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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Some fear Chinese automakers' playbook is existential threat to US auto industry
DETROIT - Aggressive component-sharing efforts have contributed to lower cost structures at many Chinese automakers, and there's an increasing push for Western automakers to catch up. The strategy stretches from internet-connected vehicle technologies and electric vehicle powertrain systems to actuators and even engines that once defined models. Automakers agree to use common specifications for vehicle parts, sometimes at the behest of the government, to create economies of scale, ensure quality and offer better functionality to customers. The effort has contributed to lower-cost and technologically advanced vehicles from China that people like Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley have called an existential threat to the U.S. auto industry. "We have to beat (Chinese EV giant) BYD, and we're not going to do it with cheaper batteries," Farley said last week during a panel at the Reindustrialize summit in Detroit. "We're going to have to do that with smarter engineering and better supply chain and manufacturing." A key part of that, said Terry Woychowski, president of automotive at Caresoft Global Technologies Inc., a benchmarking consulting firm, is common parts between brands and automakers. "To compete from a cost perspective and time perspective, there needs to be much more sharing of components," he said at the company's vehicle tear-down facility in Livonia. He gave an example: Three automakers go to a supplier for a windshield wiper motor, each providing several thousand specifications for the parts. The supplier agrees to make the individual part for 100,000 vehicles for each company. In contrast, Chinese brands are increasingly agreeing on a list of requirements for a supplier to produce one part many times over. "If you could all get together and say, 'OK, we took 8,000 requirements (each), and we made it 4,000, and we've all agreed - boom. Can you make that for all of us?' You say, 'Yeah, 300,000 at scale,'" Woychowski said. "We all need a motor to do this, but we all think we're smarter than anyone else, and that our smartness is what makes us a better product. "Who would know?" he continued. "Who would care? Nobody. It's got to work. But we fixate on those things because we rely on 100 years of experience. We rely on our specs. We rely on the way we specify a product." As a result, Chinese automakers take advantage of greater economies of scale and introduce product faster compared to U.S. companies for a part of the vehicle that probably won't make or break a sale, Woychowski said. Meanwhile, some automakers in China adopting a common structural design have reduced their bill of materials costs by 5-10%, said Sharath Reddy, senior vice president of research and development at Magna International Inc. Standardization also has been key to unlocking product development timelines of less than two years and driving reliability and quality benefits from tested designs built at scale. Reconciling different engineering philosophies, protecting intellectual property and balancing standardization with the need for differentiation, however, can be a challenge, Reddy said. Additionally, legacy companies work with processes and specifications that have been put in place over decades. "For them, adopting standardization can take years," Reddy said in an email, "especially as it needs to align with sourcing cycles." That's less of a challenge for the startups and new brands working from the ground up in China, he added. Additionally, the role of government and the work of organizations like the China Automotive Technology and Research Center and China Society of Automotive Engineers have contributed to accelerating adoption. For example, the government's standardization of the hardware interface and communication protocols for charging ports for new-energy vehicles, including EVs and plug-in hybrids, allows drivers to use any public or private charging station. That access has helped EV adoption, whereas it's struggled in the United States, where automakers traditionally have used a different charging port from Tesla Inc. "In North America and Europe, there isn't the same level of centralized collaboration. OEMs tend to operate more independently, which makes broad standardization harder to achieve," Reddy wrote. "That said, we're seeing signs of change. With rising cost pressures and increased competition - especially from Chinese OEMs - some global automakers are beginning to revisit how they approach standardization." The most effective use of this approach is sharing components that aren't tied to a brand's identity or for areas where customers don't interact with the vehicle, such as structural parts, seat frame closures, actuators and certain electronic modules, Reddy said. More challenging areas are lighting, exteriors, interiors, powertrains, advanced driver assistance systems and infotainment. "These areas often define the user experience and brand identity," he said, "so OEMs typically want more control and differentiation there." Shifting consumer expectations The line for what parts are important for differentiation is shifting, experts said. As the lifespans of gas- and diesel-powered vehicles extend amid a bumpier transition to EVs, automakers are pressed on where to invest. Plus, newer technologies like the interior's digital cockpit experience are increasingly becoming a way for models and brands to separate themselves from the competition. Bill Russo, CEO of consulting and investment platform Automobility Ltd. in Shanghai, said "the foreign brands have had to rethink, because the whole pricing strategy and the whole content strategy has always been pegged around brands that are defined and differentiated based on their driving performance. It's not about that in the 21st century." More people in China ride than drive, which means they are looking for a vehicle space to live in