Latest news with #customerDemand
Car and Driver
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Ram 1500 Gets Its Hemi Back, Keeps Its Six-Cylinder Siblings
The 2026 Ram 1500 will once again be available with a 395-hp Hemi V-8. Ram says it resurrected the V-8 due to customer demand, and it will coexist with the base Pentastar V-6 and mightier Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six. The Hemi is a $1200 option on most models; orders are now open, and the half-ton trucks will reach Ram dealers sometime this summer. Ram was left with a lot of unhappy customers after it retired the popular Hemi V-8. It probably didn't help that full-size trucks from Ford and GM still offered engines with eight cylinders. However, Ram says customer demand has made it see the error of its ways, so it's bringing the Hemi out of retirement. The 5.7-liter V-8 returns the same way it left, featuring a 48-volt "eTorque" hybrid system along with 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The Hemi slots between the Pentastar 305-hp 3.6-liter V-6 and the Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six, which makes 420 or 550 horses in standard- or high-output configurations, respectively. Ram Besides the unmistakable growl of a V-8, how will anyone know a Hemi lives under the hood? Just look for the "Symbol of Protest Badge" (pictured above) on the trucks' front fenders. The badge itself has a cool design that features a ram head on the front of an eight-cylinder engine block, but the name is strange and seems contradictory, considering Ram at some point will launch the plug-in hybrid Ramcharger and electric REV. But, hey, the "Protest" badge will certainly be a conversation starter. Ram says the new Hemi-powered pickups are now available to order, and they'll reach dealerships sometime this summer. The V-8 will be a $1200 option on the Tradesman, Express, Warlock, Big Horn/Lone Star, and Laramie; it'll be a no-cost option on the Limited and Longhorn. The V-8 will eventually be available on the off-road-ready Rebel too, but not until later on, and we don't know pricing. Ram Of course, the question some of you are probably asking is whether the V-8's revival will extend to the Ram TRX. So far, nothing has been confirmed. But today's news—combined with a report from earlier this year—makes it seem like an announcement is imminent. Plus, Ram's recent teaser suggests it has more "big things" to announce on June 8. Stay tuned. Eric Stafford Managing Editor, News Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si. Read full bio
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vishay Intertechnology Inc (VSH) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strategic Positioning Amidst ...
Despite positive signals, there is still uncertainty in customer demand visibility beyond the second quarter, with macroeconomic factors potentially affecting future performance. The company is facing challenges from tariffs, with a 170% adder on passives from China, potentially impacting customer costs and supply chain decisions. Gross margin was negatively impacted by lower average selling prices and the inclusion of Legacy Newport products, which dragged down the margin by approximately 200 basis points. Automotive revenue decreased by 2% due to lower average selling prices and the impact of the Chinese New Year holiday. The company is making significant progress in its five-year strategic plan, Vishay 3.0, focusing on capacity expansion and innovation, particularly in silicon carbide technology. Revenue for the first quarter was $715 million, slightly above the midpoint of guidance, indicating strong execution and strategic positioning. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . Story Continues Q & A Highlights Q: Can you provide an update on the distribution strategy and inventory levels? A: Joel Smejkal, President and CEO, explained that there is still work to be done with distribution, as Vishay is working with 17 different business units across various regions. The company is adding SKUs and working with subcontractors to continue expanding its product offerings. Inventory levels have decreased in Europe and the Americas, indicating that Vishay has the right products on the shelf to support POS growth. The company is satisfied with its current inventory position and plans to continue expanding SKUs. Q: How are tariffs impacting Vishay's revenue and gross margins? A: Joel Smejkal noted that tariffs are expected to increase revenue by 1% to 2%. The company has analyzed its exposure and is offering customers alternative manufacturing locations to mitigate long-term impacts. Dave McConnell, CFO, added that the gross margin impact is approximately a 30 basis point decrease due to the pass-through of tariff costs to customers. Q: What is the outlook for the Newport fab and its impact on gross margins? A: Joel Smejkal stated that the Newport fab's utilization was low in Q1 as they transitioned from legacy products to Vishay structures. The company plans to increase volume each quarter, aiming for the fab to be gross margin neutral by the first half of 2026. Dave McConnell mentioned that the current guidance includes a 175 to 200 basis point drag on gross margins from Newport. Q: How is Vishay distinguishing between genuine recovery orders and potential pull-ins from customers? A: Joel Smejkal explained that Vishay is seeing positive trends in smart grid, aerospace and defense, and AI markets, which are less impacted by tariffs. Automotive signals are flat, but there is pent-up demand due to aging vehicles. Industrial programs are improving, and the company is optimistic about real-time order alignment with consumption. Q: Can you provide insights into the AI business and its growth potential? A: Joel Smejkal reported that AI business more than doubled from Q4 to Q1, with significant design wins in AI servers and components like MOSFETs, diodes, and inductors. The company is working closely with CMs and chipset manufacturers to expand its market share, although specific revenue figures were not disclosed. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
