Crain's Staff Michael Martinez Ford reporter Michael Martinez covers Ford for Automotive News. [email protected] 313-446-1644 Mobile Number: 734-652-0718 See All Staff Page Recent Stories Automakers & Suppliers Can car companies ever win on Wall Street? Ford, GM and even Tesla are having little success inspiring confidence among an investment community that's only growing more skeptical as a market downturn looms. Manufacturing F-150s recalled for sudden downshifts Ford says faulty transmissions in 2011-13 pickups may be linked to five accidents. The automaker last week issued a recall for 1.5 million F-150 pickups. Regulation & Safety Ford recalls nearly 1.5 million F-150 pickups for sudden downshifts Faulty transmissions in 2011-13 pickups could be linked to five accidents, the automaker said. Automakers & Suppliers Detroit 3 in heavy-duty brawl The big bucks that businesses spend on heavy-duty pickups have created a heavyweight brawl as the Detroit 3 race to boost their trucks' capabilities and add technology once reserved for luxury brands. Manufacturing Record UAW profit-sharing payouts confront a post-peak market The most lucrative four-year stretch of bonuses for the UAW rank and file could portend contentious talks when the Detroit 3 begin to negotiate a new contract this summer. Manufacturing Ford invests $1 billion in Chicago plants, will add 500 jobs Ford's investment will support the redesigned Explorer, Police Interceptor and Lincoln Aviator crossovers. The plants will be retooled beginning next month for the 2020 model-year vehicles. Regulation & Safety Ford recalls 3,500 Rangers for shifter problem An issue with the vehicle's shifter prompts a recall a month into its high-profile launch. Ford is not aware of any injuries or accidents. View Gallery12 photos Chicago Auto Show Ford Super Duty to pack new engine, more power The 2020 model year pickup truck, on sale this fall, will come with a new 7.3-liter V-8 engine, an updated diesel or the base 6.2-liter V-8, along with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. NADA Show Ford: Dealers get on board for rewards program The points-based rewards system will include complimentary maintenance, and customers who sign up will receive $210 in service credits. NADA Show Toyota's Hollis: Don't let negativity take over Toyota remains bullish on the new vehicle market and promises dealers plenty of new products. NADA Show Lincoln: Standalone stores see sales boost Lincoln continued to make the case for standalone facilities, but some dealers worry about the cost - and the message it's sending to low-volume stores NADA Show Mazda avoids discussion of bonus program The automaker used its annual NADA make meeting to appeal to dealers to renovate their stores and continue to invest in the brand. Sales FORD: Utilities, trucks boost volume 7.1% Ford's U.S. light-vehicle sales rose 7.1 percent in January, driven by gains for the Lincoln brand as well as its pickups and utilities. Manufacturing Ford adding overtime Ranger production as first-month sales hit 1,200 Kumar Galhotra, Ford's president of North America, said more than 300,000 hand-raisers have indicated they'd like to purchase the vehicle. Marketing Ford's Joe Hinrichs makes cameo on CNBC's 'Deal or No Deal' Hinrichs presents a plaque to Ford retiree John West and invites him to lunch with Executive Chairman Bill Ford at the company's headquarters in a promo for the pre-taped episode. Load More
Crain's Staff Michael Martinez Ford reporter Michael Martinez covers Ford for Automotive News. [email protected] 313-446-1644 Mobile Number: 734-652-0718 See All Staff Page