Tag: Ford

  • Ford Halts F-150 Lightning Production Due to Low EV Demand

    Ford Halts F-150 Lightning Production Due to Low EV Demand

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ford has halted production of the electric F-150 Lightning due to ongoing losses and limited demand for electric trucks in the U.S.

    2. Initial excitement for the F-150 Lightning has waned, with decreasing sales attributed to higher costs and challenges like charging infrastructure.

    3. The electric vehicle division has faced billions in losses, prompting Ford to cut expenses, lower production targets, and delay upcoming projects.

    4. Ford is shifting focus to hybrid vehicles, which are experiencing steady demand and more predictable profits compared to fully electric models.

    5. Changes in federal incentives and policy uncertainty have complicated the electric vehicle market, affecting planning and pricing for automakers.

    Ford has stopped making its electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck due to ongoing losses in its electric vehicle unit and the limited demand for electric trucks in the U.S.

    Initial Interest and Current Slowdown

    The F-150 Lightning was launched as the electric version of Ford’s top-selling pickup truck. While there was significant excitement initially, sales have decreased since then. Electric pickups typically cost more than their gasoline counterparts and encounter numerous challenges, such as charging infrastructure and driving range. These factors can be problematic for customers who rely on trucks for towing or traveling long distances.

    Financial Struggles and Strategic Shifts

    Ford’s electric vehicle division has faced billions in losses over the past year. In response, the company has been cutting expenses, lowering production targets, and postponing some upcoming electric vehicle projects. Executives at Ford have acknowledged that the uptake of EVs is happening slower than anticipated. As part of a new approach, Ford is placing greater emphasis on hybrid vehicles, which are seeing consistent demand. This trend suggests that profits are more predictable in the short run compared to fully electric models.

    Impact of Policy Changes

    Additionally, changes in policy have influenced the electric vehicle market. The decrease in federal incentives for electric vehicles during President Donald Trump’s administration has diminished consumer incentives that previously helped balance out higher buying costs. Automakers have indicated that uncertainty regarding long-term policy support has made planning and pricing more challenging.

    Even with the halt in production, Ford emphasizes that it is not leaving the electric vehicle sector altogether. The company will continue to develop future electric vehicle platforms while evaluating production numbers and timing for launches.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Ford and GM Offer $7,500 EV Lease Savings After Tax Credit Ends

    Ford and GM Offer $7,500 EV Lease Savings After Tax Credit Ends

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ford and GM plan to offer up to $7,500 in savings for electric vehicle leases before the federal tax credit program ends on September 30.

    2. Both companies will purchase dealer inventory through down payments, allowing financing branches to qualify for the federal incentives.

    3. Lease savings will be available through Ford Credit until the end of 2025.

    4. The plan was developed after discussions with the IRS, but it’s unclear if other automakers have similar agreements.

    5. The IRS confirmed that drivers can still qualify for the incentive by making a commitment, like a deposit, even if the purchase occurs after the September deadline.

    Ford and GM have set up plans for potential buyers to still obtain as much as $7,500 in savings when they lease electric vehicles (EVs). This is happening just before the 17-year-old federal tax credit program is due to end on September 30.

    How the Program Works

    The American car manufacturers are essentially starting the process by purchasing dealer inventory through down payments. This means the financing branches of both companies will be eligible for the $7,500 federal incentives. Consequently, dealers will continue to provide leases as they usually do, including the savings in the offers. This approach allows customers to benefit from the rebate for a few months even after the September deadline.

    Availability of Lease Savings

    As stated by Ford, these lease savings will be accessible through Ford Credit until the close of 2025.

    Reports from Reuters indicate that Ford and GM created this plan after discussions with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It remains uncertain if other automotive manufacturers have reached similar agreements.

    IRS Clarification

    In a related note, the IRS had previously confirmed that drivers could still qualify for the incentive by making a commitment, like putting down a deposit, even if the final purchase occurs after the September 30 deadline.

    The federal tax credit came to an end following US President Donald Trump’s signing of the tax bill in July. This program was intended to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles across the country.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Ford Recalls 300,000 Mustang Mach-Es for Faulty Door Locks

    Ford Recalls 300,000 Mustang Mach-Es for Faulty Door Locks

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ford is recalling over 300,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles due to a door lock issue that can trap passengers inside.
    2. The problem is linked to software managing the 12-volt battery, which can prevent doors from opening when the battery charge is low.
    3. Rear doors are especially risky, lacking mechanical overrides, which may endanger younger passengers.
    4. Approximately 200,000 affected vehicles are in the US, with additional numbers in Canada and other countries.
    5. Owners will need to visit dealerships for reprogramming, as a simple over-the-air update is not possible; a fix is expected by the third quarter of 2025.

    Ford has announced a worldwide recall and halt on sales for the Mustang Mach-E due to an issue with the door locks. This problem may trap passengers inside, creating a serious safety hazard during emergencies. The safety alert from the American automotive company impacts over 300,000 Mustang Mach-E vehicles made from 2021 to 2025.

    Problem Identified

    Ford has pinpointed the issue to the software that manages the 12-volt battery. When the battery charge falls below 8.4 volts, the front doors can retain their last locked or unlocked state. Consequently, when passengers get out and manually close the door, it might not open again from the outside.

    Risks for Rear Passengers

    The rear doors are at even greater risk as they lack mechanical overrides, which could leave younger passengers vulnerable to being trapped inside the vehicle.

    Approximately 200,000 of the affected Mustang Mach-E vehicles are in the US, while another 32,500 are located in Canada. Additionally, Ford will address over 120,000 electric vehicles in other countries. The company has instructed dealers to stop all deliveries and test drives until a solution is found.

