any accidents stemming from this defect. However, after reports of power loss even post-software updates, the NHTSA has initiated an investigation into Ford’s handling of the recall.

Don’t get us wrong – Ford’s recall is indeed a setback, but it can also be viewed as a pivotal moment for the industry to take a step back and focus on the fundamentals of EV technology. That’s probably the real moral of this story.

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Ford is making waves with the introduction of its first-ever plug-in hybrid Ranger—except, it’s only for Europe. The 2025 Ranger PHEV is slated for production later this year, promising a mash-up of traditional fuel efficiency and electric power. The announcement has left some Americans scratching their heads, wondering when or if the eco-friendly version will make its way across the Atlantic.

The 3.0 liter V6 diesel version generates 443 pound-feet of torque

The Ranger PHEV isn’t just any truck; it’s based on Europe’s top-selling truck model. Equipped with a 2.3-liter plug-in hybrid system, Ford claims the truck will boast greater torque than any other Ranger produced so far. For context, the existing 3.0-liter V6 diesel version pushes out 443 pound-feet of torque, indicating that the PHEV could be a real powerhouse.

For those concerned about mileage, Ford aims for a fully electric range of up to 28 miles on one battery charge. That’s not the only trick up its sleeve—the new Ranger will also have a braked towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, and it features Pro Power Onboard, a system that allows you to plug tools and appliances directly into the truck’s cargo bed.

Visually, there’s not much to set the PHEV apart from its standard cousins, except for a rear-mounted charging port and 18-inch wheels with a unique design. It’s set to launch in the high-end Wildtrak trim, with other versions possibly following. It’s worth mentioning that while Ford is leading the pack, Volkswagen has yet to confirm a plug-in hybrid version of the Amarok—a truck also built by Ford, but in South Africa.

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Ford Pro, Ford’s tech-centric commercial arm, is making strides in the electric vehicle (EV) charging game. Known for its focus on fleet management and telematics, the division has recently expanded its EV charger lineup, revealing new units fine-tuned for business applications.

Ford will be offering 2 options for DC Chargers, 180 kW and 240 kW

First up, the Series 2 AC charger offers a robust 80-amp, 19.2 kW output. With ISO-15118 compatibility, this plug-and-charge unit is all about convenience. It’s fitted with an RFID reader and an LCD screen, making it both secure and user-friendly. What sets it apart, however, is the detachable cable system. Gone are the days of replacing the entire charging unit due to worn-out cables. This practical feature ensures long-term utility and cost-effectiveness.

In terms of weather resistance, this charger is prepared for any season. Operating from sub-zero temps to scorching heat, the Series 2 can withstand the weather extremities of North America.

On the DC front, Ford Pro is offering two power-packed units: a 180 kW option and a higher-octane 240 kW model. Though specifics are scant, both will feature sleek, aluminum pedestals. Intriguingly, these chargers exceed the max charge rate of current Ford EV models like the F-150 Lightning and the Mach-E, both of which cap at around 155 kW and 150 kW, respectively. This could hint at Ford Pro setting the stage for more powerful, faster-charging EVs in the future.

So, what does this all mean for businesses? In a nutshell, Ford Pro’s updated lineup checks boxes for durability, versatility, and future-readiness. The division seems to be paving the way for not just a new generation of Ford electric vehicles, but also a more streamlined, efficient fleet management system. Keep an eye on Ford Pro; they’re plugging into the future, one charger at a time.

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Ford Motor Co. has taken a significant step towards establishing a robust EV battery supply chain in North America by announcing plans for a new $900 million cathode manufacturing plant in Bécancour, Québec. The investment, in collaboration with South Korean partners EcoProBM and SK On, marks Ford’s first venture into Québec and emphasizes its focus on localizing key battery material processing.

The new factory is expected to create almost 350 new jobs

The facility, expected to commence production by the first half of 2026, will create up to 45,000 tonnes of cathode active materials (CAM) per year. These materials, essential for modern lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, will be manufactured using high-quality Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) under the supervision of the joint venture EcoPro CAM Canada LP.

