Apple Maps bude od roku 2027 součástí navigace v nové platformě Fordu Universal Electric Vehicle Platform prostřednictvím MapKit for Automotive. První vůz má stát kolem 30 000 USD.
Apple (AAPL +3.52%) spent about a decade trying to build a car and canceled the effort in February 2024. Roughly 2,000 employees were reportedly working on it, and the company is reported to have spent billions before shutting it down and moving much of the team to artificial intelligence (AI).
But Apple's technology is still finding its way into vehicles.
Apple and Ford (F +1.55%) announced that Apple Maps will power the navigation experience in Ford's Universal Electric Vehicle Platform beginning in 2027, delivered through a new developer kit Apple calls MapKit for Automotive. The first vehicle on that platform is a midsize electric vehicle Ford has priced around $30,000.
"Our new midsize electric vehicle will be priced around $30,000 and redefines what advanced technology can be," said Ford CEO Jim Farley in Apple's announcement.
Image source: Getty Images.
What Apple is actually supplying The arrangement goes deeper than a phone-mirroring screen. CarPlay projects an iPhone onto a car's display. This embeds Apple Maps into the vehicle itself, with Ford able to shape the look to match its own design.
Drivers get turn-by-turn directions with natural-language search, live traffic and incident data, and EV routing that preconditions the battery before a charging stop.
The more interesting piece, however, is underneath. Apple said the kit supplies road-level information automakers can use to build hands-free driving experiences, and Ford is wiring it into the next generation of BlueCruise -- its hands-free highway system.
That is a different job than drawing a map. It makes Apple a supplier to someone else's autonomy program.
"Apple Maps delivers the best map experience in the world, and we're excited to bring the power of Maps' navigation technology to Ford's innovative Universal Electric Vehicle Platform," said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of services and health.
Why this beats the version Apple abandoned Look at what Ford's side of the business actually earns and the contrast is hard to miss. Ford carries a market capitalization of about $57 billion, which is a little more than 1% of Apple's roughly $4.9 trillion. It lost money over the past twelve months. And on Friday it recalled more than 565,000 Broncos over a wiring problem that can start an engine fire.
Building cars is a capital-hungry, low-margin business. Apple would have entered it as a beginner.
Selling the software layer into it is the opposite trade. After all, Apple's services segment produced an all-time record of about $31 billion in revenue in the fiscal second quarter (the period ended March 28, 2026), up about 16% year over year, and services carried a gross margin near 75% in fiscal 2025 against about 36% for products.
Investors should maintain perspective, though. Apple hasn't disclosed what Ford pays, and a mapping license on one vehicle platform launching in 2027 arguably won't show up as a line anybody can find in the services number.
The value here is reach, not a fee. Apple Maps has been an iPhone feature since 2012, useful mainly to people already inside the ecosystem. Embedded in a Ford, it becomes something a driver uses whether or not they own an iPhone -- and every mile driven feeds map data back.
This comes at a time when Apple's business already has strong momentum. Fiscal second-quarter revenue rose 17% year over year to $111.2 billion and earnings per share climbed 22% to $2.01, with iPhone setting a March-quarter record. Growth like that came after fiscal 2025 revenue grew about 6% for the full year, so the top line has accelerated sharply.
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There are risks, of course. Ford could sell fewer of these vehicles than it hopes, the 2027 timeline could slip, and other automakers may prefer Android Automotive, the competing system from Google parent Alphabet, which already sits in some of Ford's rivals.
So what do I make of it? A small deal in dollars, and a meaningful one in direction. Apple has now bought its way into vehicles through software and services, expanding its reach and increasing its optionality for future growth opportunities.
Shares trade around $333 as of this writing, near their record high, at about 40 times earnings. That is a premium price for a company this size, and I'd say the stock is a hold rather than a bargain here.
But I own it, and Thursday is a reasonable illustration of why. The car program looked like a failure in 2024. Two years later, Apple is in the dashboard of one of Ford's most important new vehicles.
Ford před zveřejněním výsledků za 2Q 2026 zvýšil celoroční výhled upraveného EBIT na 8,5 až 10,5 miliardy USD z dřívějších 8,0 až 10,0 miliardy USD. Tahounem jsou silné komerční a klasické vozy, které kompenzují ztráty EV.
Ford (NYSE:F | F Price Prediction) reports Q2 2026 earnings on July 28 with three major factors working in its favor: a 4.24% dividend yield, a valuation of roughly 4.5 times free cash flow, and recently raised full-year profit guidance.
Ford’s electric-vehicle business remains deeply unprofitable, but the company’s commercial and traditional vehicle operations continue to generate enough cash to fund the dividend and absorb those losses.
Ford Offers a 4.2% Dividend Yield Ford’s $0.60 annualized dividend against a $14.37 share price puts the forward yield at 4.24%, more than double the S&P 500 average. General Motors (NYSE:GM) has a dividend yield of about 1% on a low-single-digit payout ratio.
The Q2 2026 dividend of $0.15 was declared April 28, 2026, and paid June 1, 2026, and management has layered in special dividends of $0.30 in February 2025 and $0.33 the year prior. Ford also repurchased $311 million of stock in Q1 2026, reinforcing the capital-return story.
Ford Trades at Just 4.5x Free Cash Flow The stock trades at roughly 4.5x price-to-free-cash-flow, 1.5x book, and a forward P/E of 8. Free cash flow yield sits near 22%, backed by 2026 guidance for $5.0 billion to $6.0 billion in adjusted free cash flow.
Q1 2026 delivered EPS of $0.66 on $43.25 billion in revenue (6% YoY growth), with net income surging to $2.55 billion from $471 million a year earlier and adjusted EBIT improving $2.50 billion YoY to $3.49 billion.
Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Ford didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Ford Just Raised Its 2026 Profit Forecast Management raised full-year 2026 adjusted EBIT guidance to $8.5 billion to $10.5 billion (from $8.0 billion to $10.0 billion) on Ford Pro’s commercial and software momentum. Paid software subscriptions reached 879,000 in Q1 2026, up 30% YoY with 11.4% segment margins.
CEO Jim Farley said the results “reflect the momentum of the Ford+ plan.” Shares are up 33.85% over the last year and 12.08% year-to-date, with an average analyst price target of $15.05.
Ford’s EV Business Could Lose Another $4.5 Billion The pushback is Model e, where losses are guided to $4.0-$4.5 billion in 2026. However, Ford Blue EBIT is guided to positive $4.5-$5.0 billion and Ford Pro EBIT to $6.5-$7.5 billion, more than absorbing the EV drag. That means the $10.70 billion in Q4 2025 Model e impairments is already accounted for.
Ford heads into its July 28 Q2 earnings report offering a rare combination of income and deep value. If Q2 results confirm that those core businesses remain strong and management maintains its higher outlook, Ford could remain one of the more attractive dividend stocks in the auto industry.
Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Ford didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Item 1 of 2 2025 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles sit on a dealership lot for sale in Dearborn, Michigan, U.S., May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File Photo
[1/2]2025 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles sit on a dealership lot for sale in Dearborn, Michigan, U.S., May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesJuly 24 (Reuters) - Ford (F.N), opens new tab is recalling 565,691 vehicles in the U.S. as the engine compartment wiring harness may become damaged and short circuit, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Friday.
Here are the details:
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The recall affects certain 2021-2026 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles.
A short circuit in the engine compartment can create heat or spark, increasing the risk of a fire, the auto safety regulator said.
As part of the recall remedy, dealers will install sheathing over the wiring, free of charge, NHTSA added.
Preetika Parashuraman in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Wall Street analysts forecast that Ford Motor Company (F - Free Report) will report quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year decline of 10.8%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $45.72 billion, exhibiting a decrease of 2.6% compared to the year-ago quarter.
Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been adjusted downward by 5.3% to its current level. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during this period.
Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight.
In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain Ford Motor metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.
Analysts predict that the 'Revenues- Ford Pro' will reach $18.41 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -2.1%.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Revenues- Ford Credit' will reach $3.37 billion. The estimate points to a change of +4.1% from the year-ago quarter.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Revenues- External Revenues- Ford Blue' should come in at $25.71 billion. The estimate indicates a change of -0.3% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts expect 'Revenues- External Revenues- Ford Model e' to come in at $1.62 billion. The estimate indicates a change of -31.3% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Wholesale Units - Ford Pro' reaching 421.07 thousand. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 429.00 thousand in the same quarter of the previous year.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Wholesale Units - Ford Blue' should arrive at 669.70 thousand. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 696.00 thousand.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Wholesale Units - Ford Model e' at 43.69 thousand. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 60.00 thousand in the same quarter of the previous year.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Adjusted EBIT- Ford Pro' of $1.68 billion. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $2.32 billion.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Adjusted EBIT- Ford Credit' will reach $546.08 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $645.00 million in the same quarter last year.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Adjusted EBIT- Ford Blue' will likely reach $1.24 billion. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $661.00 million in the same quarter last year.
View all Key Company Metrics for Ford Motor here>>>
Shares of Ford Motor have demonstrated returns of +4.2% over the past month compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.4% change. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), F is expected to mirror the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Apple on Thursday announced a new set of developer tools that will let automakers embed Apple Maps navigation and mapping directly into their vehicles’ infotainment systems.
The software development kit, called MapKit for Automotive, will debut with Ford and its new line of electric vehicles, starting with a $30,000 midsize truck in 2027.
Ford is placing a hefty bet on its next-generation of EVs, which it has promised will be affordable and efficient while still offering the latest technology. To build them, Ford ditched its century-old tradition and instead started with a universal EV platform, or UEV, that will underpin the midsize truck and eventually other vehicles including a sedan, crossover, three-row SUV and even small commercial vans.
Features like Apple Maps integration may seem minor compared to Ford’s decision to use single-piece aluminum unicastings for the vehicle, which are large components cast as one piece to eliminate parts and allow for faster assembly.
But the Apple Maps integration is central to Ford’s plan to deliver more responsive features to owners, such as navigation that includes efficient routing designed for EVs and turn-by-turn directions with natural language capabilities.
Drivers will be able to see real-time traffic and incident information, search for destinations, and view detailed place information. Importantly, Apple MapKit runs natively in the vehicle and is separate from Apple CarPlay, which mirrors apps from an iPhone onto the vehicle’s central display.
The integration will also feed road-level information from Apple Maps to Ford’s next-generation BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance system. The upgraded version of BlueCruise, which is expected to roll out next year, will be able to handle an entire highway journey, including entrance and exits ramps. The company has said the new system will ultimately handle “point-to-point autonomy,” similar to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software, before progressing to eyes-off driving in 2028.
The companies said that by embedding Apple Maps directly in the vehicle, drivers will gain access to smarter EV routing, including battery preconditioning. This feature prepares the battery before arriving at a charger, reducing charge times by ensuring it’s at the optimal temperature.
It could also enable smart home integrations, like opening the garage door and turning on the lights when the driver arrives at home.
While the technology will be open to any automaker, Ford is Apple’s first partner on the new effort. The companies have signed a commercial agreement, but did not disclosed its terms.
Ford noted that the Apple integration could also help its Ford Pro business, which serves its commercial fleet customers. For example, businesses could use the technology to route drivers to their next job site or display other fleet vehicles on the map. Those kinds of fleet features become much easier when the mapping platform is built directly into the vehicle.
