https://deadlinedetroit.com/articles/30556/starkman_gm_s_mary_barra_loses_world-class_investor_george_soros_but_gets_some_love_from_ailing_money_manager
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The Detroit Free Ford Press writers should be embarrassed, but apparently are not, to continually print Ford press releases about what Ford plans to do or have next year or in five years, as “news.”
The Freep should also be embarrassed by it decision to downplay the importance of this AP story that Ford is recalling 350,000 of its cash cow SUVs, including 39,000 “that should be parked outdoors because the engines can catch fire.”
Electric vehicles are known to catch fire – just ask those who bought Mary Barra’s Chevy Bolts – but I’ve never heard of gas engines mysteriously catching fire when turned off. Ford has serious other problems as well.
The company also recalled 464 electric Mustang Mach-E SUVs from 2021. A software problem can cause unintended acceleration, deceleration or a loss of drive power in all-wheel-drive vehicles.
The automotive trade press has reported that Ford Bronco engines are dying with less than 10,000 miles and problems are emerging with Ford’s Maverick. Ford’s F-150 was subject to nearly a dozen recalls last year.
Some of the Freep’s readers strike me as considerably more knowledgeable about the automotive industry than the reporters who cover it. A reader named Aaron S. posted this insight: “Ford has no in-house technical expertise so they aren't in control of the development nor assembly the way they should be. A decade of 'cost reductions' has eliminated too much valuable experience, so the younger/CHEAPER personnel are basically learning on-the-job, the hard way. It has nothing to do with parts shortages or suppliers nor "the uaw", as Ford is exhibiting uniquely poor quality, plagued by problems no other OEM experiences.”
The Freep has previously reported about Ford firing some of its most experienced and high performing managers, so it’s a discrimination issue that even the publication’s auto writers are aware of.
Thanks @OP. Very interesting article!