To be fair, the Rivian is a midsized truck that's priced like a full sized truck and comes from an unproven startup, so those are both factors working against it. 

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-department-commerce-increases-duties-233200309.html    

I don't think so. You could say VW was more exposed due their Reliance on China and Europe for volume. I also think that VW being the first legacy automaker to bring a dedicated EV platform to market hurt them, in the Medium term with numerous Software issues, and Inflexible battery architecture.   The hardware issues are being resolved this year with the Debut of the Rivian-based Zonal software package in 2027 or 2028.  Ford, on the other hand, outsourced its EV development in Europe to VW and leaned heavily on suppliers like BorgWarner in its early EVs. Software-wise, I don't have a good understanding of where Ford Stands with Zonal Architectures. I do know they cancelled their First effort last year.

I totally agree with this.  They effectively are Mercedes in name only.  The name might be enough for some, but not all when there are many options out there. 

Ultimately, my point was they are effectively covering all aspects of the market in China while their home market is left with gaps in major market segments that will be vacant for substantial time.   

That option was only added in 2025 and I didn't really see the point of it. I guess people didn't use them.   

https://fordauthority.com/2026/02/2026-ford-bronco-sport-fender-tie-downs-become-optional/ Along with a host of other carrot & stick schemes (must buy a premium trim to buy certain standalone options that were part of a pkg previously) and outright deletions.

Nah but he picks them up in his Eddie Bauer bags  

So Eddie Bauer sells groceries online now??  

VW IMO was in worst shape for future EV development then Ford due to being "too big to fail" and it hurting from dieselgate.   Their hand was forced to work with Rivian.