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skateofministry · 3 years ago

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Mullen Announces Significant Customer Response to Debut of

BREA, Calif., Nov. 22, 2021 (WORLD NEWSWIRE) — by means of InvestorWire — Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) (“Mullen” or the “Company”), an emerging electrical car (“EV”) maker, reveals today that the booking limitation for the Mullen 5 EV Crossover has actually been increased to 25,000 preliminary bookings. The initially 25,000 bookings will likewise get a customized “launch” edition for car trim bundle choices. 5 Reservations are presently open and can be made on Mullenusa.com for a refundable $100 deposit.

The Mullen 5 EV crossover debuted on the primary phase of the LA Auto Show on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. Demand has actually been extremely high with increasing limelights and customer interest. Vehicle bookings reached all-time highs on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.

“I am gratified by the level of interest on the Mullen FIVE. Our LA Auto Show booth is seeing strong traffic, positive reaction and response to the FIVE,” stated David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen Automotive. “The FIVE is the center point of our company effort and focus.”

“We’ve decided to increase the limit of the total number of FIVE reservations from 5,000 to 25,000 vehicles due to the strong demand in the first three days of the show,” stated Jason Putnam, vice president of marketing for Mullen Automotive. “By establishing a 25,000 reservation limit, this allows us to offer a very special trim option package that will only be available to our initial “launch” client set.”

Mullen is showing numerous versions of the 5 design while likewise showcasing powertrain, battery and charging innovation at the LA Auto Show in the south hall of the convention center at cubicle S-101. The 5 is on display screen through Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021. The Mullen 5 likewise won the Top EV SUV award, vanquishing the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring and Rivian R1S, to win the LA Auto Show 2021 Zero Emission Vehicle Award (ZEVAS

) in the “Top SUV ZEV” classification.

The 5 is developed on an EV crossover skateboard platform that provides numerous powertrain setups and trim levels in a svelte style that is “Strikingly DifferentTM” and interesting to experience face to face. Learn more about the Mullen 5 at MullenUSA.com.

About Mullen

Mullen is a Southern California-based vehicle business that owns and partners with numerous synergistic companies pursuing the merged objective of developing tidy and scalable energy options. Mullen has actually developed over the previous years in sync with customers and innovation patterns. Today, the Company is working vigilantly to offer interesting EV choices developed completely in the United States and made to fit completely into the American customer’s life. Mullen makes every effort to make EVs more available than ever by developing an end-to-end community that looks after all elements of EV ownership.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®):

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) is the very first significant North American automobile program of the season yearly and is commonly acknowledged as one of the most prominent programs internationally. Reflective of its place, the program commemorates the love affair Angelenos have with their cars and trucks and provides an international platform to market innovation and development associated with California. The reveal runs for 10 complete days over the Thanksgiving duration and is a must-attend location for lots of market influencers, automobile lovers and households wishing to delight in a day out over the holiday. Held yearly at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes numerous hundred million dollars to the regional economy, promotes the regional task market and is the No. 1 profits generator for the LA Convention Center. In 2021, the media and market days, AutoMovement LA, which occurred Nov. 17-18, consisted of a variety of groundbreaking market statements and exposes. Doors will be open to the general public through Nov. 28. LA Auto Show is backed by the Greater LA New Car Dealer Association and is owned and run by ANSA Productions. To get the most recent program news and info, follow the LA Auto Show on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and register for informs at https://www.laautoshow.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements This news release consists of “forward-looking statements.” Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and comparable expressions, in addition to declarations in future tense, typically symbolize positive declarations. These positive declarations consist of, without restriction, declarations associating with the reverse merger, the Nasdaq approval procedure and proposed launching date of the Mullen 5 (previously MX-05) midsize crossover. These positive declarations are, by their nature, based on substantial dangers and unpredictabilities.

Forward-looking declarations need to not read as an assurance of future efficiency or outcomes and might not be precise indicators of when such efficiency or outcomes will be accomplished. Forward-looking declarations are based upon info that the Company has when those declarations are made or management’s great faith belief since that time with regard to future occasions and undergo dangers and unpredictabilities that might trigger real efficiency or results to vary materially from those revealed in or recommended by the positive declarations, consisting of aspects beyond the Company’s control. As an outcome of these and other dangers, unpredictabilities and presumptions, positive occasions and scenarios gone over herein may not take place in the method the Company anticipates or at all. Accordingly, readers need to not position dependence on any positive info or declarations. The Company presumes no responsibility to openly upgrade or modify its positive declarations as an outcome of brand-new info, future occasions or otherwise. All positive declarations herein are certified by referral to the cautionary declarations stated in this area.

Contact:

Mullen Automotive, Inc. +1 (714) 613-1900 www.MullenUSA.com

For more info, please see https://www.mullenusa.com/.

Wire Service Contact InvestorWire (IW) Los Angeles, California www.InvestorWire.com 212.418.1217 Office [email protected]

Mullen 5 Debut at the LA Auto Show

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dipulb3 · 4 years ago

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2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T first drive review: Similar swagger, lower price

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2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T first drive review: Similar swagger, lower price

When automakers first make their latest and greatest available for journalists to test, they typically roll out loaded examples for reviewers to sample. In other words, top-flight models with the poshest interiors, the flashiest wheels, the highest tech and most importantly, the most powerful drivetrains. It makes sense, insofar as it affords reviewers the chance to experience all of a vehicle’s newness and greatness at once, giving us the chance to figure out what we like, and what we don’t. Side effect? It’s tempting to get distracted by all those bells, whistles and horses. That’s particularly easy to do when there are so many of all three, as is the case with the 2021 Genesis GV80.

In fact, this upscale SUV has so many new features and details to experience, I thought it best to start out with a loaded GV80 3.5T in all-wheel-drive Prestige trim, a $72,000 as-tested luxury juggernaut. If you haven’t read my first drive review of that model, please consider pausing reading this article and doing that now.

No matter the engine, the GV80 is one sharp SUV.

Chris Paukert/Roadshow

All finished? Good. Now, to Genesis’ eternal credit, the company made numerous configurations of its new GV80 available at its Detroit-area first drive event, so I’m going to stay focused on powertrain and trim differences, since most of my other impressions carry over. So let’s take a closer look at this significantly more affordable version, the GV80 2.5T with rear-wheel drive. While my tester is still spec’d out in highfalutin Prestige guise, this crossover is a lot less expensive, stickering at $58,475 as tested (including $1,025 in freight). As you’ll soon learn, the Himalayan Gray Metallic sweetie seen here is priced to strike fear in the heart of today’s premium SUV market. That’s admittedly still a thick wedge, but a base GV80 starts at $49,925 delivered, which isn’t far above the price of a Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy from Genesis’ parent brand. Make no mistake, no matter how you option it, the GV80 represents an unparalleled amount of modern luxury SUV for the money.

