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Tag: Ford

  • Ford Hires Former Argo Staff for Automated Driving Company

    Ford Hires Former Argo Staff for Automated Driving Company

    Ford is doubling down on automated driving research, hiring 550 former Argo AI staff to form a new company.

    Argo AI was an automated driving startup that shut down after Ford and Volkswagen stopped backing it. While Ford may have pulled its investments in Argo, it appears the company recognized Argo’s engineering talent, hiring 550 of its former employees for its new Latitude AI subsidiary. In fact, according to a company statement, it appears Latitude’s entire workforce is made up of former Argo employees:

    Establishing Latitude supports Ford’s strategic shift last year to focus on automated driving technologies for personally owned vehicles. Ford hired about 550 employees formerly of Argo AI across machine learning and robotics, cloud platforms, mapping, sensors and compute systems, test operations, systems and safety engineering. The Latitude team has applied much of their experience in automated driving, including software development tools and infrastructure, in the pivot to work on advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).

    Ford hopes to build on the success of its BlueCruise technology, which recently took Consumer Reports’ top spot among automated driving systems.

    “We see automated driving technology as an opportunity to redefine the relationship between people and their vehicles,” said Doug Field, chief advanced product development and technology officer, Ford Motor Company. “Customers using BlueCruise are already experiencing the benefits of hands-off driving. The deep experience and talent in our Latitude team will help us accelerate the development of all-new automated driving technology – with the goal of not only making travel safer, less stressful and more enjoyable, but ultimately over time giving our customers some of their day back.”

    We believe automated driving technology will help improve safety while unlocking all-new customer experiences that reduce stress and in the future will help free up a driver’s time to focus on what they choose,” said Sammy Omari, executive director, ADAS Technologies at Ford and Latitude CEO. “The expertise of the Latitude team will further complement and enhance Ford’s in-house global ADAS team in developing future driver assist technologies, ultimately delivering on the many benefits of automation.”

  • Ford Is Working on Self-Driving Repos

    Ford Is Working on Self-Driving Repos

    Ford has a novel idea for self-driving tech, with plans to use the it to automatically repossess cars from owners that default on their payments.

    Ford originally filed for a patent in 2021 describing a system that would enable a vehicle to repossess itself. The patent, which was just rewarded last week, would allow a lender to ramp up repossession efforts, from sending notifications to limiting the vehicle’s movements to a specific geofenced area.

    In the final state of the process, when the repossession involves an autonomous vehicle, the vehicle’s computers can drive the vehicle back to the lender or repo agency.

    In some other cases, the vehicle can be an autonomous vehicle and the repossession system computer may cooperate with the vehicle computer to autonomously move the vehicle from the premises of the owner to a location such as, for example, the premises of the repossession agency, the premises of the lending institution, an impound pound, or any other pre-designated location. The address of such locations may be previously stored in a database of the repossession system computer.

    Ford’s approach is certainly an interesting use of self-driving tech, and one that will probably make more than a few customers uncomfortable.

  • Ford Pauses F-150 Lightning Shipments Over Battery Concerns

    Ford Pauses F-150 Lightning Shipments Over Battery Concerns

    Ford has paused production and shipment of the all-electric F-150 Lightning over undisclosed battery concerns.

    Ford is working hard to become the top US electric vehicle maker, with the F-150 Lightning being a critical part of that strategy. According to TechCrunch, however, the company has some concerns regarding the batteries currently being used.

    While Ford did not disclose what the specific concerns are, they were evidently serious enough for the company to take such a drastic step. Interestingly, dealers that have Lightning inventory can continue selling the EVs since there has been no incidents in the field.

  • Ford Announces $3.5B LFP Battery Plant in Michigan

    Ford Announces $3.5B LFP Battery Plant in Michigan

    Ford unveiled plans to build a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in Michigan, a $3.5 billion investment that will create 2,500 new jobs.

    LFP is a new battery chemistry for the automaker, one that offers a number of advantages over traditional nickel cobalt manganese (NCM). LFP batteries are more durable, can be charged faster, and use less high-demand materials in their construction.

    Ford’s new Michigan-based plant, BlueOval Battery Park Michigan, will create both NCM and LFP batteries, initially employing 2,500 workers. The company will be able to ramp up beyond that initial number as demand increases.

    “We are committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution in America, and that means investing in the technology and jobs that will keep us on the cutting edge of this global transformation in our industry,” said Bill Ford, Ford executive chair. “I am also proud that we chose our home state of Michigan for this critical battery production hub.”

