
Ford Recalls Nearly 200,000 Mustang Mach-Es Due to Faulty Door Latches That Could Trap Passengers
Ford Motor Co. is recalling nearly 200,000 electric Mustangs because the door latches could falter, potentially trapping passengers in the back seat.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Dearborn, Michigan–based Ford is recalling 197,432 Mustang Mach-E midsize SUVs, model years 2021–2025. The government agency that regulates automobile safety said that the electronic door latches may remain locked after a driver or front seat passenger exits the vehicle and shuts the door, potentially trapping a child or other passenger who is unable to use the interior door releases.
The NHTSA said letters notifying owners of the safety risk were scheduled to be sent on June 23. Ford dealerships will fix the problem by updating the vehicles' software, with the remedy expected to be available by late September. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 25S65. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov for more information.

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Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Truckers practice English skills as US language policy takes effect
NEW JERSEY: At a trucking school in New Jersey, students are maneuvering 18-wheelers around traffic cones. Other future drivers look under hoods to perform safety checks, narrating as they examine steering hoses for cracks and leaks. An instructor glides between speaking Spanish and English as he teaches Manuel Castillo, a native Spanish speaker, how to inspect a school bus. They're using a printed script of English phrases to practice what Castillo would say during a roadside inspection. Brushing up on English has taken on new urgency for future and current truck drivers after President Donald Trump issued an executive order saying truckers who don't read and speak the language proficiently would be considered unfit for service. 'A driver who can't understand English will not drive a commercial vehicle in this country. Period,' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said last month while announcing enforcement guidelines that take effect on Wednesday. Updated US Department of Transportation procedures call for enhanced inspections to determine if commercial motor vehicle operators can reply to questions and directions in English, as well as understand highway traffic signs and electronic message boards. Truckers who learned English as a second language are concerned they may lose their jobs if they make a mistake or speak with a heavy accent while under questioning. Some have worked to improve their English fluency by taking classes, reciting scripts and watching instructional videos. 'If it's not the language that you prefer to use daily, you may get a little nervous and you may feel, 'What if I say the wrong thing?'' said Jerry Maldonado, chairman of the board of the Laredo Motor Carriers Association, a trade association in Laredo, Texas, that represents approximately 200 trucking companies. 'It's going to be, at the end of the day, the interpretation of the officer, so that makes people nervous.' The guidance applies to truck and bus drivers engaged in interstate commerce. It aims to improve road safety following incidents in which truck drivers' inability to read signs or speak English may have contributed to traffic deaths, the Transportation Department said. English requirement isn't new Requiring truck drivers to speak and read English isn't new, but the penalty for not meeting the proficiency standard is becoming more severe. To get a commercial driver's license, applicants must pass a written test and be able to name the parts of a bus or truck in English as they check tire inflation, tread depth, lug nuts and coolants. The revised policy reverses guidance issued nine years ago, near the end of then-President Barack Obama's final term, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In 2016, the agency said drivers whose English skills were found lacking could receive a citation but not be prohibited from working. Before that, the penalty was getting placed on 'out-of-service status.' 'We have bridges that get hit because drivers don't understand the signs on the bridges for things like height clearance,' Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer said. Practicing English phrases In Laredo, a border city where many residents speak a mix of English and Spanish, Maldonado's association is offering free English classes on weekends to help truckers feel more confident in their ability to communicate. 'Everybody knows what a stop sign looks like,' Maldonado said. 'But if there's construction or if there is an accident five miles down the road, and they have to put up a sign — 'Caution, must exit now, road closed ahead,' and you are not able to read that or understand that, that could potentially be a safety issue.' At Driving Academy in Linden, New Jersey, multilingual instructors teach students how to inspect vehicle parts in their first language and then provide explanations in English, according to founder Jonathan Marques. The school created scripts so students could practice what to say if they're stopped, he said. Students are advised to watch training videos as homework, while licensed truckers can listen to English language apps instead of music when they're on the road, Marques suggested. Instructor Paul Cuartas helps students prepare but worries that inspectors will now expect truckers and bus drivers to have perfect English. 'I'm concerned because now for all the Spanish people it's more difficult,' he said. Castillo, who moved to the US from Ecuador in 1993, said he has no problem understanding English but has been watching videos to study industry terms. 'Some words I don't understand, but I try to learn more English,' he said. Asked whether he supports the president's executive order, Castillo said he voted for Trump but doesn't agree with the president's push to deport some immigrants who haven't committed crimes. 