and enjoy, he explained. The bragging right of the car, Russo said, isn't about the 0-60 mph acceleration. "When the transition happens to EV, it goes from an analog to more of a digital measure of technology differentiation," he said. "It's not that I-get-the-good-stuff-if-I buy-the-bigger-engine way of thinking about product planning. I get the good stuff or I opt in for more intelligence, more experience, more comfort, more cabin comfort." As a result, even engines are increasingly becoming an area of commonality. Horse Powertrain Ltd. is a joint venture between China-based Volvo parent Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. and French automaker Renault SA that produces engines, transmissions and other powertrain parts, including for hybrids. Horse also said publicly that it's supplying engines for Mercedes-Benz and other brands. With 17 plants and five research and development centers on three continents, Horse now has its eyes set on expanding into North America, CEO Matias Giannini said on a recent visit to Detroit. Traditionally, engines were a part of the DNA of a brand or model. Although that still might be true for performance-oriented vehicles, it may not be as much of a priority for other offerings, creating opportunity for economies of scale, Giannini said. Collaboration may be a move to save on costs to fill out a company's portfolio for ICE and hybrid vehicles when capital is spread thin investing in EVs and other advanced technologies that automakers see is their future, Giannini said. "By 2040, 50% of vehicle sales still will not be EVs," he said. "A lot of OEMs had given up (on investing in ICE), and they're realizing there is more than one road to net zero (carbon emissions). We offer solutions to close gaps, as companies realize they need to have more hybrids, and the biggest question is: What is the most efficient way? We can help them get the volume they need." Giannini said cost savings depend on whether an automaker uses an off-the-shelf product or develops something with Horse. The manufacturer makes 8 million engines and transmissions per year and has $17 billion (15 billion euro) annual revenue outlook. What the industry says General Motors Co. had said it's going "all in on EVs," only to reverse that decision by announcing plans to launch plug-in hybrids in 2027 in North America. A representative for the Detroit automaker declined to comment on shared component efforts, citing competitive reasons. GM has partnered with Hyundai Motor Co. on vehicle development, supply chain and clean-energy technology, with GM CEO Mary Barra in recent months teasing that more information on that collaboration will be coming soon. In a statement, Stellantis NV - parent of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram - shared that the automaker isn't a part of any external or industrywide standardization effort, but that it uses collaboration and scale across its 14 brands globally. Ford Motor Co. spokesperson Mike Levine pointed to the Dearborn automaker's partnership with Volkswagen AG that shares platforms and plants. For example, the VW Amarok truck is based on the Ford Ranger pickup, and both are built at a Ford plant in South Africa. Ford and GM have also developed together nine- and 10-speed transmissions. Ford also referred The Detroit News to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which didn't respond to a request for comment. German supplier Robert Bosch GmbH seeks standardization of products within its portfolio to save on costs, though automakers define their individual specifications, spokesperson Tim Wieland said in a statement. Japanese supplier Denso Corp. spokesperson Andrew Rickerman said in a statement that standardization is an area the company is always evaluating. Denso leverages a "core and customize approach" when co-developing products with customers in which it presents a core product that can be altered for the unique applications and requirements of individual customers and the regions in which they operate. "This approach allows us to produce dependable products," Rickerman said, "that still offer opportunities to innovate for consumer value, helping us make continual advancements in traditional and new product areas." SAE International in the United States works with stakeholders to develop standards in the automotive and aerospace industries. The organization's standards are voluntary, though it does provide information to governments developing regulations when requested. Regarding China, "they have certain benefits that we may not recognize as easily in a free market society where their market is somewhat constrained to a certain degree," Christian Thiele, SAE's senior director of ground vehicle standards, said about government support and subsidies in China for standardization. But industry collaboration in the United States to improve safety, health and other benefits for customers has been ongoing for decades. ADAS, driver monitoring systems and sustainability are major topics today Thiele said. SAE reviews existing standards every five years, though some areas that represent rapidly changing technologies, like those around the North American Charging Standard, are discussed more frequently. "Getting 125 engineers in the room, you might think sometimes it's efficient, but it doesn't get that efficient, because now you have a lot of strong-willed individuals with their opinions," Thiele said. "But what you're doing at the end of the day is you're delivering the best product there is." And even in these discussions, Chinese competitors are participating as they look to expand into the U.S. market, Thiele said. "You may not get a complete vehicle on four wheels from BYD next week," he said, "but eventually that will happen." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Ford Bronco goes electric, still not for Australia