    Initial production at the new plant is slated for 2026, but the company plans to incorporate LFP batteries in the Mustang Mach-E as soon as this year, and in the F-150 Lightning in 2024.

    “Ford’s electric vehicle lineup has generated huge demand. To get as many Ford EVs to customers as possible, we’re the first automaker to commit to build both NCM and LFP batteries in the United States,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We’re delivering on our commitments as we scale LFP and NCM batteries and thousands, and soon millions, of customers will begin to reap the benefits of Ford EVs with cutting-edge, durable battery technologies that are growing more affordable over time.”

    News of the investment was welcomed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer:

    “Ford’s $3.5 billion investment creating 2,500 good-paying jobs in Marshall building electric vehicle batteries will build on Michigan’s economic momentum,” said Governor Whitmer. “Today’s generational investment by an American icon will uplift local families, small businesses, and the entire community and help our state continue leading the future of mobility and electrification. Let’s continue bringing the supply chain of electric vehicles, chips, and batteries home while creating thousands of good-paying jobs and revitalizing every region of our state. Since I took office, we’ve secured over 30,000 auto jobs and landed multiple electric vehicle and chip-making factories. We’re on the move, so let’s keep our foot on the accelerator.”

  • Ford Is Dropping Mustang Mach-E Prices Across the Board

    Ford Is Dropping Mustang Mach-E Prices Across the Board

    Ford is cutting prices across the board for the Mustang Mach-E in an effort to remain competitive following similar price cuts from Tesla.

    The Mustang Mach-E has emerged as one of Tesla’s main competitors, even topping Tesla in Consumer Reports rankings. In mid-January, Tesla announced major price cuts across its lineup, and Ford is now following suit.

    “We are not going to cede ground to anyone. We are producing more EVs to reduce customer wait times, offering competitive pricing and working to create an ownership experience that is second to none,” said Marin Gjaja, Chief Customer Officer, Ford Model e. “Our customers are at the center of everything we do – as we continue to build thrilling and exciting electric vehicles, we will continue to push the boundaries to make EVs more accessible for everybody.”

    The price drops are fairly substantial, with GT Extended Range models seeing as much as a $5,900 reduction.

    Ford Mustang Mach-E Price Drop – Credit Ford

    Customers who purchased after January 1, 2023, or those still awaiting delivery, will automatically receive the adjusted price.

    “Part of our mission at Ford is to treat customers like family,” said Gjaja. “We want our customers to know they made the right decision by choosing a Mustang Mach-E, and we’ll continue to play a proactive role in doing the right thing for those joining the Ford family.”

    Ford is clearly going all out in its efforts to take the EV crown from Tesla, and these price reductions will certainly help.

  • Ford’s BlueCruise Beats Tesla’s Autopilot—By a Wide Margin

    Ford’s BlueCruise Beats Tesla’s Autopilot—By a Wide Margin

    Consumer Reports has ranked the top automated driving systems, and Ford has come out on top, beating Tesla by a wide margin.

    Tesla is often in the news for its automated driving tech, and not always for the right reasons. To see which manufacturer is currently winning the battle for the best automated driving suite, CR tested options from Tesla, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Volkswagen, Rivian, Nissan, Honda, Volvo, and Hyundai.

    Overall, Ford BlueCruise/Lincoln Active Glide came out as the clear winner by a significant margin. CR rated the system across five categories, with Ford scoring the following:

    • Capabilities and Performance: 9/10
    • Keeping Driver Engaged: 9/10
    • Ease of Use: 6/10
    • Clear When Safe to Use: 9/10
    • Unresponsive Driver: 6/10

    Interestingly, while BMW, Tesla, and Toyota matched Ford in the Capabilities and Performance category, only Mercedes-Benz scored a 10/10.

    Overall, however, Ford’s scores across the board were higher, giving BlueCruise a total score of 84.

    “Systems like BlueCruise are an important advancement that can help make driving easier and less stressful,” says Jake Fisher, CR’s senior director of auto testing.

    “But they don’t make a car self-driving at all,” Fisher says. “Instead, they create a new way of collaboratively driving with the computers in your car. When automakers do it the right way, it can make driving safer and more convenient. When they do it the wrong way, it can be dangerous.”

    In contrast, Tesla came seventh place with a score of only 61, which Fisher attributes to the EV maker not evolving their software to keep up with advances in technology.

