Technology

Good luck getting a base model F150 at a decent price. I tried earlier this year and only 3 dealers East of the Mississippi had the base model and they all wanted $30,000 OVER MSRP. Ford can lick my butt for not making enough base models and trying to push their XLT and platinums starting at $75k. I need a truck to work in not have it open and close the lift gate for me.

At this point I'll take a shit looking truck at a decent price over whatever the duck Ford and their dealers thought was a good idea with producing so little of the base model, not to mention base model with extended range batteries were ONLY available to fleet purchasers.

The "micron precision" memo that leaked tells me they're nowhere close to mass production. At my old job, tolerances were pretty much set when we finished a design for a large chemical unit operation -- which was typically built within two years. I would expect mass production of something like a car to not to take too much longer.

I see what you did there, stealing thunder with the Lightning.

And yes, Ford's approach is smart, cheaper, and more utilitarian. Besides, it doesn't stand out like a smashed thumb in a splint.

Rivian also has some decent designs. I know that Ford has a stake in the company, but it's only holding 12%, so I don't know that they have much say in what goes on over there.