'He makes a lot of problems, especially for Hispanic people,' Castillo said. GTR Trucking School in Detroit also has offered students ESL classes. Co-owner Al Myftiu drove a truck after moving to the US from Albania in 1993. He said he wants to create a small book of phrases that truckers need to learn. For students with a thick accent, 'I tell them, 'Slow down, speak slowly and people can understand you, and if you don't understand something, you can ask,'' Myftiu said. How it will work Roadside inspections can be initiated over issues such as a faulty brake light or on a routine basis, and often take place at weigh stations. The guidance directs inspectors who suspect a driver doesn't understand what they're saying to administer an English proficiency test, which includes both an interview and a highway traffic sign recognition component. In the past, some drivers used translation apps to communicate with federal inspectors. The updated policy bars the use of interpreters, smartphones, cue cards or other aids during interviews. Several truck drivers taking a break at Flying J Travel Center in New Jersey said they support Trump's order, adding that drivers who heavily rely on translation programs probably wouldn't be able to read important signs. 'We try to ask them questions about the business just to strike a conversation, ... and they're not able to communicate with us at all,' Kassem Elkhatib, one of the drivers at Flying J, said. Fear of discrimination It's unclear how safety inspectors will decide whether a driver knows enough English because that portion of the instructions was redacted from the guidance distributed by Transportation Department. The department advised motor carriers that drivers should be able to answer questions about shipping documents, the origin and destination of trips, and how long they've been on duty. A trucker placed out of service and the company they work for are responsible for ensuring a language violation is corrected before the driver hits the highway again, the Transportation Department said. Truck drivers who practice the Sikh religion already face discrimination in hiring and at loading docks, according to Mannirmal Kaur, federal policy manager for Sikh Coalition, an advocacy group. Now they are worried about inspectors making subjective, non-standardized determinations about which of them are proficient in English, she said. 'A truck driver who does speak English sufficiently to comply with federal standards but maybe they speak with an accent, or maybe they use a different vocabulary that the inspector isn't used to hearing: Is that person then going to be subject to an English language violation?' Kaur asked. 'And under the new policy, are they then going to be designated out-of-service, which could result in unemployment?'


ArabGT
15 hours ago
- ArabGT
2026 Mercedes-Benz SL Monogram Maybach
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL Monogram Maybach enters the world of ultra-luxury convertibles as the sportiest and most extravagant model in the brand's history. Joining the esteemed Maybach family—alongside the S-Class, GLS, and EQS SUV—it exemplifies Mercedes-Benz's strategy of delivering top-tier luxury within its existing lineup rather than launching a standalone marque like Rolls-Royce or Bentley. This model combines open-top driving exhilaration, limousine-like comfort, and supercar performance into a single, finely crafted package. The model has already launched in Europe and is expected to reach Middle Eastern markets by year-end. Exterior Design From the first glance, the SL Monogram Maybach captivates with its meticulous detailing and assertive presence. The hood, finished in Obsidian Black and adorned with the Maybach monogram using the innovative PixelPaint process, becomes a visual centerpiece with its three-dimensional depth. This handcrafted multi-layer process involves a base coat, printed monogram layer, and multiple hand-sanded clear coats, creating a truly bespoke effect. The signature A-shaped vertical-slat grille is finished in polished chrome and illuminated, while rose gold accents in the headlights add a refined contrast. Chrome trim surrounds the windshield and rear diffuser, and the exclusive dual exhaust outlets with a horizontal chrome bar complete the sporty yet stately rear profile. The light black Acoustic Comfort soft top is subtly patterned with Maybach graphics, and 21-inch forged wheels—available in five-hole or multi-spoke designs—accentuate the car's elegance when the roof is down. 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL Monogram Maybach Interior Inside, the SL Monogram Maybach offers a two-seat configuration designed for ultimate indulgence. The rear seats are omitted to enhance space and comfort. The interior is wrapped in sustainably tanned MANUFAKTUR Exclusive Nappa leather in crystal white, which covers the seats, door panels, center console, and rear cabin wall. The elegant floral seat design and galvanised chrome trim radiate a serene, airy ambience. Brand-typical quilting on the seats ensures comfort, and lowered bolsters allow easy access. Advanced insulation using foam layers, acoustic fleeces, and aluminium butyl materials guarantees a quiet, cocoon-like experience—distinctly more serene than performance-oriented AMG models. Mechanical Specifications Under the hood lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 585 hp (430 kW) and 800 Nm of torque. It's mated to a 9G-TRONIC automatic gearbox and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. Semi-active hydraulic roll stabilization replaces traditional anti-roll bars for smoother cornering and superior ride comfort. Custom Maybach damper valves and soft steel springs deliver plush suspension response, while Pirelli P-Zero tires and rear-axle steering enhance both agility and stability. Four drive modes—Comfort, Maybach, Sport, and Individual—let drivers tailor their experience. Maybach and Comfort modes soften throttle response for smooth cruising, while Sport mode sharpens dynamics and activates the richer engine tone for an assertive character. 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL Monogram Maybach Price The Mercedes-Benz SL Monogram Maybach 2026 starts at approximately $250,000 globally—roughly 937,500 SAR or 918,000 AED. This commanding figure secures one of the most exclusive and technologically advanced roadsters on the market, combining unmatched elegance, craftsmanship, and dynamic ability.


