Reading in between the lines on this, it looks like that in some segments, like the B class, they might be using a partner to help off set costs, while developing say the C class EV for others? Or they are going to use some other ICE platform from another maker for ICE/Hybrid products?     

The slow down in BEV adoption is more about the market being served and the economy.    People will be more willing to buy say a $30-40K EV more so then one that is 60K to "try" it.   With interest rates being high that also make people not want to spend as much on a vehicle and people will be more conservative with their money and buy what they know and not something they don't. 

What about Zero Emission Zones (ZEZs)?  That’s how it often starts with government officials who try to set a precedence that they can build on later.  It’s easier to justify action based on an extreme condition or set of circumstances and then expand from that initial precedence.  It’s a simple way to avoid tougher resistance.  And it’s not just with vehicles, it applies to many issues.   Admittedly logic does work, just like slowly boiling a frog instead of dropping into scalding water.  When challenged politicians and their supporters will accuse everyone else of not wanting change.  Yeah, tell that to a frog that doesn’t want to boil to death.   For what it’s worth, I’m 100% in favor of improving the environment but prefer doing it as effectively as possible, and with transparency.  I just happen to believe that too many politicians are misguided because they don’t actually understand the reality of the entire problem they are trying to solve.  The recent slowdown in BEV adoption is just one example IMO.

GMC Has A New Future In Mind And It’s Not What You’ve Been Told The brand's most popular trucks and SUVs are about to change in unexpected ways, blending electrification with familiar power. The GMC Sierra is expected to be renewed in 2027, followed by the Yukon in 2029. Both models will reportedly gain plug-in hybrid powertrain options for the very first time. GMC is also working on mid-lifecycle updates for the Arcadia, Hummer, and Canyon.   GM CEO Mary Barra has confirmed that plug-in hybrids models will join the lineup in 2027. That same year, GM plans to ramp up production of the Sierra at its Orion Township facility in Michigan. According to Automotive News, this timing may align with a mid-cycle refresh for the Sierra, followed by updates to the heavy-duty version in 2028.   https://www.carscoops.com/2025/07/gmc-has-a-new-future-in-mind-and-its-not-what-youve-been-told/

agree on both subjects. I also think that the Zephyr should be brought to the US. Also I think they need a version of the Mustang, specially for China, the CT5 sells pretty well there, 41k units in the 2024

I think Zephyr should be brought over too.  Remember, MKZ was selling similarly to the SUVs, even into its discontinuation.  You'd be expanding sales 15-20%. It'll be interesting to see whether Lincoln gets a version of the Mustang 4-door (which I'd advocate over the Zephyr, even if it would sell better than the Lincstang4).     I'd bring it here as Fusion, and it'd be a sedan-adjacent product with having the hatch, and they can also charge more for that version than the sedan.  It'd also allow you to still have Mustang 4-door, which can be the performance oriented model, while Evos appeals to the "average" buyer.

Granted, it's Ford Authority, but this article is claiming these passenger vehicles will be developed with "partners"   And given the tie up with VW already (not to mention comments by the VW/Ford/VW guy of future tie ups), maybe this does point that way?  Which still seems stupid to me - why engineer a whole new in-house platform just to not use it in key global markets?   Upcoming Ford Lineup In Europe Being Developed With Partners

Lower manufacturing costs and using a cost optimized platform like c2. 

If only Ford would use that same approach globally.

Yet...but the UK and France are driving in that direction also.