Latest news with #FordF-Series
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Is This the Best RAV4 Yet? Toyota's 2026 Redesign Revealed
To say that the Toyota RAV4 is one of the most popular cars on the road is an understatement. Save for pickup trucks like the Ford F-Series and the Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota's humble crossover was the bestselling car in the United States last year, as 475,193 units made their way onto driveways across America. In lieu of this, the last time the RAV got some major updates in the looks department was back in 2021, while the platform it rides on dates back to 2018. However, for 2026, Toyota is rolling out a new, redesigned RAV4 with futuristic and bold new looks, new technology, and new, electrified hybrid powertrains under the hood for maximum efficiency and performance. The most significant change from the 2025 to 2026 model year RAV4 is under the hood, where Toyota followed the same steps as the midsize Camry sedan and ditched the gas-only 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engines that powered previous models for a selection of new hybrid powertrains. The conventional RAV4 hybrids have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder equipped with Toyota's fifth-generation hybrid system, which makes 226 horsepower in its new front-wheel-drive configuration and 236 horsepower with all-wheel-drive. This translates to 23 more horsepower from the outgoing gas-only front-wheel drive model, 33 more from the outgoing gas-only all-wheel-drive model, and 17 more horses from the outgoing all-wheel-drive hybrid. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article However, plug-in hybrid versions get Toyota's sixth-generation plug-in hybrid system, which consists of two electric motors and a bigger battery pack with new silicon-carbide semiconductors for improved efficiency, power delivery, and available fast charging capabilities. Exclusively offered in AWD, the new RAV4 PHEV cranks out 18 more horsepower than the outgoing one, for a total of 320 combined horsepower and 50 estimated miles of all-electric range, 8 more than the 2025 model. Though the new RAV4s are hybrids, they are still capable of towing. All-wheel-drive RAV4s have a maximum 3,500-pound towing capacity, while front-drive RAV4s have a towing capacity bump from 1,500 pounds to 1,750 pounds. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Apart from its new electrified heart under the hood, the 2026 RAV4's most significant change is its styling. While the overall shape of the 2026 RAV4 has not changed from the familiar short-tail, high-hood silhouette of the 2025 model, the new model features some design elements that keep the car up-to-date with contemporary styling trends. The new face of the RAV4 features sharp, C-shaped LED taillights similar to those on the Prius and Camry, as well as an expressive, oversized grille, and bigger intake holes on the sides for a tougher, more aggressive look in other drivers' rear-view mirrors. The side profile remains virtually unchanged and still features trapezoidal wheel arches, while the back gets a bold, new treatment with new Lexus-style LED taillights and a prominent tailgate spoiler. Toyota offers the 2026 RAV4 in three different varieties beyond its usual trim levels: Core Design, Rugged Design, and Sport Design, which offer different styling elements and personalities for various buyers. The familiar LE, XLE, and Limited trims are contained within the Core Design category and all come with the standard hybrid powertrain. The LE and XLE are offered in either FWD or AWD, while the Limited exclusively gets AWD. The Rugged Design category offers what the name suggests: it turns the RAV4 into a tough, rugged-looking all-wheel-drive hybrid on this side of a TRD Pro or Subaru Wilderness badge. The appropriately named Woodland trim gets a smattering of rugged goodies, including a revised split grille, front bumper-mounted LED light strips, roof rails, and a half-inch lift from the standard all-terrain tires. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article The Sport Design category, however, offers the sport-inspired SE, XSE, and GR Sport trims, which inject a bit of boy-racer attitude into the otherwise pedestrian family hauler. The SE trim comes in hybrid or plug-in powertrains in front-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations, while the XSE exclusively gets AWD on either powertrain. The highlight of the Sport Design category is the GR Sport (think BMW M-Sport, or Kia's GT-line), a performance-oriented model that features a stiffer chassis, unique suspension and steering tuning, and a whole host of Gazoo Racing-branded goodies including a GR Corolla-style grille, special 20-inch wheels, a bigger rear roof spoiler, and a GR-branded red and black interior with suede and faux leather accents. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article Like most modern car interiors, the RAV4's interior is defined by its technology. Screens are king in the 2026 RAV4 dashboard, and up front, drivers get a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a giant infotainment screen smack dab in the middle of the dashboard that ranges from 10.5 to 12.9 inches, depending on trim level. Higher trim levels can also get an optional heads-up display. Toyota says that the new infotainment screens can be used with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are powered by its new in-house software called Arene. The new software not only houses its updated Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 driver-assist system and a new version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia System, but also collects data and uses AI to personalize vehicles to their owners. However, one potential drawback of the big screen is that physical climate controls have been replaced with digital versions permanently displayed at the bottom of the display. New RAV4 drivers also get more practical interior features, including a new center console with bigger cupholders, extra storage cubbyholes, and increased trunk storage for extra shopping. In addition, optional interior extras on specific models add unique touches to the RAV4's interior; for instance, Woodland models get a special Mineral color and all-weather floor mats, while some trims can be equipped with a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system. Toyota says that the 2026 Toyota RAV4 will arrive at U.S. dealerships in late 2025, with the new, updated model being available to customers in 180 countries and territories globally. Pricing will be revealed closer to the official launch. Though this is a major redesign rather than a whole new model, the hybrid-only powertrains, new styling, and updated tech signal that Toyota is keeping its thumb on the pulse of the buying public. Although significant questions remain to be answered, such as EPA fuel economy numbers and pricing, one thing is sure: as one of the bestselling cars in the world, it will be everywhere, doing everything from hauling families to New York City taxi duty. Is This the Best RAV4 Yet? Toyota's 2026 Redesign Revealed first appeared on Autoblog on May 22, 2025
Calgary Herald
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Ford: Premier's referendum shell game opens the door for all kinds of citizen actions — like hospital parking
If Albertans need a referendum, there are many more pressing issues than separation. Article content Let's not waste the premier's actions. She talks about respecting citizens' decisions, so why not take advantage of her assertions? Article content Changes in the legalities required for a citizen referendum are focused on the province's place in Canada, but there is an opportunity for the rest of us to have at it as well. Article content Article content How about a referendum on hospital parking? All we need is a concerted, organized group from across Alberta willing to collect signatures from 10 per cent of those who voted, or 175,000 signatures. The premier herself said the new elections bill is designed to give 'everyday' Albertans a bigger say in the province's affairs. Article content Article content Let's do it. This has a more profound effect on individual lives than some chimera of separation. Article content The premier is playing to her 'base.' She is not talking about most of us in Calgary or Edmonton. She's making demands of Ottawa because that makes her look stronger, more determined, for rural folks and urban right-wingers. One can almost hear the Ram 1500 and Ford F-Series truck owners cheering her on. Article content But wait a minute. I know no Albertan who wants to be a separate nation. I do know a lot of people who believe we have been badly treated by Ottawa. Article content But let's deal with more immediate problems affecting us. Don't think the 24-hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year hospital parking charges are outrageous? Let me suggest that you have never had to visit a hospital daily, not knowing how long you must do this. Article content Article content And visitors aren't the only ones. Our 'democratic' Alberta Health Services makes everybody pay — doctors, nurses, health-care aides. The only people in any hospital not paying for parking are volunteers. Article content Article content I'll bet an overwhelming number of Albertans across the province who have had to fork over a sizable chunk of change to visit a sick or injured child, parent or spouse would be the first to sign. (And this should spark other provinces to follow the example set by Nova Scotia, when it cancelled all hospital parking fees as of May 1.) Article content When we left Episode 1, the aging woman complaining about her hospital experiences had been released. She was sorry to leave the kindness of so many strangers and glad to be rid of the supercilious, self-important ones. She had been infuriated by cloyingly sweet voices with which she had been addressed, as if she were a simple two-year-old. Referring to elderly patients and their families as 'my dear' should result in a firm reprimand from a supervisor.
Al Jazeera
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Al Jazeera
How much of a typical US household is made in America?