4-cylinder power

While I think the twin-turbo V6 in the 3.5T model suits the overall ambition of the GV80 best, the smaller, single-turbo, 2.5-liter inline-four featured here has lots to offer — not the least of which is its 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque (the latter peaking from just 1,300 rpm). Those output figures solidly outpoint not only the smaller 2.0-liter I4s in the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, they’re actually substantially more impressive than the power metrics mustered by the liter-larger, naturally aspirated V6s in the Acura MDX and Lexus RX.

On the street, this translates to solid — but not overwhelming — amounts of oomph, whether trundling around town from stoplight to stoplight or merging onto the freeway. The eight-speed automatic shifts crisply and obsequiously, and I’d ballpark a 0-to-60-mph time in the 6.5-second range. The 2.5T is also surprisingly quiet, especially for an I4. That makes sense, because with the 3.5T, the entire GV80 drive experience is hushed, be it in terms of engine, road or wind noise (frankly, I can’t recall driving an SUV with a sub-six-figure price tag that’s as quiet as a GV80 V6). And yet, even without that model’s unique active road-noise cancellation tech (think: Bose 700 cans for the entire cabin), this 2.5T RWD isn’t far behind.

Speaking of the four-cylinder, the 2.5T’s soundtrack itself isn’t bothersome, but it is a bit featureless, and its character doesn’t match the GV80’s larger-than-life looks as well as the pricier, thirstier V6. That said, a solid slug of torque is always available for passing and the engine’s fuel-saving stop-start tech is unobtrusive enough that I left it enabled for 95% of my drive (something of a rarity for me).

It’s worth noting that I only had the chance to drive the 2.5T unladen, without a cabin full of passengers or gear in the cargo area, and my drive day took place on Michigan’s drably flat and rain-slicked roads. I’d be interested to experience a similar model fully loaded, perhaps in the mountains, if only to see how much starch this powertrain really offers. Regardless, Genesis says the 2.5T can tow a solid 6,000 pounds, the same as its 3.5T big brother, so this combo ought to be reasonably stout. Of course, if you want the optional (small) third-row seats, you can’t get it with a four-cylinder engine. In fact, you have to pony up a very specific 3.5T trim, Advance Plus.

The GV80’s 2.5-liter turbo four puts out 300 hp and 311 pound-feet — more power than some rivals’ V6 engines.

Chris Paukert/Roadshow

4-cylinder efficiency

The payoff for going with the smaller I4, in addition to a substantially lower price tag, is markedly better fuel economy. The 2021 Genesis GV80 2.5T RWD nets 21 miles per gallon city, 25 highway and 23 combined according to EPA estimates. If you opt for AWD, the numbers hold up well, with only the combined number dropping by a single digit. Compare that to the AWD-only 3.5T, which gets 18 mpg city, 23 highway and 20 combined. None of these efficiency totals (all achieved on premium fuel) will score you on a slot on the Rainforest Action Network’s holiday-card list, mind, but these are solid figures for this class.

So, the I4 is less expensive and demonstrably more efficient. Good stuff. But if you’re picturing this GV80 as some sort of secret, inexpensive performance model for driving enthusiasts because it’s rear-wheel drive and lighter overall, well, think again. This isn’t a sport sedan on stilts, and it still weighs every bit of 4,700 pounds. That’s not to say this Genesis handles like an overstuffed couch — GV80s can hustle around corners smartly — but there isn’t much in the way of feel or involvement, especially from the steering. On the plus side, even though Genesis’ road-scanning adjustable suspension isn’t available on RWD models, because this 2.5T wears smaller 20-inch wheels wrapped in 265/50-series Michelin Primacy Tour all-season rubber, this vehicle offers better ride quality than the V6 I wrote about previously. (Base, 2.5T Standard trims ride on 19s with even taller sidewalls, so they ought to be more compliant still.)

While you can’t get all the luxury fixins found in the V6 model, the 2.5T’s cabin remains posh, original and very well equipped.

Chris Paukert/Roadshow

Interior excellence

Even though the 2.5T RWD Prestige lacks many of the super-swish features found only on the 3.5T’s Prestige trim (e.g. quilted Nappa leather, power soft-close doors, 3D-effect digital gauges, and so on), the 2.5T RWD’s interior still feels upscale. This wasn’t a foregone conclusion, as the RWD Prestige even goes without many of the features that come standard in AWD models with the same engine and trim — you can’t get active noise cancellation or a head-up display, for instance. Thankfully, the inclusion of features like a widescreen, 14.5-inch infotainment display, 21-speaker Lexicon audio system, knurled-finish switchgear, panoramic roof and matte-finish wood help elevate the cabin to significant heights. However, it’s the overall aesthetic and the quality of fit and finish that really sell the premium vibe that allow the GV80 to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Lincoln Aviator and Mercedes GLE.

When it comes to safety tech, Genesis has thankfully been a lot more straightforward. Regardless of driven wheels or trim, all GV80s receive adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist II (lane centering and road sign recognition), lane-departure warning and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, forward-collision warning with auto brake, plus a basic driver monitor and an unusual extra airbag mounted front center airbag. Prestige trim adds 360-degree birds-eye camera coverage for easier maneuverability, reverse auto-brake, blind-spot monitor and ultrasonic rear-seat occupant alert, but that’s about it. All in all, the entire GV80 line is on-point when it comes to safety gear.

While the 3.5T may still be the GV80 to covet, there’s certainly no shame in the 2.5T’s game.

Chris Paukert/Roadshow

Should you buy one?

Is it worth buying a GV80 rather than the more traditional (and predictable) luxury brands out of Europe and Japan? 100%. Dollar for dollar, the GV80 isn’t just a better value when optioned like-for-like, it actually has more street presence than the establishment, plus it has a nicer cabin and a much-longer warranty. In fairness, if history is any guide, the GV80 won’t have comparable resale value entrenched rivals from Europe and Japan, but then again, you won’t be forking over as much money to begin with, and Genesis often has better dependability scores.

Now, should you consider this 2.5T versus a 3.5T? Well, if you can afford to splurge, I would. The extra power — 375 hp and 391 lb-ft — and refinement makes the six-cylinder engine a worthy upgrade. Plus with the way Genesis tiers its trim lines, you tend to get more standard equipment on 3.5T models, too. One more thing: Since RWD doesn’t radically alter (let alone improve) the GV80’s agility or fun quotient, I’d go for an AWD model regardless of engine, especially if you’re located somewhere that sees a good amount of rain or snow. In fairness, this 2.5T RWD is likely to be a pretty rare bird on dealer lots anyhow. A Genesis spokesperson tells me that at least in the early days of GV80 sales, only around 30% of models on lots are likely to come with this smaller engine. Of that amount, only around a third are expected to be fitted with RWD.