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Kirsten Korosec is a reporter and editor who has covered the future of transportation from EVs and autonomous vehicles to urban air mobility and in-car tech for more than a decade. She is currently the transportation editor at TechCrunch and co-host of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast. She is also co-founder and co-host of the podcast, “The Autonocast.” She previously wrote for Fortune, The Verge, Bloomberg, MIT Technology Review and CBS Interactive.
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Ford a Geely Auto vytvoří v závodě ve Valencii společný podnik pro výrobu evropských multi-energetických vozů. Společný podnik má zahájit činnost v prvním pololetí 2027, přičemž první nové vozy mají vyjet v roce 2028. Výroba Ford Kuga pokračuje bez přerušení.
Les deux constructeurs automobiles mondiaux prévoient de former une coentreprise à l'usine Ford de Valence, en Espagne, combinant économie d'échelle et optimisation du taux d'utilisation de l'usine, pour construire des véhicules Ford et Geely. Le partenariat, fondé sur une confiance mutuelle et des principes commerciaux partagés, sécurise l'avenir de l'usine de Valence, assure une stabilité à long terme et crée un potentiel de croissance future d'emplois pour la fabrication et la conception de haute technologie automobile. La coentreprise répond aux nouvelles réalités du marché européen (concurrence mondiale intense, pression constante sur les coûts et réglementation de plus en plus stricte) en repositionnant Valence comme nouvelle référence de coûts du secteur. L'usine de Valence produira une nouvelle génération de véhicules à faibles émissions et à zéro émission pour les marchés européens, offrant aux clients une expérience technologique de premier plan. La coentreprise devrait produire un tout nouveau crossover multi-énergies pour Ford, en plus d'un nouveau membre de la famille Bronco, ainsi que deux SUV électriques Geely, avec un début de production en 2028. La production du Kuga se poursuit sans interruption. Cette collaboration accélère l'expansion européenne de Geely Auto et soutient l'offensive produit de Ford visant à lancer cinq nouveaux véhicules particuliers en Europe d'ici 2029. , /PRNewswire/ -- Ford Motor Company et Geely Automobile Holdings (« Geely Auto ») ont annoncé aujourd'hui un accord visant à former une coentreprise (JV) dédiée au marché Européen au sein du site de production Ford à Valence, en Espagne.
La nouvelle coentreprise fabriquera des véhicules particuliers multi-énergies Ford et Geely destinés au marché européen, offrant ainsi davantage de choix aux automobilistes européens.
Ford and Geely announce joint venture for Europe at Ford's Valencia plant
Ford and Geely announce joint venture for Europe at Ford's Valencia plant L'Europe est aujourd'hui le théâtre d'une des batailles commerciales les plus féroces de l'industrie automobile mondiale. Le durcissement de la réglementation, les coûts d'exploitation élevés et l'arrivée d'une nouvelle génération de concurrents mondiaux ont redéfini les références du secteur en matière de coûts de fabrication, de technologie et de connectivité.
En mutualisant les volumes de production, Ford et Geely optimiseront la capacité de l'usine de Valence, réduiront le coût de chaque véhicule qui y est fabriqué, et pourront ainsi rivaliser en proposant des véhicules multi-énergies compétitifs de premier plan et en renforçant l'économie locale de Valence.
Sous réserve des approbations réglementaires, la coentreprise débutera ses activités au premier semestre 2027, les premiers nouveaux véhicules devant sortir des chaînes d'assemblage en 2028. L'usine de Valence continuera de produire le Ford Kuga.
« Cette coentreprise avec Ford en Europe reflète notre engagement concernant un développement produits ouvert et collaboratif, dans le cadre de notre stratégie de croissance, en renforçant notre présence locale et notre engagement envers les clients européens », a déclaré Alex Nan, vice-président de Geely Group. « Nous sommes déterminés à proposer des véhicules que les clients européens choisiront sur la base de leurs qualités : des caractéristiques de pointe, une haute qualité, et une contribution active au développement durable de l'Europe. En somme : nous construisons des voitures en Europe, pour l'Europe, aux côtés d'un partenaire de confiance. »
Le partenariat de Ford avec Geely repose sur la base de la confiance et du respect qui remonte à 2010, lorsque Ford a vendu Volvo Cars à Geely et a vu cette dernière protéger et redynamiser la marque. Les deux entreprises partagent un engagement envers la qualité, l'amélioration continue, un réseau de fournisseurs compétitifs ainsi qu'une conviction commune : les clients doivent pouvoir choisir leur propre voie dans la transition énergétique.
Transformer Valence en un pôle d'excellence de la mobilité à faibles émissions de CO2
La coentreprise transformera le site de Ford à Valence, l'une des usines parmi les plus efficientes et les plus modernes d'Europe, avec une capacité annuelle potentielle d'environ 500.000 véhicules, en un pôle de fabrication partagé et de haute technologie, conçu pour rivaliser selon la nouvelle norme automobile mondiale. L'usine est à l'avant-garde du marché européen depuis sa création en 1976 avec la Ford Fiesta, première voiture mondiale Ford à traction avant, qui a connu un immense succès. Ford a été le premier constructeur non espagnol à produire à Valence, marquant le début d'un partenariat avec l'Espagne qui demeure aussi solide aujourd'hui.
Selon la répartition proposé, Ford détiendra 66% de la nouvelle entité et Geely Auto 34%.
Une gamme de véhicules passionnante
« Depuis près de 50 ans, Valence a construit certaines des voitures les plus populaires de notre histoire, et aujourd'hui cette équipe va contribuer à construire notre avenir », a déclaré Jim Baumbick, président de Ford Europe. « C'est pourquoi nous mettons en place un système industriel flexible et pérenne avec un partenaire reconnu, Geely Auto. Ensemble, nous pouvons pleinement exploiter une excellente usine dotée d'une main-d'œuvre exceptionnelle et atteindre la nouvelle référence de coûts du secteur automobile. Cela s'inscrit pleinement dans la vision Ford, qui consiste à offrir aux automobilistes européens, des véhicules de rallye adaptés à l'Europe. La nouvelle gamme européenne de Ford proposera des véhicules multi-énergies où les sensations fortes et l'aventure se conjuguent avec le contrôle et la précision qui constitue l'ADN sportif de l'ovale bleu. »
La coentreprise combinera le savoir-faire en ingénierie, en fabrication et en développement de deux des plus grands constructeurs automobiles au monde afin de produire des véhicules particuliers à faibles émissions et à zéro émission, aussi bien Ford que Geely. Les véhicules seront adaptés aux automobilistes européens et offriront un large choix en matière de motorisation et de connectivité.
Les modèles Ford :
Le populaire Ford Kuga : La production du Ford Kuga -- l'un des hybrides rechargeables préférés d'Europe -- se poursuivra sans interruption à Valence. Un nouveau Bronco : Valence produira également un nouveau membre de la famille Bronco - un SUV compact, robuste et prêt pour l'aventure, conçu pour les routes européennes, avec un début de production en 2028. Un tout nouveau crossover : Un crossover familial multi-énergies, conçu par Ford et développé conjointement avec Geely, arrivera en 2028. Doté des capacités et des qualités dynamiques caractéristiques de Ford, il s'inscrit dans une offensive produit ambitieuse avec cinq nouveaux véhicules multi-énergies en Europe d'ici 2029. Les modèles Geely :
Des SUV électriques élégants : Geely Auto prévoit de produire deux SUV électriques sur le site de Valence, en plein soutien de sa stratégie de croissance et de son ambition européenne. Les premiers modèles de marque Geely fabriqués dans le cadre de cette coentreprise devraient sortir de la chaîne de production en 2028 Cette coentreprise soutient l'expansion internationale de Geely Auto, après des ventes à l'étranger de 474 228 véhicules au premier semestre de l'année, tout en faisant progresser la stratégie de Ford, qui consiste à nouer des partenariats pour rivaliser avec rapidité, efficacité et effet d'échelle en Europe.
« Ce partenariat illustre comment les constructeurs automobiles renforcent le tissu industriel de l'Europe, mais nous ne pouvons pas y parvenir seuls », a déclaré Jim Baumbick. « Ce que nous avons accompli à Valence, avec le soutien continu du gouvernement et de la région, constitue un véritable modèle de partenariat public-privé qui établit la référence pour le reste de l'Europe. »
À propos de Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE : F) est une entreprise mondiale basée à Dearborn, dans le Michigan, qui s'engage à contribuer à la construction d'un monde meilleur, où chaque personne est libre de se déplacer et de réaliser ses rêves. Le plan Ford+ pour la croissance et la création de valeur combine les forces existantes, les nouvelles capacités et les relations permanentes avec les clients afin d'enrichir l'expérience de ces derniers et de renforcer leur fidélité. Ford développe et fournit des camions, des SUV, des fourgonnettes et des voitures commerciales Ford et des véhicules de luxe Lincoln innovants et polyvalents, ainsi que des services connectés. Pour ce faire, l'entreprise s'appuie sur trois secteurs d'activité centrés sur le client : Ford Blue, qui conçoit des véhicules à essence et hybrides emblématiques ; Ford Model e, qui invente des véhicules électriques révolutionnaires ainsi que des logiciels intégrés qui définissent des expériences numériques exceptionnelles pour tous les clients ; et Ford Pro, qui aide les clients commerciaux à transformer et à développer leurs activités grâce à des véhicules et des services adaptés à leurs besoins. En outre, Ford propose des services financiers par l'intermédiaire de la Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford emploie environ 168 000 personnes dans le monde. De plus amples informations sur l'entreprise, ses produits et ses services sont disponibles sur corporate.ford.com.
À propos de Geely Auto Group
Geely Auto Group est une entreprise automobile mondiale de premier plan, dont le siège se trouve à Hangzhou, en Chine. Filiale de Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto Group conçoit et fabrique des véhicules particuliers sous les marques Geely, Lynk & Co et Zeekr. Geely Auto a réalisé des ventes cumulées de 3 024 567 unités en 2025, dépassant son objectif de ventes avec une croissance annuelle de 39 %. Les ventes de véhicules à énergies nouvelles (NEV) ont atteint 1 687 767 unités, en hausse annuelle de 90 %. Avec un accent fort sur l'innovation technologique, l'électrification et la mobilité durable, Geely Auto Group exploite des centres de R&D et des installations de fabrication de classe mondiale en Chine, en Europe et sur des marchés internationaux clés. Le Groupe s'engage à proposer des véhicules sûrs, de haute qualité et connectés, rendus possibles par des technologies avancées telles que les motorisations hybrides, les architectures tout électriques, la connectivité intelligente et les systèmes de conduite autonome. En tant qu'entreprise mondiale, Geely Auto Group continue d'étendre sa présence internationale grâce à des partenariats stratégiques, des opérations localisées et des plateformes à la pointe du secteur. Geely s'efforce de créer des solutions de mobilité plus vertes, plus intelligentes et plus accessibles, faisant progresser l'avenir du transport durable.