The announcement underscores Ford’s commitment to providing materials for its future EV lineup, including anticipated pickup models, and targets improved performance and range thanks to EcoPro’s core shell gradient (CSG) technology.

This investment is not just a business expansion for Ford; it carries significant implications for the Québec region. The 3 million square-feet site will create approximately 345 new jobs, ranging from engineering to sales and student co-op positions. Construction has already begun on the site, which includes a six-story building.

Québec’s electric vehicle manufacturing landscape is receiving considerable attention from automakers. This announcement follows General Motors’ investment in a similar facility in Bécancour, placing the town at the forefront of chemical battery materials production.

Ford’s vice-president of EV Industrialization, Lisa Drake, stressed the importance of this plant for the entire North American region, describing it as a “cornerstone” for Ford.

The plant will be operated by EcoProBM, and will also see an investment from the South Korean company to mass-produce and supply the cathode materials, supporting up to 225,000 electric vehicles annually.

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After a six-week pause, Ford‘s F-150 Lightning production has roared back to life at its Rouge Electric Vehicle Center (REVC) in Dearborn, Michigan. The shutdown facilitated a strategic expansion of the facility, tripling its manufacturing capacity, a move geared towards addressing the surging demand for Ford’s electric truck. By fall, Ford anticipates an annualized production rate of 150,000 units. Though summer deliveries suffered due to the temporary shutdown, Ford now stands poised to expedite the ramp-up process, unlocking a greater supply of the F-150 Lightning.

Ford is also ramping up the production of battery packs at the Rawsonville Components Plant

“We eagerly anticipate putting the F-150 Lightning into our customers’ hands – from the U.S. to Norway. This is a testament to our dedicated team’s relentless efforts,” said Debbie Manzano, director of manufacturing, Ford Motor Company.

Expected to produce over 70,000 F-150 Lightning trucks in 2023, the facility’s new tooling promotes not only increased production but also higher quality. The REVC now boasts innovative tools for automatic measurement and validation of exterior body fit – a first in a Ford North American plant.

Adding a third station to validate wheel alignment and headlamp aim for driver assist technology, Ford is simultaneously training 1,200 additional manufacturing employees, accelerating onboarding with a buddy system.

In a parallel development, Ford is enhancing the production of battery packs at the Rawsonville Components Plant and EV power units at the Van D. Electric Powertrain Center in Michigan, aligning with the increased F-150 Lightning assembly at REVC. These production enhancements promise shorter order-to-delivery times, with a focus on high-demand trim levels like the XLT, which constitutes over half of new orders. Furthermore, the F-150 Lightning Pro is now available in limited quantities, with priority given to long-standing reservation holders.

“Through feedback from our first EV truck customers, we’ve identified a preference for technology and visual differentiation. We’re refining the F-150 Lightning lineup to make the switch to an EV truck an effortless choice for customers,” stated Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Ford Model e.

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In a recent interview with CNBC, Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley made headlines by dismissing Tesla‘s highly anticipated electric pickup, the Cybertruck. Farley argued that the Cybertruck was designed solely for “Silicon Valley people” rather than individuals who engage in practical activities. He confidently stated that Tesla’s pickup could not compete with Ford’s electric F-150 Lightning, which has already gained traction in the market.

The Tesla Cybertruck is priced $10,000 lower than the F-150 Lightning 2023

While the Cybertruck has faced multiple delays, Ford has been actively producing and delivering electric F-150 pickups. With over 13,000 electric F-150 pickups delivered last year, Ford is determined to meet the demands of approximately 200,000 pre-orders. Although Tesla dominates the overall electric vehicle market in the United States, the electric pickup truck segment remains an area where Ford trumps over Tesla.

Farley expressed his perspective during the interview, suggesting that Americans tend to favor market leaders. He emphasized Ford’s position as the market leader in electric pickups and vans, asserting their deep understanding of their customer base. In response to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s vision for the Cybertruck, Farley stated, “If he wants to design a Cybertruck for the people of Silicon Valley, so let him do it.” Farley further talked about Ford’s approach, highlighting that their vehicles are tailored to more practical individuals.