An electric version of the Ford Bronco has been launched in China, but the iconic SUV – electric or otherwise – remains off the cards for Australia for now. Made by Ford and Jiangling Motors, the Ford Bronco New Energy is exclusive to China, where it's scheduled to go on sale later this year, and isn't planned for global markets. An MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filing – a legal requirement for a manufacturer to sell a vehicle in China – shared by outlets including Motor1 revealed both battery-electric and range-extender (EREV) versions. The name New Energy is appropriate given the Chinese auto industry refers to electrified vehicles – including plug-in hybrids, EVs and EREVs – collectively as 'New Energy Vehicles'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite playing a role in the development of the current-generation Ford Bronco – and its sharing of considerable parts with the Ranger and Everest – Ford Australia has no official plans to offer any version of the Bronco here. When asked about the latest status on Bronco for local showrooms, a spokesperson for the automaker told CarExpert it had "no news to share". The Bronco is currently sold in the US where top models run V6 petrol engines, while lower-spec versions use the same 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the Ranger PHEV sold in Australia but without the plug-in hybrid system. The MIIT China filings reveal the EV Bronco gets a 202kW powertrain using a 105.4kWh LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) 'Blade' battery – from Tesla rival and battery maker, BYD – for electric range of 650km on the CLTC cycle. The EREV produces 180kW and uses a 43.7kWh LFP Blade battery for a claimed 220km electric-only driving range on the CLTC cycle. An EREV use a combustion engine as an electricity generator to power up the battery, rather than sending drive to the wheels – and, in the Bronco New Energy's case, can also be plugged in for a top up. The US Bronco uses the same ladder chassis as the Ford Ranger, but the Bronco New Energy uses a car-like monocoque frame instead, like the smaller Escape-based Bronco Sport sold in the US. While it looks the part, with the same 2950mm wheelbase as the long-wheelbase petrol-powered Bronco, the China model's 5025mm length is 215mm more than the US-market four-door Bronco. That makes it the biggest Bronco yet. It's considerably heavier, too, with the EV Bronco tipping the scales at 2631kg and the EREV at 2511kg – 268kg more than the US Bronco Raptor, the heaviest model offered there. Ford CEO Jim Farley earlier this year said the US automaker would be moving towards EREV powertrains after massive losses on EVs, with the technology moving beyond the brand's China models from 2027. In Australia, Ford dropped the Puma small crossover SUV – including plans for the battery-electric Puma Gen-E – in 2024, while the slow-selling Mustang Mach-E electric SUV remains in showrooms. An electric version of the Transit large commercial van and smaller Transit Custom are also part of the Australian lineup. MORE: Ford to invest in range-extender EVs amid slump in pure-electric vehicle demandMORE: Ford's electric pickup hits yet another stumbling blockMORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: An electric version of the Ford Bronco has been launched in China, but the iconic SUV – electric or otherwise – remains off the cards for Australia for now. Made by Ford and Jiangling Motors, the Ford Bronco New Energy is exclusive to China, where it's scheduled to go on sale later this year, and isn't planned for global markets. An MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filing – a legal requirement for a manufacturer to sell a vehicle in China – shared by outlets including Motor1 revealed both battery-electric and range-extender (EREV) versions. The name New Energy is appropriate given the Chinese auto industry refers to electrified vehicles – including plug-in hybrids, EVs and EREVs – collectively as 'New Energy Vehicles'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite playing a role in the development of the current-generation Ford Bronco – and its sharing of considerable parts with the Ranger and Everest – Ford Australia has no official plans to offer any version of the Bronco here. When asked about the latest status on Bronco for local showrooms, a spokesperson for the automaker told CarExpert it had "no news to share". The Bronco is currently sold in the US where top models run V6 petrol engines, while lower-spec versions use the same 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the Ranger PHEV sold in Australia but without the plug-in hybrid system. The MIIT China filings reveal the EV Bronco gets a 202kW powertrain using a 105.4kWh LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) 'Blade' battery – from Tesla rival and battery maker, BYD – for electric range of 650km on the CLTC cycle. The EREV produces 180kW and uses a 43.7kWh LFP Blade battery for a claimed 220km electric-only driving range on the CLTC cycle. An EREV use a combustion engine as an electricity generator to power up the battery, rather than sending drive to the wheels – and, in the Bronco New Energy's case, can also be plugged in for a top up. The US Bronco uses the same ladder chassis as the Ford Ranger, but the Bronco New Energy uses a car-like monocoque frame instead, like the smaller Escape-based Bronco Sport sold in the US. While it looks the part, with the same 2950mm wheelbase as the long-wheelbase petrol-powered Bronco, the China model's 5025mm length is 215mm more than the US-market four-door Bronco. That makes it the biggest Bronco yet. It's considerably heavier, too, with the EV Bronco tipping the scales at 2631kg and the EREV at 2511kg – 268kg more than the US Bronco Raptor, the heaviest model offered there. Ford CEO Jim Farley earlier this year said the US automaker would be moving towards EREV powertrains after massive losses on EVs, with the technology moving beyond the brand's China models from 2027. In Australia, Ford dropped the Puma small crossover SUV – including plans for the battery-electric Puma Gen-E – in 2024, while the slow-selling Mustang Mach-E electric SUV remains in showrooms. An electric version of the Transit