Pour consulter les communiqués de presse, les documents associés, les photos et les vidéos de Ford, rendez-vous sur From the Road, www.fordmedia.eu ou www.media.ford.com. Suivez-nous sur www.linkedin.com/company/ford-in-europe, www.youtube.com/FordNewsEurope, www.instagram.com/FordNewsEurope, www.threads.net/@fordnewseurope et www.tiktok.com/@FordNewsEurope
Cars are pictured at the Ford factory in Almussafes near Valencia, Spain June 15, 2018. REUTERS/Heino Kalis/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesLISBON/MADRID, July 22 (Reuters) - Ford Motor (F.N), opens new tab and China's Geely (0175.HK), opens new tab have struck a landmark deal under which the U.S. automaker will sell part of its Almussafes plant near Valencia, paving the way for Geely to manufacture electric vehicles in Spain, ABC newspaper reported on Wednesday.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, ABC said the announcement is expected during a visit to the Almussafes plant on Thursday by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Ford Europe President Jim Baumbick.
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Ford and Geely did not immediately respond to requests for comment emailed outside regular business hours.
ABC said the deal would give Geely, owner of brands including Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, a manufacturing base inside the European Union, helping it to avoid EU tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China while providing direct access to the European market.
For Ford, the deal would cut fixed costs through the shared use of factory infrastructure while helping to safeguard jobs and production at Almussafes, the future of which has been clouded by the phasing out of several models and its dependence on its Kuga model.
The newspaper said the agreement would allow Geely to produce its EX2 electric vehicle at Almussafes.
Reporting by Sergio Goncalves and Victoria Waldersee Editing by David Goodman
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Ford stahuje 387 911 SUV Explorer a Lincoln Aviator kvůli závadě na sedadlech ve druhé řadě, která může zvýšit riziko zranění. NHTSA uvedla, že se mohou nečekaně sklopit nebo posunout.
Ford is recalling nearly 388,000 SUVs because an issue with the second-row easy-entry seats could increase the risk of injury, according to federal regulators.
A total of 387,911 vehicles are affected, including certain 2020-2026 Ford Explorer and 2020-2027 Lincoln Aviator models, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in its recall notice.
The NHTSA said the vehicles may have a defect that could cause a second-row seat to tip or slide unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving.
FORD RECALLS MORE THAN 110,000 MUSTANG VEHICLES OVER WINDSHIELD WIPER, DRIVETRAIN DEFECTS
Ford is recalling nearly 388,000 vehicles over an issue with the second-row seating that could raise the risk of injury. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
"A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury," the NHTSA said.
"The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly," the agency explained.
The agency noted some warning signs that vehicle owners should keep an eye out for.
A total of 387,911 vehicles are affected by the recall. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
"If the button is stuck in the down position, the customer may not be able to use the easy entry feature or return the seat to its normal position after using the easy entry feature," the notice reads.
Ford's Critical Concern Review Group identified 14 reports as of June 16, 2026, of unintended second-row seat movement while the vehicle was in drive. Six involved vehicles that had already received a remedy under an earlier recall, while eight involved vehicles that were not covered by the previous campaign. Ford said it was not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the issue.
BMW RECALLS NEARLY 30K VEHICLES OVER ENGINE STARTER DEFECT THAT COULD CAUSE FIRE
The NHTSA said the vehicles may have a defect that could prevent occupants from being properly restrained. (Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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Owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealership, where the second-row easy-entry switch bezel and housing will be replaced with a revised design at no charge.
Owner notification letters will be mailed out later this month, with another letter about the remedy expected to be sent out in January.
The market expects Ford Motor Company (F - Free Report) to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on lower revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.
The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 28. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.36 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -2.7%.
Revenues are expected to be $45.66 billion, down 2.7% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.22% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Ford Motor?For Ford Motor, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +11.95%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination indicates that Ford Motor will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Ford Motor would post earnings of $0.2 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.66, delivering a surprise of +230.00%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times.
Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.
That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Ford Motor appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
An Industry Player's Expected ResultsHarley-Davidson (HOG - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Automotive - Domestic industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $0.58 for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of -34.1%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $1.12 billion, up 6.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Harley-Davidson has remained unchanged. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of -1.16%, reflecting a lower Most Accurate Estimate.
When combined with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Harley-Davidson will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed EPS estimates just once.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Ford čelí žalobě kvůli údajnému „neoprávněnému zisku“ 1,3 mld. USD z cel, zatímco si ponechává vyšší ceny pro zákazníky. Žaloba tvrdí, že automobilka přenesla náklady na kupující a plánuje si ponechat daňovou výhodu.
A California man is suing Ford, alleging the automaker plans to keep a projected $1.3 billion tariff-related benefit while maintaining the higher prices it started charging customers — an “unjust windfall” according to the lawsuit.
Jason Bullock, a San Diego resident who purchased a 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E in February, alleges Ford increased prices and destination fees to offset President Trump’s tariffs before the Supreme Court struck down those duties earlier this year.
According to the complaint, Bullock paid a price that reflected Ford’s tariff-driven increases and has received no reimbursement.
A proposed class action alleges Ford passed tariff costs on to consumers before planning to retain a projected $1.3 billion IEEPA-related benefit. Ford CEO Jim Farley is pictured. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect The suit does not specify how much Bullock paid for the car.
The lawsuit argues Ford is now poised to receive a “$1.3 billion adjusted EBIT benefit of IEEPA,” citing the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission — all while continuing to maintain “flat US industry pricing.”
The complaint contends those disclosures show Ford intends to retain a tariff-related boon rather than pass it on to consumers.
“If Ford retains the IEEPA benefit while also retaining the tariff-related price increases paid by consumers, Ford will receive a double recovery and unjust windfall,” the complaint states.
Bullock is seeking to represent a nationwide class of consumers who purchased or leased new Ford vehicles after the tariff-related price increases took effect.
“We are reviewing the complaint,” a Ford spokesperson told The Post.
“We have a lineup of affordable and accessible vehicles today and we’ll continue to act on that commitment in ways that make sense for customers and dealers.”
Legal experts said the filing alone is unlikely to determine the outcome of the case.
The plaintiff says he purchased a 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E after the automaker raised prices in response to Trump-era tariffs. Getty Images “An [Earnings Before Interest and Taxes] benefit doesn’t necessarily equal cash in hand,” Bobby Taghavi, managing partner at Sweet James, told The Post.
“Discovery will likely focus on whether that figure represents a gross refund, a net financial benefit after offsets, or simply an accounting adjustment.”
Taghavi said Ford is also likely to challenge whether the case can proceed as a class action.
“Class certification is often the biggest hurdle in consumer cases,” he said.
“Ford will likely argue that pricing decisions varied by vehicle, dealership, and customer, making individual issues outweigh common ones.”
The refund is expected to boost Ford’s Blue and Pro segments rather than go back to buyers, according to the automaker’s disclosures.
President Trump’s 2025 tariff rollout sparked higher costs across the auto industry and is now at the center of a proposed class action against Ford. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein The lawsuit stems from Trump’s 2025 tariff regimen, which imposed sweeping import duties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act on goods from Canada, Mexico and China.
The administration initially imposed 25% tariffs on most imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods in February 2025, later raising the rate on China to 20%.
Ford was among the automakers that warned investors the tariffs would drive up costs.
The company said in May 2025 that the trade measures would cost it roughly $1.5 billion for the year and announced price increases on Mexico-built models, including the Bronco Sport, Maverick and Mustang Mach-E, citing the added expense.
Industrywide, the tariffs rippled through the auto sector, disrupting North American supply chains that rely on parts crossing US borders multiple times before final assembly.
Analysts estimated the duties added thousands of dollars to the cost of many imported vehicles, while major automakers including General Motors, Stellantis, Toyota and Volkswagen all disclosed billions of dollars in actual or projected tariff-related costs.
The tariffs ultimately cost global automakers at least $35.4 billion through March 2026, according to an Automotive News analysis of company financial reports.
Ford plánuje v roce 2027 dodat středně velký elektrický pickup se startovní cenou kolem 30 000 USD. Má být levnější a jednodušší než dosavadní EV modely.
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Ford's first electric truck missed sales expectations. The automaker is pivoting to smaller, more affordable EV options. Bloomberg/Getty Images Ford hit reset on its money-losing EV program. Now, the first product of that overhaul is coming into view.
The Detroit automaker says the midsize electric pickup will reach customers in 2027, with a target starting price of about $30,000.
There's still plenty Ford hasn't yet revealed about the vehicle. We don't know the name, haven't received official range estimates, and have only seen the truck wrapped in funky-looking camouflage.
But the automaker has disclosed enough to make clear that the pickup will be one of the most important tests of its next-generation product strategy.
Here is what we know:
Challenging the EV cost issue
Ford's last generation EV models were generally more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. Mario Tama/Getty Images Ford's coming truck hopes to disrupt the age-old EV cost issue.
For years, electric vehicles have been more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. In 2025, a full-size Ford F-150 pickup truck with a fuel tank started at around $38,000, while its fully-electric counterpart (which has since been discontinued) had a starting price in the mid-$50,000 range.
The same EV markups on similarly-sized cars have marred product lineups at Hyundai, Kia, General Motors, Stellantis, and BMW.
Now, Ford is aiming for a starting price of about $30,000 — though that figure remains a target rather than a finalized sticker price. If Ford hits this goal, the electric pickup's price would be in the same ballpark as the similarly sized, gas-powered Maverick.
RAV4 room and Mustang speed
Ford hasn't revealed much of the design, but the company says its interior is rather roomy. Ford Ford says the pickup compares favorably to some of the most well-recognized names in the US auto industry.
The company tells Business Insider it will offer more passenger space than a Toyota RAV4, despite its relatively compact footprint. There's plenty of space for suitcases and bags, too: It will include both a conventional truck bed and extra storage in the front trunk, or frunk.
Ford has also said the truck will accelerate about as quickly as a Mustang EcoBoost. The automaker projects that the pickup's five-year ownership cost will be lower than that of a three-year-old used Tesla Model Y.
A platform designed for more than one truck
Ford said it's targeting a starting price of $30,000. Ford In 2022, the Blue Oval launched a skunkworks program to develop a new lineup of easier-to-build, cheaper-to-buy electric vehicles called the Universal EV Platform. That program is radically changing how the century-old automaker is building EVs.
Instead of using the traditional moving assembly line popularized in Ford's early days, the company is adopting an "assembly tree" production system. Ford plans to build its front, rear, and structural battery-and-interior sections separately before joining them together.
The cars will run on lithium-iron-phosphate prismatic batteries produced at BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, Michigan.
Ford says the structural battery pack will also serve as the vehicle's floor, reducing weight and complexity. The company says its coming vehicle is 15% more aerodynamically efficient than any other pickup on the market.
The new builds will be simpler. Ford says the vehicles will use 20% fewer parts, 25% fewer fasteners, and 40% fewer workstations.
The Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky, where Ford will build the new trucks, is getting a fresh investment of nearly $2 billion. The company has put the wider investment in the truck, factory, and US battery production at about $5 billion.
Ford has shown silhouettes suggesting the platform could support vehicles including a hatchback, SUVs, and a cargo van. The company has not confirmed which of those models will reach production.
An EV market under pressure
Ford is facing new pressure from fast-paced EV companies in the US — and around the globe. Bloomberg/Getty Images Ford's new truck is taking shape during an uneven moment for America's EV market.
