WATCH: Defender Octa v Ariel Nomad v Mustang Mach-E Rally - what's fastest off-road?
But of these, which is the fastest of them all? All are very different vehicles. The Defender Octa is the top-of-the-range off-road biased version of a traditional luxury SUV. The Nomad is a totally different kettle of fish – it's a totally uncompromising off-road dragster. And the Mustang Rally? Well, it's electric for one thing…
In our video (above), we gathered all three at some of Autocar's favourite off-road locations to find out which is the King of the Hill – enjoy.
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Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Revolutionizing Electric and Autonomous Vehicle Technology
Here's the thing: electric and autonomous vehicle technology is transforming the way we move. You know, by combining clean electric power with intelligent self-driving systems. This innovation promises a future of safer roads. Lower emissions. And more efficient transportation. Together, these advancements are reshaping not just vehicles, but entire cities and lifestyles. So, for over a century, transportation has been dominated by internal combustion engines (ICEs). So, they replaced horse-drawn carriages and were once celebrated for being cleaner and faster. But over time. The environmental cost became clear by 2018. Think about it this way. Transportation was the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. You know, with light-duty vehicles contributing about 60%. Here's the thing: the answer lies in a new era: electric and autonomous vehicle technology. This combination addresses climate concerns while tackling road safety challenges. Let's be honest, so electric vehicles are now a mainstream reality. Once limited in range and choice. EVs today come in many styles from luxury sedans like the Tesla Model S and Lucid the a helperr. Offering over 400 miles per charge. To mass-market options like Ford's Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen's ID.4. Market growth: Global EV sales have surged. Driven by consumer demand. Better performance. And lower operating costs. Government policies: Countries such as the UK plan to ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030. Let's be honest, Germany a programs for at least one million EVs on its roads by the same year. You know, electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions. Let's be honest, and when powered by renewable energy, they dramatically reduce a vehicle's total carbon footprint. Guia Silent Hill Geekzill. At the heart of electric and autonomous vehicle technology is battery development. Think about it this way. Modern EV batteries are becoming more energy-dense. Longer lasting. And quicker to charge. In short, here's the thing. In short. Longer range: New chemistries like lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and solid-state batteries extend travel distances without recharging. You know, lower costs: Research and manufacturing scale are driving down battery prices. Making EVs more affordable for everyday buyers. Better batteries also benefit autonomous vehicles. Allowing them to operate for longer hours without downtime. Autonomous vehicles are designed to navigate and drive without human intervention. Leaders in the field include Tesla. Waymo. And Mercedes-Benz. This enabled SAE Level 3 autonomy for highway driving in 2022. So, safety benefits: Human error causes over 90% of road accidents. Let's be honest. aVs use sensors. Cameras. This method is used to reduce mistakes and improve road safety. Simply put. Testing in action: Services like Waymo One in Phoenix and Tesla's Full Self-Driving beta are already operating on public roads. Electric and autonomous technologies are a natural match. EVs' simpler drivetrains make them easier for the system to control. In return, AV software can extend battery life by optimising driving patterns. So, energy efficiency: Autonomous control enables smoother acceleration and regenerative braking. Improving battery range. Shared adoption: About 58% of autonomous light-duty vehicles use electric powertrains. You know, with another 21% using hybrids. Think about it this way, in short. This integration means that the future of mobility will likely be dominated by electric autonomous vehicles. Simply put, not just one technology or the other. Think about it this way: autonomous vehicles rely on advanced sensing systems to navigate safely: LiDAR: Uses laser light to create 3D maps of surroundings. Uses laser light to create 3D maps of surroundings. RADAR: Tracks objects and measures speed in poor weather. Tracks objects and measures speed in poor weather. Simply put, simply put, cameras provide visual detail for program recognition. The point is, ultrasonic sensors help in close-range manoeuvres. Emerging technologies like thermal imaging could further improve performance in fog. Snow. Or nighttime driving — a crucial factor for electric and autonomous vehicle technology. In short, for these technologies to succeed, supporting infrastructure must grow. Charging networks: Rapid charging stations are expanding, reducing range anxiety for EV owners. The point is, here's the thing. Smart roads: Autonomous vehicles require connected traffic lights. Sensors in roadways. And dedicated AV lanes in the future. Urban planning: Cities will need to adapt with more charging points. Parking for shared fleets. And better integration with public transport. Governments and private companies are investing billions into these upgrades. Let's be honest. Automakers and tech