large commercial van and smaller Transit Custom are also part of the Australian lineup. MORE: Ford to invest in range-extender EVs amid slump in pure-electric vehicle demandMORE: Ford's electric pickup hits yet another stumbling blockMORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: An electric version of the Ford Bronco has been launched in China, but the iconic SUV – electric or otherwise – remains off the cards for Australia for now. Made by Ford and Jiangling Motors, the Ford Bronco New Energy is exclusive to China, where it's scheduled to go on sale later this year, and isn't planned for global markets. An MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filing – a legal requirement for a manufacturer to sell a vehicle in China – shared by outlets including Motor1 revealed both battery-electric and range-extender (EREV) versions. The name New Energy is appropriate given the Chinese auto industry refers to electrified vehicles – including plug-in hybrids, EVs and EREVs – collectively as 'New Energy Vehicles'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite playing a role in the development of the current-generation Ford Bronco – and its sharing of considerable parts with the Ranger and Everest – Ford Australia has no official plans to offer any version of the Bronco here. When asked about the latest status on Bronco for local showrooms, a spokesperson for the automaker told CarExpert it had "no news to share". The Bronco is currently sold in the US where top models run V6 petrol engines, while lower-spec versions use the same 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the Ranger PHEV sold in Australia but without the plug-in hybrid system. The MIIT China filings reveal the EV Bronco gets a 202kW powertrain using a 105.4kWh LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) 'Blade' battery – from Tesla rival and battery maker, BYD – for electric range of 650km on the CLTC cycle. The EREV produces 180kW and uses a 43.7kWh LFP Blade battery for a claimed 220km electric-only driving range on the CLTC cycle. An EREV use a combustion engine as an electricity generator to power up the battery, rather than sending drive to the wheels – and, in the Bronco New Energy's case, can also be plugged in for a top up. The US Bronco uses the same ladder chassis as the Ford Ranger, but the Bronco New Energy uses a car-like monocoque frame instead, like the smaller Escape-based Bronco Sport sold in the US. While it looks the part, with the same 2950mm wheelbase as the long-wheelbase petrol-powered Bronco, the China model's 5025mm length is 215mm more than the US-market four-door Bronco. That makes it the biggest Bronco yet. It's considerably heavier, too, with the EV Bronco tipping the scales at 2631kg and the EREV at 2511kg – 268kg more than the US Bronco Raptor, the heaviest model offered there. Ford CEO Jim Farley earlier this year said the US automaker would be moving towards EREV powertrains after massive losses on EVs, with the technology moving beyond the brand's China models from 2027. In Australia, Ford dropped the Puma small crossover SUV – including plans for the battery-electric Puma Gen-E – in 2024, while the slow-selling Mustang Mach-E electric SUV remains in showrooms. An electric version of the Transit large commercial van and smaller Transit Custom are also part of the Australian lineup. MORE: Ford to invest in range-extender EVs amid slump in pure-electric vehicle demandMORE: Ford's electric pickup hits yet another stumbling blockMORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: An electric version of the Ford Bronco has been launched in China, but the iconic SUV – electric or otherwise – remains off the cards for Australia for now. Made by Ford and Jiangling Motors, the Ford Bronco New Energy is exclusive to China, where it's scheduled to go on sale later this year, and isn't planned for global markets. An MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filing – a legal requirement for a manufacturer to sell a vehicle in China – shared by outlets including Motor1 revealed both battery-electric and range-extender (EREV) versions. The name New Energy is appropriate given the Chinese auto industry refers to electrified vehicles – including plug-in hybrids, EVs and EREVs – collectively as 'New Energy Vehicles'. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite playing a role in the development of the current-generation Ford Bronco – and its sharing of considerable parts with the Ranger and Everest – Ford Australia has no official plans to offer any version of the Bronco here. When asked about the latest status on Bronco for local showrooms, a spokesperson for the automaker told CarExpert it had "no news to share". The Bronco is currently sold in the US where top models run V6 petrol engines, while lower-spec versions use the same 2.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the Ranger PHEV sold in Australia but without the plug-in hybrid system. The MIIT China filings reveal the EV Bronco gets a 202kW powertrain using a 105.4kWh LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) 'Blade' battery – from Tesla rival and battery maker, BYD – for electric range of 650km on the CLTC cycle. The EREV produces 180kW and uses a 43.7kWh LFP Blade battery for a claimed 220km electric-only driving range on the CLTC cycle. An EREV use a combustion engine as an electricity generator to power up the battery, rather than sending drive to the wheels – and, in the Bronco New Energy's case, can also be plugged in for a top up. The US Bronco uses the same ladder chassis as the Ford Ranger, but the Bronco New Energy uses a car-like monocoque frame instead, like the smaller Escape-based Bronco Sport sold in the US. While it looks the part, with the same 2950mm wheelbase as the long-wheelbase petrol-powered Bronco, the China model's 5025mm length is 215mm more than the US-market four-door Bronco. That makes it the biggest Bronco yet. It's considerably heavier, too, with the EV Bronco tipping the scales at 2631kg and the EREV at 2511kg – 268kg more than the US Bronco Raptor, the heaviest model offered there. Ford CEO Jim Farley earlier this year said the US automaker would be moving towards EREV powertrains after massive losses on EVs, with the technology moving beyond the brand's China models from 2027. In Australia, Ford dropped the Puma small crossover SUV – including plans for the battery-electric Puma Gen-E – in 2024, while the slow-selling Mustang Mach-E electric SUV remains in showrooms. An electric version of the Transit large commercial van and smaller Transit Custom are also part of the Australian lineup. MORE: Ford to invest in range-extender EVs amid slump in pure-electric vehicle demandMORE: Ford's electric pickup hits yet another stumbling blockMORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from:
