Latest news with #MikeLevine
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This Unassuming Crossover Is Threatening To Upend Ford's F-150 Sales Record
We all love a story about giant-slayers. Underdogs rolling up to challenge entrenched businesses or corporate bigwigs, only to end up winning the day. That's the plot of approximately 92% of '80s movies. So, to find out that the long-running, all-conquering, dominant Ford F-150 pickup truck might no longer be at the top of the vehicle sales ladder, but could get displaced by some young upstart, feels like either the climactic plot point of a John Hughes film about plucky misfit car builders beating the Big Three or deeply un-American, depending on your viewpoint. Let's not keep you waiting any longer. The vehicle we're talking about is the Tesla Cybertruck. Ha, no, sorry, can't keep a straight face! The Ford F-150 Lightning alone outsells the Cybertruck. The sales-threatening crossover in question is actually the Toyota RAV4. Yes, the Japanese SUVlet that was advertised in America in the late '90s with a TV commercial featuring the undisputed banger "What Do I Get?" by English punk legends Buzzcocks. Here's the thing, though. JATO Dynamics (an automotive analytics firm and not a "Jet Assisted Take-Off" specialist) reports that Ford sold 460,915 F-150s in 2024, while the RAV4 sold 475,193. But that sales reporting doesn't account for the F-250 through F-600 models, while Ford itself counts those F-series models as branches of a single tree. Mike Levine, Ford's North America product communications director, told Road and Track, "All Ford F-Series trucks, from F-150 to F-600, share a common cab architecture from the A-pillar to the C-pillar." Count Ford's F-Series the way Ford does, and you're looking at over 732,000 sold in 2024 instead. Add in Ford heavy trucks, such as the F-650 and F-750, and that count goes even higher. Read more: Ford Faces Yet Another Massive Safety Probe As Feds Investigate 1.3 Million Faulty F-150s Digging Into The Real Sales Figures For an even fairer comparison, let's add in the Ford Maverick and Ranger, which act like more affordable and efficient mini-F-Series (and aren't far from the size of older F-150s anyway). The cheapest F-150 today costs $8,000 more than it did in 2021, when it could be had for under $30,000. Meanwhile, 2024 Mavericks have suggested prices starting around $24,000, and the 2024 Ranger started at just under $33,000. Really, these trucks have slotted in nicely as mini F-series, and they certainly have the capability to be thought of as such. Yes, 2024 F-150 sales dropped 5% from 2023, but Mavericks and Rangers went from 126,392 sold in the U.S. in 2023 to 177,347 in 2024. Even the F-Series as a whole increased sales, climbing from 726,624 in 2023 to 732,139 in 2024. Combine the sales of the 2024 Maverick, Ranger, and F-series, and you get 909,486 trucks. Add in the heavy trucks (F-650 and F-750), and you get 923,157. The other consideration is that the 2024 RAV4 base suggested price was about $30,000. Inflation has had unpleasant effects on the U.S. economy as of late, and "stagflation," where inflation outpaces job growth, is a real concern. So, looking through a microscope at only the cheaper RAV4 and pricier F-150 is kind of an apples-to-filet-mignon comparison. You're saying the less costly, but still quite utility-forward vehicle, improved in sales when the economy is hurting? What a surprise. RAV4s Sold Great, But There's More To Ford's Pickup Lineup Than The F-150 Combining the sales of Toyota's SUVs and crossovers in 2024, including the RAV4, bZ4X, Highlander, Grand Highlander, Corolla Cross, 4Runner, Venza, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser, yields 927,611 sold. In other words, Ford's truck lineup alone rivals the sales of the full SUV/crossover lineup from Toyota in 2024, including leftovers such as the discontinued Venza, which contributed about 32,000 vehicles on its way out the door. It's almost like the F-Series' utility is still necessary in many situations. So is this "sales upset" a victory for the RAV4? Does it prove some larger point about a shift from large trucks to more eco-friendly crossovers? Not really, and by laser focusing on the F-150 and RAV4, a rather incomplete picture has been painted. RAV4s sell well, no doubt about it, and the 2026 hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 with its 320-hp PHEV Sport Version is something to look forward to. But Ford's F-Series is still about 250,000 ahead in yearly sales, and that's a lot of ground to cover for a single model. Ford's throne is certainly safe for the moment, as evidenced by the fact that in 2025 so far, the RAV4 has moved 239,451 vehicles to the F-Series' 412,858. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford to recall 687,000 SUVs in U.S. for possible engine fires, will cost it $570 million
