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Ford CEO Claims Company ‘Has The Expertise’ To Build Tesla-Like Model

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On the opening day of this year’s Chicago Auto Show, I attended a luncheon that was essentially nothing more than a sick trap. The food was spectacular, but I learned firsthand that there really is no such thing as a free lunch. All who were foolish enough to accept a plate were forced to listen to an unbearable and excessively drawn-out Q&A session with Joseph R. Hinrichs, the Executive Vice President and President of the Americas for Ford Motor Company.

There weren’t many takeaways from the dull exchange that took place, but there was one answer from Hinrichs that stood out among the rest. Following a question about electric vehicles, the Executive Vice President confessed that Ford owned a Tesla Model S and had taken it apart and rebuilt it to better understand exactly how the systems of the premium electric sedan worked.

When Hinrichs drew mention to the company’s personal Model S back in February, he did so in passing, and at the time it was likely a lesser known fact that Ford owned a set of keys to one of the electric cars. That is no longer the case, however.

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Ford could TOTALLY build something like this if they felt like it.

Earlier this morning, during a conference call with Wall Street investment analysts, Ford CEO Mark Fields stated that they possess the expertise and the ability to build a Tesla-style, high performance, long-range electric vehicle.

Likely in an effort to back that claim, he confirmed the Model S statements first leaked by Joseph Hinrichs saying, “We drove it. We took it apart. We put it back together and we drove it again.”

Here’s the kicker though.

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Fields did not go on to say that they would be building this Tesla-like model. He just said that they could, and then noted that the technology of the Tesla Model S is consistent with their product philosophy. So, instead of attempting to contend with the Model S, it’s likely that the automaker will use it as inspiration to produce a larger electric vehicle that puts performance and mileage range at the top of its priority list. Kind of a cop out if you ask me.

“You know we could manufacture a model that would give one of the fastest-growing tech companies a run for its money, but we just don’t feel like it right now.”

Talk is cheap, and seeing as Fields still hasn’t elaborated on the subject, it is still unclear as to whether or not the company will pursue this supposed new electric offering. There’s a good chance that he is just trying to get investors drooling, but whether or not the CEO is serious, it’s not likely that he will show us his D anytime soon.

But he could. If he wanted to.

 

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John is a full-time automotive blogger who digs cars, but also spends a disturbing amount of time watching and reading about movies. His first car was a maroon 1993 Buick Skylark which, after a solid seven-year run, was laid to rest in August of 2013. He currently writes for phantomcopy.com.

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Ford Continues to Please Minivan-Skeptic Soccer Moms

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Ford Aerostar Minivan Exterior Does Ford Still Make

If the words Aerostar, Windstar and Freestar mean anything to you, you know that Ford is responsible for some of the best minivans ever made. Beginning with the first model Aerostar in 1986, Ford’s snub-nosed minivan set the standard of what would be created by automotive manufacturers in this class for decades.

The Aerostar was also the first minivan in the United States to feature upgraded, luxury packages. With an XLT package, and Eddie Bauer trim levels, the Ford Aerostar allowed drivers to bring passengers, cargo and more in style. For the first time, drivers could take advantage of the versatile and reliable minivan platform, without sacrificing comfort and convenience.

Does Ford Still Make a Minivan?

The Aerostar continued in the mid-90s as the Ford Windstar. The Windstar was a complete reinvention, shifting the drivetrain from RWD to FWD, and bringing the flagship minivan more in line with current minivan design. The Windstar became the Freestar in the early 2000s, lasting until the 2007 model year, with the final Ford “Star line” minivan rolling off the assembly line in December of 2006.

While we don’t know for sure what was behind Ford’s decision to discontinue their family-marketed minivan, we can take a guess. For starters, Ford has extended their reputation for reliable cars and trucks into the crossover market. With options covering a wide range of size and seating configurations (everything from the subcompact Ford Ecosport to the boxy family hauler Ford Flex), crossovers have become the new favorite for family vehicles.

Ford’s versatile crossover line has a vehicle that can meet almost any need. Do you have a small family? Go with the popular 2018 Ford Escape. Big family with lots of stuff to haul? The 2018 Ford Expedition has your back.

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Although crossovers and SUVs provide some distinct advantages (presence of AWD, higher ground clearance, and uni-body construction), the market for minivans hasn’t completely died, and neither has Ford’s commitment to providing drivers with a competent and compelling option.

Good News: Ford Still Makes a Passenger Minivan

ford transit connect passenger van in solar color_oAlthough Ford’s marketing has shifted toward promoting their incredible range of crossovers and SUVs as family choices, they still offer a more traditional minivan in the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon. Utilizing the same body construction as the Ford Transit cargo van, the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon features up to 7 seats, and plenty of standard safety and comfort technology.

Lower ride height (easier in and out), sliding doors and greater visibility are among the reasons people still prefer vans for transporting their families. Additionally, the more contoured shape of most crossovers (not looking at you, Ford Flex) means that vans provide better cargo room! Family of four traveling cross-state with three suitcases? A Ford Explorer should be a great option.

Family of six, with a dog and 10 bags going cross-country, however, and the Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon starts to look a lot more up to the job.

Ford has a sterling reputation across the spectrum of vehicles they manufacture. Although the Transit Connect Passenger Wagon isn’t among their more well-known, it’s among the most competent and best value options in the minivan class.

 

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I Wasn’t Always a Dale Jr Fan – But Now I Get It

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It was the crowning moment of the career of Nascar’s most popular driver. The 2004 Daytona 500. The chosen son, Dale Earnhardt Jr, had won the race that his father tragically died competing in only three years earlier.

Reports of the day say that everyone in the crowd was on their feet, cheering. Grown men were in tears. It was quite the moment, they say.

Well, I can tell you that there was at least one person that wasn’t cheering. That’s because I was that lone defector. (more…)

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The Essence Of 90’s Chevy Truck Commercials

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If you ever watched television for more than an hour at any time during the 90’s, you probably remember Chevy’s “Like a Rock” commercials. They aired on just about every channel, so they were pretty hard to miss—and pretty hard to forget as well. Even two decades later the sound of Bob Seger belting out those now-famous words is still shockingly memorable. (more…)

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