I think that is correct (at least for my use case). The Escape PHEV provides for a very efficient driving experience when it defaults to hybrid mode (after battery depletion). We almost always get over 40 mpg during highway driving in this state. And I think driving is this mode is where EREVs will not compare well to PHEVs.

A Boxer 4 would be cool, but expect they will use an inline-4 even if laying on its side (horizontal cylinders) to keep height down.  With expected DOHC design and variable valve timing, an inline engine should cost considerably less due to fewer parts.

It’s interesting that Ford mentioned suspending Lightning production as a way of freeing up more aluminum for other F Series trucks, that’s a tell on profitability.

Good point often overlooked.   With lots of zero pollution zones in European cities, people might be charging their PHEVs but forced to run in charge sustain until they use the battery charge inside these zones and then return home with depleted battery. Using PHEVs that way could be normal in Europe and completely different to how say, American would use them..

Yes they do.  

This plan doesn't make any sense. As I mentioned in the OP, Ford doesn't have any shortage of engines. Unless of course, they plan to end engine production in Europe...

Gotcha.  I think they do.

Auto dimming mirrors, Homelink, panoramic tilt/open moonroofs, keypads (both B-pillar and adhesive) are disappearing from several models or migrating to higher trims. The more stuff they can remove, the fewer the recalls. Heckuva solution.

I think this is the unit they are looking at using for the EREV: https://www.mahle-powertrain.com/en/experience/mahle-compact-range-extender-engine/   It can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Horizontally between frame rails in a pickup make a lot of sense.   

Ford's flip-flopping continues lol.....     Ford announced that it would be ending its manufacturing operations in India back in 2021, after which it sold the the Sanand Assembly plant to Tata Motors, though it never found a buyer for the Chennai Assembly plant. A little over a year ago, The Blue Oval surprisingly announced that it would restart production there, but those plans were put on ice in February - and were once again allegedly threatened by tariffs mere weeks ago. However, it now seems as if Ford will be reviving its manufacturing operations in India soon, regardless.Ford Will Spend $370 Million On Engine Production In India According to Bloomberg, Ford now plans to invest 32.50 billion rupees ($370 million) in India, which will be used to retool the Maraimalai Nagar manufacturing site in the southern state of Tamil Nadu for production of  "high-end" engines. The plant will have an annual capacity of around 200,000 units, which will be built there but exported to other markets - though not the U.S. - which isn't surprising given the fact that India is currently dealing with a 50 percent tariff for goods exported to America.