All in all, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2021 Genesis GV80. It isn’t just the best value in the midsize luxury SUV segment, it’s one of the better options, period.

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fokohow · 4 years ago

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TOP 10 RECHARGEABLE HYBRID VEHICLES IN CANADA IN 2020… WITH ONE MORE BONUS…

Auto123 presents its Top 11 Plug-in Hybrid SUVs now or soon to be available in Canada in 2020.

To say the least, the electrification of the automotive industry continues. The year 2020 is a major one for the purely electric sector, even though the pandemic has greatly slowed consumer enthusiasm, at least temporarily. Despite this historic brake, the Earth does not stop turning and the return to normal will eventually bring consumers back to the showrooms of car dealerships. There are signs that this is already happening.

While it is clear that commercial vehicles are still popular, their slightly higher fuel consumption than cars still makes some motorists hesitate.

That’s where plug-in hybrid SUVs come in. It has become an annual tradition for Auto123 to list utility models sold with the “PHEV” designation, and 2020 is no exception.

Unsurprisingly, the choice has expanded this year, especially in the luxury divisions. So now it’s time for the Plug-in Hybrid SUVs with all-wheel drive that will be available for sale in Canada in 2020. Last year, we included the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan and the Kia Niro PHEV, both of which are exclusively front-wheel drive.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

He is often the one who comes to mind when VUS PHEV is mentioned in a discussion. The three-diamond manufacturer’s representative has been in service with us since 2018 and continues to be considered by compact SUV buyers who are tired of swallowing thousands of dollars at gas stations. The Outlander PHEV still runs on gasoline, but its electric range makes city driving less expensive and, above all, quieter!

Volvo XC60 / XC90 T8

Over the years, Volvo has positioned itself as a serious player in the electrical niche. Moreover, the small XC40 Recharge should be with us before the end of the year, while the Polestar division affiliated with Volvo will also make its entrance.

But while we’re waiting for purely electric propulsion, the Swedish brand is still marketing its two SUVs in a T8 livery, the name that sticks to its rechargeable hybrid models. Very little has changed for 2020 in the case of these two protagonists, a comment that applies to their impressive power and quiet ride.

Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC

Nothing to report with the rechargeable hybrid model in the GLC range, except perhaps a few details specific to the redesign for the 2020 model year.

Aside from these cosmetic changes, the GLC 350e 4MATIC is true to last year’s model year, with its mechanics that twin a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an additional electric motor still delivering 315 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Better yet, fuel consumption is no more than 10 litres per 100 km, in the city or on the highway.

Subaru Crosstrek PHEV

Subaru’s popular crossover is now available in a plug-in hybrid configuration. Its predecessor had been marketed in a hybrid version, but it didn’t meet with the expected success with the public.

This time, it’s more interesting. The Crosstrek PHEV (available only on the Limited version), which still adds close to $10,000 to the gas model’s bill, offers at least a 27-km pure electric range. The problem is that this distance is not impressive. Luckily, overall fuel consumption is lower than the regular model.

Range Rover or Range Rover Sport

The two top SUVs in the Land Rover lineup have been getting the Plug-In Hybrid technology from the house since last summer. This is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a second, electric engine. The range in electric mode is 51 km and the total power output is 398 horsepower. No worries about this powerplant!

Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring

The Lincoln Aviator has been on sale for a few months now. The Grand Touring option came later, however. In this case, the Dearborn giant opted for electrifying performance by relying on a 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine and another electric one, which boosts total power to 494 horsepower. Optimum torque is even more impressive at 630 lb-ft. of torque.

Lincoln will soon welcome (for model year 2021) a Grand Touring livery of the Corsair, the smallest SUV sold by the American luxury division.

Audi Q5 TFSI e

It’s a rare bird, this one, but Audi does market a plug-in hybrid version of its popular Q5. Instead of the usual 248 horsepower, the familiar 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 362 horsepower. As for the 369 lb-ft of torque, it’s also typical of electric powertrains.

The German automaker talks about a range of 40 km in electric mode, which, despite everything, lowers the average fuel consumption.

BMW X3 PHEV

The Bavarian manufacturer has long been involved in research into electric propulsion, with the exotic i8 being the brand’s first rechargeable hybrid vehicle. But the sports car is not very practical, unlike the X3, which is now offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The Canadian website also announces a PHEV livery for the X5, but the brand’s guide to the country doesn’t include it among the available choices.

At the very least, the X3 Plug-In Hybrid is a direct rival to the Audi Q5 TFSI e. The BMW representative isn’t as fast as the four-ringed vehicle with 288 horsepower, but still, in this niche, power isn’t everything. The electric range of 29 km is not the longest in the industry either.

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid ou Turbo S E-Hybrid

The Stuttgart manufacturer has been electrifying some of its vehicles for several years now. The Cayenne is an excellent candidate to accommodate a battery pack and electric mechanics in tandem with the V6 turbo (in the case of the E-Hybrid) or the V8 turbo (in the case of the Turbo S E-Hybrid).

E-Hybrid performance is astounding, with 0-100 km/h achieved in 5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package. The “big model” accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Any questions?

Mini Cooper Countryman S E ALL4

The year 2020 is the year of the first fully electric MINI Cooper, but we shouldn’t forget that for the past two years, MINI has also been offering its Countryman crossover with a plug-in hybrid, this time with the 3-cylinder turbo engine equipped with an electric motor. What’s more, driving pleasure is still part of the recipe, with average fuel consumption well below that of the other vehicles in the range.

Toyota RAV4 Prime 2021

We end this tour with one of the most anticipated plug-in hybrid SUVs of the year, the RAV4 Prime 2021. The latter is likely to give the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a tough time. Not only does its power eclipse it with 302 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.8 seconds, the RAV4 Prime 2021 is expected to be another success story for the Japanese division.

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joshjailbait · 6 years ago

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2021 Lincoln Aviator Interiors, Exteriors and Release date

The Lincoln Company has revealed the concept model of its luxury SUV called Aviator at the 2018 New York Auto Show. They have decided to bring it back to the market and it will probably replace the Lincoln MKT model.Like we have previously mentioned, the upcoming Aviator will look pretty much the same as the concept model. The cabin of the new Aviator will be able to welcome up to seven…

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perksofwifi · 5 years ago

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Ford Admits Screwing Up the 2020 Explorer Launch, Promises Not to Again

Ford’s launch of its latest Explorer three-row crossover was a mess, and Ford brass knows it. That model’s woefully slow and problem-plagued launch in Chicago in 2019 won’t happen again, per Ford’s message to shareholders today during Ford’s 65th annual shareholders meeting that also sought to reassure stockholders about the impact of the pandemic.

