Ford Mtr Co Del Stock Price, News & Analysis

BMW, Ford, and Honda have launched ChargeScape, a joint venture focusing on vehicle-grid integration. The software platform aims to integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into the power grid, enhancing grid stability and reducing charging costs for drivers. ChargeScape's technology wirelessly connects to EVs and manages electricity flow based on real-time grid conditions, offering smart charging (V1G) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities.

The company has appointed Joseph Vellone as CEO and Kalidindi Raju as CTO. Vellone brings 15 years of experience in energy and climate sectors, while Raju has extensive expertise in cloud architecture, AI, and machine learning. ChargeScape builds on the automakers' previous work with the Open Vehicle-Grid Integration Platform (OVGIP) and aims to transform EVs from a liability into an asset for the power grid.

Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Ford Motor Company are celebrating 25 years of partnership in educating students through Ford's Manufacturer Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) program. Over 29,000 students have graduated from this program since its inception. The 15-week Ford FACT program is offered at nine UTI campuses across the United States.

In 2022, UTI updated the Ford FACT curriculum to include electric vehicle coursework, covering high-voltage systems safety, hybrid and battery electric vehicle components, and high-voltage battery service. This update aligns with current technological advancements and industry standards.

According to Ford's TSO Technician Development Manager, FACT program graduates complete up to 70% of the training required for Ford and Lincoln Service Technicians, potentially reducing up to five years of in-dealership coursework. The program has also evolved to include EV and Mobile Service training, offering new career paths for technicians.

Ford Motor Company announced key leadership changes as Ted Cannis, CEO of Ford Pro and Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD), retires after a 35-year career. Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue, will lead Ford Pro interim. Daniel Justo is appointed vice president of FCSD.

Under Cannis's leadership, Ford Pro has grown into a high-margin business tracking towards $70 billion in revenue this year. The division boasts 600,000 paid subscriptions in Q2 2023. FCSD, which handles global parts, services, and accessories, aims to tap into a $100 billion-plus profit pool for maintenance and repair services.

Justo, previously CFO of Ford Blue, will focus on enhancing customer service experience and building trust to support Ford's value creation plan. These changes align with Ford's strategy to strengthen its commercial vehicle and aftermarket services businesses.

Southern California Edison (SCE) and Ford Motor Company have partnered to offer electric vehicle (EV) owners compensation for supporting the grid during peak energy demand periods. Ford becomes the first major U.S. automaker to participate in SCE's Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP), enhancing grid resilience and advancing vehicle grid integration (VGI).

Through Ford's California Power Response program, EV drivers can earn $1 per kWh of energy reduced during peak grid events. This initiative demonstrates the growing importance of collaboration between automakers and utility companies to support grid resiliency as more EVs enter the market. The program utilizes Ford's managed charging solution and is expected to provide valuable load reduction during peak demand periods.

Ford Pro CFO Navin Kumar will discuss growth opportunities in the commercial vehicle market at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on Sept. 10. Kumar will highlight Ford Pro's unique position in software and physical services during a fireside chat with auto analyst Mark Delaney.

The discussion will focus on how Ford Pro's combination of propulsion choices and tailored services brings value to commercial customers. Kumar will also explain how Ford Pro drives growth, margins, and capital efficiency while reducing cyclicality as part of the Ford+ plan.

The event will be webcast and transcribed, available at shareholder.ford.com. This presentation aligns with Ford's overall strategy to enhance customer experiences and deepen loyalty through its Ford+, Ford Blue, Ford Model e, and Ford Pro business segments.

Ford Pro CFO Navin Kumar is set to participate in Morgan Stanley's 12th Annual Laguna Conference on Sept. 12 in Dana Point, CA. During a fireside chat at 10:30 a.m. PT, Kumar will discuss Ford Pro's commercial business strategy and its role in the Ford+ plan for growth. He will highlight how Ford Pro leverages a mix of gas, hybrid, and electric vehicles, along with software and services, to deliver value to commercial customers.

Kumar will also address how Ford Pro is driving profitable growth, margins, and capital efficiency while reducing cyclicality. The presentation aligns with Ford's broader strategy of transforming its business model and enhancing customer relationships. Investors and interested parties can access the webcast and transcript on the Ford shareholder website.

Ford Motor Company is adjusting its electrification strategy to deliver a more profitable and capital-efficient electric vehicle business. The company plans to:

• Introduce a new electric commercial van in 2026 and two new electric pickup trucks in 2027
• Develop a new affordable electric vehicle platform for multiple vehicle styles
• Offer hybrid technologies for three-row SUVs
• Realign battery sourcing to reduce costs and qualify for tax credits

Ford aims to provide more electrification options to speed customer adoption, including lower prices and longer ranges. The company will reduce its annual capital expenditures on pure electric vehicles from 40% to 30% and focus on areas where it has competitive advantages.

TXU Energy and Ford have partnered to offer Ford electric vehicle (EV) customers in Texas significant cost-savings through the TXU Energy Free EV Miles program. This program provides credits on TXU Energy bills for electricity used during specified off-peak hours, potentially covering the entire cost of at-home charging. The initiative aims to support grid reliability by encouraging energy consumption during off-peak hours and educating Texans on the benefits of EVs.

Key features include:

• Free charging hours between 7 p.m. and 1 p.m. the next day, all year long
• Flexibility with up to 18 hours a day for free charging
• $100 welcome bonus from Ford and $250 bonus from TXU Energy for staying enrolled for a year
• Applicable to Ford F-150 Lightning, Mustang Mach-E, and Escape PHEV customers

Ford Pro has launched the 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, part of America's best-selling police vehicle lineup. The upgraded model, now shipping to law enforcement agencies, features a standard hybrid powertrain that can potentially save agencies on fuel costs due to reduced idle times. Key updates include:

- Vehicle Integration System 2.0 and Police Perimeter Alert for improved productivity and officer safety
- Upgraded center screens and streamlined upfitting
- Ford Pro Solutions integrating telematics for simplified fleet management
- Three powertrain options: 3.3L V6 hybrid (318 hp), 3.3L V6 gas (285 hp), and 3.0L V6 EcoBoost (400 hp)
- New 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument cluster
- Advanced driver-assist technologies

The hybrid system can potentially save up to 838 gallons of fuel per year, translating to projected cost reductions of approximately $17,500 over a 6-year ownership term with gas at $3.50 per gallon.