MONEY MASTER

Ford Motor Co. said its 2025 profits will take a sharp hit as President Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs add billions in costs, underscoring how U.S. trade policy is disrupting the global auto industry. Tariff Impact: Ford now expects a  US$2 billion tariff bill  this year,  US$500 million higher  than previously estimated. The company cited  steel and aluminum tariffs doubling to 50%  and extended duties aimed at curbing fentanyl imports as key factors driving costs up. CEO Jim Farley said the tariffs feel “long term,” warning Ford’s competitiveness is at risk compared with Japanese automakers after the U.S.-Japan trade deal lowered Japan’s tariff rate to 15%. Financial Outlook: Ford forecast a  36% drop in adjusted EBIT for the full year . Second-quarter adjusted earnings came in at  37 cents per share , topping Wall Street’s 33-cent estimate. Adjusted EBIT for Q2 was  US$2.1 billion , also beating expectations. Business Segment Performanc...

The clock is ticking for EV buyers in the U.S. If you've been thinking about buying or leasing an electric vehicle (EV),  now’s the time to act . The  US$7,500 federal tax credit —a major incentive that’s been driving EV adoption—is  set to expire on Sept 30, 2025 . And automakers are making sure you know it. Tesla’s homepage is already flashing a banner warning: “US$7,500 Federal Tax Credit Ending. Take Delivery by Sept 30, 2025.” Ford is dangling extra perks too —extending its  free home charger + installation offer  until the end of September to lure buyers in before the credits disappear. Why This Matters Since 2008, the federal tax credit has been a  critical lever  for growing the EV market. But with the latest tax and budget legislation rolling in,  both the US$7,500 new EV and US$4,000 used EV credits will vanish by Q4 . Industry insiders expect a  pre-deadline buying frenzy , followed by a potential cooldown in demand. General Motors...

Ford Motor Co. is significantly adjusting its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, canceling plans for a fully electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) and reducing its overall investment in EVs. This recalibration could cost the automaker approximately $1.9 billion as it pivots towards other priorities, including enhancing its hybrid offerings and optimizing battery sourcing to compete with lower-cost rivals, particularly from China. Key Takeaways: Cancellation of Electric SUV and Strategic Realignment : Ford has scrapped plans for a fully electric three-row SUV, which had already been delayed. The company concluded that it couldn’t make the SUV profitable, leading to a shift in focus. The automaker will instead consider extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) for its next-generation SUVs. These vehicles, popular in China, use a small gasoline engine to keep the battery charged, enabling a longer driving range. Reduction in EV Investment : Ford is scaling back its spending on EVs, reducing it...