The meeting was once again held virtually, a practice for the last few years, but one made necessary this year as the world strives to slow the spread of the coronavirus. And while many of the presentations and responses to shareholder questions revolved around the impact of the pandemic that stopped vehicle production around the world, executives also focused on changes made to operations in general for when the industry resumes a degree of normalcy.

Which brings us back to the Explorer and the lessons it holds for the future. A year after its bungled rollout, Ford is still lamenting how it went, the losses it incurred, the blot it put on the company’s ability to get vehicles out the door and into customer hands. The learnings are crucial as Ford prepares to launch a new Ford F-150 fullsize pickup truck, including a hybrid version, as well as the new 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport, a Mustang hybrid and the new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover.

In the past, we were told some of the problems with the Explorer were because the automaker tried to launch the next-generation SUV with many trim levels, including a hybrid and the Police Interceptor utility vehicle, while simultaneously adding the new luxury Lincoln Aviator sibling which also comes as a plug-in hybrid. It was all being done in an old plant with no room to set up a pilot area to test assembly. Keep in mind, the new Explorer switched from the old SUV’s front-wheel-drive-based underpinnings to Ford’s new rear-wheel-drive architecture and all the sheetmetal was changed. All this was done while maximizing production of the outgoing Explorer right up to the end.

Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett called it an over-aggressive effort to launch the revamped Explorer and new Lincoln Aviator. He denounced the decision to run pilot builds virtually and says the company has fixed that and will better manage launches now. Ford is also addressing higher warranty costs by reversing past decisions to develop some of its key powertrain components remotely around the world. All these lessons learned will hopefully make Ford stronger when the world regains some normalcy.

Product Delays and Plant Production

In the interim, Hackett said Ford has delayed launches from the original plan but did not specify which vehicles have been affected. Some reveals have already been delayed because of the health crisis, including the new Bronco and Bronco Sport, both of which were to have been shown to media earlier this year. But Ford officials have said key products like the F-150 remain on track.

Oh, and plants were shut down around the world. “We can now see in retrospect our action to close [plants] definitely helped flatten the curve in geographic hot spots,” said Hackett, referring to the common phrase for the mitigation of new coronavirus cases. While there are fears of new outbreaks, Ford has returned 90 percent of its salaried staff to work in China and resumed production at all plants in that country, but production is not yet at full capacity. Plants are running again in Europe, too, with a second shift added at the Saarlouis plant in Germany. North American production resumes May 18. “We don’t know yet when we will be able to get back to full production,” said Chief Operating Officer Jim Farley.

Abysmal Ford Stock Price

Shareholders had a lot of questions about Ford stock that closed at $4.72 on May 13, the night before the annual meeting. Executive Chairman Bill Ford said he feels the company has the right metrics in place for the future and that it is in everyone’s interests, including the Ford family, to get the stock prices back up.

According to Hackett before the health crisis, Ford was on track to meet or exceed its original financial guidance. “Never before have we had to close plants in a cascade around the world.” The impact was a net loss of $2 billion in the first quarter and Ford is bracing for even worse results in the second quarter.

The automaker must emerge ready to build a brighter future, Hackett said, and the company is working to protect its cycle plan, product plan, launches and technical roadmap with a focus on the long game. In the next two years, Ford will put 40 hybrids and electric vehicles on the road and the China market will get 30 vehicles over the next three years, 10 of them electric. Ford will use its partnerships with Rivian and Mahindra will help accelerate the development of electric vehicles.

Cutting Spending

To preserve cash during this economic crisis, Ford is cutting spending wherever possible to have the financial wherewithal to emerge as a stronger company. Tim Stone, chief financial officer, said Ford has identified billions of dollars in opportunities. It won’t be enough to recover from all production losses this year, he said, but Ford is doing what it can to make up for the losses as soon as possible. In the meantime, the company has suspended merit increases, top executives have deferred some of their salaries for at least five months, cost cutting is occurring in areas such as advertising and marketing, and in areas of non-essential spending. Ford has cut its capital spending in half to about a half-billion dollars. The dividend has been suspended and will be restored when Ford is able to strengthen its balance sheet and pay down its lines of credit.

In other business at the annual meeting, 13 people were elected to the board of directors and the perennial request for equal voting rights for each share was turned down with 64.9 percent against. The results are not a surprise, the whole point of the proposal is to give all outstanding stock equal weight. The dual-class share structure gives the Ford family 40 percent control with a small percentage of shares while non-family shares get a single vote each. The request for equality is raised every year and has received more than 51 percent support from non-family shareholders since 2011. But every year the power of the Ford family votes shoots it down. Hackett said the Ford family has been a source of stability during the pandemic.

The post Ford Admits Screwing Up the 2020 Explorer Launch, Promises Not to Again appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2020-ford-explorer-launch-problems-lessons-shareholder-meeting/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com

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dipulb3 · 4 years ago

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2021 Genesis GV80 first drive review: Splashy, sumptuous and special SUV

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2021 Genesis GV80 first drive review: Splashy, sumptuous and special SUV

Have you ever come across one of those fantastical news stories of somebody who randomly wakes up with the ability to play piano? You know, a person whose fingers suddenly and magically master classical sonatas, having never so much as stumbled through Chopsticks previously? I’ve always been suspicious of those accounts, but this 2021 Genesis GV80 is making me reconsider. Why? Because with exactly zero experience building true luxury SUVs, this Korean upstart seems to have nailed the brief right out of the box. This is a harmonious, fully realized midsize crossover with its own appeal — one ready to rub shoulders with Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz at the front of the pack.

Admittedly, the Genesis isn’t an overnight sensation, let alone some sort of unknown startup. The brand is built on Hyundai’s considerable shoulders, and Hyundai has been fielding convincing Genesis sedans for years, as well as some awfully good mass-market sport utilities. But this GV80 isn’t just Genesis’ first SUV, it’s the parent company’s first unibody crossover built on rear-wheel-drive architecture, too. But just because Genesis is belatedly arriving to the ball doesn’t mean it’s content to be a wallflower.

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On the contrary, all you need to do is take one look at the GV80’s massive, Superman-shield-shaped grille or its distinctive double-hashmark lighting to know that this SUV isn’t looking to slip in the side door and mingle unnoticed. The top-shelf Prestige trim seen here rides on massive 22-inch Michelin Primacy Tour all-season rubber, and the rest of the vehicle’s details and proportions really suit being fitted with oversized wheels. Even lesser trims start out on still-large 19 inchers. For better or for worse, the 2021 Genesis GV80 is a seriously unsubtle piece of design, and even if it’s not your thing, there’s little doubt that it looks expensive and that it has serious curb presence.