    “After all this time, Autopilot still doesn’t allow collaborative steering and doesn’t have an effective driver monitoring system,” Fisher adds. “While other automakers have evolved their ACC and LCA systems, Tesla has simply fallen behind.”

  • Ford Is Now the Second-Largest EV Maker

    Ford Is Now the Second-Largest EV Maker

    Ford has moved into second place among electric vehicle (EV) makers, passing Hyundai to take its place behind Tesla.

    Ford has been transitioning to EVs like many automakers in the industry. The company has been aggressively restructuring, laying off thousands to better focus on EV development.

    According to CNBC, Ford’s efforts seem to be paying off with the company selling 53,752 all-electric vehicles in the US through November. This gives the company a 7.4% share of the market, up from 5.7% the previous year.

    While Ford’s move into the second spot is impressive, it’s still a far cry from Tesla, which sold 908,000 EVs worldwide through the third quarter. Nonetheless, the news is promising for Ford and illustrates the challenges Tesla will have maintaining its lead going forward.

  • Websites Are Shunning the Facebook Button Over Privacy

    Websites Are Shunning the Facebook Button Over Privacy

    Once almost ubiquitous across the internet, websites are increasingly shunning the Facebook button over privacy concerns.

    Facebook’s button used to appear on websites large and small, providing a fast and easy way for people to log in to a site using their Facebook credentials. As consumers have grown more concerned with protecting their privacy, social media login buttons are a growing casualty.

    “We really just looked at how many people were choosing to use their social media identity to sign in, and that just has shifted over time,” Jen Felch, Dell’s chief digital and chief information officer, told CNBC. “One thing that we see across the industry is more and more security risks or account takeovers, whether that’s Instagram or Facebook or whatever it might be, and I just think we’re observing people making a decision to isolate that social media account versus having other connections to it.”

    Dell isn’t alone in removing the Facebook button. Best Buy, Ford, Match, Nike, Patagonia, Pottery Barn, and Twitch have all removed the option from their websites.

    The disappearing Facebook button is just the latest evidence that consumers are finally valuing their privacy and interested in taking greater control over it.

  • Ford Plans to Cut 3,000 Jobs

    Ford Plans to Cut 3,000 Jobs

    Ford’s restructuring plans are coming into focus, with the automaker planning to cut 3,000 jobs.

    First reported by Automotive News and confirmed by TechCrunch, Ford is looking to restructure and reduce costs. The move comes as the company is increasingly transitioning to hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), making some skill sets less desirable than they once were.

    “We absolutely have too many people in certain places. No doubt about it. And we have skills that don’t work anymore, and we have jobs that need to change,” CEO Jim Farley said in July 2022, via TechCrunch. “We have lots of new work statements that we’ve never had before. We are literally virtually reshaping our company, like every part of our company. And you know the ICE business, we want to simplify it, we want to make sure the skills we have and the works statements we have are as lean as possible. We know our costs are not competitive at Ford. That’s what I mean by we are not satisfied.”

    Earlier reports had put the number of job cuts as high as 8,000. Those reports indicated the layoffs would largely be in the company’s Ford Blue unit, responsible for internal combustion engine (ICE). In contrast, the company’s Ford Model e unit is dedicated to its EV development.

  • ‘Significant Material Cost Increases’ Lead to Major Electric F-150 Price Hike

    ‘Significant Material Cost Increases’ Lead to Major Electric F-150 Price Hike

    Ford is increasing the price of the F-150 Lightning by up to $8,500 as a result of ‘significant material cost increases.’

    Automakers have been struggling to keep up with demand amid semiconductor shortages and supply chain issues, resulting in unfilled orders, productions delays, and constrained inventory. Those issues are impacting Ford’s production of the all-electric F-150 Lightning, driving up costs across the lineup.

    Ford is adjusting the MSRP on the F-150 Lightning for the first time since it was revealed in May 2021 and has honored MSRP for all customer orders to date. Due to significant material cost increases and other factors, Ford has adjusted MSRP starting with the opening of the next wave of F-150 Lightning orders.

    The company is reassuring users that existing orders will not be be impacted.

    “Current order holders awaiting delivery are not impacted by these price adjustments,” said Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Model e. “We’ve announced pricing ahead of re-opening order banks so our reservation holders can make an informed decision around ordering a Lightning.”

  • Ford May Lay Off 8,000 to Fund EV Development

    Ford May Lay Off 8,000 to Fund EV Development

    Ford may be preparing to lay off 8,000 employees as the automaker pivots to the electric vehicle (EV) market.