While the official price of the Cybertruck is yet to be announced by Tesla, industry estimates suggest a starting price of around $50,000, which is approximately $10,000 lower than the F-150 Lightning launched by Ford in 2023. Despite repeated delays in the Cybertruck’s delivery timeline, Elon Musk has reiterated Tesla’s commitment to delivering the vehicle by the end of this year.

Interestingly, Ford recently announced plans to adopt Tesla’s charging standard and leverage the Supercharger network. Farley expressed enthusiasm about this partnership, talking about its benefits for users. This collaboration not only highlights the potential for cooperation between rival automakers but also reflects the industry’s commitment to enhancing the charging infrastructure as a whole, only to provide a boost to the popularity of electric vehicles.

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In a recent interview with CNN, Ford Motor Executive Chairman Bill Ford expressed his belief that the United States is not yet adequately prepared to compete with China in the field of electric vehicle (EV) production. 

Ford highlighted China’s rapid development and large-scale production of EVs, noting that they have swiftly become major players in the global market and are even exporting their products. He emphasized the need for the United States to be prepared for the arrival of Chinese EV manufacturers in the country.

While Chinese EV companies have yet to establish a significant presence in the American market, Ford acknowledged that it is only a matter of time before they expand their operations to the US. In response to this anticipated competition, Ford underlined the importance of readiness and stated that steps are being taken by the American automotive industry to prepare for future challenges in the EV sector.

Ford’s remarks reflect the recognition within the automotive industry that China has made substantial strides in EV production and is currently ahead in terms of scale and market presence. The comments also underscore the urgency felt by American automakers to enhance their capabilities and stay competitive in the rapidly growing global EV market, where China has emerged as a dominant force.

The recent revelation of Ford Motor’s plan to invest $3.5 billion in building an electric vehicle (EV) battery facility in Michigan has sparked interest, primarily due to its partnership with Chinese battery company CATL. This collaboration has prompted U.S. Senator Marco Rubio to call on the Biden administration to carefully examine the details of the agreement.

Bill Ford clarified that the Michigan battery plant would be owned entirely by Ford and staffed by their employees. The collaboration with CATL would involve licensing their technology for use by Ford engineers. Ford emphasized that the purpose of the partnership was to enable their engineers to learn from the technology and subsequently utilize it independently.

Ford’s clarification aimed to assuage any apprehensions regarding the partnership and underline the company’s commitment to leveraging the opportunity to enhance its EV capabilities. By establishing the battery plant and collaborating with CATL, Ford aims to acquire valuable knowledge and insights that will contribute to their own EV technology advancements and help them stay competitive in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle market.

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The electric vehicle market is growing rapidly, and more and more manufacturers are eager to get a piece of the pie. But who is leading the way? If you guessed Tesla, you’re wrong. BYD, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has been the global sales leader for some time now. BYD’s success has been a surprise to many, but it’s no accident. The company has been investing heavily in electric vehicles for years, and it has a strong lineup of products that are both affordable and appealing. In fact, BYD’s sales have been so strong that Ford CEO Jim Farley recently said that Chinese automakers like BYD are their “greatest EV rivals.” Here are the details…

Ford Needs to Act Fast to Compete with Chinese EV Makers

The automobile industry has been dominated by a few major players for many years. Until the late 1990s, all major manufacturers had almost a century’s worth of history and knowledge accumulation. It was impossible for a new brand to enter the market, and the number of manufacturers was quite limited. However, electric vehicle technology changed this.

In the last twenty years, more new manufacturers have become a part of the automotive industry than in the previous hundred years. In fact, many companies at the peak of the industry changed their future strategies so as not to fall behind these young competitors. Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford, one of the companies making this change, recently spoke about his biggest competitor, BYD.