firms are heavily investing in electric and autonomous vehicle technology. Ford: Committed $22 billion to EV development by mid-decade. Committed $22 billion to EV development by mid-decade. GM: Planning 30 new EVs the this method by 2025 and partnering with Honda to create affordable EVs by 2027. Planning 30 new EVs the this method by 2025 and partnering with Honda to create affordable EVs by 2027. Global reach: Navya's autonomous shuttles are operating in over 20 countries. The point is to showcase the worldwide interest in these innovations. The potential benefits are enormous: Cleaner this tool: Widespread EV adoption could cut greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles by more than half. Widespread EV adoption could cut greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles by more than half. So, fewer accidents: AVs could drastically lower traffic fatalities. AVs could drastically lower traffic fatalities. Think about it this way, the point is. Efficient use: Shared autonomous fleets reduce the number of cars needed, especially in cities where personal cars are idle 95% of the time. Think about it this way, here's the thing, but there are challenges. If AVs make travel easier. People may take more trips. Potentially increasing congestion unless paired with smart planning. While promising, electric and autonomous vehicle technology still faces hurdles: Cost barriers: High prices for batteries and sensors slow adoption. The point is, the point is, solution: continued research and mass production to reduce costs. High prices for batteries and sensors slow adoption. The point is, the point is, solution: continued research and mass production to reduce costs. In short, technical limits: Bad weather can interfere with sensors. So, the solution: integrating multiple sensor types for redundancy. Bad weather can interfere with sensors. So, the solution: integrating multiple sensor types for redundancy. Public acceptance: People may be hesitant to fully trust autonomous cars. Think about it this way: solution: transparent testing, strong safety records, and education. Experts see SAE Level 4 autonomy, where cars can handle most driving without human intervention, as the tipping point for mass adoption. Let's be honest. Level 5. full autonomy under all conditions. It could redefine transportation entirely. Let's be honest. The pace of adoption will depend on advances in battery efficiency. In short, it. Infrastructure readiness. Simply put, and public trust. In short. Electric and autonomous vehicle technology is more than a trend; it's the foundation of future mobility. The point is, as cleaner power meets intelligent driving. Let's be honest, we can expect safer roads. Lower emissions. Think about it this way, and more connected cities. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Is Ford Stock Worth Buying Now on its EV Strategy Shift?
Ford F is rewriting its electric playbook. After a few tough years in the EV market, the automaker is steering away from high-priced models and aiming for affordability. The new plan revolves around a fresh platform designed for a lineup of lower-cost EVs. It's an ambitious bet that could reshape Ford's position in the EV race if executed well. At this point, it's worth asking whether it makes sense to buy Ford stock now. But first, let's look at why the company needed a strategy shift and what's included in its new plan. Ford's New Play: Affordable EVs Ford's latest plan centers around the new Ford Universal EV Platform, which will underpin a family of lower-cost electric models. The first in line will be a midsize, four-door electric pickup, with an expected starting price of around $30,000. Production will take place at the Louisville Assembly Complex in Kentucky, backed by a $5 billion investment that will add nearly 4,000 jobs. Deliveries of the model are slated to begin in 2027. Switch Auto Insurance and Save Today! Great Rates and Award-Winning Service The Insurance Savings You Expect Affordable Auto Insurance, Customized for You Ford CEO Jim Farley has called the company's new affordable EV push its next 'Model T moment.' Alongside the new pickup, Ford is delaying its large electric truck and van to 2028. Meanwhile, it's deepening focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which will be assembled in the United States. This is a first for any automaker in America and should help reduce costs while freeing up vehicle interior space. The new platform streamlines production. Ford says it reduces parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, and plant workstations by 40%, cutting assembly times by about 15%. These efficiencies are crucial for keeping the $30,000 target price realistic — especially with shifting U.S. EV policies under President Donald Trump, including the planned end of EV tax credits after Sept. 30. Why Ford's EV Business Needed a Rejig In 2021, Ford made headlines with the Mustang Mach-E, followed by the F-150 Lightning and an electric van a year later. The quick rollout initially put it ahead of other legacy automakers like General Motors GM. But as EV sales growth slowed, material costs soared, and Tesla TSLA began aggressive price cuts, Ford's EV business started looking less appealing. Ford's electric vehicle business has been a drag on its bottom line. Over the past two and a half years, the division has racked up roughly $12 billion in losses, including $2.17 billion in just the first half of this year. In contrast, General Motors took a slower, more methodical path to EV production. It focused on developing