    Ford has been working to transition its lineup to hybrid and EVs, with the Mustang Mach-E even toppling Tesla’s Model 3 in Consumer Reports’ ranking. According to Bloomberg, the company is now planning on cutting 8,000 jobs in an effort to help fund its continued EV transition.

    The cuts will primarily be in the Ford Blue unit, the division responsible for internal combustion engine development. There will also be cuts to other salaried positions throughout the company.

    The news is not particularly surprising, with CEO Jim Farley warning the company had too many people.

    “We have too many people,” Farley said in February, at a Wolfe Research auto conference. “This management team firmly believes that our ICE and BEV portfolios are under-earning.”

    Bloomberg reached out to Ford for comment. Although it declined to comment on layoffs, its spokesperson did say the company is continuing to realign to focus on EVs.

    “As part of this, we have laid out clear targets to lower our cost structure to ensure we are lean and fully competitive with the best in the industry,” Chief Communications Officer Mark Truby said in a statement.

  • Ford CEO Says the Company Will Not Spin Off EV Division

    Ford CEO Says the Company Will Not Spin Off EV Division

    Ford CEO Jim Farley has told a group of investors the company has no plans to spin off its EV division.

    Ford is going all-in on EVs, determined to compete with Tesla and other dedicated EV makers. The company’s Mustang Mach-E recently dethroned Tesla’s Model 3 as Consumer Reports’ top EV recommendation.

    While some investors were hoping the company would spin off its EV division, Farley has thrown cold water on that idea, according to TheStreet.

    “We have too many people, we have too much investment, we have too much complexity and we don’t have expertise in transitioning our assets,” Farley said. “(But) we have no plans to spin off our electric business or our ICE business.”

    The company’s stock was down on the revelation, but keeping its EV business in-house may pay dividends in the long run.

  • Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Ford Mustang Mach-E Topples Tesla Model 3 in Consumer Reports Ranking

    Tesla has been knocked off its throne, with Consumer Reports (CR) now recommending the Ford Mustang Mach-E as its top electric vehicle (EV).

    The Tesla Model 3 has been CR’s EV Top Pick for the last two years. The Model 3 was a departure from previous models, being far more affordable, a point which helped it become the top-selling EV in the world.

    Ford has made no secret about setting its sights on Tesla, coming out swinging with the Mustang Mach-E. The EV has now taken the coveted EV Top Pick award.

    “The Mach-E crossover is wrapped in Mustang heritage and executed with the detail associated with a century-old automaker,” writes CR’s Jeff S. Bartlett. “We took instant notice, and so did car buyers. As a result, the Mustang Mach-E effectively bumped Tesla from the 10 Top Picks list this year.”

    That doesn’t mean CR doesn’t recommend the Model 3. In fact, CR praises the vehicle’s range, technology, charging network, and a ride experience that’s closer to sports car than sedan. But the features Ford packed into the Mustang Mach-E helped push it over the edge.

    “But the Mustang Mach-E is also very sporty, plus it’s more practical and easier to live with. The Ford is also quieter and rides better,” continues Bartlett. “Both cars have large infotainment center screens, but the Mach-E’s is far easier to operate and doesn’t require multiple steps to activate routine features, such as using the defroster or adjusting the mirrors, as with the Tesla. Also, the Mach-E has an edge when it comes to reliability, according to first-year results in our Annual Auto Surveys of CR members.”

    One thing is clear: Ford has dealt Tesla a major blow, and will likely continue to make inroads against the original EV maker.

  • Ford and Volvo Partner With Redwood Materials to Recycle EV Batteries

    Ford and Volvo Partner With Redwood Materials to Recycle EV Batteries

    Startup Redwood Materials is partnering with Ford and Volvo in an effort to recycle electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

    As the move to EVs picks up the pace, one of the biggest challenges is manufacturing new EV batteries, as well as recycling and disposal of old ones. Given the amount of rare-Earth metals in EV batteries, efficient recycling can significantly reduce production costs. Multiple companies are working the problem, including other car manufacturers, such as Nissan.

    Redwood Materials is a US-based startup that is the latest to tackle the issue, in partnership with Ford and Volvo. Beginning in California, the companies are establishing “the most comprehensive electric vehicle battery recycling program.” The program will accept all lithium-ion (Li-ion) and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries in California.