Vehicles In 2024, approximately 16 million new vehicles were sold across the US. Of those, around 45 percent were from American car companies, including major manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, which owns Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. The most popular vehicle sold in the US is the Ford F-Series pickup truck, which has maintained its position as America's top-selling vehicle for more than four decades. However, while these companies might be headquartered in the US, all of them outsource parts or assembly to countries with lower production costs, such as Mexico, China, South Korea and Canada. Bicycles The vast majority (97 percent) of bicycles sold in the US are imported, with most coming from China, Taiwan, Vietnam and Cambodia. Lawn mowers Some 30 to 40 percent of lawn mowers sold in the US are produced domestically, with major brands like John Deere and Toro manufacturing a portion of their products in the US. However, the remaining 60 to 70 percent of lawn mowers are imported, primarily from countries like China, Taiwan and Vietnam. Fishing gear Approximately 60 percent of fishing gear - including rods, reels and tackle boxes - sold in the US is imported, with about two-thirds of these imports coming from China, according to the American Sportfishing Association. Barbecue grills The United States is a major importer of domestic cooking appliances, with barbecue grills alone accounting for at least $3.35bn in market value in 2024. A large share of grills sold in the US are imported, mainly from China, Vietnam and South Korea. Several well-known brands, including Weber, Char-Broil and Traeger, have moved a significant portion of their manufacturing operations overseas, with much of it now based in China.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
US tariffs, auto trade and the limits of the ‘Yank Tank'
The US does not export a significant quantity of passenger vehicles to the UK or Europe. It has never done so, nor indeed, is it likely to. The reason is simply that American passenger vehicles – or domestic iron as they are often lovingly known are, with very few exceptions, just that. Domestic. Moreover, the bulk of US production comprises of large to extremely large pick-up trucks and SUV's, which are designed and manufactured for domestic consumption and ill-suited to European roads. For example, let's take on-street city parking. Imagine driving a supersized US pick-up or SUV on a dark and damp November evening in London, frantically searching for a parking spot on an Edwardian terraced street lined to capacity with compact hatchbacks, a sprinkling of stylish coupes, saloon cars and mid-size SUVs. Near impossible to find anything remotely suitable on a road whose infrastructure was mainly conceived and built by Victorian engineers in the 19th century. What about accessing multistorey car parks? Forget about it, height restrictions and manoeuvrability, too low and too small. Furthermore, the overall aesthetics of American cars do not conform to European design principles. The sheer bulk of these vehicles, coupled with their 'gas-guzzling' V6 and V8 engines, make them wholly inappropriate and thoroughly unappealing to the overwhelming majority of European consumers. America's best-selling vehicle is the Ford F-Series pickup truck. The brand's entry-level model is the F150 and, by US standards, is fitted with a small 2.7 litre V6 which delivers 19 mpg on the urban cycle. The standard fuel tank holds 23 gallons. Customers can, if they so wish, opt for the larger 26-gallon tank or indeed go the whole hog and select Ford's 5.2 litre supercharged V8. Need I say more? And crucially, we come to gas prices for US consumers – petrol on this side of the pond. While considered high in the US at circa $3.64 (equivalent to £3.12/3.62 € per imperial gallon), they are a real bargain when compared to pump prices in the UK and Europe, currently around $8.70 or £6.90/8.04 € per gallon. I rest my case. By contrast, the appetite for European vehicles among American consumers has always been strong and remains so, driven by factors such as design, performance, quality and of course, status. This imbalance in trade highlights a fundamental issue: if the US aims to achieve a trade balance in the automotive sector, it must first produce vehicles that are attractive to European consumers, rather than simply penalising the European auto industry for manufacturing cars that American consumers want to buy. Slapping a 25% tax on European cars will not make Europeans buy American iron but simply deprive Americans of choice. Consumers in 'the land of the free and the home of the brave' simply love choice, be it in which car they drive or which size bottle of tomato ketchup they buy. Notwithstanding the above, the recent implementation of a 25% tariff on all vehicles imported from the UK and Europe to the US has sent shockwaves through the automotive industry, creating a complex and challenging situation for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), National Sales Companies (NSCs), importers, franchised dealer networks and ultimately, American consumers. This drastic measure has far-reaching consequences that are only beginning to unfold, with the first major announcement coming from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in the UK. JLR's decision to halt all shipments of cars to the US for four weeks, effective Monday, 7 April 2025, marks the beginning of what is likely to be a series of strategic moves by European automakers. This pause in operations will provide JLR, in collaboration with JLR USA and their franchisees, the necessary time to strategise on how best to mitigate considerable increases in sticker prices while balancing OEM, distributor, and dealer profit margins. This delicate balancing act is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the US market whilst simultaneously absorbing the impact of the tariff. As news of JLR's decision spreads, all eyes are now on other major European manufacturers whose products are highly sought after in the American market. Companies such as Volkswagen Group, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW are undoubtedly engaged in intense deliberations to address this monumental challenge. In the coming days, we can expect a flurry of press releases from their respective headquarters in Wolfsburg, Ingolstadt, Stuttgart, and Munich, outlining their respective strategies to tackle the tariff issue. Madox Square LLP collaborates across the industry. Moreover, over the past days, I have been speaking with executives across Europe and the US, it is clear that the atmosphere remains febrile. The task of finding a satisfactory solution is fraught with difficulties, requiring a delicate balance between maintaining market share, preserving profitability and minimising the impact on consumers. Industry leaders emphasise the importance of keeping a level head and not allowing the emotional aspects of the situation to cloud judgment or decision-making processes. It is important to note that these manufacturer-specific responses will be independent of any retaliatory actions that the European Union may decide to impose. The potential for escalating trade tensions between the US and Europe adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation. The imposition of the 25% automotive blanket tariff also raises questions about the long-term strategy of the US government in addressing trade imbalances. A trade war is unlikely to be the path to prosperity for the US – in fact, many industry experts believe it could have the opposite effect. By artificially inflating the prices of popular European vehicles, the tariff may lead to decreased sales, job losses in the distribution and retail sectors and reduced consumer choice. Furthermore, John Murphy, Managing Director at Bank of America, said the increased cost from tariffs could reduce US car sales by up to 3 million units. This number represents a reduction of 20% of sales on the 15.9m vehicles sold in 2024. Ultimately, the tariff could very well have unintended consequences for the US automotive industry. American manufacturers who rely on imported vehicles will undoubtedly face increased costs and complications in their supply chains. In turn, higher component costs will lead to increased prices for domestically produced vehicles as 40% to 60% of components rely on the global supply chain, thus creating a ripple effect throughout the entire automotive market. Paul Bennett, Senior Partner at Madox Square LLP. "US tariffs, auto trade and the limits of the 'Yank Tank'" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Should You Buy Ford While It's Trading Below $10.50?
