Harley Lover

Yes, but new Bolt based on Ultium tech is coming later this year.

It also might mean that the facility in Michigan where the current Lightning is built could be repurposed for another product or some less savory outcome.

Possible interpretation: We've been able to do this (outsourcing) in China and reduce costs, so why wouldn't we do this in our U.S. market? Editorial: this is another example of everything wrong with Ford, which has historically been driven (behind the scenes) by the Finance function. Granted, Ford are in business to be as profitable as possible, but IMO engines (as long as they're used in vehicles) are absolutely a differentiator and arguably the heart and soul of any auto company worth its oats. After all, it's Ford MOTOR Company. Look at the example of Ford's original hybrid effort with the Escape, and the lengths Ford went to to point out that Ford developed its own hybrid system, that it wasn't simply building Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive on license. Engineering is at the heart and soul of a car company, and this jack wipe would sell Ford's soul to save a buck. /rant

BUT - at greatly reduced velocity. Every manufacturer (except maybe the Hyundai/Kia conglomerate) are putting the brakes on their planned EV investments, and are actively steering investment back towards ICE and hybrid/plugin hybrid vehicles. The mass market adoption assumption that drove investment earlier this decade has been undermined. Not saying I agree, just observing what virtually every company are doing these days.

What is the replacement?

AHA (in George Costanza voice)!

From the linked article: I wonder what is meant exactly by 'head of design for Ford Performance Vehicles'? Does that mean that the brand extensions such as Raptor will continue to receive bespoke sheet metal and other unique styling? Does that, by extension, mean that Mustang will begin to receive that type of bespoke sheet metal as well (ala Raptor) for models that are not as expensive/extreme as the GTD?

I'm loath to enter what has become a political discussion, but will add this: the primary system is broken. Both party's primaries cater to their fringe/extremist elements (both sides of which have figured out they can influence the outcome of their respective party's nomination in vast disproportion to their % of the electorate), resulting in essentially an impossibility that either party will select a more centrist candidate, instead selecting a candidate that, of necessity, must court that party's fringe/extremist element to win the nomination. Both parties need to, but won't, determine a way to correct this imbalance. Until they do, we'll get nominees, that as DeluxeStang wrote "So it kinda felt like picking between two STD's."

Well, for those who have expressed the opinion that Ford Europe is on its last legs, this news seems to indicate that Ford have different ideas: https://www.autonews.com/ford/an-ford-europe-infusion-0310/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter-ANDaily-20250310

That claim is apparently based on the Euro cycle, not EPA testing, so misleading at best:

The Lincoln LS and Jaguar X-Type would like a word.

Agree, I took the mention of the 'commercial' EV (in the context of skunk works products apparently destined for Louisville) to be something distinct from any Maverick-based product (which presumably would be built in Mexico).

Reread the quote posted by rmc523 - the BEV is not 'rumored', it appears to be stated in the part of the statement I quoted. I hadn't heard that before, which is why I highlighted it for discussion.

I highlighted 'commercial' - does this sound like a Ford Pro version of the EV chassis will be offered - perhaps in both pickup and maybe even small commercial van (ala Transit Connect) form?

There's the other thread titled 'Ford want to be the Porsche of Off Road'... if Ford literally follows the 'Porsche model' then they will unquestionably prove their chops in the world of (off road) Racing. As with Porsche, that could be something directly related to its road going models (F150, Bronco, Mustang) or it could be something more in the realm of prototype/purpose built racer. It all depends on how the decision makers view the purpose of the vehicle (win on Sunday/sell on Monday or demonstrate Ford's technical prowess if the off road realm but with a purpose built vehicle). There was a time where Ford valued the learning its engineers derived from the world of racing/competition, and believed that experience and exposure benefited the company in the development of its consumer vehicles. Perhaps there's a belief that working on chassis and suspension (and other areas) for off road competition will feed back into Ford's development processes in a beneficial manner - and support Ford's desire to be 'the Porsche of Off Road'.

Sounds like Mary Barra's recent definition of 'profitable'. <wink>

If it was that poster, they're the most 'insider' of anyone on this forum, that would be very credible.

@bzcat, can it also be inferred that, if we assume Ford's supply of hybrid-specific parts has some sort of volume limitation, that Ford have made the determination based on your comments that those hybrid-specific parts would be better utilized on higher profit products, specifically Maverick and Bronco Sport?

That's my point, but trying to make it succinctly.

Dean, based on your experience, would you say that Mustang and Mach E buyers are 2 distinct groups, versus a 'single' group deciding between the 2 vehicles? <That would be my expectation, but it's simply anecdotal as I have no way to confirm my opinion. If we were to stipulate that the 2 groups of buyers are distinct, then the relative sales incentives between the 2 become less important because those 2 groups aren't cross shopping those 2 cars. Perhaps the MME buyers cross shopped a Tesla or some other EV instead? And I'm not sure what the Mustang buyers would cross shop - to me, it's a stand alone product at this point. Maybe a Challenger?

bzcat, could you also comment on Ford's plans for its "Pro" business in Europe? The OP article paints a bleak picture for Ford in Europe, but I'm under the impression that Ford continue to have a thriving, profitable business in the business segment (but can't quote details).

Don't forget the battery plant under construction in Kentucky. Given that BOC will have its own on-premises battery production, the Kentucky batteries have to go somewhere else (presumably) and Louisville would make the most sense proximity-wise. Whether or not that leads to the conclusion that Louisville will get the skunkworks vehicle(s), I don't know.

Fair point, but Jaguar are not that big. I would posit that McGovern has his needle in the well.

What I find interesting is that Gerry McGovern (was at Ford 20(?) years ago) is still there, I think as 'Chief Creative Officer' or some such title. He never made a big splash at Ford in the design realm.

More stress in the world of EVs: In addition, after the bankruptcy filing, the CEO stepped down.