    “We will work directly with dealers and dismantlers in California to identify and recover end-of-life packs,” the company says in a statement. “Redwood will then safely package, transport, and recycle these batteries at our facilities in neighboring Northern Nevada, and then return high quality, recycled materials back into domestic cell production. Overtime, as EOL packs scale, we expect these batteries to become valuable assets that will help make EVs more sustainable and affordable.”

    Redwood makes it clear the company welcomes other automakers to join its program and partner with it.

  • Dealers Beware: Ford Will Withhold Inventory From Those That Gauge Customers

    Dealers Beware: Ford Will Withhold Inventory From Those That Gauge Customers

    Ford CEO Jim Farley is laying down the law, warning dealers the company will withhold inventory from those that gouge customers.

    Automakers around the world are struggling with a shortage of semiconductors and components, leading to constrained inventory. Some dealerships have responded by trying to take advantage of the situation, charging customers exorbitant prices.

    The practice hasn’t gone unnoticed by the powers that be at Ford, according to Bloomberg. In fact, Farley is promising such behavior will cost those dealerships.

    “We have very good intelligence of who they are and their future allocation of product will be directly impacted because of that policy,” CEO Jim Farley said Thursday on a conference call with analysts. “We have about 10% of our dealers last year in the supply constrained environment that we’re in charging above MSRP to the best of our knowledge.”

    Any time there is constrained supply, there are always those who would take advantage of people. Hats off to Farley and Ford for cracking down on such behavior.

  • Ford and Salesforce Partner on VIIZR, Small Business SaaS Tool

    Ford and Salesforce Partner on VIIZR, Small Business SaaS Tool

    Ford and Salesforce are partnering on VIIZR, a Software as a Service (SaaS) tool designed for small businesses.

    VIIZR is designed for small businesses, especially those whose workers operate in the field. Electricians, HVAC personnel, plumbers, and the like are ideal candidates, with VIIZR designed to help with scheduling, invoicing, and more.

    The tool is built on Salesforce Field Service, as well as Ford Pro, Ford’s commercial vehicle and service business. The two companies hope to take advantage of the field service management market, estimated to be worth $3 billion annually in the US alone. The market is projected to double in the next six years, potentially making the two companies’ collaboration a major payoff.

    “For more than 100 years, Ford has been the backbone of commercial business,” Ford CEO Jim Farley said. “Salesforce is the global leader in CRM and together, Ford is excited to bring advanced digital tools to the trades to help drive the productivity of their business.”

    “Small business owners are the foundation of our communities, and every day across America plumbers, electricians and landscapers step into their Ford vehicles to build our economy,” said Marc Benioff, chair and co-CEO of Salesforce. “We’re thrilled that our incredible new partnership with Ford will help energize millions of entrepreneurs in the trades with the power of Salesforce so they can deliver for their customers and take their businesses to the next level.”

  • No, Companies Have No Idea When They’ll Return to the Office

    No, Companies Have No Idea When They’ll Return to the Office

    After multiple return-to-office dates, COVID-19 surges and delayed expectations, one thing is clear: Companies have no idea when they’ll return.

    From the moment companies sent employees home to work remotely in the early phases of the pandemic, those same companies have been looking to return to the office, to a sense of “normal.” At every step, however, new COVID variants, spikes in cases and fresh government restrictions have pushed back return-to-office dates around the world.

    According to The New York Times, many companies are giving up altogether on trying to predict when their employees will be coming back. Apple, CNN, Ford and Google are just a few of the companies adopting a wait-and-see approach, and giving up on specific predictions.

    “The only companies being dishonest are the ones giving employees certainty,” Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford professor and advisor to dozens of CEOs told The Times. “As a parent you can hide stuff from your kids, but as a C.E.O. you can’t do that to adult employees who read the news.”

    “Folks have hedged appropriately this time around and they understand that it’s a dialogue with their employees, not a mandate,” Zach Dunn, co-founder of the office space management platform Robin, told The Times. “If that sounds a little kumbaya, maybe. But the reality is, folks are learning that sharing the intention of their return plan is more important than sharing the plan itself.”

    With the omicron variant now sweeping the globe, it’s a safe bet leaving the return-to-office open-ended — or just going all-in on remote work — is likely to be the “new normal” moving forward.

  • Initial Tesla Cybertruck Will Be Four-Motor Variant

    Initial Tesla Cybertruck Will Be Four-Motor Variant

    The highly-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck will initially be produced in a four-motor variant.

