Today’s news covers a lot: Ford drops the EV buy-in for dealers, Data shows the Memorial Day deals worked, the UAW is looking for round two in Alabama, Tesla’s emissions increase, and Toyota declares “no interest” in ditching ICE.
But let’s be real; we have a lot of Memorial Day to unpack, so hit reply and let us know how you spent the holiday.
--
🎵 Beep, beep, beep 🎵
That’s the sound of Ford reversing its plan to restrict EV sales to certified dealers only. Initially, Ford required dealers to invest up to $1.2 million in an EV certification program to sell its electric vehicles, causing significant pushback. After in-person meetings with dealers, Ford plans to open EV sales to its entire U.S. retail network, citing feedback and slowing EV demand.
This move will lower entry barriers for dealers and adapt to the evolving marketplace. Ford's shift reflects broader changes in its EV strategy, including reduced spending and revised production goals.
Edmunds reports that car buyers found better deals this Memorial Day weekend as dealerships faced higher inventories of 2023 vehicles.
“Everybody has a price” is usually a spooky way movie villains say they could get what they want with enough cash. But the same phrase is true for millions of Americans waiting for car prices to dip within their budget.
Like, I would never buy a cowboy hat, but for $1.50, I’d be more tempted than for $150.00.
Why is the UAW seeking a new vote at Mercedes' Alabama plant?
Welllll, the UAW claims Mercedes engaged in unfair labor practices, including firing pro-union employees and conducting anti-union meetings, which they believe prevented a fair vote. The union has petitioned the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for a new election after losing a recent vote.
What is Mercedes' response?
Exactly what you'd imagine. Mercedes denies these allegations and states adherence to NLRB guidelines, noting that 56% of nearly 5,000 workers voted against unionizing. It could be a long week for
The increase is due primarily to a dirtier supply chain, which accounts for nearly 80% of Tesla's carbon footprint. The report emphasizes that drought poses the most prominent immediate threat to Tesla's operations.
Despite the industry's shift towards EVs, Toyota prioritizes ICE vehicles until regulations change. The plan seems to be to produce ICE vehicles until they are banned.
--
There is wisdom to take from a company going all in, backing off a little, backing off a lot, and actually getting more of what they wanted to begin with from doing so.
It’s like trying to climb a tree to gather crab apples, but your backpack full of apple pie is slowing you down… or something.
Let’s all just make good, well-informed choices and let people decide what to buy.