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The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Electric goes large: low-emission utes, vans get a show
Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150. Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150. Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150. Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Electric goes large: low-emission utes, vans get a show
Australian drivers love utes, but for years there have been few low-emission options. Electric and hybrid utility vehicles have gone on show alongside battery-powered vans and trucks in Sydney at the first Australian event dedicated to light commercial vehicles. Transport experts welcomed the changes but they warned major vehicle manufacturers were still delaying the launch of some electric utes, meaning the transition away from petrol- and diesel-powered offerings could take several years. The exhibition on Thursday and Friday came after BYD posted record sales for its plug-in hybrid ute during June and July, helping the Chinese firm surpass US electric car giant Tesla. Shifting driver attitudes and government policies were largely responsible for changing the automotive market, FutureDrive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evans said. Those changes had encouraged sole traders, and small and large businesses, to seek more-efficient vehicles. The arrival of electric and hybrid utes and the promise of more would usher further changes, Mr Evans said. "The EV revolution has certainly changed from when we started three years ago - we couldn't do this show," he said. "There are currently 96 to 100 electric models in market in Australia and there are another 70 coming in 2026, including light commercials." The event, held at Sydney's International Convention Centre, showed off converted Ford F-150 Lightning electric utes, as well as BYD's Shark 6 plug-in hybrid and electric vans from Volkswagen and newcomer Farizon. Traditional diesel utes such as Kia's Tasman and the RAM 1500 Hurricane would also go on show, Mr Evans said, but he expected many buyers to inspect low-emission offerings first. "You've got your big players, obviously, with Fords and Toyotas, but there are a lot of challengers coming into the space," he said. "More than ever, businesses are looking at what the options are and what's happening within the new energy space." Other companies offering electric and hybrid utes in Australia include Chinese brands LDV and GWM, with models expected from established players Ford and Isuzu within months. Adding utes to the nation's electrified fleet would be critical to helping EVs become a mainstream purchase, Australian Electric Vehicle Association president Chris Jones said, as utes had become a mainstay. "We've got pretty much every other mode and every other segment covered, but utes and vans are a bit of a deficiency," he said. "If you can convince rural and regional Australia to buy an EV, then you've convinced everyone, because they'll probably be the most sceptical." Some vehicle manufacturers were still reticent to make left-hand-drive electric utes for Australia though, Dr Jones warned, such as Rivian with its R1T and Ford with its F-150.
Business Insider
03-08-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
Ford Stock (NYSE:F) Slides on New Sales Numbers
It is a dark day when shareholders in legacy automaker Ford (F) respond to word of improved sales with a sell-off of their own. Because even as Ford managed to bring in some substantial new sales for July, that was not enough to properly fire up shareholders. In fact, shares were down nearly 3% in Friday afternoon's trading. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. The sales numbers were terrific. There really is no other way to put it. Ford sales were up around 9% higher than in July 2024, thanks mainly to the still-high popularity of gas-powered trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). And the impressive July numbers added nicely to the solid numbers that have been seen throughout 2025 so far, up about 7% total. The first half of 2024 saw around 1.2 million trucks sold, while 2025's first half gave us over 1.3 million. Trucks represented about 60% of the numbers, while SUVs kicked in the remaining 40%. The biggest reason, according to Ford rep Said Deep, is that the combination of tariff panic buying and employee pricing discounts provided just the right environment for people to buy, and buy Ford. This is indeed good news, but it is also enough to make one wonder what Ford will do for an encore when the third and fourth quarters hit. We've Had This Model T Moment Before So remember yesterday, when we heard about the ' Model T Moment ' that Ford has in mind for August 11? It turns out, reports note, that this is not the first time that CEO Jim Farley has used that phrase. In fact, Ford had a 'Model T Moment' just three years ago, in 2022, when the Ford F-150 Lightning emerged. And that particular moment left some disappointed. Certainly, the electric pickup proved a welcome addition to the lineup, and a frequent buy. But it certainly was nowhere near the iconic status of the car that brought cars to everyday life. And considering that reports have already emerged to say that the newest 'Model T Moment' will be built around an electric car, some are already preparing for disappointment. Is Ford Stock a Good Buy Right Now? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on F stock based on two Buys, 11 Holds and three Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 10.37% rally in its share price over the past year, the average F price target of $10.18 per share implies 5.61% downside risk.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
US-Vietnam trade deal sows new China uncertainty
