Ford has announced a short ordering window for the 2026 model year Escape lineup, including Gas, PHEV, and FHEV models. The current anticipated order bank closure is September 15th, though this date is subject to change. To maximize the likelihood of customer orders being built, all orders should be submitted as early as possible.
Additionally, Ford has briefly reopened ordering for the 2025MY Maverick XL Gas, providing a limited opportunity to fulfill fleet and retail customer needs. Lastly, the Freight Verify (FV) system has been updated as of June 30th to extend its archive window from 30 to 90 days for all new VINs, improving visibility and tracking for a longer period moving forward.
Trump’s New Japan Trade Deal Signals Uncertainty Ahead for U.S. Auto Industry
President Donald Trump announced a new trade framework with Japan that includes a 15% tariff on Japanese imports—down from the previously threatened 25%—and claims it will lead to significant U.S. job creation and $550 billion in Japanese investment.
EV Market Holds Steady Amid Shifting Dynamics and Waning Incentives
The EV market in June showed steady momentum despite shifting dynamics, with long-term trends remaining favorable. New EV sales dipped slightly to 103,945 units (down 1.4% from May), yet market share climbed to 8%, buoyed by gains from Chevrolet, Kia, and Tesla.