mackinaw

Nothing new here. Non-Chinese OEM's are well aware of what the Chinese can do. Farley says worrying about BYD keeps him awake at night. Musk has said that the Chinese would "demolish" American car companies without trade barriers.

The 2024 E-Transit has a larger battery increasing its range to 159 miles. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a60162858/2024-ford-e-transit-more-range-faster-charging-details/

In a nutshell, Ford CFO, John Lawler, will become a Vice Chair, and he'll be replaced by Sherry House, ex-Lucid finance chief. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2024/05/10/ford-cfo-john-lawler-leave-2025-ex-lucid-motors-sherry-house/73639551007/

Ralph Gilles, Chief Design Officer at Stellantis, is an occasional guest on "Autoline After Hours." He was interviewed a few years back. He said he rarely draws anything, leaving that to others. His job is to set a design-language and to manage all of the stylists Stellantis has scattered around the globe. Basically, his job is to manage, not draw cars. I imagine it's the same at Ford (or any other manufacturer).

Probably not a carry-over. As I understand it, the original Bolt was based on a Chevy Cruze platform that housed LG Chem batteries, motor and electronics. As mentioned, the new one will probably use the Ultium platform and batteries.

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2024/05/08/gm-to-end-production-of-the-chevy-malibu-this-fall/73613938007/

China.

The block is definitely different, but I believe heads, cams, etc, are the same. Not sure why the difference in HP between the two.

Read the article.

One of Ford's better CEO's. Responsible for the Taurus. He was 97. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2024/04/25/donald-petersen-ceo-who-turned-around-ford-with-the-taurus-dies-at-97/73459335007/

From the Detroit News: "Meanwhile, Ford Pro, the commercial vehicle business, was the shining star of the report. It posted more than $3 billion in operating income, up 120% from last year, and a 16.7% operating margin. Super Duty sales drove the increase, according to the automaker. Software services also represented 13% of the earnings, nearing the goal of 20%." https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2024/04/24/ford-first-quarter-earnings-profits-fall-ford-blue-f-150-ramp-up-model-e-ford-pro/73418005007/

His bonus declined in 2023. From the Detroit News: “Bill’s (Ford) and Jim’s salaries were flat with 2022 and their bonuses were down — and well below target levels — based on the overall performance of our business," spokesperson T.R. Reid said. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2024/03/29/ford-ceo-jim-farley-bill-ford-2023-compensation/73142609007/

To me, it's telling that the skunkworks team is in California, not Dearborn. Some people on this forum love to bitch about Ford's bureaucracy and "silos." Fewer than 100 engineers working 2,400 miles away from Michigan should address that issue.

They have websites, and I still see hard copies in the newstand of our local market. There was a time when I subscribed to all three of them. I haven't looked at a copy of any in years.

Ugh. Talk about trying too hard.