US electric-car sales improved from the first quarter to the second, but remained 20.5% below their year-earlier level, according to Cox Automotive.
Some companies found pockets of momentum: Rivian's sales rose 13.7% during the first half of the year, Hyundai's Ioniq 5 gained 8.6%, and Toyota's EV deliveries more than doubled from a relatively small base (though the company confirmed to Business Insider that it's delaying the launch of its Highlander EV by at least eight weeks). Tesla also beat Wall Street's expectations for global deliveries, although its estimated US sales remained down for the year.
Ford has been on the losing side of that divide. Its US EV sales fell 40.7% in the second quarter and 57.4% during the first half. GM's EV brands collectively fell by roughly a third in the quarter.
Every one of those US automakers is feeling pressure from Chinese EV makers. China-based car companies, including BYD and Xiaomi, have introduced lower-cost, faster-charging, technology-heavy EVs and expanded into global markets. BYD overtook Tesla as the world's largest seller of battery-electric vehicles last year.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has studied that competition from behind the wheel. He had a Xiaomi SU7 shipped to the US and drove it for six months, calling it "fantastic" and saying he did not want to give it up.
Ford's $30,000 truck is its attempt to turn that alarm into something American customers can buy.
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Ben Shimkus You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.
Ben Shimkus is a reporter for the Business News desk. He writes about cars, transportation, retail, and jobs. Ben's reporting has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Verge, Automotive News, USA Today, AutoBody News, LGBTQ Nation, TopSpeed, and Out Magazine. He's also held staff writing positions at The U.S. Sun and the Daily Mail. He graduated from NYU with a Master's in journalism in 2024. Email Ben at [email protected] or message him privately on Signal at bshimkus.41.
Ford uzavřel s odborovým svazem Unifor předběžnou tříletou dohodu pro více než 5 000 kanadských pracovníků, která má snížit riziko stávky. Dohodu ještě musí ratifikovat členové.
Key Takeaways Ford reached a tentative three-year Unifor deal covering more than 5,000 Canadian workers.Ford Pro grew EBIT by $376 million as software subscriptions jumped 30% to 879,000 in Q1.Ford targets recovering half of lost truck volume as Novelis ramps production in late 2026. Ford (F - Free Report) is heading into the back half of 2026 with one less risk on the table. It has announced a tentative three-year agreement with Unifor covering more than 5,000 Canadian workers, with talks centered on better pay, benefits and job protections. The deal still needs member ratification, but landing it well ahead of the Sept. 20 contract expiration matters. That takes strike risk off the table at a time when the auto industry is already grappling with the electric vehicle (EV) transition and shifting demand.
Ford is up 9% year to date, outpacing the industry’s loss over the same period. The stock has also outperformed its closest peers, General Motors (GM - Free Report) and Stellantis (STLA - Free Report) , which witnessed their shares decline over the same timeframe.
YTD Price Performance Comparison Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The stock is trading at 8.05X forward earnings (at a huge discount relative to the industry), with a Value Score of A. Yes, there are a few challenges in Ford’s path, including losses in its EV business, ongoing recalls and tariff costs, but there are various factors working in favor of the stock.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ford’s 2026 and 2027 EPS implies year-over-year growth of 50% and 12%, respectively. The consensus mark for 2026 and 2027 EPS has moved up over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Here are four key reasons why we are bullish on Ford stock.
Ford Pro Is the Key Growth EngineFord's commercial vehicle and services unit, Ford Pro, is turning into the company's most important segment. Even with wholesale volumes down 10% in the last reported quarter due to supply issues, the unit still grew EBIT by $376 million year over year and held an 11.4% margin — a sign the business is getting structurally stronger, not weaker. Software subscriptions jumped 30% year over year to 879,000 in the first quarter, and the ServiceTitan partnership is deepening Ford's digital lock-in with commercial customers. Management expects $6.5-$7.5 billion in EBIT from Ford Pro this year.
Ford Energy Adds a New Growth LegFord is building an energy storage business beyond vehicles. The company plans to invest $1.5 billion in 2026 toward 20 GWh of battery storage capacity by 2027, split across its Kentucky and Michigan facilities. This isn't just an EV side-project — it's a real attempt to diversify revenues using Ford's existing manufacturing scale. The unit landed its first major customer in May, a five-year battery storage supply deal with EDF Power Solutions North America.
Ford’s Novelis Supply Problem Is ResolvingA major drag on Ford's results has been the aluminum shortage caused by fires at supplier Novelis's Oswego, NY, plant, which supplies material for F-Series trucks. That disruption cost Ford roughly 100,000 trucks in 2025 and around $2 billion in losses. The good news is that Novelis restarted operations at Oswego last month, and Ford is targeting recovery of about half the lost truck volume as production ramps in the second half of 2026. Both Ford Pro and Ford Blue should benefit as truck output normalizes.
Ford’s Balance Sheet StrengthFord closed the first quarter of 2026 with $22 billion in cash and $43.1 billion in total liquidity— a strong cushion while it funds EV development, energy storage and software simultaneously. That gives management room to execute even if the macro backdrop worsens. On top of that, Ford's dividend yield sits above 4%, more than triple the S&P 500 average, boding well for income investors.
Last WordFord's story is shifting from a legacy automaker weighed down by EV losses to a diversified industrial platform with real margin drivers. Labor stability, a recovering supply chain, and two emerging high-margin businesses in Ford Pro and Ford Energy give the stock multiple paths to upside that the market hasn't fully priced in. Trading at a steep discount to the industry while paying a 4%+ dividend, Ford offers a rare combination of value, growth and income. We recommend buying Ford stock at current levels.
The stock sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Ford maskuje chystaný elektrický pickup za 30 000 USD jako reklamu: QR kód na karoserii vede na stránku s ukázkami testování a vývoje. Model má dorazit k zákazníkům příští rok.
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Ford's all-important EV pickup truck has donned camouflage during public outings. The sneaky attire includes a QR for a hidden website landing page. Ford Ford has been camouflaging its coming $30,000 EV pickup during public testing. Turns out, the going-out attire is intentionally revealing.
Photos and videos of the disguised truck have circulated widely online in recent weeks. And some of Ford's wraps have obscured the truck's body lines with a jumble of dogs, sailboats, soccer balls, heart emojis — and tiny QR codes.
Scanning one sends curious onlookers to an official Ford webpage that declares, "Congrats, You Spotted a Unicorn." There, the automaker shows clearer footage of the pickup undergoing snow testing and moving through production, while inviting visitors to sign up for updates.
"Chances are, you saw something on the road that piqued your interest, and you're here because you're curious," Alan Clarke, Ford's vice president of advanced development projects, says in a video at the top of the site. "This website will be your exclusive insight into our progress."
The camouflage is doing two jobs at once: concealing the big-bet truck's final shape and helping Ford build an audience before it officially pulls back the covers.
An EV recharge
Ford discontinued the all-electric F-150 Lightning after sales never reached the company's 150,000 unit-per-year goal. Scott Olson/Getty Images There is plenty riding on the truck underneath.
The so-far unnamed EV (though rumors and patent applications suggest Ford may be resurrecting the Ranchero nameplate) is scheduled to reach customers next year. It's a big reset for the legendary automaker.
Around 2020, Ford had high hopes for its first generation of mass-market EVs, including the F-150 Lightning, a full-size electric pickup that started at mid-$50,000. Ahead of its launch, Ford touted nearly 200,000 reservations and set a goal of eventually building 150,000 electric trucks a year.
Sales peaked in 2024 at 33,510 vehicles, falling far short of Ford's early ambitions. The automaker ended production of the original Lightning in late 2025 and recorded $19.5 billion in charges tied to its broader EV restructuring.
As its initial EV plans faltered, Ford assembled a roughly 350-person California skunkworks team led by Clarke to develop a cheaper and more efficient generation of electric vehicles, called the universal EV platform. The group focused on faster manufacturing, more aerodynamic designs, and dramatically fewer parts.
The camouflaged pickup will be the first test of that strategy. Ford says it can build up to eight different vehicles on the same battery infrastructure.
A tricky EV market with new contenders
Ford's EV comes as it tries to ward off Chinese EV-makers. Other American startups, like the Slate Truck pictured above, are entering the fray as well. Ben Shimkus/Business Insider Ford's lower-cost EV push is taking shape as a new crop of challengers reaches the US market.
Slate, a Jeff Bezos-backed startup, told Business Insider that the first units of its $24,950 electric pickup will reach customers this year. Fiat has also brought the sub-$15,000 Topolino to the US, although the tiny EV is closer to a golf cart than a daily driver.
And the greatest threat may be overseas.
BYD became the world's largest seller of battery-electric vehicles last year, reaffirming the pressure Chinese automakers are placing on established car companies. Ford CEO Jim Farley has repeatedly praised Chinese EVs for their technology, affordability, and build quality.
When Ford unveiled its Universal EV Platform in 2025, Farley framed the project as a response to competitors attacking the industry from several directions.
"We knew that the Chinese would be the major player for us globally, companies like BYD, new startups from around the world," he said in 2025. "Big technology has their ambition in the auto space. They're all coming for us, legacy automotive companies."
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Ben Shimkus You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.
Ben Shimkus is a reporter for the Business News desk. He writes about cars, transportation, retail, and jobs. Ben's reporting has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Verge, Automotive News, USA Today, AutoBody News, LGBTQ Nation, TopSpeed, and Out Magazine. He's also held staff writing positions at The U.S. Sun and the Daily Mail. He graduated from NYU with a Master's in journalism in 2024. Email Ben at [email protected] or message him privately on Signal at bshimkus.41.
Ford poprvé od roku 2010 vede žebříček kvality J.D. Power mezi mainstreamovými značkami, když v prvních 90 dnech vykázal 152 problémů na 100 vozů. Nejvíc si polepšil mezi masovými značkami, o 41 problémů na 100 vozů proti loňsku.
Ford (F +2.87%) is the top-ranked mainstream brand in J.D. Power's 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study -- the first time the automaker has led the mass-market rankings since 2010. The study, released in late June, measures the problems owners report in their first 90 days with a new vehicle.
Ford posted 152 problems per 100 vehicles, better than every mass-market rival and all but two brands in the industry. For a company that ranked No. 15 among mainstream brands as recently as 2023, that is a remarkable climb.
Does a quality award actually matter for the stock? I think this one does. Here's why.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
A 16-year drought ends Ford's win was not narrow. The F-150, Mustang, and Super Duty each ranked highest in their segments, and seven of the 10 Ford models tested placed in the top three of their segments. The brand also improved by 41 problems per 100 vehicles compared with last year's study, the largest improvement among mainstream brands.
The industry got better, too, with the average improving to 175 problems per 100 vehicles from 192, and Ford beat that average by a wide margin.
The reason all of this matters to investors comes down to warranty costs. When vehicles leave the factory with defects, the automaker pays for it later in warranty claims and recalls. And Ford has spent years working to bring those costs down.
CEO Jim Farley himself has linked quality to profits, citing in the company's fourth-quarter earnings release "lowering material and warranty costs and making real progress on quality" as part of the company's improvement plan. Even more, in its first-quarter update in late April, Ford said it is on track for $1 billion in material and warranty cost reductions this year.
