Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor Company is recalling 108,762 vehicles in the U.S. due to potential issues with liftgate hinge covers that may detach, affecting specific Escape models from 2020-2022 and 2025 [1][8] Vehicle Recall Details - The recall includes 6,412 units from the 2025 model year and 102,350 vehicles from 2020-2022, with production periods from December 2, 2024, to April 1, 2025, for the 2025 models, and November 13, 2018, to April 5, 2022, for earlier models [2] - All affected North American Escape units are assembled at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky [2] - Dealers will inspect, reinstall, or replace any missing liftgate hinge covers at no cost to the owners [3] Additional Recalls - Ford is also recalling nearly 12,000 Lincoln MKT vehicles from model years 2016-2019 due to potential issues with the B-pillar door trim that could come loose, increasing crash risk [4] Industry Context - Other automakers are also facing recalls, such as Stellantis recalling 72,509 Ram models due to a software malfunction and Rivian recalling 34,824 electric delivery vans for seat belt system defects [5][6] Financial Performance - Ford has outperformed the Zacks Automotive-Domestic industry year to date, with shares gaining 31.6% compared to the industry's growth of 16.2% [7] - From a valuation perspective, Ford appears undervalued, trading at a forward sales multiple of 0.32, significantly lower than the industry's 3.42 [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ford's EPS has seen a slight decrease of 2 cents for 2025 and an increase of 1 cent for 2026 over the past 30 days [12] - Current EPS estimates for the upcoming quarters and years are as follows: - Current Qtr (12/2025): 0.10 - Next Qtr (3/2026): 0.27 - Current Year (12/2025): 1.07 - Next Year (12/2026): 1.40 [13]

Core Viewpoint - Ford is recalling over 100,000 vehicles in the US due to a faulty liftgate hinge cover that may detach while driving, posing a crash risk [1][3]. Group 1: Recall Details - The recall affects certain 2020-2022 Escape and 2025 Escape models, with an estimated 6% of the 108,762 recalled vehicles, approximately 6,526 cars, having the defective part [1][6]. - The issue arose during the assembly process, where the hinge covers were not properly secured, leading to potential detachment [4]. Group 2: Safety Concerns - The detachment of the hinge cover could create distractions or road hazards for drivers [3]. - Customers may notice the hinge cover not being flush with the vehicle's roof or hear wind noise and rattling, indicating the part is loose [4]. Group 3: Communication and Response - Ford plans to send interim letters to vehicle owners notifying them of the safety risk by January 15, 2026, with additional letters to follow once a remedy is available [6]. - The company has received 1,835 warranty claims related to the hinge cover detachment from November 16, 2019, to August 25, but is not aware of any accidents or injuries linked to this issue [6].

Sales of Ford Motor Co.'s (NYSE:F) electric vehicles fell sharply in November amid multiple factors affecting the company's EV endeavors, as President Donald Trump‘s EV Credit rollback hit sales.EV Sales Fell 60% In NovemberThe company released official sales figures for November on Tuesday, revealing a sharp decline in EV sales as Ford reported selling 4,247 EVs in November, a 60.8% year-on-year drop from last year's 10,821 units. Ford's year-to-date EV sales from January to November clocked in at 78,556, ...

Core Insights - The auto industry is currently facing a variety of challenges and developments, including tariff issues, recalls, rental program expansions, and regulatory advancements in autonomous vehicles. Group 1: Tariff Issues - Mazda Motor Corp. is experiencing significant challenges due to President Trump's tariffs, which have resulted in billions in potential headwinds for the company, particularly as North America is its largest market by volume [2]. Group 2: Rental Program Expansion - Tesla is expanding its rental program in multiple U.S. cities, with job listings for "Rental Readiness Specialist" positions indicating growth in this area. The program will feature unlimited miles, free Supercharging, and rentals of up to 7 days [3]. Group 3: Vehicle Recalls - Ford Motor Co. has announced new recalls affecting 229,609 units of the 2025-2026 Bronco and Bronco Sport due to instrument panel issues, as well as over 20,558 Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair PHEVs for battery short circuit problems [4]. Group 4: Autonomous Vehicle Developments - WeRide Inc. has received a driverless permit for its Robotaxi from Switzerland's Federal Roads Office, allowing fully autonomous operation on public roads in the Furttal region, marking a significant milestone as Switzerland's first driverless Robotaxi permit for passenger service [6]. Group 5: Market Expansion - BYD Co. Ltd. is considering introducing its compact Racco car to the European market, with the Vice President expressing interest in complying with EU regulations if market conditions allow [7].