Ford Motor Co., which leads all automakers in the number of recalls it has issued this year, put out a new recall this week and said the company will take a $570 million charge to its second-quarter earnings because of it. The Dearborn-based automaker is recalling 694,271 SUVs in the United States and its territories due to a problem with fuel leaks that could heighten the risk of the vehicle catching on fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a July 14 filing, following a yearlong investigation. In the United States alone, the recall affects about 687,000 vehicles, Ford spokesman Mike Levine said. In the United States, the recall covers certain 2021–24 model year Bronco Sport and 2020–22 model year Escape SUVs with 1.5-liter engines. The NHTSA estimates that 0.3% of recalled vehicles may have the defect. According to the NHTSA filing, fuel injectors in the impacted vehicles may crack, causing fuel to leak into the engine compartment and possibly ignite. It said vehicle occupants may notice a strong fuel smell inside or outside the vehicle, instrument panel warnings, smoke, or visible flames. Levine said the automaker is not aware of any injuries related to this issue. He added that about 858,000 2021-24 Bronco Sport, 2020-22 Escape and 2019-24 Kuga vehicles globally, that includes the United States and its territories, are part of the recall. Ford's struggle with quality Ford primarily builds its Escape at its Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky. It builds the Bronco Sport in its plant in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. This is Ford's 88th vehicle recall filed with the NHTSA since January of this year, topping all other automakers in the number of recalls filed. Ford has struggled with its quality for the past several years, in fact, it has been near the top or led in recall filings since 2020, according to NHTSA data. When Jim Farley was appointed as Ford CEO in October 2020, he listed fixing quality and lowering warranty costs as a top priority. So far, he has paid for not achieving it. His compensation fell by $1.6 million to $24.9 million in 2024 compared with 2023 because he failed to hit company-set quality improvement targets. Meanwhile, in November 2024, Ford agreed to pay the second highest civil penality in the NHTSA history as part of a three-year consent order. The fine is up to $165 million, topped only by the Takata air bag consent order. A NHTSA investigation that started in 2021 found that Ford did not recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner. It also said Ford failed to give accurate and complete recall information in line with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act requirements. Some safety advocates say the consent order, which requires Ford to meet various safety mandates, is partly driving the number of Ford recalls higher in recent months. The NHTSA can impose civil penalties for violation of federal safety laws — Volvo, for example, agreed in 2023 to pay $65 million for problems related to recalls. But such large fines against carmakers have been generally rare. In a government filing on July 16, Ford said of the latest recall: "We estimate the aggregate cost of the action, based on the remedy options we are evaluating, to be about $570 million and will be reflected in our second quarter 2025 results." Ford is expected to report its second-quarter earnings after the market closes on July 30. Many analysts expect Ford to report earnings lower than the year-ago period. Dan Ives, managing director and senior equities analyst at Wedbush Securities called the July 16 recall, "another headwind for Ford and speaks to the constant challenges ahead." Ford said in its government filing, "Consistent with our corporate policy, which considers the magnitude of individual field service actions, the expense will be treated as a special item. Accordingly, it will not impact our total Company adjusted (earnings before interest and taxes), adjusted earnings per share, or adjusted free cash flow." More: Ford's latest sale may be just the start in a summer of car-buying deals, experts say Eight vehicles had underhood fires This recall expands on previous recalls from 2022 and 2024, which affected about 42,000 vehicles at the time. The recall provided software updates but did not replace the potentially faulty injectors, according to a Reuters report. The report said an internal committee had recommended a software update and a drain tube to redirect fuel away from ignition sources. But in 2024, the NHTSA opened a recall query to study Ford's solution and found that the proposed remedy did not fix the root cause of the problem. "After reassessment, Ford reported this month that it found cracked fuel injectors in eight vehicles that experienced underhood fires, despite having undergone repairs," according to Reuters. "Six of these vehicles did not have the updated engine software the company previously recommended." According to NHTSA's report, Italy-based Dumarey Flowmotion Technologies supplied the fuel injectors in the 687,000 vehicles being recalled. In a statement to the Detroit Free Press, Ford's Levine said the automaker is not aware of any injuries from "underhood fires related to cracked fuel injectors." He confirmed that Ford had two earlier recalls for similar issues and this new recall supersedes the prior recalls. "This safety recall ... will include a new remedy for this issue, which is currently under development and expects to be finalized in the near future," Levine told the Free Press. "The recall includes an interim software