FORD GETTING OUT OF BORING-CAR BUSINESS, TOYOTA DELAYS EV, CORVETTE’S FUTURE + MORE! WEEKLY UPDATE

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This weekly update covers several significant automotive news items. Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, announced a strategic shift away from "boring cars" like the Focus and Fiesta, focusing instead on "iconic vehicles" and investing further in the Mustang brand, signaling a potential return for RS models and a reimagining of smaller car offerings. Toyota has delayed its three-row EV SUV to mid-2026, though it maintains its 2026 EV sales target, with design changes and production shifts impacting the timeline. Bentley has more aggressively pushed back its EV plans, now aiming for a fully electric lineup in the mid-2030s, citing a perceived rejection of EVs in the luxury market, a claim contradicted by Rolls-Royce's strong Spectre sales. Mercedes-AMG's CEO controversially believes buyers will embrace EVs over V8s, focusing on technology, a sentiment that clashes with market observations and Mercedes' own decision to reintroduce a V8 for the CLE 63. In contrast, the Corvette's chief engineer stated electrification won't be forced, emphasizing customer acceptance and the need for EVs to genuinely improve the driving experience, aligning with GM's 2035 EV target but suggesting a V8-powered C9 generation is still plausible. Alpine is developing an electric supercar with solid-state battery technology, potentially debuting in the US in 2027 alongside two electric crossovers. Finally, the 2025 Chevy Colorado will standardize its more powerful 2.7L turbo engine, simplifying production and enhancing appeal, while the 2025 VW Tiguan for the US will debut at the LA Auto Show without a hybrid option initially, despite hybrid popularity.