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates a challenging landscape. Its electric vehicle segment has struggled, and today, the stock trades 33% below its 52-week high. The automotive industry also is feeling the pressure from intensifying trade wars as President Donald Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and foreign-made auto parts. The stock is priced at what some may consider an attractive valuation and also offers a solid 6% dividend yield. But is it a good buy for investors? Let's dive into the company, where things could go from here, and whether it deserves a spot in your portfolio at today's prices. Ford is a giant in the automotive world. According to Car and Driver, the Ford F-Series of trucks was the top-selling vehicle in the U.S. last year, with 732,139 units sold. The company was the first to offer affordable vehicles to the masses and now operates across 100 countries globally. The sheer size of Ford's business is huge, as evidenced by its $185 billion in revenue in 2024. To put this into perspective, Nvidia generated $130 billion in revenue last year. However, Ford stock trades at a cheap valuation with a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.9. Ford sports this cheap valuation for a reason. For one, it operates in a capital-intensive business that requires substantial investments in skilled labor, technology, production facilities, and research and development to maintain a competitive edge. Not only that -- it is also a low-growth company operating in a highly competitive and cyclical industry. Last year, its net income was $5.9 billion, while its profit margin was just 3.2%. Like many automakers, Ford has made a big push into electric vehicles (EVs) in recent years, driven by carbon emission reduction goals. The company has a Ford Model E division where it manufactures EVs such as the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning. However, it announced it would be scaling back its ambitious EV plans. According to CFO John Lawler, the company is adjusting due to "pricing and margin compression" and will reduce its share of capital expenditures for pure EVs from 40% to 30%. With weaker-than-expected consumer demand, pricing wars, and other pressures, the company postponed the launch of its next EV pickup truck until 2027. It also announced it would scrap plans for a large, three-row EV SUV and offer a hybrid version to better meet consumer demand. According to President and CEO Jim Farley, "hybrid trucks are a key growth area," which "is allowing us to capture the lion's share of revenue and command pricing power within the pickup truck market." On March 26, President Trump announced he would put a 25% tariff on automotive imports as part of the White House's efforts to boost domestic manufacturing. The tariffs complicate things for automakers, who source many components worldwide. However, it may not be all bad news for U.S.-based automakers like Ford. According to JPMorgan analyst Ryan Brinkman, the new tariffs could "materially lessen the burden" for U.S. automakers and offer a "significant reprieve" for automakers that produced finished vehicles in the U.S. He estimates that tariffs would cost Ford about $4.5 billion, down from his previous estimate of $6 billion. Ford is pivoting toward hybrids, which I think is a wise move. The stock is priced cheaply and offers an attractive dividend yield, which investors may find appealing. However, the stock has failed to deliver for investors. Over the past two decades, it has delivered a total return (which includes the effect of reinvesting dividends) of 81.5%, or just 3% on an annualized basis. The issue with Ford isn't necessarily the business, but that the automotive industry is highly competitive and hard to stand out in. Although Ford is a recognizable brand, consumers have countless options. This competitive environment, coupled with the capital-intensive business, is a big reason why Ford has meager margins. I think investors are better off putting their money elsewhere. Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you'll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a 'Double Down' stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you're worried you've already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it's too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you'd have $284,402!* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you'd have $41,312!* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you'd have $503,617!* Right now, we're issuing 'Double Down' alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.*Stock Advisor returns as of March 24, 2025 JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Courtney Carlsen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends JPMorgan Chase and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Should You Buy Ford While It's Trading Below $10.50? was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