Whether you use the traditional fob or the available digital, sharable phone key to open the door, you’ll find that the GV80’s gravitas carries over to its cabin. The cockpit is swathed in all manner of upscale materials and finishes, including substantial planks of matte-finish wood and knurled switchgear that looks and feels premium. Prestige trims like this one ladle on lots of extra niceties, including a suede-like headliner and very trick 3D-effect all-digital gauge cluster (the latter is an industry first).

Then there’s the 14.5-inch widescreen infotainment system with its high resolution and sparkling graphics. It’s perched atop the dash like a billboard, but thanks to its ultra-long span and the gentle curvature of the gauge binnacle, this display doesn’t look like a tacked-on afterthought. Manipulated via touchscreen or a large jog wheel with integrated directional click ring (not unlike iPods of yore) and a center handwriting recognition pad, the GV80’s infotainment system is new and powerful, yet it’s surprisingly easy to get accustomed to its tile-based layout.

Thankfully, there’s plenty of room inside, too. The 194.7-inch-long GV80 rides atop a 116.3-inch wheelbase, which affords ample head-, shoulder- and legroom in both the first and (slidable and reclinable) second row. Yes, a power-folding third row is available, but only on a single upper-midrange trim with the larger engine. With the way this plus-two setup eats into cargo space while only offering tight seating accommodations, I’d recommend sticking with a two-row model.

For those keeping track, cargo space behind the optional third row is a modest 11.6 cubic feet. Space behind the second row is a more substantial 33.9 cubes, and if you fold all the seats behind the front row, you’re looking at 84 cubic feet, a figure that edges out the Mercedes GLE-Class and trounces the BMW X5.

The cabin is a special place with its own sense of style and lo tech. That two-spoke rugby-ball wheel is controversial, though.

Chris Paukert/Roadshow

If you’re looking for another good reason to skip the third row, try this: You can’t get my pick of the GV80’s range, the Prestige model. I seldom recommend splurging on a top trim, but it’s worth doing here for the added creature comforts, including Genesis’ novel Ergo Motion massaging front seats that can measure occupants to make posture recommendations. The latter are clad in higher-quality, quilted Nappa leather and are comfy enough that you might decide to lounge in your driveway, just to get the chance to listen to the high-fidelity, 21-speaker Lexicon surround-sound audio. What’s more, select highline models are also treated to an adaptive multilink suspension front and rear that includes a road-reading camera to optimize the dampers for any surface in advance — with those heavy 22-inch steamrollers at each corner, you’ll want whatever tech assistance you can get to smooth out the ride.

Pro tip: When ordered in more unusual color combinations like Maroon Brown with Smokey Green leather, the GV80’s cabin feels premium and often more luxurious than what’s offered by comparable German and Japanese rivals such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Lexus RX. In fact, this Genesis compares well against less-popular class picks like the Lincoln Aviator and Volvo XC90, both of which are perhaps better known for their stunning interiors than they are for anything else.

All of this is to say that not only is the GV80 luxurious and precisely assembled, it looks and feels both original and special, as well as appreciably high-tech. If there are any false notes, they’re small crimes of omission — Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t offered wirelessly, and you can’t get a Wi-Fi hotspot or rear-seat entertainment. That two-spoke rugby-ball steering wheel is a bit of an odd throwback, too, but at least it’s distinct.

The GV80’s 14.5-inch infotainment system is snappy and feature rich, with both touchscreen and jog-dial interfaces.

Chris Paukert/Roadshow

If you’re looking for a fire-breathing sport utility with more of an emphasis on the former than the latter, the GV80 is not your ride — at least not right now. At launch, there will be two engines available: a turbocharged, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, both yoked to an obedient eight-speed automatic transmission. The I4 is available in both rear- and all-wheel-drive formats, and it puts out 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. While my brief drive time in the I4 suggests it’s up to the job, it’s the V6 powertrain I’ve spent the most time with, so it’s the combination I’m going to focus on for this review.

That’s just as well, because with a vehicle that’s as bold and brash as this, choosing the burliest powertrain only seems fitting. Plus, the GV80 is no lightweight — a base RWD 2.5T is over 4,500 pounds, and an all-mod-cons 3.5T with mandatory AWD like this one tips the scales at around 5,000 pounds. The V6 has 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, enough to sling this sled to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

That time won’t throw a scare into a BMW X5 sDrive40i owner, let alone an X5 M pilot, but that’s just fine. The GV80 handles sharply and the suspension setup is on the firm side regardless of drive mode setting, but this Genesis isn’t a hot-rod wagon on stilts like a Mercedes-AMG GLE63. The GV80 feels powerful, but it’s still a coddle-me-first, thrill-me-second proposition. From its muted growl at full throttle to its supple, direct steering and easy-to-modulate brakes, the GV80 is a zen cocoon. This is a vehicle that knows and embraces its mission for balanced, total luxury, and it’s unexpectedly excellent for exactly that reason.

The GV80 offers a third row, but this SUV is at its best in a five-seat configuration.

Chris Paukert/Roadshow

None of this is to say that GV80’s big six feels lazy. Yes, it’s super quiet on the inside owing to active road-noise cancellation tech, laminated glass and all kinds of sound-deadening materials. But the V6 sounds better on the outside, and more importantly, it’s got the power to underscore those looks. In fact, it’s worth noting that while both powertrains are rated to tow 6,000 pounds, the twin-turbo setup helps the 3.5-liter’s torque peak kick in earlier and hang around longer (1,300 to 4,500 rpm) than the less-expensive four-cylinder (1,650 to 4,000 rpm), which should help be an even more effective towing partner. For my money, it’d be great if Genesis were eventually to offer an even-more-powerful V8 or hybrid model to match the Germans — the chassis is up to it.

That said, if there’s an Achilles heel with the GV80’s performance, it’s fuel economy. Of course, that’s a problem shared by every model in this class — at least those without hybrid assist. An entry-level RWD 2.5T rings up at 25 miles per gallon city, 21 highway and 23 combined. A loaded AWD 3.5T like this Prestige is rated at 23 mpg city, 18 highway and 20 combined. These are unimpressive figures — especially on premium fuel — but they’re wholly competitive for this class.

If you’re looking for more pleasing numbers, I’d suggest checking out pricing. The GV80 range starts at under $50,000 delivered for a 2.5T RWD — picking up right where Hyundai’s excellent Palisade Calligraphy SUV leaves off. Yes, the Lexus RX is slightly cheaper for starters, but it’s also smaller, less powerful and less luxurious. The Germans? They’re all more expensive. Just over $60K will get you into a base 3.5T AWD.

At around $72,000, the loaded GV80 Prestige isn’t cheap, but this Korean-built SUV is both a strong value and excellent overall.