standardized batteries to lower costs and formed joint ventures that quickly built battery plants. As a result, General Motors sold over 46,000 EVs in the second quarter (second only to Tesla)— more than double Ford's total — and now offers more than 10 electric models, ranging from the $35,000 Chevrolet Equinox EV to the $130,000 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Meanwhile, Chinese companies like BYD Co Ltd BYDDY have surged ahead globally. BYD now sells more EVs than any Western manufacturer, producing them at a fraction of the cost and putting pressure on U.S. automakers to rethink their strategies. In fact, BYD dethroned Tesla in EV sales for the third straight quarter in battery EV sales in the second quarter of 2025. Tariffs & Recalls to Weigh on Ford Ford's challenges extend beyond EV losses. The company has faced costly recalls and repairs on its gasoline-powered lineup, denting profits from its core truck and SUV business. Tariffs are another growing headache. In the second quarter alone, Ford absorbed $800 million in tariff-related costs. It now expects a net $2 billion tariff hit for 2025, up from earlier forecasts. The gross impact could be as high as $3 billion, though Ford aims to offset $1 billion through cost-cutting Ford has been leading the auto industry in recalls so far in 2025. These headwinds contrast with GM's steadier profitability in recent years and highlight how far Ford must go to stabilize its earnings. And while BYD's low-cost manufacturing model poses a serious threat in global markets, it also sets a benchmark Ford will need to match or beat if it hopes to gain share internationally. F Not Without Strengths It's not all bad news. Ford's Pro division, which serves commercial and government fleets, continues to perform well. Hybrid sales are growing, giving Ford a hedge as EV adoption slows. The company also boasts a strong balance sheet and an attractive dividend yield, appealing to long-term income-focused investors. The Zacks Rundown on Ford Stock Shares of Ford have increased around 10% over the past year, underperforming the industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, F trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, below the industry average. It carries a Value Score of A. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ford's earnings has been revised over the past 60 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Bottom Line on Ford Ford's new EV strategy has potential, especially if it can deliver a $30,000 electric pickup with decent margins. The shift to U.S.-made LFP batteries and streamlined production is a smart response to rising costs and fierce competition from Tesla, GM and BYD. But the benefits are still years away. Also, lest we forget, the company has scaled back some of its earlier EV ambitions, pausing one of four planned battery plants. CEO Jim Farley has, in fact, warned that there are 'no guarantees' the new manufacturing approach will succeed. For now, the focus is on proving the economics of its affordable EV program before scaling further. For new investors, it may be too soon to jump in. The stock could gain momentum once Ford shows real progress in executing its affordable EV plans and improving profitability. Until then, patience may pay off. Existing shareholders, however, can take comfort in Ford's dividend and long-term prospects — provided they're willing to weather some short-term bumps along the way. F stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ford Motor Company (F) : Free Stock Analysis Report General Motors Company (GM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Byd Co., Ltd. (BYDDY) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Boston Globe
5 days ago
- Boston Globe
FDA regulator's reinstatement sends biotech shares tumbling
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up AUTOMOTIVE Advertisement Ford rejigs EV plans after suffering billions in losses Just four years ago, Ford Motor seemed poised to give Tesla a real run for its money in electric vehicles. In 2021, the company introduced a stylish electric sport utility vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E, and quickly followed it a year later with a battery-powered version of its bestselling pickup, the F-150, and an electric van. The three new models gave Ford a jump on other established automakers like General Motors. But then the growth of electric car sales slowed and Tesla started slashing car prices. At the same time, higher material costs made it harder for established carmakers to make money on electric vehicles. Over the last 2½ years, Ford's electric vehicle division has lost $12 billion, including $2.2 billion in the first half of this year. This year, sales of its electric models have stalled, falling 12 percent in the first six months. Now, Ford has come up with a new plan. On Monday, the automaker said that it has developed new, lower-cost electric vehicle components that will allow it to sell more affordable cars. The first will be a medium-sized, four-door pickup truck that can seat five, have a front trunk in addition to its bed and have a starting price of $30,000, Ford said. That truck is expected to arrive in showrooms in 2027, while a new large electric pickup will be delayed by a year to 2028. The company also said it has developed a new manufacturing process that should also lower costs while improving quality. — NEW YORK TIMES Advertisement LABOR Mothers are leaving the workforce, erasing pandemic gains Working mothers, who helped drive much of the job market's