Core Viewpoint - Ford Motor Co. has announced a recall of over 680,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to various safety issues, continuing a trend of multiple recalls in 2025 [1] Group 1: Recall Details - The recall includes over 291,901 units of 2020-2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD models due to a malfunction in the 360-degree view camera systems, which may not display a rearview image properly in certain lighting conditions [2] - A separate recall involves 59,006 units of 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer SUVs, and other models due to potential engine fire risks stemming from a cracked heater block that could lead to coolant leaks and short circuits [4] - Additionally, over 332,778 units of the Ford Mustang (2015-2017) were recalled for a seatbelt anchor pretensioner cable issue that can corrode and break, and over 197,432 Mustang Mach E vehicles were recalled due to rear door issues that could trap occupants [5] Group 2: Operational Challenges - The recalls occur amid a technician shortage at Ford, with 6,000 empty bays across U.S. dealerships and an average customer repair wait time of two weeks, indicating operational impacts [6] Group 3: Company Performance Insights - Ford is noted to offer satisfactory momentum, growth, and quality, while also scoring well on the value metric, with a favorable price trend in the medium and long term [7]

Core Insights - Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, stated that the Trump administration's tariff policy will impose a $2 billion cost on the automaker, which is an increase from the previously projected $1.5 billion [1][10] - Farley anticipates a shift in the automotive industry towards a regional business model due to tariffs, the rise of electric vehicles, and new carbon regulations [2] - The reduction of tariffs on Japan from 25% to 15% will provide Japanese automakers with a significant cost advantage over Ford [3] Group 1: Tariff Impact - The total tariff burden on Ford is now estimated at $2 billion, which is a net figure [1] - The company is facing competitive pricing challenges, with examples showing that a Kentucky-built Ford Escape could be $5,000 more expensive than a Japanese-made Toyota Rav4, and a Michigan-made Ford Bronco could be undercut by $10,000 by a Toyota 4Runner [8] - Farley indicated that the current tariff situation is a "windfall for South Korean and Japanese companies" [10] Group 2: Strategic Shifts - Farley expressed that automakers will likely adopt a regional approach, with Europe, North America, and Asia operating as distinct markets [2] - The company is working with the Trump administration to reduce tariff expenses to enhance competitiveness [9] - Ford's strategy is not to compete in commodity segments, focusing instead on other areas [9] Group 3: Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Ford's shares fell by nearly 1.6% in after-hours trading, although they are up 9.8% year to date [11]

Core Insights - Ford is strategically positioning itself to leverage the peak driving season by offering significant incentives to encourage car ownership now rather than later [1][2] Group 1: Sales and Promotions - Ford has introduced a "Zero, Zero, Zero" offer, allowing customers to purchase eligible models with zero down payment, zero payments for the first 90 days, and zero percent interest for the first 48 months [2][3] - The new sales event follows the previous employee-pricing-for-all campaign and aims to provide a more straightforward cost reduction based on customer feedback [3] - The offer applies to various 2024 and 2025 Ford and Lincoln models, including popular models like the Ford Escape, Explorer, F-150, and Mustang, while some models remain excluded [3][8] Group 2: Electric Vehicle Initiatives - Ford has extended its Ford Power Promise campaign through September 30, offering a free EV home charger and installation to customers, which is expected to boost EV demand [4][8] Group 3: Sales Performance - In Q2 2025, Ford's deliveries reached 612,095 units, marking a 14.2% increase, while competitors General Motors and Toyota reported growth of 7% and 7.2%, respectively [4] - Over the past year, Ford's shares have decreased by approximately 2.4%, contrasting with the industry's decline of 10.6%, while General Motors gained 14% and Toyota lost 15.6% [5] Group 4: Valuation Metrics - Ford's forward price-to-sales ratio stands at 0.29, which is below the industry average, and it holds a Value Score of A [6]