Ford CEO Jim Farley said that the company’s main competitor in the electric vehicle market is China, not GM or Toyota. He believes that Chinese automakers will be the powerhouse in the EV market, and that Ford needs to compete with them if it wants to succeed. Chinese automakers have been making significant investments in EVs in recent years, and Ford is aware that it needs to do the same if it wants to stay competitive.

They have also been developing their own battery technology, which is cheaper and more efficient than the battery technology used by many other automakers. This has given Chinese automakers a significant advantage in the EV market. They are able to produce EVs at a lower cost and with a longer range than their competitors. Ford is not the only automaker that is facing challenges from Chinese automakers in the EV market. General Motors, Toyota, and other major automakers are also facing stiff competition from Chinese brands.

However, Ford has some advantages that could help it compete with Chinese automakers. The company has a strong brand name and a loyal customer base. Ford also has a global reach, which could help it sell EVs in markets where Chinese automakers are not as well-established. It will be interesting to see how Ford fares in the EV market. However, it will be clear how much of this will be enough in the future.

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The CEO of Ford recently told reporters that the company has to rethink its brand and strategy for the Chinese automobile market. The statement arrives amid the booming electric vehicle market in the region. So here are all the details.

Ford seeks to be more competitive in China

According to Chief Executive Jim Farley, “We’re going to have to rethink what the Ford brand means in a place like China.” The senior executive made this statement highlighting the competitive market for EVs in China. He believes that Ford Motor Co needs to rethink its brand for the world’s largest automobile market. The official told reporters during a charity event in Detroit that “It can’t be like middle of the market. It’s totally over filled.”

Unfortunately, he did not elaborate on what exactly this means for the popular American car maker. But based on market reports, Ford saw a decline in sales in China during the first quarter of this year. It sales and market share also fell during this period. On the other hand, automakers that sold battery powered electric and plug in hybrid cars saw a boom in sales in Q1 2023.

Furthermore, the market was also led by the Chinese automobile giant, BYD. Ford CEO also added that his visit to China revealed that the only premium brands that were faring well in the Chinese market were focusing on electric only vehicles. These models focused on technology and aspects that improved the drivers overall experience. This wasn’t just in terms of their digital technology but even included their “beautiful” design for every vehicle. He even talked about specific brands that were succeeding in the market, including Xpeng, Li Auto, and NIO.

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Ford Motors is in discussion with Chinese EV maker BYD relating to its German plant. Ford says it plans to sell its manufacturing plant in Germany to BYD, as BYD makes steady inroads into Europe.

Ford has begun to wind down the production of some of its very successful models. The Ford Focus was a popular model in its days, but Ford is now shifting its focus to electric vehicles. Ford’s manufacturing facility in Saarlouis, Germany may soon be under the control of BYD, according to reports. The report published in The Wall Street Journal indicates that the plant will be sold to China’s biggest EV maker BYD.

BYD has finally exited the ICE market with its last models produced last year. It is now fully into electric vehicles or hybrid models. It has continued to expand its network in Europe and Asia. It kickstarted its European campaign in 2020 with the launch of its market trial in Norway. The UK and France are among the markets BYD entered in 2023. BYD previously announced plans to build at least one EV manufacturing plant in Europe. The acquisition of the Ford manufacturing facility in Germany will be a strategic move in BYD’s expansion plans.

BYD continues to pursue its plans to become a global EV brand. The WSJ report indicated that officials of Ford and BYD are planning to meet in China to discuss the potential sale of the German plant. It was also noted that the talks are at the early stage and BYD was among 15 potential investors shortlisted.

The sale of the plant will be yet another aspect of Ford’s scaling down of its operations as it targets full EV production. Last summer, Ford cut 8,000 jobs in a major downsizing move. More jobs are also on the line as the company pursues its EV manufacturing goals. On the other hand, BYD’s growth trajectory is on a positive spin. The new plant will further sustain the trajectory.

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Ford Motor Company is planning to re-enter the Indian Market after its exit in 2021. The company is looking towards making India the hub of manufacturing and exporting EVs to the international markets. The company has also hinted at the possibility of selling cars in the domestic market in the future.