    The Cybertruck represents Tesla’s expansion into the pickup truck market. Its futuristic design looks like something from a sci-fi movie, and CEO Elon Musk has touted it’s performance, even pitting it against a Ford F-150.

    In a tweet Friday, Musk said the Cybertruck will initially be produced in a four-motor variant that will provide independent control of each wheel.

  • Ford Building EV Plants in Kentucky and Tennessee, Creating 11,000 Jobs

    Ford Building EV Plants in Kentucky and Tennessee, Creating 11,000 Jobs

    Ford has announced it is investing $11.4 billion to create four plants in Kentucky and Tennessee, bringing 11,000 jobs to the region.

    Like most auto makers, Ford is racing to transition its lineup to electric vehicles. The company is set on leading the industry, building on the success it’s had with the Mach-E.

    As part of its plans, Ford, along with partner SK Innovation, is investing $11.4 billion to build a truck factory in Tennessee, as well as three battery plans, one in Tennessee and two in Kentucky. The investment will create 11,000 new jobs, 6,000 in Tennessee and 5,000 in Kentucky.

    “This is a transformative moment where Ford will lead America’s transition to electric vehicles and usher in a new era of clean, carbon-neutral manufacturing,” said Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford. “With this investment and a spirit of innovation, we can achieve goals once thought mutually exclusive – protect our planet, build great electric vehicles Americans will love and contribute to our nation’s prosperity.”

    “This is our moment – our biggest investment ever – to help build a better future for America,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “We are moving now to deliver breakthrough electric vehicles for the many rather than the few. It’s about creating good jobs that support American families, an ultra-efficient, carbon-neutral manufacturing system, and a growing business that delivers value for communities, dealers and shareholders.”

  • White House Wades In As Chip Crisis Poised to Cost Auto Industry $210 Billion

    White House Wades In As Chip Crisis Poised to Cost Auto Industry $210 Billion

    The White House is discussing the ongoing semiconductor crisis with companies as the auto industry is poised to lose $210 billion in revenue.

    The semiconductor crisis has taken a major toll on the auto industry, with manufacturers around the world being impacted. For example, GM recently announced it would shut down most of its American plants as a result of the shortage, and had previously said it would ship some 2021 trucks without their full complement of chips, leading to 1 MPG less than previous models.

    Companies are taking various measures to ease the shortage. Intel has said it will start producing chips for the auto industry, but warned it would take months before its first chips were produced.

    In the meantime, a report from AlixPartners is warning the crisis will cost auto makers $210 billion in revenue in 2021, exacerbated by a COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia, a main hub for automotive semiconductor manufacturing.

    “Of course, everyone had hoped that the chip crisis would have abated more by now, but unfortunate events such as the COVID-19 lockdowns in Malaysia and continued problems elsewhere have exacerbated things,” said Mark Wakefield, global co-leader of the automotive and industrial practice at AlixPartners. “Also, chips are just one of a multitude of extraordinary disruptions the industry is facing—including everything from resin and steel shortages to labor shortages. There’s no room for error for automakers and suppliers right now; they need to calculate every alternative and make sure they’re undertaking only the best options.”

    At the same time, the White House is engaging with companies in an effort to determine what measures can be taken to ease the crisis. According to TheStreet, executives from Apple, Ford, General Motors, Intel, Microsoft and Samsung were expected to attend a meeting at the White House Thursday to discuss the issues.

    Unfortunately, in the short term, there appears to be no quick fixes or easy answers to the problem.

  • Ford Delays Return to Office Till Next Year, May Require Vaccines

    Ford Delays Return to Office Till Next Year, May Require Vaccines

    Ford is joining the growing list of companies pushing back their return to the office date, telling employees they will not be back till next year.

    A growing number of companies are pushing back their return to the office amid the surge in COVID cases. The Delta variant has pushed cases and hospitalizations to their highest point in months, and have resulted in “breakthrough” cases among vaccinated individuals. As a result, many companies are concerned about bringing people back into enclosed office spaces.

    Ford had already embraced hybrid work for its employees whose jobs are not location-dependent. The company has now told employees they will not have to come back to the office at all until at least early next year, according to Bloomberg.

    “We didn’t feel comfortable bringing them back based on the Covid data we see today,” Kiersten Robinson, Ford’s human resources chief, told Bloomberg in an interview.

    The company is also considering a wider vaccine mandate, beyond just those employees that travel internationally, and is engaging with employees to help inform its decision.

    “We’re collecting feedback from employees around why they would or would not get vaccinated,” Robinson said.