Ford's EV Overhaul, Ferrari Amalfi Drive, and Auto Industry Trends

Ford's Strategic EV Pivot

• 💡 Ford is undergoing a significant overhaul of its electric vehicle business, including a $20 billion write-down and canceling plans for an electric F-Series truck.
• 📉 The company has been losing billions on EVs, with the F-150 Lightning being a major money loser, alongside the Mustang Mach-E.
• 🚗 Ford's future powertrain strategy will likely shift towards hybrids and E-Revs (electric vehicles with onboard gas generators), rather than a full pivot away from internal combustion engines.
• 🏭 The Blue Oval City plant in Tennessee will build a new, different truck platform, likely combustion-powered, signaling a move away from solely battery-electric focus.
• 🔋 Ford is also taking over its joint venture battery plants in Kentucky to produce energy storage products for data centers, a move seen as both obvious and genius due to high demand.

Driving the Ferrari Roma Successor

• 🚗 Hannah Elliot drove the new Ferrari Amalfi in Portugal, the successor to the Roma, starting at $262,000.
• 🛠️ A major improvement is the return of tactile buttons to the steering wheel, addressing a key complaint about the Roma's haptic screens.
• 🎨 The Amalfi features a redesigned front end, moving away from the Roma's nostalgic shark-nose grille to a more modern look, with thinner rear tail lights and active aero.
• 🛣️ The car offers a beautiful, smooth driving experience, described as "like wrapping yourself in a silk sheet," suitable for grand touring rather than track-focused performance.
• 📍 Navigation proved somewhat distracting due to the screen's placement, prompting questions about the availability of a heads-up display.

Auto Industry Comparisons and Trends

• 📊 Ford's strategy is contrasted with General Motors, which is doubling down on EVs with multiple electric models like the Equinox, Blazer, Lyriq, and Silverado EV.
• 📈 While both companies are losing money on EVs, GM has a broader EV lineup and appears more committed to a fully electric future, with CEO Mary Barra calling EVs their "north star."
• 🚗 The discussion touches on the appeal of manual transmissions in enthusiast cars, with drivers like Raphael de Simone noting that F1 drivers prioritize speed and efficiency over manual engagement.
• 🔊 The conversation also highlights advancements in automotive audio, with GM integrating Apple Music into its infotainment and the presence of Dolby Atmos in luxury EVs like Cadillac.
• 🗣️ Listeners are encouraged to email hot pursuit at Bloomberg.net with suggestions and feedback.