Detroit’s three automakers are cautiously optimistic for the next six months after second-quarter earnings took a beating because of the coronavirus. Performance predictions hinge on specific conditions, but other actions signal a brighter future. “We expect a much, much better second half,” Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV CEO Mike Manley said Friday during a conference call after the… Continue reading Detroit Three signal cautious optimism for second half of 2020
Category: US Motoring Press
Electric pickups a possibility, FCA CEO says, as it updates product plans
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV could electrify its Ram trucks if they face deteriorating market share, CEO Mike Manley said Friday, as he provided updates on product launch plans that faced delays due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Italian American automaker has said it will electrify its profit-heavy Jeep brand by 2022, but overall it has been… Continue reading Electric pickups a possibility, FCA CEO says, as it updates product plans
Ford takes $1.9 billion hit in second quarter, but that’s far better than expected
Dearborn — Ford Motor Co. took a $1.9 billion hit to its pretax earnings during the second quarter — far better than the $5 billion the automaker had warned it might lose during the eight-week pandemic shutdown. But by recording a one-time $3.5 billion gain on its investment with self-driving software Argo AI, the automaker managed to post an overall… Continue reading Ford takes $1.9 billion hit in second quarter, but that’s far better than expected
GM, EVgo to install 2,700 electric-vehicle charging stations
Detroit — General Motors Co. and EVgo, a public electric-vehicle charging network, are joining forces to add 2,700 electric-vehicle fast-chargers to the network to spur adoption of the vehicles across the U.S. The installation, which will take place in the next five years, will triple the size of EVgo’s charging network with charging stations being added in 40… Continue reading GM, EVgo to install 2,700 electric-vehicle charging stations
Ford’s surprise: $1.9 billion earnings loss is good news
CLOSE A look at the very first year of the Ford Bronco in this 1966 commercial ‘A Breed Apart.’ Detroit Free Press Ford Motor Co. executives have warned for weeks that their second-quarter earnings report would be an epic disappointment for a company that emerged from 2019 weaker than expected financially, despite a healthy year for the industry. Then the… Continue reading Ford’s surprise: $1.9 billion earnings loss is good news
Let’s not get righteous over preventing child deaths in hot cars
CLOSE When I began writing about the disturbing rise in pedestrian fatalities a couple of years ago, I was struck by the reaction the stories generated. Many readers, seeing a worsening crisis of loss and despair in fatality numbers that are hard to comprehend, were pleased that the issue was getting attention. Others? Not so… Continue reading Let’s not get righteous over preventing child deaths in hot cars
Experts: These are the safest, most reliable used cars for under $20K
CLOSE Popular sedan’s looks, materials improve; voice recognition, controls don’t. Jennifer Stockburger, a mother of two children, worries about the safety of her 16-year-old son who just started driving with a learner’s permit. “Yikes,” she said. “When you’ve got a young driver, it’s worrisome enough because you’ve got this struggle. They have a higher propensity… Continue reading Experts: These are the safest, most reliable used cars for under $20K
Ford lost $1.9 billion in second quarter, but that’s far better than expected
Dearborn — Ford Motor Co. took a $1.9 billion hit to its pretax earnings for the second quarter during the second quarter — but that’s far better than $5 billion the automaker had warned it might lose. Ford said it burned through $5.3 billion in the second quarter amid the coronavirus pandemic that kept plants closed. The Blue Oval’s… Continue reading Ford lost $1.9 billion in second quarter, but that’s far better than expected
Odd couple: Audi S5 Sportback vs. Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus
Autoplay Show Thumbnails Show Captions Last SlideNext Slide My comparison cars this week have much in common. They are muscle models from notable performance brands. They bear fresh, head-swiveling colors: one District Green, the other Sinamon Stick red. Both have elegant “T” shifters, sculpted 20-inch wheels, elevated sticker prices and multiple words in their badges. Yet… Continue reading Odd couple: Audi S5 Sportback vs. Dodge Charger Scat Pack Plus
Howes: GM demonstrates resilience amid COVID-19 pandemic, but shares slip
That could have been worse. After missing eight of 13 second-quarter weeks of North American production because of the coronavirus shutdown, General Motors Co. posted a loss of less than $800 million for the three-month period, rescinded most of its salary cuts and signaled that the second half of the year could prove surprisingly resilient.… Continue reading Howes: GM demonstrates resilience amid COVID-19 pandemic, but shares slip