Chris Paukert/Roadshow

At the other end of the range, my pick, the loaded-up Prestige with all-wheel drive and the big engine rings up just shy of $72,000 (including $1,025 delivery). To be sure, that’s a lot of money, but it’s far, far cheaper than a comparable European. Besides, I think I even prefer the way the GV80 feels overall.

No matter which trim you opt for, there’s a full suite of advanced driver assist systems in the mix. Forward collision with auto-brake, lane-departure warning and blind-spot assist are standard, as is a driver monitor. The Prestige trim comes bundled with with Highway Driving Assist II, which includes lane centering, sign recognition and even automated lane changes, as well as Remote Smart Park Assist, which allows drivers to park in tight spots while standing outside their vehicle. These features are also available as part of two driving assistance packages on lesser models.

It’s 100% true that Hyundai miscalculated where the market was going when it chose to launch its new premium Genesis brand with three sedans, just as consumers were jumping the passenger-car ship in favor of SUVs. But at least Genesis was smart enough to realize that if you’re gonna be late to the utility-vehicle party, you’ve got to come hard with swag and substance. The automaker’s first stab at the genre has both, and while it’s far from an overnight sensation, this 2021 Genesis GV80 has the goods to shock luxury buyers — and more than a few car companies — with its all-around excellence.

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toekneetv · 6 years ago

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Ford Confirms It: A Hybrid Bronco Is Coming

UPDATE 5/9/19: Today, nearly one year to the day after we first reported that the new Ford Bronco would offer a hybrid variant, Ford CEO Jim Hackett doubled down on the statement during the company's shareholder meeting. The update comes by way of an Automotive News reporter who tweeted the news during the meeting. Those who have been following the Bronco's resurrection will remember that the upcoming 2021 Ford Bronco is slated to be available in two- and four-door versions ranging in ruggedness from a mild mall runner to an off-road model purported to have the goods to compete with the Jeep Wrangler. (A hybrid version of the Jeep Wrangler has also been confirmed.) Additionally, a smaller "Baby Bronco" is also in the works. Which version is ideally suited for hybridization is still unknown, but given what we’ve seen so far, both Broncos are eligible; the Escape's hybrid powertrain could be adapted for the Baby Bronco, and the Ford Explorer / Lincoln Aviator hybrid powertrain for the standard Bronco. -Andrew Wendler Ford dumped the Bronco SUV from its lineup 22 years ago. Now, in hybrid form, it could be the exemplar for how the automaker hopes to grow its business in America.In light of the automaker’s bombshell announcement that it will mostly transition out of the passenger-car business, the company will need to apply its EV and hybrid efforts to trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. The 2020 Ford Bronco is one of several models for which Ford has now confirmed a hybrid variant. The Bronco promises head-turning design and a hybrid version that doesn’t sacrifice truck toughness, and it should make an intriguing mashup of old and new. The Bronco going hybrid isn’t as shocking as it might have been a year or two ago; it’s nearly a competitive necessity. The Jeep Wrangler is already hybridized in four-cylinder form, and by the time the Bronco reaches the market, a Wrangler plug-in hybrid will have arrived. Ford last month said that it aims to increase its SUV sales by 20 percent, discussing plans to offer eight SUVs by 2020. Five of those models will offer hybrid powertrains, and one will be a battery-electric vehicle. The company has, at various times, confirmed hybrid versions of the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, and Escape as well as the Bronco. Plus, based on outside reports, hybrid versions of the Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Lincoln MKC are all expected around 2020. Among these, several are likely to be plug-in hybrids, but Ford has also suggested the possibility of an onboard generator system for the F-150 hybrid, a model that could share its hybrid design with the Bronco. The Bronco will be heavily based on the Ranger pickup, so that could open up another hybrid possibility that Ford hasn’t discussed yet. Ford once had one of the strongest-selling hybrids on the market with its Escape hybrid; a new version of this nameplate could inherit some of the recent upgrades given to the Fusion Energi, which has no long-term future, and the already discontinued C-Max Energi. Hybrids today are only 2 percent of the U.S. market, so while these measures may be necessary, they’re not sufficient for Ford’s ambitions. What will take the place of today’s Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, and Taurus? In its shareholder presentation, Ford said it’s "exploring new 'white space' vehicle silhouettes that combine the best attributes of cars and utilities, such as higher ride height, space, and versatility." According to Jim Farley, Ford’s president of global markets, that may take the shape of "very emotional" performance and active variants. "We will have a diverse passenger-car business," said Farley, on the financial call. "It just won’t be traditional silhouetted sedans that tend to be commoditized."This article originally appeared on April 26, 2018.

Read the full article

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craigshaw9856 · 4 years ago

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A More Basic Base: 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sheds Cylinders, Price

Cadillac’s XT6, a midsize crossover our reviewers had something to say about, arrived in mid-2019 with one powertrain in tow. Instant rivalry sprung up between the front-drive-biased XT6 and the rear-biased Lincoln Aviator. Our preference lands firmly on the latter CUV. Regardless of our feelings on the model, Cadillac has decided to broaden the XT6’s […]

The post A More Basic Base: 2021 Cadillac XT6 Sheds Cylinders, Price appeared first on The Truth About Cars.

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skateofministry · 3 years ago

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Mullen FIVE EV Crossover Debuts to the World and Wins ‘Top SUV’ Title at the 2021 LA Auto Show’s ZEVAS™ Awards

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The Mullen 5 beats other finalists, Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring and Rivian R1S, to win the LA Auto Show 2021 Zero Emission Vehicle Award (ZEVAS

) in the ‘Top SUV ZEV’ classification

BREA, Calif., Nov. 18, 2021 (WORLD NEWSWIRE) — by means of InvestorWire – Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) (“Mullen” or the “Company”), an emerging electrical car (“EV”) producer, is happy to reveal the world launching of the Mullen 5 EV Crossover at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The 5 likewise won LA Auto Show’s ZEVAS

Award for the “Top SUV Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV).”

The ZEVAS

winners were picked by the public by means of 2 ballot rounds from a preliminary swimming pool of more than 90 certifying zero-emission lorries (ZEVs) that satisfy California requirements and are offered for sale or preorder.

“The FIVE is a very competitive EV that was able to go up against an impressive set of competitors, including both legacy brands and exciting new startups,” stated David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen. “The fact that so many people voted for the FIVE, helping us beat the other finalists, the Rivian R1S and the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, by a huge margin to win this award is a tremendous testament to what we are trying to accomplish.”

The 5 was debuted to the world for the very first time the other day, Nov. 17, 2021, at the LA Auto Show. Mullen has several versions of the 5 design on display screen while likewise showcasing powertrain, battery and charging innovation. The car will continue to be on display screen in the South Hall throughout the customer days of the program, Nov. 19-28, 2021.