post-pandemic comeback, are leaving the workforce in large numbers this year. The share of working mothers age 25 to 44 with young children has fallen nearly every month this year, dropping by nearly 3 percentage points between January and June, to the lowest level in more than three years, according to an analysis of federal data by Misty Heggeness, a professor at the University of Kansas and former principal economist at the Census Bureau. The drop has been enough to wipe out many of the gains made by working mothers after the pandemic, when remote work arrangements and flexible schedules lured many back to the labor force. But the reversal of many of those policies — with major corporations and government agencies now requiring employees to be back in the office five days a week — has had the opposite effect, Heggeness said. Sweeping federal layoffs have also been a setback for women and other caregivers, who have long relied on the government for stable and flexible employment. — WASHINGTON POST Advertisement CURRENCY Trump crypto firm announces $1.5 billion digital coin deal World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency startup founded last year by the Trump family, announced Monday that a publicly traded technology firm would begin buying large quantifies of its signature digital coin. The firm, a little-known tech company called ALT5 Sigma, is planning to sell $1.5 billion worth of shares, using the proceeds to buy $WLFI, a cryptocurrency created by World Liberty, the announcement said. Similar initiatives have become wildly popular in the crypto world this year, after the success of Strategy, a public tech company formerly known as MicroStrategy that has built a bitcoin stockpile worth billions of dollars. Strategy's stock price has soared in sync with the price of bitcoin, which has set a series of record highs in recent months. As part of the deal, World Liberty will receive shares in ALT5, according to securities filings, in return for $750 million worth of $WLFI coins. Eric Trump, the president's middle son, will join ALT5's board, and Zach Witkoff, a World Liberty founder and the son of President Trump's Middle East adviser, will serve as chair of the board. The deal marks the latest expansion of the Trumps' sprawling crypto empire, which has buoyed the family's finances and created sweeping conflicts of interest. Not long after starting World Liberty, Donald Trump began selling a so-called memecoin, known as $TRUMP, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for his family. His sons Eric and Donald Jr. are also involved in a separate bitcoin mining venture, American Bitcoin. At the same time that his family has invested in crypto, the president has implemented policies designed to boost the industry. — NEW YORK TIMES Advertisement LABOR Israel's biggest union declines to join general strike An attempt by Israeli hostage families to organize a nationwide strike against plans for a military takeover of Gaza was dealt a blow on Monday, when the country's main labor union declined to join in. The leader of Histadrut said he was concerned the union's involvement would divert the public discourse on the return of hostages into a political debate. The group represents 850,000 members, according to its website. 'If I knew that a strike, for even longer than one day, could stop the war and bring them home I'd have gone all in at full force,' Arnon Bar-David said after a meeting with representatives from the families. 'Unfortunately, and although my heart is bursting with anger, it's futile,' he added. Several of Israel's technology and venture capital companies have publicly voiced their support for the labor action, scheduled for Sunday, including Qumra Capital, Pitango Ltd, Ltd, and Fiverr International Ltd. Representatives of the Israel Business Forum, a group of 200 of the country's top business leaders, was present at the meeting on Monday. They stopped short of saying whether they will support the strike. — BLOOMBERG NEWS MEDIA Paramount strikes seven-year deal to stream UFC fights David Ellison has been the chair of Paramount for all of five days, but he already has something to show for it. Paramount announced Monday morning that it had struck a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal to claim exclusive streaming and broadcast rights in the United States for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The deal will go into effect next year. The agreement will give Paramount access to the full slate of UFC's 30 fight nights, along with 13 of the sport's biggest events. All of the fights will be available on the Paramount+ streaming app, and some marquee matches will also broadcast on CBS, which Paramount owns. Last week, Skydance Media, of which Ellison is founder and CEO, finally took over Paramount — the parent company of CBS, Comedy Central, and the fabled Hollywood movie studio — after more than a year spent wrangling to buy it. Sports rights have become increasingly valuable to media organizations, as they attempt to sell more subscriptions to their streaming services and to increase the amount of time people spend there. 'We think it is going to be incredibly material in terms of increasing our engagement on Paramount+, driving subscriber acquisitions and also meaningfully growing revenue across the business,' Ellison said. The new deal will replace a yearslong arrangement between UFC and ESPN, and effectively doubles the total fee the sport will take in. ESPN currently pays roughly $550 million a year for UFC coverage. — NEW YORK TIMES Advertisement
