Franck Louis-Victor, an executive who joined Ford Motor Co. in 2021 from Renault, was arrested on Saturday at his home in Oakland County after a domestic dispute involving a weapon and expensive purses. Louis-Victor, 50, CEO of Ford Next LLC and vice president of new business platforms at Ford Motor Co., is accused of trying… Continue reading Top Ford exec faces felony charges after domestic dispute involving $10,000 purses
Author: Detroit Free Press Online
Can’t find an affordable new vehicle? The 2024 Buick Envista may be for you.
Despite inflation, pandemic supply chain disruptions and the auto industry’s shift from sedans to SUVs, the affordable new vehicle is alive, and maybe better than ever. Exhibit A: the 2024 Buick Envista small SUV. It’s priced like a Honda but designed like an Audi, a benchmark for everything Buick hopes to accomplish with its upcoming… Continue reading Can’t find an affordable new vehicle? The 2024 Buick Envista may be for you.
UAW prepares to begin contract talks with Detroit 3
UAW contract talks kick off this week, with Jeep-parent Stellantis starting Thursday followed by Ford on Friday and General Motors on July 18, and the union is already ensuring a departure from previous bargaining. In the past, the launch was noted for its ceremonial aspects, with a handshake and lots of people in attendance. That’s… Continue reading UAW prepares to begin contract talks with Detroit 3
There’s a lot riding on GM’s move away from Apple CarPlay, Android Auto in EVs
Does GM know something Apple doesn’t? Or has the automaker overplayed its hand in a way that could damage the launch of its vital upcoming electric vehicles? We may know by the end of this year. GM has bet potentially billions of dollars on its ability to beat the champion of tech usability at its… Continue reading There’s a lot riding on GM’s move away from Apple CarPlay, Android Auto in EVs
Some Jeep plants to run 7 days per week; other Stellantis facilities on summer shutdown
Several Stellantis plants producing popular Jeep SUVs will be running seven days per week in the coming months. The company said the moves would affect its Warren Truck, Detroit Assembly Complex-Jefferson — formerly known as Jefferson North — and Kokomo (Indiana) Engine plants. “Due to high demand for the Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer and Jeep Grand… Continue reading Some Jeep plants to run 7 days per week; other Stellantis facilities on summer shutdown
New Stellantis CFO Natalie Knight: Automaker has ‘big growth ambition’
Natalie Knight has a few, not-so-modest priorities for her new job at Stellantis. The company’s incoming chief financial officer said she wants to help the automaker double its sales, ensure “podium level” profitability and assist in the move to becoming a leader in electric vehicles going forward. While she’ll admittedly need to learn more about… Continue reading New Stellantis CFO Natalie Knight: Automaker has ‘big growth ambition’
The story behind legendary Jeep’s name gives some fans the willies
ST. GEORGE, Utah — “Willis?” “Willie’s?” What’s in a name? People have debated the pronunciation of WWII icon Willys Jeep for decades, but the company that builds its direct descendant, the Jeep Wrangler, says, “Whatever you like. We’re good.” That’s the word from Jim Morrison, head of Jeep North America. I asked just after he showed… Continue reading The story behind legendary Jeep’s name gives some fans the willies
Car buyers considering an EV have more options thanks to a weird loophole in the law
Car buyers considering an electric vehicle now have more options to ease their pocketbook thanks to a loophole in the Inflation Reduction Act that allows vehicles made outside of North America to qualify for the tax credits anyhow. The government laid out the IRA’s rules last year. It specified: For a buyer to get some… Continue reading Car buyers considering an EV have more options thanks to a weird loophole in the law
Ford sales climb 11% in 2nd quarter, driven by gas-powered trucks, hybrids
Ford Motor Co. maintained its spot in the second quarter of 2023 as a top-selling brand and top-selling truck manufacturer in the United States, driven primarily by its internal combustion engine pickup trucks, according to the company’s sales report released Thursday. Total Ford vehicle sales climbed 11.2% to 511,538 vehicles in the second quarter of… Continue reading Ford sales climb 11% in 2nd quarter, driven by gas-powered trucks, hybrids
Stellantis says deal reached with Canadians on massive Windsor, Ontario battery plant
Stellantis says construction on an electric vehicle battery plant will resume in Windsor, Ontario, after an agreement was reached in what had become a very public tussle with Canadian officials over investment support. Details on the agreement were not immediately released, but the company, which is involved in the project through a joint venture with… Continue reading Stellantis says deal reached with Canadians on massive Windsor, Ontario battery plant