ArabGT
15 hours ago
- ArabGT
New Ford Expedition Tackles Hot Weather Testing in Dubai
Ford is putting the new Ford Expedition through intense real-world testing across the Middle East to ensure it performs reliably in some of the world's harshest driving environments. The automaker has integrated the SUV into its long-standing hot-weather testing program, a regional initiative aimed at validating the durability of Ford vehicles before they are offered in local markets. Each year, Ford engineers test vehicles like the new Ford Expedition under the blistering sun of Dubai, simulating daily usage across diverse terrains—including paved roads, gravel paths, and desert dunes. The goal is to assess the SUV's resilience under extreme conditions, focusing on areas such as engine performance, cooling efficiency, air conditioning output, and material integrity. The new Ford Expedition is subject to a systematic testing process designed to identify any vulnerabilities in its systems and components. High temperatures, abrasive sand, and sudden shifts in terrain are part of the region's natural challenges—conditions Ford says make the Gulf an ideal testbed. Before any model is officially introduced in Middle Eastern or North African markets, it must first undergo this comprehensive evaluation. Ford's engineers focus particularly on the effects of prolonged heat exposure. The company acknowledges that the new Ford Expedition must withstand elevated engine bay temperatures, increased stress on mechanical components, and the risk of accelerated wear on interior materials due to sun exposure. Specialized equipment is used to measure variables like coolant effectiveness, oil pressure, cabin temperature control, and the durability of dashboard materials under direct sunlight. One of the key components examined is the air conditioning system, which Ford engineers describe as essential in Gulf countries. In the new Ford Expedition, this system is tested for rapid cooling, humidity control, and consistent performance even when the vehicle is parked under the sun for extended periods. The interior is also evaluated for long-term exposure to UV rays, ensuring materials remain intact and visually stable over time. Mechanical reliability is another major focus. The new Ford Expedition's engine is tested for performance stability, with engineers tracking temperature spikes, throttle response, and system recovery during heavy load and off-road conditions. The cooling system is also placed under strain to verify it can handle extended operation in ambient temperatures well above 40°C. According to Ford, several updates in the new Ford Expedition were implemented in direct response to data collected from these Gulf-based trials. Features such as an integrated cooler box, a specialized front cooling module, and a redesigned front end to improve off-road clearance have been included to better align the vehicle with regional usage patterns. Karthik Ramanathan, chief engineer on the Expedition program, noted that hot-weather testing is a strategic priority for Ford. He explained that insights from the Middle East inform not just design adjustments, but also broader vehicle development plans. Adrian Aguirre, lead engineer for the new Ford Expedition, added that regional feedback helped refine specific features for this market. While these tests do not guarantee long-term reliability, they serve as a key development checkpoint. Ford acknowledges that continued monitoring post-launch is just as important to ensure that the new Ford Expedition performs consistently under customer use. In conclusion, Ford's hot-weather testing program highlights its efforts to adapt the new Ford Expedition for Middle Eastern climates. Through detailed field testing and iterative engineering, the company aims to deliver an SUV capable of handling the region's heat, sand, and rugged terrain with confidence and reliability.