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The financial rebuild behind the trophy This quality push comes at a time when investors are looking for more good news from Ford in order to combat the bad news. Ford's adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell from $10.2 billion in 2024 to $6.8 billion in 2025, and the company reported a full-year net loss of $8.2 billion on special charges that included impairments tied to canceled electric vehicle programs. And costs tied to a disruption at aluminum supplier Novelis and to tariffs weighed on the year, too (though management says it is on track to recover the Novelis-related profits in the second half of 2026).
The first quarter, however, pointed in the other direction. Revenue rose 6% year over year to $43.3 billion, and adjusted EBIT climbed to $3.5 billion from $1.0 billion in the year-ago quarter, expanding the company's adjusted EBIT margin to 8.1% from 2.5%. A one-time $1.3 billion tariff refund helped, but even excluding it, adjusted EBIT more than doubled. And management raised its full-year adjusted EBIT guidance to a range of $8.5 billion to $10.5 billion, up from a prior range of $8.0 billion to $10.0 billion.
But even the high end of that guidance only gets Ford back near its 2024 earnings power. In other words, the rebuild still has a ways to go before investors can view Ford as a healthy, growing business.
And this one award doesn't necessarily solidify Ford's value proposition in terms of quality. The company has also continued to issue recalls at a high rate this year. And, of course, investors should remember that this is still a cyclical and capital-hungry business. This makes earning a good return on invested capital difficult.
With that said, the stock isn't asking for much. At about $14 as of this writing, shares trade at about 8 times forward earnings. And Ford's regular dividend of $0.60 per share annually gives the stock a yield of more than 4% at the current price. A valuation like that already prices in plenty of skepticism.
So, what does the quality crown mean for the stock? It won't move earnings on its own. But it may be the most credible evidence yet that the costs that have dogged Ford for years could keep coming down -- and cheaper warranty claims flow straight to the bottom line. I think shares look attractive here. Still, this is an auto stock, and demand can swing hard with the economy. I'd keep any position modest and watch whether the cost savings continue to materialize.
Fordův F-150 v první polovině roku zaostal za Hondou CR-V v boji o nejprodávanější vůz v USA. Výpadky dodávek po požárech v závodě Novelis omezily výrobu a mohou Fordu snížit EBIT o 1,5 až 2 miliardy USD.
For Detroit automakers such as Ford Motor Company (F 1.95%), big trucks mean big business. Ford's lucrative F-Series truck lineup is estimated to bring in about one-third of the company's total revenue, and it's long been estimated by Wall Street firms such as Morgan Stanley that it generates as much as 90% of Ford's net profit. During the first six months of 2026, Ford's F-150 now trails a Japanese rival for best-selling vehicle, and that's a big deal for investors.
Wording is key Let's first clear up some confusing wording. Ford's F-Series has been America's best-selling vehicle for over four decades, but the sales figure comprises the entire line of not only F-150s but also heavy-duty F-250s and larger trucks. Ford's F-150 is one component and has individually been the U.S. industry's top seller for 15 of the past 16 years.
Image source: Ford Motor Company.
However, thanks to not only one, but two supplier fires dating back to last fall, the aluminum supply and ensuing supply of Ford's important trucks have dwindled during what is historically a strong selling season. Ford wasn't the only major automaker hitting speed bumps; Toyota also had issues, opening the door for Honda's popular CR-V to overtake the Ford F-150, General Motors' Silverado 1500, and Toyota's RAV4.
Honda's CR-V turned up the heat to finish the first half of the year with a 19% U.S. sales surge in May, followed by an even more lucrative 30% jump in June, for a total first-half tally of 226,114 units. While numbers are still trickling in, GlobalData estimates Ford's F-150 has fallen just short of that, with estimates just under 210,000 units, while GM's Silverado 1500 checked in just under 195,000 units. Toyota's RAV4 lost more ground, with reported sales checking in at 153,955.
Through Honda's increased incentives (for now), high lease customer retention rate, and strong demand for hybrids -- the hybrid CR-V accounted for 55% of its total sales during the first half of 2026 -- the CR-V is thriving and has only about 15 days' worth of inventory with its CR-V production lines running at full capacity.
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Ford can offset some losses Late last year, the Novelis supplier plant fire, and its delayed restarting of production due to a second fire, forced management to reduce last year's earnings guidance as it wasn't able to immediately offset production losses. Initially, Ford said the production hiccup would cost it about $1.5 billion to $2 billion in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), although it is aiming to add additional shifts to offset about $1 billion of that throughout this year.
While Novelis does supply other major automakers such as Toyota and Stellantis, Ford's impact was more severe due to its F-150 using a primarily aluminum body. Ultimately, Ford's F-150 is losing a sales race it has rarely lost over the past 15 years, but more importantly for investors is how much production it can recoup during the second half of the year. It's certainly a major ongoing development to keep track of.
Ford v USA stahuje 110 626 vozů Mustang ve dvou samostatných svolávacích akcích kvůli závadě stěračů a riziku prasknutí hřídele zadního diferenciálu, uvedla NHTSA. Zásah se týká 67 842 vozů Mustang a Mustang GTD a 42 784 vozů Mustang Mach-E.
The blue Ford oval logo is displayed on the new Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, U.S. November 16, 2025. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesJuly 7 (Reuters) - Ford (F.N), opens new tab is recalling 110,626 Mustang vehicles in the U.S. in two separate recalls over malfunctioning windshield wipers and a rear differential pinion shaft that may fracture, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday.
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Ford will recall 67,842 Mustang and Mustang GTD vehicles because in certain cold temperature conditions, the windshield wipers may function only at their high-speed setting and the washing system may fail to function properly, NHTSA said.
Separately, Ford is recalling 42,784 Mustang Mach-E vehicles because the rear differential pinion shaft may fracture, resulting in loss of drive power or unintended movement if the vehicle is parked without the parking brake applied.
Dealers will repair or replace the damaged parts free of charge, NHTSA added.
Reporting by Sumedha Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee
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Ford ve 2. čtvrtletí prodal v USA 549 200 vozů, což je meziročně o 10 % méně kvůli ukončeným modelům a propadu prodejů do denních pronájmů. F-Series zůstala nejprodávanějším truckem v USA.
Ford Motor Company (F - Free Report) reported second-quarter U.S. sales of 549,200 vehicles, down 10% year over year, primarily due to discontinued models and a 69% decline in daily rental sales. The company is currently retooling its Louisville Assembly Plant to manufacture its new affordable four-door electric pickup based on the Universal Electric Vehicle platform, with production scheduled to begin next year.
During the first half of the year, F-Series sales totaled 357,801 units, retaining their position as America's best-selling truck and surpassing the second-place Chevrolet Silverado by more than 80,000 units. Despite strong customer demand, first-half F-Series sales were impacted by production timing following last year's aluminum supply shortages. Ford expects supply conditions to improve during the second half of 2026.
Ford increased its estimated U.S. retail market share by 0.2 percentage points to 12.3% in June, supported by strong demand for its high-margin SUVs and F-Series pickups. Sales of Expedition, Explorer and Bronco helped offset the planned phase-out of the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair, paving the way for the launch of the company's affordable electric pickup built on its Universal Electric Vehicle platform. From Jan. 1, 2026, through the end of June, Ford sold 1 million vehicles, representing a 9.6% decline from the 1.1 million units sold in the first half of 2025.
The Maverick, America's best-selling hybrid pickup, achieved a record second-quarter performance with sales rising 19.3% year over year to 29,457 units. Explorer sales climbed 21% year over year to 126,925 units during the first half, supported by a refreshed trim lineup. Combined sales of the Active and ST-Line trims increased 31% year over year in the first half, while Platinum and Tremor sales jumped 55.6%. Explorer Tremor also recorded its strongest monthly sales in June since its launch last October. Although total Expedition sales declined 9.8% year over year due to fleet order timing, retail sales increased 13.7% in the first half, with second-quarter retail sales advancing 15.2%.
Bronco posted record sales in both the second quarter and the first half, outselling the Jeep Wrangler during the quarter. Second-quarter Bronco sales rose 15.9% year over year, while first-half deliveries increased 6.8% to a record 76,936 units. Off-road-focused variants, including Bronco, Raptor, Tremor and FX4 models, represented 23.9% of Ford's first-half sales mix, up 3.6 percentage points year over year. Sales of these performance-oriented models increased 6.5% year over year to 240,634 vehicles. Raptor sales grew 21.4% in the second quarter and 10.6% in the first half, while Tremor series sales surged 118% from a year ago during the first six months.
Ford Pro's paid software subscriptions exceeded 900,000 in the first half, an increase of approximately 20%, while cumulative hands-free driving hours using BlueCruise surpassed 12 million. F currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Besides Ford, its top competitors, General Motors Company (GM - Free Report) and Stellantis N.V. (STLA - Free Report) , also reported second-quarter sales results.
General Motors reported second-quarter U.S. sales of 714,896 vehicles, down 4% year over year, as demand was affected by a smaller electric-vehicle market, discontinued models and inventory constraints. EV sales fell 33% from the same period last year. All four of General Motors’ brands posted lower sales in the quarter. Cadillac recorded the steepest decline of 19.2% year over year, followed by Buick at 7.5%, Chevrolet at 3.9% and GMC at 0.3%.
Stellantis reported U.S. sales of 328,284 vehicles in the second quarter of 2026, up 6% year over year, driven by higher demand for Ram pickups and the refreshed Chrysler Pacifica minivan. Ram sales increased 11% year over year, while Chrysler deliveries surged 80%. However, Jeep sales fell 5% year over year, Dodge declined 15%, and sales of Fiat and Alfa Romeo also dropped sharply. For the first half of 2026, Stellantis delivered 634,345 vehicles in the United States, representing a 5% increase from the prior-year period.
Ford získal klíčový kvalitativní milník, když se značka umístila na 1. místě v žebříčku J.D. Power pro počáteční kvalitu mezi masovými značkami v USA. CEO Jim Farley chce na tom stavět a bezchybně uvést novou modelovou řadu.
DETROIT — Ford Motor regularly promotes itself as a cornerstone of American manufacturing, business and truck leadership with its best-selling F-Series pickups, but it also has led the U.S. in one area that it isn't so proud of: vehicle recalls and quality issues.
They've plagued the Detroit automaker's earnings, degraded customer trust and stained Ford's reputation for much of the past decade. The automaker has issued 53 recalls for more than 12 million vehicles so far this year after an industry record of 153 recalls covering 13 million cars and trucks in 2025.
But that period for Ford is coming to an end, CEO Jim Farley told CNBC during an exclusive interview, as the automaker notched a key quality milestone. He said Ford has learned from its past mistakes and will use that knowledge to attempt to flawlessly launch a litany of new products in the coming years.
"Our best days are in front of us as we continue to execute this quality turnaround for our investors, for employees, for our customers," Farley said during a phone interview. "We're going to have all new vehicles across our entire North America range in a couple of years, and so that whole new lineup, we have to launch all those perfectly."
Doing so will be a difficult task. New vehicle launches, especially ones with emerging technologies such as software-defined systems and electrified powertrains, are complex, and one issue can have a ripple effect on an entire product line.