The 5 is constructed on an EV crossover skateboard platform that uses several powertrain setups and trim levels in a svelte style that is “Strikingly DifferentTM” and interesting to experience face to face. Learn more about the Mullen 5 at MullenUSA.com.

About Mullen

Mullen is a Southern California-based automobile business that owns and partners with a number of synergistic organizations pursuing the combined objective of producing tidy and scalable energy options. Mullen has actually developed over the previous years in sync with customers and innovation patterns. Today, the Company is working vigilantly to supply interesting EV alternatives constructed completely in the United States and made to fit completely into the American customer’s life. Mullen makes every effort to make EVs more available than ever by developing an end-to-end community that looks after all elements of EV ownership.

About THE ZEVAS

THE ZEVAS

are the main electrical car awards of the LA Auto Show — the country’s preeminent display for brand-new zero-emission lorries (ZEV). Launched in 2021, the awards program honors ZEVs offered for purchase or for preorder in a range of classifications. Winners of THE ZEVAS

were revealed prior to 2021 AutoMovement LA — journalism and trade days of the LA Auto Show — on Tuesday, Nov. 16. For more info about THE ZEVAS

, check out https://www.laautoshow.com/thezevas.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®)

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) is the very first significant North American car program of the season yearly and is extensively acknowledged as one of the most prominent programs internationally. Reflective of its area, the program commemorates the love affair Angelenos have with their automobiles and uses an international platform to market innovation and development associated with California. The reveal runs for 10 complete days over the Thanksgiving duration and is a must-attend location for lots of market influencers, automobile lovers and households wishing to take pleasure in a day out over the holiday. Held yearly at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes a number of hundred million dollars to the regional economy, promotes the regional task market and is the No. 1 profits generator for the LA Convention Center. In 2021, the media and market days, AutoMovement LA, will occur Nov. 17-18 and will consist of a variety of groundbreaking market statements and exposes. Doors will open to the general public Nov. 19-28. LA Auto Show is backed by the Greater LA New Car Dealer Association and is owned and run by ANSA Productions. To get the most recent program news and info, follow the LA Auto Show on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and register for signals at https://www.laautoshow.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes “forward-looking statements.” Words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and comparable expressions, in addition to declarations in future tense, typically symbolize positive declarations. These positive declarations consist of, without restriction, declarations associating with the reverse merger, the Nasdaq approval procedure and proposed launching date of the Mullen 5 (previously MX-05) midsize crossover. These positive declarations are, by their nature, based on substantial dangers and unpredictabilities.

Forward-looking declarations must not read as an assurance of future efficiency or outcomes and might not be precise indicators of when such efficiency or outcomes will be accomplished. Forward-looking declarations are based upon info that the Company has when those declarations are made or management’s excellent faith belief since that time with regard to future occasions and undergo dangers and unpredictabilities that might trigger real efficiency or results to vary materially from those revealed in or recommended by the positive declarations, consisting of aspects beyond the Company’s control. As an outcome of these and other dangers, unpredictabilities and presumptions, positive occasions and situations talked about herein may not happen in the method the Company anticipates or at all. Accordingly, readers must not put dependence on any positive info or declarations. The Company presumes no responsibility to openly upgrade or modify its positive declarations as an outcome of brand-new info, future occasions or otherwise. All positive declarations herein are certified by referral to the cautionary declarations stated in this area.

Contact:

Mullen Automotive, Inc. +1 (714) 613-1900 www.MullenUSA.com

For more info, please check out https://www.mullenusa.com/.

Wire Service Contact InvestorWire (IW) Los Angeles, California www.InvestorWire.com 212.418.1217 Office [email protected]

World Debut of the Mullen 5 EV Crossover

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host24space · 5 years ago

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The 2021 Lincoln Corsair adds a plug-in hybrid powertrain

Building on the success of its Aviator three-row utility vehicle, Lincoln is now offering a plug-in hybrid version of its smaller Corsair crossover. The new 2021 Grand Touring model promises to deliver more horsepower than the base engine with an electric-only driving range estimated at 25 miles. Thanks to improved efficiency, it promises to do a lot more while consuming far less.

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perksofwifi · 5 years ago

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How Ford Plans to Not Botch 2021 F-150, Bronco, and Mach-E Launches

Ford shook things up this morning with news of the appointment of Jim Farley as chief executive officer, and Hau Thai-Tang is his go-to guy to develop and launch products.

It is the biggest launch year in Ford history, and key vehicles such as the revived Ford Bronco, a baby Bronco slotted below it, a new F-150 full-size pickup, and the Mustang Mach-E electric SUV are all on tap. These key launches must happen without the long-time guidance and steady hand of Joe Hinrichs, president of automotive, who is leaving the company.

The weight of getting these important vehicles to market, and developing a more electric and higher-tech portfolio of products for the future, sits squarely on the shoulders of Thai-Tang. The longtime Ford engineer continues to lead product development and purchasing while adding responsibility for Enterprise Product Line Management (charged with better understanding customer needs) and connectivity. The changes take effect March 1.

“We’re in the midst of the biggest product refresh in our history,” Thai-Tang said in an exclusive interview with MotorTrend after news broke of his promotion. By 2022, everything Ford sells will have been refreshed. “It’s a great opportunity,” Thai-Tang said. “I’m looking forward to pulling the team together.”

He said he will spend some time thinking about how to accelerate the progress of transforming the company, a mandate from CEO Jim Hackett that has taken on additional urgency in the wake of a poor financial performance in the fourth quarter. Much of the hit came from a poor launch of the new Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator at the Chicago Assembly Plant.

Thai-Tang is confident the key vehicles ahead will not stumble out of the gate. Essentially, Ford bit off more than it could chew with the Explorer launch, he tells us. Chicago is one of the oldest plants with little physical space, which limited the ability to set up a pilot area to test assembly of the new vehicle. The plant had to switch from making a front-wheel-drive SUV to models riding on a new rear-wheel-drive architecture. All the sheetmetal was changed. Powertrains are also more complex, with the addition of hybrid and plug-in-hybrid variants. To further complicate things, in addition to the Explorer and the Police Interceptor utility vehicle, the plant concurrently launched the new Lincoln Aviator. And all this was done while maximizing production of the outgoing Explorer.

“Explorer was an anomaly,” Thai-Tang said, noting launches of the Ford Super Duty, Escape, Lincoln Corsair, and the Kuga in Europe went as planned. Explorer is not a reflection of Ford’s performance, he says. But lessons learned will be applied to the upcoming launches and much effort will go into “de-risking.”

No more multiple launches or concurrent assembly, for example. The Mach-E will be built at the Cuautitlan plant in Mexico that is not currently building anything, having ceased Fiesta production there. Champions within the company have been assigned to work with key suppliers. Turnaround time will include more time to train plant employees, and the key launches are also staggered and more validation is being done, we’re told.