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CEOs Say AI Is Poised to Wipe Out an Astonishing Number of Jobs
Billionaire tech moguls aren't the only ones doomsaying about artificial intelligence layoffs. CEOs across a range of industries are now jumping on the bandwagon, saying it's no longer a matter of "if," but "how many" jobs AI will take. A recent survey by the Wall Street Journal explored just how pervasive the automation idea is throughout a number of industries, and execs aren't pulling any punches. For example, CEO of Ford Motor Company Jim Farley recently predicted that AI "is going to replace literally half of all white-collar workers in the US." He added that "AI will leave a lot of white-collar people behind." In June, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy spooked his employees with a memo saying to expect layoffs in the next few years because of the "once-in-a-lifetime" revolution of AI. And at JPMorgan Chase, CEO Marianne Lake recently told investors to expect the company's overall head count — and therefore its payroll expenses — to fall by as much as 10 percent over the next few years, thanks to the magic of AI. If the AI automation dystopia really is upon us, it evidently slipped under the radar of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which recently released its latest jobs report. Among other things, it found that the US added 147,000 jobs in June, slightly dropping the unemployment rate from 4.2 percent to 4.1 — and seemingly refuting the claim of an impending AI takeover, at least for now. Over half of these jobs, NBC notes, were in state and local government roles, while healthcare, social, service, and construction work made up the bulk of other gains. Still, there are some major issues buried in the data, like the fact that long-term unemployment — people unemployed for six months or more — has skyrocketed from 190,000 to a whopping 1.6 million. Meanwhile, the number of people unemployed at the median length of unemployment, 15 weeks or more, jumped from 34.9 percent to 38.3 percent. That level hasn't been seen since the throes of the pandemic, NBC notes. While those numbers are bad news — like, really bad — the crisis they point to is a little more complicated than an AI-powered dystopia. At their core, these numbers are arguably the result of our economy's dependence on unemployment laundered through AI hype. As economic researchers Jeffrey Funk and Gary Smith observed in a recent column, revenue from large language model (LLM) adoption is falling far short of the tech industry's promises. What gets presented as proof of AI's automation potential is instead a mash of penny-pinching layoffs, outsourcing, labor market saturation, and in some cases, employer bias against recent college grads. With that view in mind, all the CEO bluster looks less like an imminent crisis brought on by AI, and more like business as usual in a market economy. What workers do about that whole situation is another story altogether. More on Automation: Professors Staffed a Fake Company Entirely With AI Agents, and You'll Never Guess What Happened Solve the daily Crossword
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
New Ford passenger cars on the way: could Fiesta and Focus return?
Ford is set to re-introduce passenger cars to its European lineup, with the company reportedly telling its dealers it has new one in the works. According to Automotive News Europe, a directive from Ford CEO Jim Farley has been issued to develop passenger cars – distinct from SUVs – at Ford of Europe. Ford of Europe was previously the centre for the brand's key passenger cars, most recently including the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo that were all offered in Australia. Dealers were reportedly told the news during a conference call with Christoph Herr, chief of Ford's German-speaking markets. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The automaker didn't make any official comment when asked about the plan by Automotive News Europe. The motive for the decision – which may include an entry-level price-leading product – hasn't been revealed. It also comes despite SUVs continuing to outsell hatchbacks and sedans in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Ford's showrooms globally, including Australia, are currently dominated by SUVs and pickups, with sliding sales of conventional hatchbacks and sedans leading to their disappearance from showrooms. The rise in popularity of SUVs saw them overtake passenger car sales in Europe in 2015, with SUVs doing the same in Australia in February 2017 – and remaining ahead ever since. In Australia, 56.9 per cent of all new vehicle sales last year were SUVs, led by the Toyota RAV4, while traditional passenger cars made up 17.1 per cent. Sales figures from JATO reveal SUVs made up a similar 54 per cent of all vehicle sales in Europe in 2024 as hatchbacks and sedans dropped further behind with declines in the Fiesta's B-segment, Focus' C-segment and Mondeo's D-segment. While the Ford Fiesta was the brand's best-selling car in Europe – and a key model in the brand's navigation of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis – the Puma crossover SUV has since taken over the mantle. The Puma – sold in Australia between 