It's something Farley knows all too well. Such issues have cost Ford billions of dollars in losses under his nearly six-year tenure leading the company.
The automaker this week added to its 2026 recall total by recalling 741,195 SUVs and F-150 pickup trucks that varied in age from the 2018 to 2021 model years.
Investors have been closely watching the issues, saying unneeded warranty costs are a risk to the company's guidance and future business plans. Warranty costs are the expenses an automaker incurs to cover repairs, replacements and other costs for defective parts or workmanship under a certain period of time or miles driven after customers purchase a new vehicle.
Ford said it reduced warranty and materials costs by $1.5 billion in 2025, when adjusted for volume and mix, and is targeting an additional reduction in warranty and material costs in 2026. This follows the company's warranty costs reaching a high of $4.8 billion in 2023.
"While warranty costs had been a clear drag to earnings over the past several years, Ford appears to have 'turned the corner,'" Barclays analyst Dan Levy said in a May 15 investor note, citing four consecutive quarters of year-over-year warranty benefits. "We believe the 1Q warranty improvement is encouraging, yet believe further improvement will still be needed."
Ford No. 1 in initial qualityThe company last week received outside validation of its yearslong efforts to turn around its product issues as the Ford brand was named the top mass-market brand in the U.S. in J.D. Power's initial quality ranking.
After the news was released on June 25, Ford stock rose 2%, making it the company's second-best trading day of the month.
Ford stock in 2026
It's the first time since 2010 that Ford has led mainstream brands in the influential study, which assesses expected new vehicle quality based on owner-reported problems within the first 90 days of ownership. Ford, which ranked No. 23 in 2023, ranked third among all brands, behind luxury makers Porsche and Hyundai's Genesis. It came before Toyota's Lexus brand at No. 4.
Ford improved in nearly every vehicle category measured by J.D. Power in initial quality, including software, infotainment and power trains.
The acknowledgement comes as Farley has doubled down on efforts to restructure Ford's leadership, including its bonuses and incentives; focus on quality; and revamp its processes as well as those of suppliers and other partners to more proactively identify potential problems.
"I'm very proud that an American car company can beat the world in initial quality, but obviously none of us are satisfied," said Farley, who worked at Toyota for nearly 19 years before Ford. "We have so much left to do to be the No. 1 quality brand in all attributes."
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Farley said Ford needs to continue trying to lower its warranty costs and future recalls as well as improve its overall quality reputation, including long-term durability.
Ford and its luxury Lincoln brand respectively ranked 18th and 19th in J.D. Power's U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study released in February, well below the industry average. That study looks at vehicles over a longer period.
Farley declined to predict when Ford, which has led recalls in the U.S. since 2024, will not hold that position anymore, saying he can't control what happens in older-model vehicles as well as competitors' efforts in quality. But he did say everything the company is doing "will absolutely lead to a massive reduction" in future recalls of current and future products.
"The ultimate success metric is will we do it over the course of five or 10 years through launches, through all sorts of economic cycles," he said. "Everyone wants the quick answer, but when it comes to quality, time is the most important measure of success."
Ford's quality effortsRecalls are companies rectifying mistakes that weren't caught or known during a vehicle's development or production. They can range from mundane issues such as visor labels or software updates to severe, potentially deadly issues for consumers.
Ford's most recent quality efforts have focused on finding any issues as soon as possible in a vehicle's development, which Farley said meant structurally rearranging the company's processes.
He implemented a new organizational structure and has hired 350 technical specialists since 2023, held more routine meetings, encouraged closer collaboration with suppliers and rolled out more rigorous testing during the entire vehicle development process.
Ford also changed its bonus structure, tying executive compensation more closely to quality metrics, including those for new executives from Whirlpool and Johnson Controls who brought additional quality expertise.
Ford has still had to deal with issues along the way. After it rolled out new artificial intelligence tools to detect problems, the company had to ultimately bring back what it calls veteran "gray beard" engineers to help guide younger staff members and to better train its AI models.
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"We found in the past that Ford restructured the company to save money, only to find that we had let go experienced people in supply chain and manufacturing and engineering," he said. "By bringing those people back, that complements all this AI technology."
For many companies, AI has increasingly shown it can increase productivity of many tasks but might not be as efficient if it's not properly trained and deployed to assist the work of human employees.
Farley said that while Ford's quality efforts are a never-ending journey, he believes the company is about halfway through its most recent turnaround efforts under his Ford+ business plan, which is just beginning to show Ford's future upside.
"I know after 40 years how important quality is and durability is, and how difficult it is to be the best, which we now are initial," Farley said. "We cannot lose this momentum, it has to be a culture."
Ford ve 2. čtvrtletí v USA prodal o 10,3 % méně vozů kvůli problémům s výrobou modelů F-Series a slabší poptávce po elektromobilech. Prodej čistých EV klesl o 40,7 %.
DETROIT — Ford Motor on Thursday reported a 10.3% decline in its second-quarter U.S. new vehicle sales as the company battled a supplier issue for its F-Series pickup trucks and a significant decline in all-electric vehicles.
The Detroit automaker said its pure EV sales fell by 40.7% during the quarter compared with a year earlier. Sales of its F-Series trucks, including the F-150, fell 11% as Ford began ramping up production after its top aluminum supplier restarted production following two fires late last year.
"Although customer demand remains high, first-half F-Series sales reflect a retiming of commercial production following last year's aluminum supply shortages. Ford expects supply to recover more fully in the second half of the year," Ford said in a release.
Ford sold 549,200 vehicles during the second quarter compared to 612,095 units a year earlier. While that's among the largest expected industry declines, the results slightly beat Cox Automotive's expectations for Ford sales to fall 11.5%.
Read more CNBC auto newsFord CEO wants level playing field with Toyota, GM imports as USMCA trade talks reopenTesla reports 480,126 vehicle deliveries for second quarter, topping expectationAutomakers report mixed U.S. sales results as hybrid vehicles drive marketU.S. auto industry faces increased uncertainty without extension of USMCA trade dealThe automaker has sold 1 million vehicles year-to-date through June, down 9.6% from 1.1 million during the first half of last year.
Ford noted that despite the declines, the F-Series remained America's top-selling truck. The company also estimates its U.S. retail market share to end the quarter was up 0.2 percent points compared with a year earlier, to 12.3%.
Ford's sales come a day after most major automakers reported second-quarter numbers that were better than expected, largely driven by increased demand for hybrid vehicles. Cross-town rival General Motors saw its sales fall 4.2%, however, as its EV sales dropped.
Automotive data firm Motor Intelligence on Wednesday estimated U.S. industry sales for June were up 7.5% compared to a year ago, leading to a monthly adjusted selling pace of 16.67 million units, which was higher than many forecasters had expected.
As of last week, Cox Automotive expected U.S. auto sales to be down 2.9% to 15.8 million vehicles, including a 3.4% decline in retail sales. That included a 16.1 adjusted selling rate forecast for June.
DETROIT — As negotiations officially reopen for the USMCA North American trade deal, Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley is clear about what the automaker wants under the new talks: a more level playing field.
He told CNBC he wants automakers such as Ford that largely produce their vehicles domestically to be awarded under the deal. Along with that, Farley said other automakers — such as General Motors and Toyota Motor — that may produce here but also heavily rely on imported vehicles should get more penalties.
"It's imperative that any new agreement makes it easier, not harder, to compete with U.S. makers who import from Japan, South Korea and global competitors that import from those locations," Farley told CNBC during a phone interview Wednesday. "That's the key for us."
Producing in such countries is typically less expensive due to labor costs.
GM and Toyota are No. 1 and No. 2 in U.S. sales, respectively, while also being the top two importers of vehicles in 2025.
GM imported 1.17 million vehicles, or 41% of its U.S. sales, while Toyota imported more than 1.19 million units, or 47%, of its domestic sales, according to industry data.
Hyundai Motor, which plans to roughly double its amount of U.S.-produced domestic sales to 80% by 2030, was the largest importer of vehicles from South Korea, followed by GM.
Ford, meanwhile, reports it assembled more than 2 million vehicles in the U.S. last year — more than any other auto manufacturer, including 311,000 units for export to more than 60 international markets. It imported 378,000 vehicles, or 17%, of its 2.2 million sales last year.
"Ford's a leader of U.S. auto production with the most U.S.-built vehicles but, more importantly, we import very few, and we export the most, and we have the most UAW [union] workers here," Farley said. "So we're very proud, especially of the ratio between what we build here and what we import."
Farley's comments come as the Trump administration has decided not to renew its trilateral trade pact with Canada and Mexico, instead opting to conduct annual reviews of the treaty that could eventually lead to an end to the agreement by 2036.
The auto industry represented about 18% of America's trading with its neighboring countries last year, according to industry data, making it one of the key sectors in the discussions. Automakers and others watching the talks are concerned that reopening the deal could create additional trade uncertainty that leads to lower investments and fewer jobs.
A consortium of U.S. trade groups representing most automakers, dealers and suppliers on Wednesday voiced support for a trilateral deal like the countries currently have.
"We urge the leaders of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to swiftly reach consensus on an extension of USMCA that preserves the existing trilateral partnership, returns to preferential treatment for qualifying goods, and continues the stability and predictability that has helped the industry thrive for the past six years," they said in a statement.
Ford znovu najal více než 350 zkušených inženýrů, aby opravili selhávající AI systémy kontroly kvality. Firma říká, že automatizace nedávala požadované výsledky.
The automaker became a case study in AI hubris, bringing back 350 "gray beard" engineers to teach its automated quality systems to build cars that don't suck.
Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles. For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need. You can reach Antuan at [email protected]
Expertise Nearly two decades of testing, driving, reporting on, writing about, reviewing, and editing content about electric and ICE cars. Category focus is on electrified cars, EVs, HEVs, PHEVs, ICE cars, EV infrastructure, EV chargers, EV adapters, EV news, auton Credentials
North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror 3 min read
At a conference last year, Ford CEO Jim Farley said that artificial intelligence is "going to replace literally half of all white-collar workers in the US." Just last week, Ford executives said that the automaker had quietly rehired more than 350 of what it internally calls "gray beard" engineers over the past three years to help fix the AI quality-control systems that weren't getting the job done.
Over the last decade, US automakers have cut more than 20,000 jobs, nearly a 20% reduction in workforce between Ford, General Motors and Stellantis combined. While Ford hasn't said for sure how many of these gray beard rehires were originally fired to make way for AI and how many are simply returning retirees, Farley's recent statements on automation-fueled worker replacement certainly paint an awkward picture.
Representatives for Ford and the United Auto Workers union did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Not getting the desired results"Artificial intelligence is a fantastic tool, but it's only as good as the information you use to train it," Charles Poon, Ford's vice-president of vehicle hardware engineering, told reporters last week. "Mistakenly, we thought that by just introducing artificial intelligence and ingesting the design requirements that we had, that would produce a high-quality product."
Kumar Galhotra, Ford chief operating officer, was even more blunt about the realities of AI in manufacturing, saying that Ford had been "relying more and more on automated quality systems and not getting the desired results."
More than a simple oopsie, automation issues have been costing Ford billions in warranty costs and recalls. A study from iSeeCars, an automotive marketplace and research company, ranked recent Ford models among the most recalled vehicles in the industry. Ford's statements and the rehiring of experienced workers are essentially an admission that moving too quickly into AI was a big mistake.
