Interesting how even Henry I was letting products languish way back in the 1920s.  I was also shocked at how bad the executives were and how badly it was managed before Mulally.  How did Bill Ford let them get away with it for so long?

OK, semantics, but still not sure most people on this forum would call these vehicles a car, though I anticipate I could have a lot of fun with either.  😀   For what it’s worth, potential for affordability probably rivals motorcycles, though I feel more practical, useful, and probably much safer than a motorized bike.  The VW only had 5.3 kWh battery size, range of 40 miles, and 80+ MPH top speed; not bad for 15-year-old technology.  The Audi version may have had larger battery.  I know there is a name for this class of vehicle, but at least in case of VW not sure it applies because it was designed for higher speeds and to greater safety standard.  

Yeah, I don't know why they moved the Expedition/Explorer to those names now.   It's like they undid one thing and redid another.

Me too - I'm about 3/4 through.   Interesting to see similarities between now and then.   Product was one of the main keys.

Stupidest trim name ever.

Well the base trim Explorer is using the Active Name like the Escape, so 

I think you just described a car.

Can relate to much of what that article states.  Technology can indeed help people without necessarily replacing them; which Musk and Tesla seem motivated to accomplish.  The problem becomes that not all drivers want the same level of technology, or same level of simplicity at opposite extreme for that matter, which means that many people will be unhappy with vehicle choices.  If a buyer wants an ultra simple electric car, you’re out of luck unless you live in China as far as I know.  Maybe India too, who knows.   I like driving and find it relaxing, and prefer being 100% in control.  I also enjoy bike riding for same reason, where the machine is simple and can almost feel like an extension of your body.  There’s no computer taking over steering, or braking, etc.; and great handling is a must.   The feature I like best about electric vehicles is that they can be easily downsized, much more practical and cost-effectively than ICE.  Every day I notice more kids and adults riding electric scooters, bicycles, 4 wheelers, etc. around my neighborhood.  Who knows, maybe some of this mindset will rub off on future automotive transportation.   A four wheel motorcycle with body enclosure to protect rider from weather could be a blast.  I wouldn’t take a small city car on highway due to safety concerns on regular basis, but would buy one just for the added fun of driving if designed and built simple enough.  However, to pass as a “toy”, price would have to be much lower than say, the Smart EV.  VW and Audi played with this idea over a decade ago but apparently demand wasn’t enough to pursue beyond concept.

I’m reading American Icon - the Ford Mulally book - and in the early 2000s Ford Europe was saving the company.

An issue mentioned in video was possible urgency to open any door from outside if a pet or child is stuck inside when battery dies, or any other electrical issue that causes failure.  One can argue it shouldn’t happen at all, but if it did, then what?  In extreme case breaking window could/should work.  I can also imagine getting locked out in horrible weather or unsafe area and wanting to wait for help while inside car.  The procedure to attach jumper cables and charge battery, assuming it works at all, doesn’t sound all that quick in the first place.