FILE PHOTO: The production line of the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck in Dearborn, Mich., April 4, 2022. Vietnam is set to face a minimum 20 per cent tariff in return for opening its market to US products, including cars.- The New York Times HANOI: Vietnam's trade deal with the United States averts the most punishing of Donald Trump's "reciprocal" levies but analysts warned it could provoke a fresh standoff between Washington and Beijing. The South-East Asian nation has the third-biggest trade surplus with the United States of any country after China and Mexico, and was targetted with one of the highest rates in the US president's "Liberation Day" tariff blitz on April 2. The deal announced Wednesday (July 2) is the first full pact Trump has sealed with an Asian nation, and analysts say it may give a glimpse of the template Washington will use with other countries still scrambling for accords. The 46 per cent rate due to take effect next week has been averted, with Vietnam set to face a minimum 20 per cent tariff in return for opening its market to US products including cars. But a 40 per cent tariff will hit goods passing through the country to circumvent steeper trade barriers - a practice called "transshipping". Washington has accused Hanoi of relabelling Chinese goods to skirt its tariffs, but raw materials from the world's number two economy are the lifeblood of Vietnam's manufacturing industries. "From a global perspective, perhaps the most interesting point is that this deal again seems in large part to be about China," said Capital Economics. It said the terms on transshipment "will be seen as a provocation in Beijing, particularly if similar conditions are included in any other deals agreed over coming days". Shares in clothing companies and sport equipment manufacturers - which have a large footprint in Vietnam - rose on news of the deal in New York. But they later declined sharply as details were released. "This is a much better outcome than a flat 46 per cent tariff, but I wouldn't celebrate just yet," said Hanoi-based Dan Martin of Asian business advisory firm Dezan Shira & Associates. "Everything now depends on how the US decides to interpret and enforce the idea of transshipment," he added. "If the US takes a broader view and starts questioning products that use foreign parts, even when value is genuinely added in Vietnam, it could end up affecting a lot of companies that are playing by the rules." Vietnam's government said in a statement late on Wednesday that under the deal the country had promised "preferential market access for US goods, including large-engine cars". But the statement gave scant detail about the transshipment arrangements in the deal, which Trump announced on his Truth Social platform. Bloomberg Economics forecast Vietnam could lose a quarter of its exports to the United States in the medium term, endangering more than two per cent of its gross domestic product as a result of the agreement. Uncertainty over how transshipping will be "defined or enforced" is likely to have diplomatic repercussions, said Bloomberg Economics expert Rana Sajedi. "The looming question now is how China will respond," she said. "Beijing has made clear that it would respond to deals that came at the expense of Chinese interests." "The decision to agree to a higher tariff on goods deemed to be 'transshipped' through Vietnam may fall in that category," added Sajedi. "Any retaliatory steps could have an outsized impact on Vietnam's economy." - AFP
Korea Herald
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
SK On banks on EV battery deal with Slate for recovery
SK On is aiming for a recovery with an agreement to exclusively supply battery cells to Slate, a US-based electric vehicle startup backed by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. According to media reports Thursday, Slate unveiled the Slate Truck to the public in Michigan on Sunday, and the company will host another event in Detroit from Saturday to Sunday. The compact, highly customizable electric pickup truck will launch next year. SK On and Slate announced a supply deal covering 20 gigawatt-hour battery cells in April, making SK On the first official battery supplier. The capacity is enough to power 300,000 units of the EV maker's upcoming Slate Truck from 2026 to 2031. Industry insiders anticipate that SK On could potentially benefit from Slate's competitive pricing strategy, having already surpassed 100,000 preorders in two weeks in June. This figure represents nearly half of the one-week preorder volume for Tesla's new Cybertruck. The Slate Truck is expected to be priced from $27,500 before tax credits, a price point less than half of existing electric pickups in the US. Notably, major electric pickup trucks on the market start at significantly higher prices — approximately $55,000 for the Ford F-150 Lightning and $70,000 for the Rivian R1T, respectively, and over $60,000 for the Cybertruck. SK On highlighted that Slate's low-price strategy is poised to capitalize on the rapid growth of the US electrified light truck segment. According to a recent report from the Washington-based Automobile Innovation Alliance, electric sport utility vehicles, pickups and vans will account for about 79 percent of total EV sales in the region by the first quarter of 2025. 'Slate's reasonable pricing strategy offers eco-friendly vehicle options to consumers who have been unable to afford high-priced electric cars and are largely underserved in the current EV market. This approach aligns with SK On's vision to make EVs accessible to a broader consumer base,' said an industry source familiar with the matter on condition of anonymity. As SK On pushes into mid- and lower-priced EV markets beyond its traditional premium segment, investors and analysts are watching closely to see whether the battery maker can swing to profitability in the second quarter. From January to March, SK On reported sales of 1.6 trillion won ($1.2 billion), down 4.6 percent from a year earlier. However, its operating loss narrowed by 9.7 percent to 299.3 billion won.
