– Tell us about how the Ford Electric Mustang outsold the gasoline Mustang for the first time ever?
– How were Ford’s 2024 sales?
– Ford had a record year for EV & Hybrid sales, give us the details.
-Tell us about the new Expedition & Navigator models.

Tony Connolly and Michael Martinez discussed the automotive industry, focusing on Ford’s sales of electric vehicles and the impact of the Trump administration’s policies. They also explored the shift in consumer preferences towards larger crossover SUVs and the challenges Ford faced with the Mustang’s production. Lastly, they discussed Ford’s strong sales in 2024, driven by electric vehicle sales and hybrids, and the upcoming redesigned Expedition and Navigator SUVs.

• Ford to continue promoting and selling the Mustang Mach-E, capitalizing on its strong sales performance. • Ford to prepare for potential policy changes under the Trump administration, including possible tariff exemptions for imported vehicles. • UAW leadership to establish a working relationship with the Trump administration despite past tensions. • Ford to launch and promote the redesigned Expedition and Lincoln Navigator in Q1 2025. • Ford to continue focusing on EV and hybrid vehicle sales growth in 2025. • Ford marketing team to leverage the Detroit Lions’ success for potential promotional opportunities.

Electric Vehicles and Automotive Industry
Tony discussed the automotive industry with Michael, a writer for Crain’s Automotive News. They focused on the sales of electric vehicles, particularly the Mustang Mach-E, which outsold the traditional gas-powered Mustang for the first time in 2024. Michael explained that while sales of electric vehicles are still growing, they are not growing at the pace originally expected, leading automakers to adjust their investments. They also discussed the shift in consumer preferences towards larger crossover SUVs and the challenges Ford faced with the Mustang’s production. The conversation ended with a discussion on Ford’s strong sales in 2024, driven by electric vehicle sales and hybrids.

Ford’s Views on Trump Administration
Tony asks how Ford views the new Trump administration. Michael explains that Ford wants to work with any president, and Bill Ford spoke positively about Trump’s understanding of the auto industry after a conversation with him. Trump’s proposed tariffs and removing EV incentives create uncertainty, but Ford hopes for exemptions as they are a net exporter. Tony asks what Trump could do to help Ford sell more cars, and Michael suggests fewer regulations and potential tariff exemptions would help. Tony asks about the UAW’s stance on Trump. Michael says the UAW leadership strongly backed Democrats like Kamala Harris, but will need to have a relationship with Trump despite past conflicts. Tony questions why the UAW consistently backs Democrats despite policies that may not benefit union workers. Michael says the UAW believed Harris’s policies would help the middle class more than Trump’s, pointing to Biden and Harris visiting picket lines, while Trump’s tariffs and removing EV incentives could hurt UAW members.

Ford’s Record-Breaking EV and Hybrid Sales
Tony and Michael discussed the automotive industry, focusing on Ford’s record-breaking electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid sales in Q4. Michael noted that the industry’s overall sales increased by 7% in Q4, reaching 16 million units, a historically strong performance. He attributed this growth to government incentives and consumer uncertainty about future incentives. Tony and Michael also discussed Ford’s upcoming redesigned Expedition and Navigator SUVs, which they believe will contribute to a strong year for the company. Lastly, Michael expressed his surprise at the rapid pace of change in the automotive industry, particularly in terms of electrification and self-driving technology.

Michael covers Ford Motor Co. and the UAW for Automotive News. He has broken a number of stories on product plans, executive changes and union contract negotiations since joining Automotive News in 2016. He previously worked at The Detroit News, where he covered Ford and co-hosted a podcast covering a range of auto industry topics. He is also an occasional adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he graduated in 2012 with bachelor’s degrees in communications and history.”