Looks like this is happening    Ford CEO, Trump Officials Discussed China-US Carmaking JVs Ford Motor Co.’s top executive spoke to senior Trump administration officials about a potential framework in which Chinese automakers could build cars in America while offering some protection for domestic companies, according to people familiar with the discussions.   The idea discussed by Ford Chief Executive Officer Jim Farley and Trump cabinet members last month involved Chinese carmakers partnering with US companies through joint ventures in which the American company holds a controlling stake, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions were private. The ventures would be structured so that both the Chinese and US partners would share profits and technology in the JV, the people said.

If you say so.    How can an investor hold the company accountable for delivering on its commitments if it refuses to commit to products or timelines outside of vague press releases and statements.      😂 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Pretty much. I like what JPD is proposing. But a ranger hybrid would appeal to someone like a maverick owner who wanted a larger, more capable truck, or someone who wanted a pro power hybrid that was smaller, and more affordable than an f-150. Whereas the CE1 thing appeals to an entirely different demographic.    With them talking about performance and driving engagement, design, and having lots of customization according to people who've seen it, that makes the CE1 truck sound a lot more lifestyle oriented than something like a ranger. 

Excellent article in today's Detroit News about how Ford plans to make EV's profitable.  Of course it's behind a paywall.  This statement from Farley stands out:   "We dealt decisively with the reality of the market," Ford CEO Jim Farley said this week on an earnings call, "and shifted our focus of our EV business to a high-volume, affordable end of the market."   https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2026/02/13/ford-model-e-profitable-2029-earnings-ev/88622942007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z11xx60p119750c119750v11xx60d--46--b--46--&gca-ft=65&gca-ds=sophi  

This is just a personal opinion, but Mercedes throwing some mediocre 2.0L turbo in 75% of the vehicles they sell does not scream "aspirational" to me. They've wiped away everything that once made them unique. 

For me, the modest improvement in MPG is welcome, but it is the additional power and capability that is very appealing.

Gotcha.  Powerboost is the way to go.  I think some hear hybrid ranger or bronco and think it's going to get 40 mpg like Maverick.

I don't think JV's with Chinese auto manufacturers is necessarily a problem, but if they drag Chinese suppliers over that could be.  That's the concern of GM and others.  

A hybrid Ranger in North America would likely have the same hybrid system as the F-150 Powerboost. The non-hybrid F-150 3.5 4WD is rated at 16/24/19. The F-150 3.5 4WD Powerboost is rated at 22/24/23 (a 21% improvement).   The Ranger 4WD 2.3 is rated at 19/26/22. If a Ranger 4WD 2.3 Powerboost achieved about the same improvement as the F-150 Powerboost, then I would expect about 25/26/26 (probably slightly better due to Ranger being ~500 pounds lighter).   But it's not only about MPG. If they don't de-tune a Ranger Powerboost (like they did the Ranger PHEV), then it would be in the neighborhood of 360 HP and 500 lb-ft of torque which would be exceptionally fun and fantastic for towing. With Pro Power Onboard it would be even more appealing.

Never buy gas, no fluids to change, massive acceleration.  Same as every other BEV.   It's not a question of converting ICE buyers.  It's giving those who want an EV a smaller less expensive truck option.