update, which will help detect cracked injectors and mitigate fire risk." More: Used cars under $20K have almost vanished from the market: Here's what's behind the surge He said the automaker is recalling an additional number of vehicles produced with these injectors that were not previously recalled, Levine said. That's because those are the vehicles that might result in a leak that produces the fuel smell and cause "drivability symptoms, instrument cluster warnings, or smoke and flames emanating from the engine compartment or underbody." The NHTSA filing said dealers will update the engine control software free of charge until a mechanical repair is determined. Letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed Aug. 18 and second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. In the meantime, vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332 and provide Ford recall number 25S76 for more information. (This story has been updated to include new information.) Jamie L. LaReau is the senior autos writer who covers Ford Motor Co. for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Jamie at jlareau@ Follow her on Twitter @jlareauan. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford recalls SUVs for possible engine fires, will cost $570 million
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford recalls more than 850,000 vehicles in U.S. over fuel pump defect
Ford Motor is recalling 850,318 vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential low-pressure fuel pump failure, which could cause an engine stall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said July 10. A faulty fuel pump can reduce fuel flow from the tank to the engine, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash, NHTSA said. Ford spokesman Mike Levine said: 'This recall is for certain 2021-2023 model year Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Ford F-150, Ford Mustang, Ford Bronco, Ford F-Series Super Duty, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition.' NHTSA estimates that 10% of the potentially affected vehicles have the defect. The auto safety authority received six consumer complaints alleging loss of power due to pump failure. Before a fuel pump fails, drivers may notice poor engine performance, including misfiring, rough running, reduced power, or a check engine light, NHTSA said in a notice to dealers. More: Ford recalls more than 300,000 Mach-E EVs warning it could lock out occupants Failures are more likely when fuel levels are low or in hot weather, it added. Ford is still developing a remedy. (Detroit Free Press senior auto writer Jamie L. LaReau contributed to this report.) This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford recalls more than 850,000 vehicles in U.S. over fuel pump defect Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ford recalls more than 850,000 vehicles in U.S. over fuel pump defect
Ford Motor is recalling 850,318 vehicles in the U.S. due to a potential low-pressure fuel pump failure, which could cause an engine stall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said July 10. A faulty fuel pump can reduce fuel flow from the tank to the engine, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash, NHTSA said. Ford spokesman Mike Levine said: 'This recall is for certain 2021-2023 model year Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, Ford F-150, Ford Mustang, Ford Bronco, Ford F-Series Super Duty, Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition.' NHTSA estimates that 10% of the potentially affected vehicles have the defect. The auto safety authority received six consumer complaints alleging loss of power due to pump failure. Before a fuel pump fails, drivers may notice poor engine performance, including misfiring, rough running, reduced power, or a check engine light, NHTSA said in a notice to dealers. More: Ford recalls more than 300,000 Mach-E EVs warning it could lock out occupants Failures are more likely when fuel levels are low or in hot weather, it added. Ford is still developing a remedy. (Detroit Free Press senior auto writer Jamie L. LaReau contributed to this report.) This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ford recalls more than 850,000 vehicles in U.S. over fuel pump defect Sign in to access your portfolio
Boston Globe
10-07-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
‘Keep seeking care. Take your meds.' With Trump's budget now law, Mass. officials prepare for major Medicaid cuts