The news of this upcoming venture came to light when Ford’s application to participate in the federal government’s Performance Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme got approved. This particular scheme aims at making India a hub for automobile manufacturing and offers incentives to the companies that set up their production units in the country.

Ford, which has two plants in India, said that it is now “exploring the possibility of using a plant in India as an export base for EV manufacturing”. Although the company had left the Indian market just six months back, stating that the Indian market was not profitable for the company and was ready to suffer $2 billion in losses.

While the company has no concrete plans to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market, the company said, “There is no specific discussion on this right now, but it is not out of the realm of future consideration. Ford also plans to serve customers in India with must-have iconic vehicles, including the Mustang coupe.”

This news aligns with Ford’s announcement that it is focusing on electric vehicles and has announced a massive budget of $30 billion globally to develop new fully-electric and new hybrid vehicles.
Considering these announcements and the Indian electric vehicle market, it would be a great time for ford to enter the Indian market as it is still in a nascent stage. But both the Ford plants in the country – one in Sanand, Gujarat, and the other one in Chennai would require significant upgrades in order to be able to start making electric vehicles.

If all goes well, this move could prove beneficial for the Indian market as it would provide much-needed competition as well as affordable electric cars to boost the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in the country.

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Ford is planning on investing up to 20 billion US Dollars as it seeks to step into the electric vehicle market. The large sum will help reorganize its operations to include EVs in the future.

According to a Bloomberg report, the American automobile giant had previously announced that it will be spending around 30 billion US Dollars on electric and autonomous vehicle development by 2025. In other words, this news is in line with its initial plans. Furthermore, Ford is reportedly bringing Apple and Tesla executive Doug Field, who will be in charge of the reorganization.

This will have him oversee the conversion of its factories from gas based to electric vehicle production. Doug Field had also served as the vice president of special projects at Apple. He also led the Cupertino based giant’s efforts for a self driving electric car. He even worked as the chief vehicle engineer at Tesla.

The shift in focus will have the brand hire more engineers as well. As of right now, Tesla is leading the EV market, with Ford struggling to catch up. While the company is a major player in the automobile industry, selling more F series trucks alone than Tesla’s entire output, it still is behind the latter in terms of EVs. Notably, Elon Musk’s vision of an all electric future has also been successful with investors owing to its future potential. So it remains to be seen if Ford manages to successfully expand into the EV segment and rival both Tesla and other Chinese EV makers that have grown in popularity recently.

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US carmaker Ford is known for power and speed from its lineup of heavy-hitting and gasoline-guzzling monsters on wheels. The company has started replicating its powerful traditional models in the Electric Vehicle (EV) space.

As Ford continues to expand its EV lineup, it seems the company hopes to carry along a segment of its clientele attached to gasoline engines. A survey recently showed that 20% of drivers would miss the smell of gasoline in their electric vehicles. In a seeming response to this feedback, Ford has produced its gasoline-themed fragrance to at least satisfy the yearning of a segment of its customers.

The new Ford gasoline-themed perfume is called Mach-Eau and was produced in collaboration with perfumer Olfiction. The Mach-Eau targets a reenactment of the feel and smell of the interior of a vehicle, combined with a raft of other scents, including smoke, rubber, gasoline, and animal smells (horse).

Obviously, Ford does not intend to sell the Mach-Eau fragrance, at least for the present. It debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. A few whiffs of the gasoline-themed fragrance were taken during the festival.

A gasoline-themed fragrance for drivers to reenact the feel of Ford’s heavy-hitting gasoline engines could appeal to some drivers. However, it remains to be seen how this fragrance will sit as a part of the refreshing feel of Ford’s EV offerings. If the company relied on feedback from the specified survey, only a tiny fraction of users would fancy such moves. Whether the sample used for the survey was statistically representative is another issue that determines the degree of inference that can be drawn from its outcome.

Finally, even though one in five drivers missed the gasoline smell, there is no data that specify what proportion of the drivers will fancy a gasoline-themed fragrance on their EVs.

