Globalism as we’ve known it for the past 25 years or so is rapidly coming to an end. 

FRAP:  

Four different reliable sources have said we’ll have $100,000 SRI packages in the first quarter. But until we actually see something in print it’s all hearsay. 

Interesting article in today's Detroit News about how "globalism" is out and "localization" is in.  Farley made this comment about sedans:   Ford in December emphasized forthcoming affordable trucks, and its next-generation EV will first launch in 2027 as a Maverick-like midsize truck starting at $30,000. Although the automaker left the U.S. sedan market by 2020, it's a "vibrant" segment, Farley said, but the challenge has been producing them profitably. "We may find a way to do that, but you have to produce it here, compared to bringing them in from Europe like you did before, or Mexico," Farley said. "Never say never."

I think things have changed. The market has been working to find a balance among power density, charging performance, and cost.   8 years ago, they were focused on energy density. 5 years ago, charging speed.   3 years ago, cost, and safety. Today, cost is #1 The allure of this tech is that it opens new markets for electrification, such as the aviation sector. The energy density of 400 Wh/kg is overkill for EVs, but the ability to charge and discharge so fast could be paired with lower-cost technologies to improve charging and performance. As always, there is a disconnect between what people say they want and what they actually need. 5-min charging lets people charge at the same rate they can refuel, with the added benefit of supporting people who hate stopping on long trips.

I think I like this front end better than the GTD, it just needs the wider stance to make it appear more aggressive.

I don't think this is market driven as much as it represents a truck that can be manufactured cheaper and sold cheaper and therefore return a much higher profit margin with decent volume.

They are doing an electric truck, just a small one, and not the F-150 T3 one.   Otherwise, I'd agree with your points here.

Seems to me, if they are not doing an electric, and if objective is to build a cost leader, what is the point of adding another ICE truck.  I'm all for ICE but from a market objective, what is the point?  What market does the present slate NOT address? I'm thinking, who needs a bare bones single cab truck?  Parts houses? Advance Auto, Auto Zone, and a big regional parts house next to my town each have 2 or 3 parts "runners".  Canyons, Transit Connects etc.   Why not offer a rear seat delete option on Maverick?  Done deal. Appears to me idea of another truck is a knee jerk reaction to utilize another plant that is perhaps too far along to cancel or just delay.

I like it better with the body color bumper than the leaked images of the blacked out bumper.  I don't like how the upper grill has an angle to it that doesn't match the surrounding intakes....it just seems out of place.       It's not bad......thinking about it more, I think my lukewarm feelings on the current gen Mustang's design causes me to be less enthusiastic about this product, coupled with the strange name.