'This is more about, frankly, Congress putting administrative burdens between people and their health care,' said Mike Levine, assistant secretary for MassHealth, the state's Medicaid administrator. But, 'we have a really good playbook for getting over those hurdles.' Advertisement The new law is projected to increase the number of uninsured in the country by Advertisement To keep coverage, most able-bodied adults between 19 and 64 years old without dependent children will eventually have to document they are either working, in school, or volunteering at least 80 hours a month. That provision is intended to weed out people shirking employment. In reality, the vast majority of the millions of able-bodied adults on Medicaid are either working, attending school, or have other limiting conditions, according to the The The law also scales back the state's ability to generate revenue for Medicaid through assessments on health care providers. State officials have not yet calculated the full cost of those limitations but said such assessments generated $2.4 billion in fiscal year 2025. In Massachusetts, those at risk of losing coverage include about 200,000 people on Medicaid and another 100,000 who buy insurance through the Massachusetts Health Connector, the health insurance marketplace set up under the Affordable Care Act. The new law raises premiums, increases paperwork, and requires consumers to do more to maintain their coverage, the health policy analysis organization Advertisement 'It doesn't make those individuals ineligible for coverage writ large, but it takes away the primary subsidy that makes the coverage affordable,' said Audrey Gasteier, executive director of the Massachusetts connector. Massachusetts Health Connector Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier. Leah Willingham/Associated Press MassHealth hopes to conduct extensive background checks on many Medicaid enrollees to prove their eligibility without having to directly request information, Levine said. That will include reviewing Department of Revenue records to confirm employment or past claims for references to exempting conditions. Those whom the state cannot confirm on its own will be notified their coverage is at risk and will need to prove their eligibility. But MassHealth's previous experience with mass mailings suggests many will slip through the cracks. So the agency expects to conduct an outreach effort similar one after the pandemic that could include door-to-door canvassing and partnering with community organizations. Massachusetts has some time, Levine emphasized. Most of the new Medicaid requirements won't begin to take effect until after the 2026 midterm elections. 'Keep seeking care,' Levine advised the roughly 2 million MassHealth enrollees. 'Take your meds. You don't need to hoard them. You are not losing coverage tomorrow.' Amy Rosenthal, executive director of the Boston nonprofit Health Care for All that helped coordinate the previous outreach, said similar efforts could help many keep their coverage. The organization hopes to be involved in the coming effort. 'Some of these red-tape barriers are ones that Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to help people overcome,' said Rosenthal. New requirements, though, will be be costly for states that will have to update software and add staff, Adrianna McIntyre, assistant professor of health policy and politics at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said at a Harvard-hosted media briefing Tuesday. Advertisement 'There is more opportunity for people to fall through the cracks,' she said. 'When things can't be done on an automated basis, you need case workers.' The state of Georgia implemented a work requirement as part of a Medicaid expansion that cost $92 million, much of it for tech upgrades, according to the The Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association said Monday the new law will have 'staggering implications' for health care and would lead to 'millions of uninsured people seeking care at underfunded hospitals.' The hospital association said the state's Health Safety Net fund, which helps cover medical care for uninsured patients, will have a shortfall of $290 million in fiscal 2026, $10 million more than the year before. The association is lobbying state officials to funnel more money into the fund, arguing the current number of uninsured and underinsured people in Massachusetts is already straining resources, 'never mind another 300,000 or more people without coverage.' Dr. Michael VanRooyen, chair of the emergency departments at Mass General Brigham's 10 hospitals, said he is worried patients who lose insurance will put off routine care until they have health crises. Then they will end up in already crowded emergency rooms. 'We can expect that some people will lose coverage or have lapses in coverage,' said VanRooyen, who is also a professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School. 'When that happens, emergency departments become the safety net.' A high number of patients who end up in emergency rooms don't speak English, VanRooyen said. Many are already afraid to seek treatment because of the Trump administration's efforts to deport undocumented immigrants. Some need treatment for mental illness or substance abuse. Advertisement Meanwhile, the increased strain will be accompanied by a loss of important revenue MassHealth relies on to support Medicaid: taxes on health care providers. The new law limits taxes on providers to 3.5 percent, far less than what Massachusetts now imposes. Levine said the state doesn't have enough information yet to determine how hard Massachusetts will be hit financially. He acknowledged the state will likely be forced to cut access to some services, though it was too soon to say what would be affected. 'The math is pretty straightforward,' Levine said. 'You need to take a hard look at what we do with the dollars we have available to us.' Jason Laughlin can be reached at