Under Hackett, employees have been challenged to start small with pilot projects and then expand them. An example is the Mach-E, which has completed its pilot phase as the first vehicle from a new electric architecture and is moving to the next stage: mass production for sale to customers. Thai-Tang says the “start small” approach has allowed them to break free of the status quo and bring new products with more tech to market faster. Then it can be scaled up.

Meanwhile, he will miss Hinrichs, who he has worked closely with for years. “I have immense respect for him. He contributed greatly to our success.”

The post How Ford Plans to Not Botch 2021 F-150, Bronco, and Mach-E Launches appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/ford-mustang-mach-e-bronco-launch/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com

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robertkstone · 6 years ago

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Crossovers and SUVs of the 2018 L.A. Auto Show

To no one’s surprise, automakers revealed a large number of SUVs and crossovers at the 2018 L.A. auto show. But unlike previous years, about half of the vehicles on this list offer some form of electrification, if they’re not exclusively electric. Some automakers revived old SUV nameplates while others introduced all-new, full-size models.

Keep reading to learn about the show’s wide assortment of crossovers and SUVs, from high-tech and luxurious rides to future concepts and affordable models.

2021 Rivian R1S

Rivian’s R1S all-electric SUV was developed to compete not only with the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace, but also with capable and luxurious vehicles like the Range Rover. The SUV’s electric powertrain consists of four electric motors and four single-speed transmissions (one for each wheel). The battery pack comes in three sizes, with the largest MegaPack rated at 180 kilowatt-hours and boasting a claimed driving range of more than 410 miles. The two smaller packs are 135- and 105-kW-hr units, with estimated ranges of 310-plus and 240-plus miles, respectively. Tesla’s current largest battery pack is rated at 100 kW-hr.

Power outputs are impressive. Choosing the largest battery nets 700 hp, while the mid-level pack, which focuses more on performance, gets you 754 hp. Going with the smallest battery isn’t much of a penalty, either, as power is rated at a still-generous 402 hp. With that kind of power on tap, you can expect acceleration to be brisk. The MegaPack model is estimated to hit 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, while the mid-level battery is said to do it in 3.0 seconds flat. A still-quick 5.0 seconds is predicted for the smallest battery. Capability is also notable, as Rivian claims to offer higher maximum ground clearance, deeper fording depth, and better approach, departure, and breakover angles than the Range Rover.

2020 Lincoln Aviator

The Aviator is back, and just like its larger Navigator sibling, it packs lots of power, luxury, and tech. But unlike its big brother, the three-row Aviator will be offered with a traditional gasoline engine and an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces 450 hp and a massive 600 lb-ft of torque in the Grand Touring model. The non-hybrid engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that pumps out a potent 400 hp and 400 lb-ft. New technology includes the Phone As A Key feature that allows owners to lock or unlock the doors, open the liftgate, or start the vehicle using a compatible smartphone. The feature doesn’t require the driver to have a traditional key fob on them. The Lincoln Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver-assist features is standard, and audiophiles should enjoy the optional 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system. The uber-luxurious Black Label trim comes in Flight, Chalet, and Destination interior color and accent themes.

Byton M-Byte Concept

Byton is a Chinese startup company that showed two all-electric concepts in L.A., the K-Byte sedan and the M-Byte SUV. The SUV will be offered in a single-motor, rear-drive model with a 71-kW-hr battery pack and a claimed driving range of 248 miles. The all-wheel-drive model uses dual motors and boasts a 323-mile driving range when equipped with the optional 95-kW-hr battery pack, according to Byton. However, the big news is the lounge-like interior that features a massive 49-inch widescreen, a tablet-sized touchscreen in the center of the steering wheel, and two screens for the rear passengers. Face recognition cameras, Level 3 autonomous capability, an Amazon Alexa voice control system, and 5G data speeds are just some of the high-tech features the M-Byte will offer. Byton claims the midsize SUV will start at about $45,000 and should go on sale in the U.S. by 2020.

2019 Honda Passport

A nameplate popular in the ’90s returns for 2019. Filling the space between the two-row CR-V and the three-row Pilot, the Passport is a two-row, five-passenger crossover based on Honda’s Global Light Truck platform shared with the Pilot and Ridgeline truck—unlike the CR-V’s compact platform shared with sedans. The Passport utilizes the same 280-hp, 262-lb-ft 3.5-liter V-6 engine found in the Pilot and comes in from PerformanceJunk WP Feed 3 https://ift.tt/2zwdQ5S via IFTTT

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jonathanbelloblog · 6 years ago

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Is Ford Reconsidering Mach 1 Name for Electric Crossover?

Ford still plans to build an all-electric crossover with styling inspired by the Mustang. It just probably won’t call it the Mach 1. That name was suggested when the vehicle was first announced earlier this year at the Detroit auto show, but now Ford’s top brass are reconsidering applying the storied Mach 1 badge to its upcoming EV.

According to Automotive News, the Mach 1 name was used as a working title to gauge public reaction. “We put that out there to evaluate it,” Ford’s president of global markets Jim Farley told AN. “There are pros and cons. I don’t want to handicap it at this point, but we got a very strong reaction from people.” To get an idea just how strong, simply scroll through comments on the social media posts and YouTube video teasing the EV, where you’ll find a number of Ford fans threatening to abandon the brand if it calls the new SUV a Mach 1.

But even if it doesn’t bear the name of a high-performance Mustang variant from the late ’60s (pictured above), the electric crossover will receive plenty of Mustang styling cues. The front end will be heavily influenced by the pony car, which currently walks the line between looking retro and modern. And though powertrain specs are still unknown, Ford promises this will be a performance SUV.

We’ve heard previously that the electric crossover will ride on the same platform that underpins the new Focus and other upcoming models. Ford’s plan for 2020 and beyond calls for five modular platforms that will cover every new Ford product. These architectures will include rear-wheel-drive unibody, front-wheel-drive unibody, body-on-frame, commercial van unibody, and a dedicated battery electric platform.

Speaking of new platforms, Automotive News suggests the next Mustang could adopt the rear-drive unibody platform of the upcoming Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer. If that’s the case, that could open the door for the first all-wheel-drive Mustang model. At any rate, we’ll have to wait a while to see the next-gen Ford Mustang, as it’s reportedly been delayed one year to 2021, perhaps due to difficulties in switching to a new platform.

When asked if the switch to a shared platform would limit the car’s design possibilities, Mustang chief designer Darrel Behmer said, “Mustang is still going to be a strong, well-proportioned vehicle. The modular architectures will still give us flexibility; it’s not going to bastardize Mustang.”

The post Is Ford Reconsidering Mach 1 Name for Electric Crossover? appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

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