yeah but even then it’s stupid simple. You just need to remove 2 screws and pull the trim panel back. I’ve done it once, it’s a lot easier than it was in my Focus. More room to work. 

Yes an much of that I suspect was encouraged by the way vehicle platforms were financed, much easier to get funding by using an existing platform develop a new vehicle.   Recently Farley shared that a certain high selling vehicle had something like 150 modules that are controlled by supplier software…….Ford’s quest to reduce costs by outsourcing  much of what it used to engineer would seem to be locking them into deals that it now has no choice but continue without completely redesigning vehicles…   So yeah, I see why CE1 skunkworks was a breath of fresh air that ignored Ford’s rules and concentrated on a much simpler way of doing everything…..

You have the correct answer to your question jpd80. 🙂 When I worked at Ford in the 1990s and 2000s, engineering was characterized by a culture of not invented here and groupthink, which resulted in unnecessary complexity.

Not sure in this, The intel on the Valencia Brinco Sport was that it was different to the current version being built in Mexico. Perhaps different sources are reporting the same thing but in terms of regional location - thinking America, Europe and Asia with tweets for regional requirements?  

Yes but diesel pickups like Ranger and Hilux have exemptions until 2028 PHEV Ranger complies with 2028 CO2 level today   And this is why Ford is selling as many V6 diesel Rangers as it can, they know PHEV is the future and European market will lead that change

As I understand it, the new energy standards are based on carbon emissions. Am I mistaken?   Diesels are dirty and expensive, and will continue to be phased out.

I feel like you missed my point    There is a concept in economics called substitute     EVs are a substitute for vehicles that use oil.   Encouraging more efficient use of oil by moving to a cheaper and more plentiful resource is smart. and preserves oil for those uses that can't easily be substituted.   Australia isn't banning ICE sales, much like the US they are tightening emissions standards to encourage the sale of new energy vehicles.

Now that would make a ton of sense with both being built together in the same plant, maybe replicate that in another plant elsewhere too (like Thailand third plant?)

That’s not true, the new vehicle emission standard will eventually make it impossible for diesel pickups to be sold in Australia, how is that going back to oil dependency.   Also our Aussie electric power grid is rapidly transitioning to green power and as of 2024 was 40% and inceasing with desire to be 85% by the middle of the 2030s.

I stand corrected, so these mega castings are going to save owners money in the unfortunate event of a car crash? Sounds like the savings of a simpler construction method will make repairs both easier and cheaper for insurance.   I guess the better question was how did manufacturers like Ford allow their vehicle manufacturing process become so complicated and parts intensive….almost like engineering solutions were add ons year over year, compounding on a design’s complexity instead of eliminating that…