Ford has reportedly assembled a “skunk works” team mixing Silicon Valley tech talent with Detroit auto veterans to build a $30,000 electric truck aimed at challenging China’s momentum. The CEO frames it as a “Model T moment,” signaling a potential shakeup in how vehicles are engineered and manufactured rather than just another model launch.
President Trump has signaled interest in the government taking over or holding stakes in some US companies, framing it as a financial win that can strengthen the economy and enhance national economic security. The thinking also aims to improve competitiveness against China—an approach that contrasts with traditional Republican skepticism toward government ownership. Yet the proposal did not translate to Spirit Airlines.
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Tesla says it will add more than 1,000 jobs in Germany, a rare bright spot for an auto industry facing layoffs. While German automakers struggle with high costs and fierce competition from China, Tesla’s move signals potential momentum and a different bet on future demand and production capacity in Europe’s biggest auto market.
Mahindra & Mahindra is reportedly in advanced talks to upgrade its South African facility, potentially starting completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicle production. The plan targets growing demand for affordable cars while reducing dependence on imports and dodging possible tariff costs. By boosting local manufacturing, the company aims to strengthen its foothold and compete more aggressively as China-backed rivals gain market share.
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