I believe most of these articles are not actually written by the authors, but are using some level of AI... They read oddly with minimal flow compared to other automotive outlets.  There is also another article on their site that is very similar but with a different title. Both Explorer articles are by the same "Author" and were published only 26 days apart. It seems they are just recycling a lot of content with a few nips and tucks. I personally don't visit the site anymore as half the "articles" are 100% advertisements now.    https://www.autoblog.com/reviews/thinking-about-buying-a-2025-ford-explorer-here-are-other-top-choices-to-consider   https://www.autoblog.com/reviews/thinking-about-buying-a-toyota-4runner-here-are-other-top-choices-to-consider     Unfortunately i think this will get worse... Joe Felder announced today that The Car Connection, Motor Authority, and Green Car Reports are being shut down. Soon all we will be left with are Youtube auto reviewers.       

Thank you, that is precisely Ford’s position because they have lost all contact with those other buyers. At least one Ford China product is being sold in RHD South Africa, I think this is a toe in the water for when Escape ends. Interesting that they actually paid to develop a RHD version. Things might also change when low sulphur fuels go on sale in December, we’ve been promised more new Ford’s then.   So what is the deal for ford with ROW markets? If Ford Europe can no longer supply vehicles to those markets, then what are their options? Perhaps dedicated plants making egg on specific products in India and Thailand? We know the new Ecosport will be produced in India but perhaps transferring some C2 production to Thailand would be a favourable alternative, maybe cost effective reuse? 

I agree with you. The implication of those two headlines is very different in comparison.  Words have meaning, and one statement has a negative connotation which suggests bias.  

Here is my take on why Ford hasn't leveraged Chinese products in nearby markets.   Farley has made it clear that Ford has only 4 core products that will get strategic investment and global portfolio: F-Series and extensions (e.g. Expedition) Transit and extensions (e.g. Custom, Courier) Ranger and extensions (e.g. Bronco, Everest) Mustang (e.g. Mach E) If a product is not based on these 4 platform or does not have marketing/branding association with these nameplates, he is not interested keeping those products around just for the sake of keeping them around. This includes pretty much everything Ford makes in China with the exception of Transit and Ranger/Bronco.    So if you think about it this way, it makes perfect sense why Ford hasn't flooded Australia with its Chinese products. They are not the kind of core products that will get investment for RHD and get elevated to global portfolio. What Ford sells in China is mainly tactical products that are narrowly tailored to local taste and needs, not strategic core products that will get Farley's stamp of approval for traditional developed APAC markets like Australia or Taiwan.    For example, you can probably make a good business case for Equator and Equator Sport in Australia and Taiwan. But they don't use Ford sourced engines and so is that something Ford wants to do in Australia? Ford maybe willing to sell something like that on the cheap in Philippines and Vietnam where any sale is a bonus sale. But definitely not in Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand which it considers its core APAC markets. Ford is not a bit player in these markets and it doesn't want or need to be the first mainstream makes to open the floodgates for cheap Chinese made cars. People in Australia are choosing Chinese brands because they are cheap. Ford doesn't need or want those customers. This may change of course if Toyota or Hyundai starts importing cars from China...     

I've noticed recently that AutoBlog's format has changed (I know ownership changed a few months back), but now the way they present their articles has changed too, and seems biased against Ford.   For instance instead of saying "Explorer review, and alternate options", they say "Shopping for a 2025 Explorer, here's what experts say you should look at instead"     Meanwhile, for Pilot, they say Shopping for "Honda Pilot?  Here are the Expert's Top Alternatives"     Just seems biased language.  I don't have a problem with them saying here's the vehicle and here are alternatives, but to say here's what the experts say you should look at instead is crazy.    

Yeah, it's crazy they've not even attempted to do things like this.  With global China backlash now, they may be "ok" with not doing China as the hub, but to not leverage other global areas.

Yeah, what a shocker?    Between polarizing appearance (being kind), quality issues, and Tesla brand equity declining (if not in the toilet already for many potential buyers), it should all be expected.  And with used CT dropping in price, demand for new ones is even lower.  There’s more facing electric pickups in general but not worth repeating.

I purchased. anew 2024 F350 7.3 march 1st. I noticed a slight valve train clatter at low rpms only inside the cabin. I can't hear anything with the windows rolled down.  attached are a few videos of the sound inside (you can hear it faintly). is this a normal characteristic of the 7.3?      

Excuse me while I put on my shocked face.   😱😱😱