2020 and 2024 – was the UK's number one seller in 2024 ahead of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai SUVs. In Australia, the Ford Ranger ute has been at the top of the sales charts – knocking off the Toyota HiLux – for the past two years, with its Everest SUV spin-off accounting for around 90 per cent of the brand's total sales. Its third-best seller is the Ford Mustang – a two-door sports coupe and convertible – which has been the only passenger car offering in Australian dealers since 2022. That's when Ford Australia dropped both the Fiesta small hatch/sedan and Volkswagen Golf-sized Focus, following the Toyota Camry-rivalling Mondeo's 2019 axing. All three suffered dwindling sales as their segments declined, market conditions which also saw the end of once-popular models like the Mazda 6. Globally, production of the European Mondeo ended in 2022, while the last Fiesta was manufactured in 2023 – despite its lengthy stay atop UK sales charts to hold the record as the country's all-time highest-selling nameplate. Ford pulled the plug on its Galaxy and S-Max people movers in 2022 as well. The final Focus – after more than 12 million produced – is scheduled to roll off the production line this November. The Blue Oval has introduced fresh product in Europe in the Capri and Explorer electric SUVs as it has shifted its focus to more profitable SUVs and electric vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles. However, these Volkswagen-based models haven't proved to be huge sellers, and Ford's European sales have continued to decline. Ford has only a handful of passenger cars left globally. There's the iconic Mustang, while in China there's another generation of Mondeo – exported to the Middle East as the Taurus – plus a higher-riding Mondeo Sport companion. The Mondeo/Taurus and Mondeo Sport come out of Ford's joint venture with Chinese automaker Changan. MORE: Ford Ranger, Everest lead Blue Oval's best result in 16 years MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford is set to re-introduce passenger cars to its European lineup, with the company reportedly telling its dealers it has new one in the works. According to Automotive News Europe, a directive from Ford CEO Jim Farley has been issued to develop passenger cars – distinct from SUVs – at Ford of Europe. Ford of Europe was previously the centre for the brand's key passenger cars, most recently including the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo that were all offered in Australia. Dealers were reportedly told the news during a conference call with Christoph Herr, chief of Ford's German-speaking markets. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The automaker didn't make any official comment when asked about the plan by Automotive News Europe. The motive for the decision – which may include an entry-level price-leading product – hasn't been revealed. It also comes despite SUVs continuing to outsell hatchbacks and sedans in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Ford's showrooms globally, including Australia, are currently dominated by SUVs and pickups, with sliding sales of conventional hatchbacks and sedans leading to their disappearance from showrooms. The rise in popularity of SUVs saw them overtake passenger car sales in Europe in 2015, with SUVs doing the same in Australia in February 2017 – and remaining ahead ever since. In Australia, 56.9 per cent of all new vehicle sales last year were SUVs, led by the Toyota RAV4, while traditional passenger cars made up 17.1 per cent. Sales figures from JATO reveal SUVs made up a similar 54 per cent of all vehicle sales in Europe in 2024 as hatchbacks and sedans dropped further behind with declines in the Fiesta's B-segment, Focus' C-segment and Mondeo's D-segment. While the Ford Fiesta was the brand's best-selling car in Europe – and a key model in the brand's navigation of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis – the Puma crossover SUV has since taken over the mantle. The Puma – sold in Australia between 2020 and 2024 – was the UK's number one seller in 2024 ahead of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai SUVs. In Australia, the Ford Ranger ute has been at the top of the sales charts – knocking off the Toyota HiLux – for the past two years, with its Everest SUV spin-off accounting for around 90 per cent of the brand's total sales. Its third-best seller is the Ford Mustang – a two-door sports coupe and convertible – which has been the only passenger car offering in Australian dealers since 2022. That's when Ford Australia dropped both the Fiesta small hatch/sedan and Volkswagen Golf-sized Focus, following the Toyota Camry-rivalling Mondeo's 2019 axing. All three suffered dwindling sales as their segments declined, market conditions which also saw the end of once-popular models like the Mazda 6. Globally, production of the European Mondeo ended in 2022, while the last Fiesta was manufactured in 2023 – despite its lengthy stay atop UK sales charts to hold the record as the country's all-time highest-selling nameplate. Ford pulled the plug on its Galaxy and S-Max people movers in 2022 as well. The final Focus – after more than 12 million produced – is scheduled to roll off the production line this November. The Blue Oval has introduced fresh product in Europe in the Capri and Explorer electric SUVs as it has shifted its focus to more profitable SUVs and electric vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles. However, these Volkswagen-based models haven't proved to be huge sellers, and Ford's European sales have continued to decline. Ford has only a handful of passenger cars left globally. There's the iconic Mustang, while in China there's another generation of Mondeo – exported to the Middle East as the Taurus – plus a higher-riding Mondeo Sport companion. The Mondeo/Taurus and Mondeo Sport come out of Ford's joint venture with Chinese automaker Changan. MORE: Ford Ranger, Everest lead Blue Oval's best result in 16 years MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford is set to re-introduce passenger cars to its European lineup, with the company reportedly telling its dealers it has new one in the works. According to Automotive News Europe, a directive from Ford CEO Jim Farley has been issued to develop passenger cars – distinct from SUVs – at Ford of Europe. Ford of Europe was previously the centre for the brand's key passenger cars, most recently including the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo that were all offered in Australia. Dealers were reportedly told the news during a conference call with Christoph Herr, chief of Ford's German-speaking markets. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The automaker didn't make any official comment when asked about the plan by Automotive News Europe. The motive for the decision – which may include an entry-level price-leading product – hasn't been revealed. It also comes despite SUVs continuing to outsell hatchbacks and sedans in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Ford's showrooms globally, including Australia, are currently dominated by SUVs and pickups, with sliding sales of conventional hatchbacks and sedans leading to their disappearance from showrooms. The rise in popularity of SUVs saw them overtake passenger car sales in Europe in 2015, with SUVs doing the same in Australia in February 2017 – and remaining ahead ever since. In Australia, 56.9 per cent of all new vehicle sales last year were SUVs, led by the Toyota RAV4, while traditional passenger cars made up 17.1 per cent. Sales figures from JATO reveal SUVs made up a similar 54 per cent of all vehicle sales in Europe in 2024 as hatchbacks and sedans dropped further behind with declines in the Fiesta's B-segment, Focus' C-segment and Mondeo's D-segment. While the Ford Fiesta was the brand's best-selling car in Europe – and a key model in the brand's navigation of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis – the Puma crossover SUV has since taken over the mantle. The Puma – sold in Australia between 2020 and 2024 – was the UK's number one seller in 2024 ahead of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai SUVs. In Australia, the Ford Ranger ute has been at the top of the sales charts – knocking off the Toyota HiLux – for the past two years, with its Everest SUV spin-off accounting for around 90 per cent of the brand's total sales. Its third-best seller is the Ford Mustang – a two-door sports coupe and convertible – which has been the only passenger car offering in Australian dealers since 2022. That's when Ford Australia dropped both the Fiesta small hatch/sedan and Volkswagen Golf-sized Focus, following the Toyota Camry-rivalling Mondeo's 2019 axing. All three suffered dwindling sales as their segments declined, market conditions which also saw the end of once-popular models like the Mazda 6. Globally, production of the European Mondeo ended in 2022, while the last Fiesta was manufactured in 2023 – despite its lengthy stay atop UK sales charts to hold the record as the country's all-time highest-selling nameplate. Ford pulled the plug on its Galaxy and S-Max people movers in 2022 as well. The final Focus – after more than 12 million produced – is scheduled to roll off the production line this November. The Blue Oval has introduced fresh product in Europe in the Capri and Explorer electric SUVs as it has shifted its focus to more profitable SUVs and electric vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles. However, these Volkswagen-based models haven't proved to be huge sellers, and Ford's European sales have continued to decline. Ford has only a handful of passenger cars left globally. There's the iconic Mustang, while in China there's another generation of Mondeo – exported to the Middle East as the Taurus – plus a higher-riding Mondeo Sport companion. The Mondeo/Taurus and Mondeo Sport come out of Ford's joint venture with Chinese automaker Changan. MORE: Ford Ranger, Everest lead Blue Oval's best result in 16 years MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from: Ford is set to re-introduce passenger cars to its European lineup, with the company reportedly telling its dealers it has new one in the works. According to Automotive News Europe, a directive from Ford CEO Jim Farley has been issued to develop passenger cars – distinct from SUVs – at Ford of Europe. Ford of Europe was previously the centre for the brand's key passenger cars, most recently including the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo that were all offered in Australia. Dealers were reportedly told the news during a conference call with Christoph Herr, chief of Ford's German-speaking markets. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The automaker didn't make any official comment when asked about the plan by Automotive News Europe. The motive for the decision – which may include an entry-level price-leading product – hasn't been revealed. It also comes despite SUVs continuing to outsell hatchbacks and sedans in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Ford's showrooms globally, including Australia, are currently dominated by SUVs and pickups, with sliding sales of conventional hatchbacks and sedans leading to their disappearance from showrooms. The rise in popularity of SUVs saw them overtake passenger car sales in Europe in 2015, with SUVs doing the same in Australia in February 2017 – and remaining ahead ever since. In Australia, 56.9 per cent of all new vehicle sales last year were SUVs, led by the Toyota RAV4, while traditional passenger cars made up 17.1 per cent. Sales figures from JATO reveal SUVs made up a similar 54 per cent of all vehicle sales in Europe in 2024 as hatchbacks and sedans dropped further behind with declines in the Fiesta's B-segment, Focus' C-segment and Mondeo's D-segment. While the Ford Fiesta was the brand's best-selling car in Europe – and a key model in the brand's navigation of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis – the Puma crossover SUV has since taken over the mantle. The Puma – sold in Australia between 2020 and 