Ford Pauses F-150 Lightning Production Amid Shifting EV Strategy and Slower Demand
Ford Motor Co. will pause production of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup from mid-November until early January due to lower-than-expected demand, which may impact fleet operators planning to add electric vehicles to their lineup. This seven-week shutdown follows previous reductions in production targets and workforce at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center. Although U.S. sales of the Lightning have risen by 86% this year, it has lost ground to competitors like Tesla’s Cybertruck. In response, Ford is recalibrating its EV strategy to emphasize cost-effective models while reducing overall investment. CEO Jim Farley has highlighted slower EV adoption as a challenge for fleets, yet the company has managed to decrease its EV business losses in the third quarter. Despite anticipating a $5 billion loss in 2023, Ford projects improvements for its electric vehicle offerings by 2025, which may ultimately benefit fleet managers seeking reliable electric options.
Geotab Connect 2025: Join the Premier Fleet Management Conference in Orlando
Geotab Connect 2025 will be held in Orlando, Florida, from February 25th to 27th, serving as a premier conference for the Geotab ecosystem. The event will bring together industry leaders, customers, and partners to explore the Geotab Marketplace, which features various integrations and solutions. Attendees can look forward to groundbreaking product announcements and demonstrations, as well as insights from experts on the latest trends in fleet management and logistics. The conference also offers ample networking opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Registration is currently open for those wishing to join the Geotab community.
GM Canada Warns of EV Subsidy Cuts Amid Aggressive Government Mandates
General Motors Canada has raised concerns about the timing of reduced government subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs), which could hinder fleet operators' efforts to transition to cleaner vehicles as Canada aims for aggressive EV adoption targets. Currently, consumers can benefit from up to $12,000 in rebates, including federal support of up to $5,000 and additional provincial incentives in Quebec and British Columbia. However, budget constraints are leading to cuts, with Quebec planning to phase out subsidies by 2027 and British Columbia recently narrowing rebate eligibility due to high demand. Canada mandates that all new light-duty vehicles sold by 2035 must be electric or plug-in hybrids, with penalties for manufacturers who fail to meet interim sales goals. GM Canada President Kristian Aquilina emphasized that reduced incentives, combined with increasing regulatory requirements, pose challenges for fleets looking to invest in EVs. He suggested that enhanced charging infrastructure could facilitate broader adoption. While EVs now represent 12.5% of GM’s Canadian sales, the company is focused on achieving profitability in its electric offerings, and any shifts in government policy could significantly impact fleet managers' planning for future EV investments.