Tag: Ford

Ford unveils three models in Shanghai, says more are coming

Ford held one of its largest-ever branding events and launched three models in Shanghai on Friday as part of the US carmaker’s plan to recuperate lost ground in the world’s largest auto market.The Focus Active SUV sports the 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged engine, which has a maximum output of 128 kW and a top torque of 243 Nm.All of the three models feature SYNC+, Ford’s new in-vehicle infotainment system powered by Baidu’s artificial intelligence technology.

‘£500million annual profit is not enough for car makers to survive’

Ever get the feeling that some corporations charge motorists too much for car-related products? That their profit margins are obscenely high? That they’d still be fabulously profitable, even if they seriously slashed their retail prices? For emergency and other reasons, the mobile phone is essential for today’s car user, and the iPhone is among the… Continue reading ‘£500million annual profit is not enough for car makers to survive’

Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe close to deal to build new 4×4 in UK – This is Money

Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on the verge of striking a deal to make his new Land Rover Defender-style vehicle in South Wales, officials say. The Mail on Sunday revealed in June that Ineos Automotive, the car-making arm of Ratcliffe’s sprawling empire, was considering a deal to build a new 4×4 in a plant next… Continue reading Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe close to deal to build new 4×4 in UK – This is Money

XL Fleet Turns Ford F-150 Into Plug-In Hybrid For $9,000

The 15 kWh battery pack goes in the bed of the truck. After we told you about Ecotuned, we have found out another company that tries to make the Ford F-150 be more friendly to the environment and to the pocket of the pickup truck owners. It comes from XL Fleet and, although the company… Continue reading XL Fleet Turns Ford F-150 Into Plug-In Hybrid For $9,000

Electric Pickup Truck Not Likely From Ford & Rivian Tie Up

But a large electric SUV probably is. Ford CEO Jim Hackett talks about the automaker’s tie-up with Rivian and suggests an electric pickup truck is unlikely, but a large electric SUV might be in the works. It was back in April of this year when Ford announced a $500 million investment into electric adventure vehicle maker… Continue reading Electric Pickup Truck Not Likely From Ford & Rivian Tie Up

Rivian might build upcoming Ford electric SUV

Rivian could be entrusted to build an upcoming Ford electric SUV—due within the next few years—at the startup’s former Mitsubishi assembly plant in Normal, Illinois.

“It would be counterproductive for us to try and make what they have capacity to do in the beginning here, because they've got a factory in Illinois that meets a lot of our criteria,” Ford CEO Jim Hackett told MotorTrend, in a story published Tuesday.

That's a departure from what was announced in April, with the formation of a strategic partnership between the two companies. At that time, Ford said that it will build an all-new battery electric vehicle using Rivian’s flexible skateboard platform, and that the companies would develop this next-generation vehicle together.

Rivian R1T, R1S chassis

The Ford truck project, which is now sounding more like an electric SUV than an electric pickup, will leave much to Rivian. It's due to share all of Rivian’s core components, such as its battery pack, power electronics, electric motors, and electronic architecture, but Ford will develop what sometimes in industry terms is called a top hat—a different or fully differentiated body that fits onto the skateboard, with all the key technical components shared.

Ford may have a little more influence in Rivian’s platform as it moves toward production, however—and potentially, many more models. The partnership was spearheaded by a $500 million minority investment from Ford, and under that, Ford President of Global Operations Joe Hinrichs was given a seat on the Rivian board.

Ford emphasized that the deal doesn’t affect its existing $11 billion investment toward electric and electrified vehicles, including the upcoming Mustang-inspired electric crossover, which is due to arrive next year, or work on a fully electric version of the Ford F-150 pickup.

The Rivian R1T pickup is due to arrive in late 2020, with the R1S SUV to follow in 2021—and the Ford product after that.

Ford extends warranty on certain Focus, Fiesta models

FILE PHOTO: The logo of Ford is seen on a 2020 Ford Explorer car at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. June 24, 2019. REUTERS/Kamil Krzaczynski (Reuters) – Ford Motor Co (F.N) said on Wednesday it is extending warranty on clutch and related hardware in certain of its Focus and Fiesta cars due… Continue reading Ford extends warranty on certain Focus, Fiesta models