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(via)

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General Motors and Ford Motors have confirmed that the companies are temporarily shutting down production or extending the shutdown at several plants in North America because of the ongoing chip shortage.

General Motors plant closures range from a week or two to several weeks for plans that are already shut down temporarily due to the parts disruption. Next week, the company plans to restart the production of midsize pickups after it was halted for about two weeks.

On the other hand, Ford has updated its timeline to include additional downtime at two of its plans in Illinois and Missouri through next week. It is also shutting down its Flat Rock Assembly plant in Michigan for a week, starting from Monday. With these new changes, the vehicles impacted include Explorer, Lincoln Aviator SUVs, Ford Mustang, and Transit Vans.

Semiconductor materials are key components used in the vehicle’s infotainment as well as power steering and braking system among others. Automakers are facing issues related to the supply of semiconductor components as several plans have been impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic while demand is on the rise.

Ford had previously said that the company expects chip shortage to lower its earnings by $1 billion to $2.5 billion in 2021. On the other hand, General Motors is expected to earn $10 billion to $11 billion this year. This forecast factors in the potential impact of the chip shortage, including a hit of $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion to its free cash flow.

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With CES 2020 having just concluded, many companies have come forward pushing prospects for future cooperation and exchanges with Chinese companies very soon. Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon claims he is “super excited” about Qualcomm’s business in China. The company hopes to continue their successful partnerships with Chinese companies like Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus and vivo.

“We are not backing down on our China cooperation. We’re increasing our cooperation in resources towards or partnerships in China in the 5G transition,” claimed Amon. This partnership, according to Amon, allows Chinese partners to not only grow in domestic consumption, but also expand outside China, making it very mutually beneficial for both parties involved.

EDITOR’S PICK: Qualcomm slashing Snapdragon 765 prices will affect MediaTek 5G chips orders: Ming Chi Kuo

Josh Cross, founder and CEO of American power and tracking technology company Elios, told Xinhua the company’s cooperation with China dates back to 2015. Elios’ software design is done in the United States and the hardware part is done in China. Currently it is cooperating with three Chinese companies in GPS products, power, and sourcing, Cross said.

China has very good infrastructure, years of experience and high efficiency, he said. Elios also expects to cooperate with more Chinese partners in the near future. Ford Motor also plans to step up its business in China. The company’s new all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV, will be on show in the Chinese market in April this year, and be available in the Chinese market next year, according to the company.

“Ford plans to further enhance cooperation with China in the five years to come, explore local strategic partners for joint innovation,” she said. Some tech companies value China’s huge market, manufacturing and labor costs, while some others value China’s innovation technologies, and its geological location which can be considered as a logistics hub towards southeast Asian countries.

You can find more CES2020 coverage from here.

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Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba last year signed a partnership with Ford which would see both companies work together on new technological opportunities. Alibaba is well renowned for the innovativeness that has driven it to the top as China’s number one e-commerce giant. Both companies have now unveiled a cat-themed car vending machine in Guangzhou, China. The vending machine lets customers easily test-drive Ford vehicles they’re looking to buy.

Alibaba and Ford signed a deal to form a partnership last year that would see both companies working together on new technological opportunities. Now, the companies have opened a cat-themed car vending machine in Guangzhou, China, that lets customers easily test-drive Ford vehicles they’re looking to buy.

Read More: Alibaba Acquires $2.9 Billion Stake In China’s Offline Retail Giant, Sun Art

The “Super Test-Drive Center” is without any staff manning it and is fully digitalised. It works with Alibaba’s Tmall app. From the app, users select the car model they are interested in, put down a deposit electronically, schedule a pickup time, and snap a selfie so the vending machine can recognize them when they pick up the car for a test drive. Customers having a very respectable credit score of 700 and above get to test drive the car of their choice free. Not just for a day, but for three days! Those with lower credit rating will have to pay a fee to be able to test drive the cars. The credit rating is based on Alibaba’s affiliate, Ant Financial’s credit ranking known as Zima or Sesame Credit.

(source)

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