Many major corporations in almost every aspect of tech and manufacturing have been naming artificial intelligence as an excuse for large workforce reductions, often without fully accounting for what gets lost when that human factor walks out the door. Entire industries have been crunching the uncomfortable numbers of replacing human judgment with automated systems, with some even backtracking on their decisions when the true cost of AI proves too high.
Ford CEO Jim Farley has spoken frankly about how AI tech will lead to a drastic reduction in white-collar jobs.
FordWhat happens now?Last week, Ford announced that, for the first time in 16 years, it had captured the number one spot among mainstream brands in JD Power's 2026 Initial Quality Survey, up from tenth last year. The automaker credits the rise, in part, to the contributions of the rehired gray beards. But before you get too excited about the triumph of these modern-day John Henrys over the machines set out to replace them, don't forget what ultimately happened to that folklore hero: He was still replaced by the steam engine.
Galhotra said the rehired specialists -- some former Ford employees, others drawn from industry suppliers -- were brought back specifically to "hunt for failure points before a part ever reaches the plant floor."
Ford isn't abandoning AI. Instead, the returning gray beards are doing two things: training younger staff who never worked alongside those veterans and helping to rebuild the data pipelines that the AI tools run on.
Essentially, they've been brought back to fix and train the automated software systems that replaced them. Ford also said it has built a dedicated 40-person software quality assurance team and added more than 100,000 AI-powered automated tests to catch edge cases late in development.
Technology marches on.
Ford just happened to learn the lesson loudly enough to become a case study, but I don't think it will be the last. There may not always be gray beards to call on to save the day.
Ford Motor Company je téměř 20 % pod květnovým maximem, ale investory může zaujmout nová divize Ford Energy. Ta má od konce roku 2027 ročně instalovat alespoň 20 gigawattů bateriových úložišť.
Ford Motor Company (F 1.87%) is down nearly 20% from its late-May peak. A weak sales report, uncertainty around tariffs, and another recall largely triggered the pullback. The news wasn't great, but Ford has an unrelated catalyst investors should pay attention to.
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Ford Energy, the company's newest endeavor, marks a shift away from a sluggish electric-vehicle segment toward battery energy storage systems (BESS) for utilities, data centers, and large industrial and commercial customers in the U.S. Ford Energy plans to deploy at least 20 gigawatts annually, beginning in late 2027.
Even with Ford Energy's promising outlook, the automaker is still facing substantial headwinds. The EV division will likely post approximately $4 billion in losses this year. As competition increases, the recalls and macroeconomic picture in the U.S. don't make things any easier for the brand.
Image source: Getty Images.
Ford's stock is relatively inexpensive. Its forward P/E ratio is currently less than 10, and with a $0.60 annual dividend, the 4.25% yield is attractive. Ford's longer-term success will be determined by how well its energy division performs.
The demand is there. The BESS market is expected to exceed $160 billion annually by 2034, growing at a nearly 19% CAGR. Ford needs Ford Energy to offset the losses from EVs. If it can achieve that goal, I'd expect patient investors to be rewarded. Still, revenue from Ford Energy won't have a significant impact for at least another year, so patience is required.
Catie Hogan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Ford v USA svolává 741 195 vozů kvůli vadě převodovky, která může poškodit parkovací systém a způsobit samovolné rozjetí. Dalších 36 046 vozů Bronco svolává kvůli uvolněným lemům blatníků.
Ford is recalling 741,195 vehicles in the US over a transmission defect that can damage the park system, which in turn could result in vehicles rolling away, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday.
The recall affects certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles, the regulator said.
A 2021 Ford F-150. jetcityimage – stock.adobe.com The dealers will update the software, and inspect and replace any damaged transmission components free of charge, as per NHTSA.
Separately, Ford is also recalling 36,046 vehicles of its Bronco model in the US over improperly secured fender flares that can detach from the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash, according to NHTSA.
Fender flares are the curved extensions above the tires that fit around the vehicle’s wheel arches.
The recall affects certain 2018-2021 Navigator, Expedition, 2020-2021 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2021 F-150 vehicles, the regulator said. jetcityimage – stock.adobe.com The dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the fender flares as necessary, free of charge, as part of the recall remedy, NHTSA said.
Ford spouští Ford Energy a přestavuje závod v Glendale v Kentucky na výrobu bateriových úložišť pro datová centra. S EDF Power Solutions uzavřel rámcovou dohodu až za 4 miliardy USD.
One of the biggest bottlenecks for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers right now is power supply. Power grids cannot keep up with the capacity of data centers coming online, and hyperscalers are having to get creative with their power solutions.
Ford Motor Company (F +0.14%) is entering this market by repurposing its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing footprint to produce battery energy storage systems. The move helps Ford put its battery-making capacity to work as EV support wanes while data center power demand surges. Here's why this trend could supercharge Ford stock in the coming years.
Image source: Getty Images.
Ford's pivot from EV batteries to AI power solutions After over $200 million in manufacturing investments and federal incentives, recent policy rollbacks and shifting consumer preferences have turned the tide for EV manufacturers. With federal tax credits expiring and regulators relaxing emissions standards, automakers that made massive investments in EV infrastructure are now having to pivot.
The build-out of AI data centers presents an opportunity for companies like Ford. That's because these data centers are straining the electricity grid, forcing hyperscalers to seek a variety of energy solutions to meet this growing demand. And because AI workloads require continuous, high-density power, hyperscalers need power solutions that can smooth out sudden load ramp-ups and provide reliable, baseload power 24/7.
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In May, Ford announced the launch of Ford Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary focused on manufacturing utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS). This comes amid slowing consumer adoption of EVs and the company's $19.5 billion write-down of its EV programs last year.
As part of this, Ford will spend $2 billion to repurpose its Glendale, Kentucky, facility, originally a multibillion-dollar EV battery joint venture with SK On, a South Korean EV battery and energy storage systems (ESS) manufacturer. Along with making batteries for EVs, the company will manufacture the Ford Energy DC Block, a 5.45-megawatt-hour containerized grid storage system using stable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry.
Ford Energy aims to position itself as a domestically based, multi-gigawatt manufacturer of these energy solutions. The company entered a deal with EDF Power Solutions, a five-year framework that could be worth up to $4 billion if all options are exercised. Ford will supply its DC Block system, which EDF will use to power data centers and mitigate renewable intermittency on the U.S. power grid.
Is Ford stock a buy? Looking ahead, the company will retool its manufacturing infrastructure over the next couple of years and expects to begin shipping its BESS systems starting as soon as 2027. The company aims to manufacture and deploy 20 GWh (gigawatt-hours) of energy storage capacity annually. If it succeeds, Ford would add a high-growth energy and infrastructure business that could provide a steady revenue stream for assembling, managing, and servicing its BESS systems.
Automakers have historically commanded low to mid-single-digit price-to-earnings multiples due to cyclical consumer demand, low margins, and heavy capital expenditure. If Ford Energy succeeds in securing deals and scaling its energy business, the stock could warrant a valuation rerating. Given the robust demand for power solutions and the recent 20% decline from its recent high, I think Ford is a compelling stock to consider.
Ford znovu najal 350 zkušených inženýrů poté, co automatizované systémy a AI nedosáhly požadované kvality. Automobilka letos čeká úsporu nákladů ve výši 1 miliardy USD.
Image Credits:Bloomberg / Getty Images Ford executives said they have hired 350 veteran engineers — some of them were former employees, while others had been working at suppliers — after artificial intelligence and automated systems failed to deliver the desired quality level.
Bloomberg reports the company’s chief operating officer Kumar Galhotra told journalists that Ford had been “relying more and more on automated quality systems” with disappointing results. So the company “brought back technical specialists,” and those specialists “hunt for failure points before a part ever reaches the plant floor.”
Charles Poon, Ford’s vice president of vehicle hardware engineering, added, “Mistakenly we thought that by just introducing artificial intelligence and ingesting the design requirements that we had, that that would produce a high-quality product.”
To be clear, this doesn’t mean Ford is abandoning its AI plans entirely. Instead, it’s using the rehired employees — referred to as “gray beard” engineers — to train younger staff and reprogram AI tools.
This rehiring seems to be paying off, with Ford anticipating that it will lead to $1 billion in reduced costs this year. The automaker also claimed the top spot among mainstream brands in the JD Power Initial Quality Survey released this week.
Ford přiznal, že samotná AI nestačila k vyřešení problémů s kvalitou, a proto znovu najal asi 350 zkušených technických specialistů. Firma je zapojila do revizí návrhů a mentorování mladších inženýrů.
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Ford scored a big quality award on Thursday. The company is praising veteran workers. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Ford staged a quality comeback. The automaker credits part of the turnaround to pairing AI with something more old-school: veteran engineers.
Executives at Ford told reporters this week that the company had hired, promoted, or brought back about 350 experienced technical specialists as part of a sweeping effort to fix vehicle-quality problems. Those engineering veterans have helped mentor younger staff, lead design reviews, and improve the AI and automated quality tools Ford uses to catch defects before vehicles reach customers, they said.
They also offered a striking admission: AI and automation were not enough on their own.
"Artificial intelligence is a fantastic tool, but it's only as good as information you use to train it," Charles Poon, Ford's vice president of vehicle hardware engineering, said. "Mistakenly, we thought that by just introducing artificial intelligence and ingesting the design requirements that we had, that would produce a high-quality product."
Poon said Ford had not done enough in prior years to preserve the knowledge of its most experienced engineers, some of whom left the company before their expertise was fully integrated into Ford's systems. He said quality problems often showed up at the boundaries between teams, where design, manufacturing, software, and hardware collide.
Quality win, recall hangover
Ford just improved its standing in one of the auto industry's biggest yearly tests. Bill Pugliano/Getty Images The comments came as Ford celebrated a major milestone.
Consumer data analytics firm JD Power named Ford the top mass-market brand in its latest initial-quality study, trailing only Porsche and Genesis overall, according to the study released Thursday. Ford narrowly beat Lexus, which has long been one of the strongest performers in the rankings.
That's a big turnaround. Just three years ago, Ford ranked 15th out of 25 major automakers in the same study.
For years, Ford has faced headwinds on its product quality. In 2025, Ford issued 152 recalls, nearly doubling the previous record set by General Motors in 2014 with 77 safety bulletins.
As of Thursday, Ford had issued 51 recalls this year, according to the NHTSA's dashboard. That's still more than double Chrysler, the next-closest automaker, which had issued 19.
Ford executives said many of the continued recall issues are tied to vehicles and platforms designed between 2013 and 2020, calling recalls a "lagging indicator." They framed the JD Power win as proof that a new approach is taking hold, and said internal data shows "clear improvement" in newer vehicles.
Still, the initial-quality study measures problems in new vehicles, not long-term durability, making it an early signal rather than a full verdict on whether Ford has solved its recall problem.
Ford says it changed how it catches problems
Ford says it's been making manufacturing quality improvements since 2023. Bloomberg/Getty Images Ford launched its quality reset in 2023.
In that time, Kumar Galhotra, Ford's COO, said the company has more than doubled its technical specialist population. Those specialists now lead mandatory design reviews and look for failure points before parts ever reach the plant floor.