2024 – was the UK's number one seller in 2024 ahead of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai SUVs. In Australia, the Ford Ranger ute has been at the top of the sales charts – knocking off the Toyota HiLux – for the past two years, with its Everest SUV spin-off accounting for around 90 per cent of the brand's total sales. Its third-best seller is the Ford Mustang – a two-door sports coupe and convertible – which has been the only passenger car offering in Australian dealers since 2022. That's when Ford Australia dropped both the Fiesta small hatch/sedan and Volkswagen Golf-sized Focus, following the Toyota Camry-rivalling Mondeo's 2019 axing. All three suffered dwindling sales as their segments declined, market conditions which also saw the end of once-popular models like the Mazda 6. Globally, production of the European Mondeo ended in 2022, while the last Fiesta was manufactured in 2023 – despite its lengthy stay atop UK sales charts to hold the record as the country's all-time highest-selling nameplate. Ford pulled the plug on its Galaxy and S-Max people movers in 2022 as well. The final Focus – after more than 12 million produced – is scheduled to roll off the production line this November. The Blue Oval has introduced fresh product in Europe in the Capri and Explorer electric SUVs as it has shifted its focus to more profitable SUVs and electric vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles. However, these Volkswagen-based models haven't proved to be huge sellers, and Ford's European sales have continued to decline. Ford has only a handful of passenger cars left globally. There's the iconic Mustang, while in China there's another generation of Mondeo – exported to the Middle East as the Taurus – plus a higher-riding Mondeo Sport companion. The Mondeo/Taurus and Mondeo Sport come out of Ford's joint venture with Chinese automaker Changan. MORE: Ford Ranger, Everest lead Blue Oval's best result in 16 years MORE: Everything Ford Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
7 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
New Ford passenger cars on the way: could Fiesta and Focus return?
Ford is set to re-introduce passenger cars to its European lineup, with the company reportedly telling its dealers it has new one in the works. According to Automotive News Europe, a directive from Ford CEO Jim Farley has been issued to develop passenger cars – distinct from SUVs – at Ford of Europe. Ford of Europe was previously the centre for the brand's key passenger cars, most recently including the Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo that were all offered in Australia. Dealers were reportedly told the news during a conference call with Christoph Herr, chief of Ford's German-speaking markets. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The automaker didn't make any official comment when asked about the plan by Automotive News Europe. The motive for the decision – which may include an entry-level price-leading product – hasn't been revealed. It also comes despite SUVs continuing to outsell hatchbacks and sedans in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia. Ford's showrooms globally, including Australia, are currently dominated by SUVs and pickups, with sliding sales of conventional hatchbacks and sedans leading to their disappearance from showrooms. The rise in popularity of SUVs saw them overtake passenger car sales in Europe in 2015, with SUVs doing the same in Australia in February 2017 – and remaining ahead ever since. In Australia, 56.9 per cent of all new vehicle sales last year were SUVs, led by the Toyota RAV4, while traditional passenger cars made up 17.1 per cent. Sales figures from JATO reveal SUVs made up a similar 54 per cent of all vehicle sales in Europe in 2024 as hatchbacks and sedans dropped further behind with declines in the Fiesta's B-segment, Focus' C-segment and Mondeo's D-segment. While the Ford Fiesta was the brand's best-selling car in Europe – and a key model in the brand's navigation of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis – the Puma crossover SUV has since taken over the mantle. The Puma – sold in Australia between 2020 and 2024 – was the UK's number one seller in 2024 ahead of the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai SUVs. In Australia, the Ford Ranger ute has been at the top of the sales charts – knocking off the Toyota HiLux – for the past two years, with its Everest SUV spin-off accounting for around 90 per cent of the brand's total sales. Its third-best seller is the Ford Mustang – a two-door sports coupe and convertible – which has been the only passenger car offering in Australian dealers since 2022. That's when Ford Australia dropped both the Fiesta small hatch/sedan and Volkswagen Golf -sized Focus, following the Toyota Camry -rivalling Mondeo's 2019 axing. All three suffered dwindling sales as their segments declined, market conditions which also saw the end of once-popular models like the Mazda 6. Globally, production of the European Mondeo ended in 2022, while the last Fiesta was manufactured in 2023 – despite its lengthy stay atop UK sales charts to hold the record as the country's all-time highest-selling nameplate. Ford pulled the plug on its Galaxy and S-Max people movers in 2022 as well. The final Focus – after more than 12 million produced – is scheduled to roll off the production line this November. The Blue Oval has introduced fresh product in Europe in the Capri and Explorer electric SUVs as it has shifted its focus to more profitable SUVs and electric vehicles, as well as commercial vehicles. However, these Volkswagen-based models haven't proved to be huge sellers, and Ford's European sales have continued to decline. Ford has only a handful of passenger cars left globally. There's the iconic Mustang, while in China there's another generation of Mondeo – exported to the Middle East as the Taurus – plus a higher-riding Mondeo Sport companion. The Mondeo/Taurus and Mondeo Sport come out of Ford's joint venture with Chinese automaker Changan.