    Complicated Fix Ahead

    However, the solution is not as simple as an over-the-air update. Vehicle owners will need to visit their dealerships for reprogramming of the powertrain. Ford aims to have a fix ready by the third quarter of 2025 and will communicate the details via email.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: ,
  • Xiaomi Surpasses Ford and GM in China’s EV Market in 2024

    Xiaomi Surpasses Ford and GM in China’s EV Market in 2024

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi outsold Ford and GM in China’s electric vehicle market within a year of entering the industry.
    2. The SU7 electric sedan achieved sales of 136,854 units last year, becoming a top choice among consumers.
    3. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E sold only 999 units in China, while GM sold 69,403 EVs, with local partnerships performing better.
    4. The SU7 reached 100,000 units in just 229 days and doubled that figure in an additional 119 days.
    5. Xiaomi plans to increase production, targeting 350,000 deliveries by 2025, with the SU7 Pro and YU7 SUV launching soon.

    Xiaomi is making waves in the automotive industry. The Chinese brand outsold both Ford and GM in the electric vehicle (EV) market in China, achieving this in just under a year since entering the field.

    Successful Launch of the SU7

    The electric sedan, SU7, has become a favorite among consumers, with Xiaomi reporting sales of 136,854 units last year. This impressive number has catapulted them to the top of the sales charts.

    In comparison, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, which was the second most popular EV in the US for 2024, only managed to sell 999 units in China. The automaker does offer other electric models like the F-150 Lightning and E-Transit, yet these were not available in the Chinese market.

    GM’s Performance in China

    General Motors sold a total of 69,403 EVs under its various brands in China. However, its local partnerships performed significantly better, with Baojun and SAIC-Wulin selling 33,630 and 602,952 units, respectively.

    In the US, Ford and GM sold approximately 98,000 and 114,000 units, respectively, showing a stark contrast to their performances in China.

    Xiaomi’s Future Plans

    Xiaomi’s emergence in the EV sector has been truly remarkable. The SU7, priced under $30,000, reached the milestone of 100,000 units in just 229 days, and it only took 119 more days to double that figure. With plans to ramp up production, the company is targeting 350,000 deliveries for 2025. The SU7 Pro is already fully booked for the year, and the YU7 SUV is set to launch in June or July.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , , ,
  • Canada Stops EV Incentives as Funding Runs Out

    Canada Stops EV Incentives as Funding Runs Out

    Automobile buyers and sellers in Canada are feeling the impact of the unexpected termination of the federal EV rebate program. As reported by Transport Canada, the Incentives for Zero Emissions Vehicles (iZEV) initiative is closing down because it has run out of allocated funds.

    Details of the iZEV Program

    The iZEV program provided EV purchasers with a $5,000 rebate when they bought or leased eligible vehicles. This program was distinct from provincial incentives and supported 546,000 vehicles throughout its duration.

    Initially, Canada’s EV incentive plan was scheduled to continue until March 31, 2025. However, Transport Canada has indicated that the allocated funds were exhausted more quickly than anticipated, largely due to a rapid increase in EV adoption. As of now, there is no word on whether the program might be reinstated in the future.

    Help from Automakers

    In response to this surprising news, several EV manufacturers are stepping in to assist buyers. Companies like Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, and Nissan are providing a $5,000 discount, though this offer is only temporary.

    Canada has set a goal that 20 percent of new passenger vehicle sales must be ZEVs by 2030, increasing to a full 100 percent by 2035. For perspective, approximately 1.86 million new cars were sold in the country in 2024.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , , ,
  • Ford CEO loves his Xiaomi SU7 and doesn’t want to part with it

    Ford CEO loves his Xiaomi SU7 and doesn’t want to part with it

    In a surprising twist, CEO Jim Farley of Ford Motor Company recently disclosed on the Everything Electric Show podcast that he has been driving a Xiaomi SU7 for the past six months, rather than a Ford vehicle. This electric sedan comes from the Chinese tech powerhouse Xiaomi.

    Unexpected Choices

    Farley, who is typically focused on Ford’s electrification efforts, usually prefers not to talk about rival companies. However, his time spent with the SU7 led him to share his impressions. “We flew one from Shanghai to Chicago and I’ve been driving it for six months now, and I don’t want to give it up,” he commented during the podcast.

    Impressive Sales

    “It’s fantastic. They sell 10,000, 20,000 a month. They’re sold out for six months,” Farley mentioned, highlighting Xiaomi’s remarkable sales performance with the SU7 earlier in the discussion.

    Xiaomi’s Bold Move

    The SU7 marks Xiaomi’s first foray into the automotive world! The firm, primarily recognized for its success in smartphones and electronics, made its entry into the electric vehicle market back in 2021. The SU7, their initial model, launched this year, is a full-size sedan with a competitive price tag around $30,000. Despite being affordable, the vehicle is equipped with impressive features such as air suspension, adaptive dampers, and active aerodynamics—each enhancing the driving experience.

    Moreover, Xiaomi’s in-house Level 2 and NoA (navigate on autopilot) system provides added convenience, although its certification is presently limited to just 100 cities in China.

    Phenomenal Demand

    The SU7 has gained phenomenal popularity in China. Remarkably, the entire 2024 production was sold out on its first day, with Xiaomi asserting they pre-sold 100,000 units even before the first car left the factory.

    While testing rival cars is common in the car industry, Farley’s enthusiastic endorsement of the SU7 is significant, especially as he usually avoids discussing competitors. This may indicate a potential change in Ford’s approach as they adjust to the increasingly competitive EV landscape that is being shaped by assertive Chinese firms like BYD.

    Tags: , ,