"They hunt for failure points before a part ever reaches the plant floor," he said.
The company also created an industrial system team to bring engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain closer together. Before that approach, Galhotra said Ford had previously relied too heavily on a "find and fix" approach — identifying problems after they appeared and trying to resolve them quickly.
Now, Ford says it is trying to prevent problems before they happen.
Ford previously told Business Insider that it had developed two bespoke AI-enhanced scanning tools that helped validate that cars were properly assembled before rolling off the lot. The tools, called AiTriz and MAIVs, both debuted in 2024.
While Ford has previously said the tools are helping improve product quality, the company did not say whether the 350 specialists worked directly on them.
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Ben Shimkus is a reporter for the Business News desk. He writes about cars, transportation, retail, and jobs. Ben's reporting has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Verge, Automotive News, USA Today, AutoBody News, LGBTQ Nation, TopSpeed, and Out Magazine. He's also held staff writing positions at The U.S. Sun and the Daily Mail. He graduated from NYU with a Master's in journalism in 2024. Email Ben at [email protected] or message him privately on Signal at bshimkus.41.
Ford spouští Ford Energy a podle Morgan Stanley by mohl do roku 2030 vygenerovat až 500 milionů USD v provozním zisku. První dodávky mají začít v roce 2028.
Ford (F 0.36%) made a big move in May when it announced plans to launch an energy storage business called Ford Energy.
Ford stock soared 47% last month mostly on the news of the company's new endeavor, and investors are likely excited by analysts' predictions that the new business could generate $500 million in operating profit for Ford by 2030.
With this new entry storage business about to launch, is now the time to buy Ford stock? Here's why investors may want to hold off on making that move.
Image source: Getty Images.
Ford is tapping into increasing energy usage from AI Artificial intelligence (AI) is fueling rising demand for energy storage, and Barclays analyst Dan Levy recently said that Ford is a "hidden data center beneficiary."
Automakers invested tens of billions of dollars over the past several years to convert factories for electric vehicle (EV) production. The problem, as it turned out, is that rising EV material costs, lower-than-expected demand, and tariffs have caused many companies to abandon their most ambitious EV goals. The federal government eliminating EV tax credits didn't help either.
The result is that Ford's losses from its EV division add up to $16 billion over the past few years -- and management says it will continue losing money on EVs for the next three years.
Which is why Ford is trying to recoup some of its battery and EV tech investments.
Its announcement last month that it would shift some of its EV battery factories to make battery storage excited investors. The goal is for Ford to produce up to 20 gigawatts of capacity over the next five years, with battery deliveries starting in 2028.
Ford CEO Jim Farley told the Detroit Free Press last month that the company is already seeing "tremendous interest from customers," adding, "[W]e're off to a good start both on the supply side, building the plants, building the cells, getting the machines up and running, as well as the demand creation side."
Ford will invest $2 billion in the business to get things up and running.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley said Ford Energy could generate $500 million in operating profit by 2030. The analysts also believe Ford could sign supply agreements with commercial customers in the coming months.
That may be a drop in the bucket compared to Ford's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of nearly $6.8 billion last year. Still, investors are excited to see the company thinking outside of the traditional automotive box and embracing new revenue opportunities.
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It could be a smart move, but it's too early to bet on Ford Energy It's a bit surprising and a little concerning that Ford stock rose so high last month simply on the news of Ford Energy.
The automaker's energy business has no profit and no revenue to date. Instead, investors were excited that Ford is doing something AI-adjacent.
There needs to be higher standards than that for buying a stock, though. It's noteworthy that Ford is moving into the energy storage business, and it's commendable that the automaker is thinking of new ways to repurpose some of the battery investments it made for its EVs.
But it will be a couple of years before deliveries begin, which means it'll be that long (or even longer) before investors see any potential profits from Ford Energy.
So, no, Ford stock is not a buy just because it's investing in energy storage for data centers. The share price surge is more of a symptom of investors believing that anything AI-related is an automatic success.
Instead, Ford shareholders should be more concerned with how the company manages costs and improves vehicle sales. The company experienced a tough year in 2025, with a net loss of $8.2 billion due to a $19.5 billion write-down related to its EV restructuring.
Selling some batteries that bring in $500 million in operating profit four or so years from now certainly is not the fix some investors think it is.
Ford zvýšil celoroční upravený výhled EBIT na 8,5–10,5 miliardy USD díky silnému Ford Pro a vyšším maržím. Stellantis naopak čelí tlaku nákladů na suroviny a snižovaným odhadům EPS.
Key Takeaways Ford is favored for stronger execution, improving earnings outlook and profitable growth drivers.F raised 2026 adjusted EBIT guidance as Ford Pro and higher-margin vehicles support results.Stellantis faces raw material cost pressure, lower EPS revisions and weaker recent share performance. Both the leading automakers, Ford Motor Company (F - Free Report) and Stellantis N.V. (STLA - Free Report) , have recently announced strategic partnerships to strengthen their respective long-term growth.
On May 18, 2026, Ford Energy signed a five-year agreement with EDF Group to supply up to 20 GWh of battery energy storage systems for U.S. grid-scale projects beginning in 2028.
On June 17, 2026, Stellantis announced a partnership with Wayve and Uber Technologies to accelerate the global deployment of Level 4 autonomous robotaxis by combining vehicle platforms, AI driving technology and ride-hailing capabilities.
While both automakers appear well-positioned for sustained growth, let’s dig deeper into their fundamentals to get a clearer perspective on which company currently holds the stronger competitive advantage.
The Case for Ford StockFord Pro remains a key growth engine, supported by demand for commercial vehicles and expanding software and physical services. In the first quarter of 2026, paid software subscriptions rose 30% year over year to 879,000, reinforcing the shift toward higher recurring revenues. The company expects 2026 Ford Pro EBIT of $6.5-$7.5 billion compared with $6.84 billion in 2025, which keeps the segment central to Ford’s longer-term earnings mix.
Ford’s strategy of emphasizing higher-margin vehicles and trims appears to be working. The strong demand for trucks, large SUVs, off-road trims and hybrids with richer margins is improving profitability. Off-road performance trims, such as Raptor and Tremor, now account for nearly one-quarter of U.S. sales, while Ford also reported improved mix within Explorer, Expedition and F-Series.
Ford maintained lower incentive spending than competitors while still achieving strong transaction prices and retail share gains. This suggests healthier pricing discipline compared with prior industry cycles. The company’s focus on “profit pillars” rather than low-margin volume growth could help sustain earnings even if industry demand moderates over time. For the full year, Ford raised its overall adjusted EBIT guidance to $8.5-$10.5 billion, up from previous guidance of $8-$10 billion.
However, Ford continues to fund modernization, connectivity and new product programs while expanding electrification and services. The company expects 2026 capital expenditures of $9.5-$10.5 billion, up from $8.8 billion in 2025. With additional spending tied to EV development and interim supply-chain costs, cash conversion can remain uneven through the cycle.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for F’s 2026 EPS implies year-over-year growth of 50.5%. EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have improved by 4 cents and 2 cents, respectively, in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Case for Stellantis StockIndustrial costs remain a tailwind for Stellantis, supported by higher production volumes, improved manufacturing efficiency and ongoing product cost optimization initiatives. For 2026, Stellantis projects mid-single-digit revenue growth, a low-single-digit adjusted operating income margin and year-over-year improvement in industrial free cash flow.
On May 21, 2026, Stellantis launched its FaSTLAne 2030 strategy, outlining a €60 billion five-year plan aimed at accelerating growth, improving profitability and enhancing shareholder returns. The company targets revenue growth from €154 billion in 2025 to €190 billion by 2030, a 7% adjusted operating income margin by 2030, positive industrial free cash flow in 2027 rising to €6 billion by 2030, and €6 billion in annualized cost savings by 2028 through its Value Creation Program.
Stellantis also expanded its collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies to integrate Snapdragon Digital Chassis chips with its STLA Brain software platform, strengthening cockpit, connectivity and ADAS capabilities while supporting faster product launches, continuous software upgrades and greater cost efficiency through platform standardization.
Stellantis launched its affordable E-Car project, with production expected to begin in 2028. The fully electric vehicle targets Europe's shrinking affordable small-car segment and will feature advanced BEV technology developed with partners to enhance affordability and accelerate commercialization.
However, Stellantis continues to face significant raw material cost volatility. Based on prevailing market prices, the net impact after hedging could approach 1% of annual revenues, with raw material costs potentially adding more than €1 billion in expenses during 2026.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for STLA’s 2026 EPS implies year-over-year growth of 214.6%. EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have fallen 4 cents and 12 cents, respectively, in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Price Performance of F & STLAIn the last six months, shares of Stellantis have plunged 42.5%, while Ford shares have risen 5.8%. While F has outperformed the Zacks auto sector, Stellantis has underperformed the same.
6-Month Price Performance Comparison
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ConclusionFord is delivering profitable growth through its high-margin Ford Pro business, favorable vehicle mix, disciplined pricing strategy and improving earnings outlook. Ford is also set to benefit from upward EPS estimate revisions and positive share price momentum.
On the other hand, Stellantis' long-term growth depends on ambitious strategic initiatives that are still in the early stages. Also, Stellantis faces downward earnings revisions, raw material cost pressures and weaker stock performance.
Although Ford and Stellantis carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each at present, Ford appears to be the stronger investment choice based on its current execution and earnings visibility. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Kanadský odborový svaz Unifor zahájil jednání s Fordem o nové smlouvě pro téměř 19 000 členů trojice automobilek z Detroitu. Cílem je vyšší mzda, jistota práce a benefity.
A Ford logo on a Ford F-150 pickup truck for sale in Encinitas, California, U.S. October 20, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesDETROIT, June 22 (Reuters) - Canadian auto union Unifor began negotiations with Ford Motor (F.N), opens new tab on Monday, commencing talks on new contracts with the so-called Detroit Three of Ford, General Motors (GM.N), opens new tab and Stellantis (STLAM.MI), opens new tab to try to improve pay, job security and benefits for its nearly 19,000 members at those companies.
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Existing collective agreements between Unifor and the Detroit Three automakers expire on September 20.
The union began the negotiations with Ford because the automaker has been most committed to continuing its operations in Canada, the union said.
Unifor set a deadline of July 10 to reach a deal with Ford, which it will then take to the other two automakers.
The union said it has begun talks earlier than usual because economic conditions are unlikely to improve in the coming months and could worsen.
Canada faces significant U.S. tariffs pending negotiations around the future of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico trade agreement.
Nearly 6,000 workers have been laid off across plants owned by the three automakers as the companies have shifted or paused production at several facilities.
Reporting by Nora Eckert in Detroit Editing by David Goodman
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Nora Eckert reports on the automotive industry from Detroit. She covers Ford, GM, Stellantis and the United Auto Workers, with a focus on the industry's transition to EVs. She was previously a reporter for The Wall Street Journal in Detroit, where she broke news on major automakers and the UAW. She was earlier part of a WSJ investigations team that was recognized as a finalist for the 2021 Pulitzer Prize. Nora began her career as an investigative reporter with the Rochester Post Bulletin in Minnesota, where she focused on the state's organ transplant system and prisons.
