2005 Ford Excursion Limited Sport Utility 4-door 6.8l 4x4 on 2040-cars

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U.S.-Mexico border congestion is complicating automakers' lives

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, there’s no denying that the U.S. has some significant challenges at its southern border. The droves of people attempting to cross the border from Mexico into the U.S. have complicated trade between the two countries as border authoritiesÂ’ limited resources and increasing political scrutiny have made it difficult to move goods. While that will have an impact on the prices of several consumer goods, it will also slow vehicle and parts shipments needed to keep the U.S. auto industry running. Automotive News reported that the Texas border has been particularly slow, as the state has implemented new screening measures for illegal crossings and drugs. That extra effort has had a severe impact on border logistics, to the point that Bloomberg estimated 19,000 trucks and $1.9 billion in cargo were stranded in Mexico waiting to cross. Officials said the delays have created wait times of up to 24 hours and a line of trucks 14 miles long. The delays will likely have a noticeable impact on the U.S. auto industry. Mexico manufactures millions of cars each year, the majority of which end up here. Nissan, General Motors, Stellantis and others have noted slight delays, but thereÂ’s little wiggle room for the Big 3 while the UAW strike rages on. Should the strike end, slowness at the border would make it difficult to ramp up production and make up for lost time. There have been some promising signs in recent times, such as the Bridge of the Americas between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, reopening after a three-week closure. Still, the challenges created by border congestion have led some to take drastic measures. A few manufacturers have begun flying parts over the border, while General Motors noted that it was shipping components “on a limited basis” by sea. Related Video:

Ford promises 12 new global performance vehicles through 2020

Ford just keeps rolling out the big announcements today. We've already told you about the next-gen Focus RS coming to the US and the upcoming Sync 3 infotainment system. And this latest one should perk up the ears of racing fans or anyone who enjoys an enthusiastic drive (basically, all Autoblog readers). The Blue Oval says it has "more than 12" new performance vehicles on the way globally through 2020. Unfortunately, the only one that the automaker confirms at the moment is the Focus RS, but recent rumors might suggest a few others. Ford reportedly has the Shelby Mustang GT350R, next-gen F-150 Raptor and a Ford GT successor all on the way, all of which could possibly debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The future GT might even take the company back to racing at Le Mans. Speaking of motorsports, Ford is also blending its performance vehicle and racing efforts worldwide into a unified entity by combining SVT, Team RS and Ford Racing into a new organization called Ford Performance. It's responsible not just for excelling on the track but also for developing aero improvements, electronics, powertrain and lightweight tech for the Blue Oval's vehicles. "Our new global Ford Performance team ties together racing, performance vehicles and parts. It will allow us to more quickly introduce products and accessories that meet the needs of customers around the world on-road and on the track," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development, in the company's press release. The automaker thinks this market might be booming, especially among younger buyers. For example, recent data shows Millennials buy ST models at twice the rate of the rest of Ford's cars. Scroll down to read the Blue Oval's full announcement of the new division and the plan to get excited about things to come. FORD DRIVING PERFORMANCE INNOVATION TO NEW LEVELS; MORE THAN 12 VEHICLES COMING FROM NEW GLOBAL TEAM Ford bringing more global performance vehicles to customers worldwide; more than 12 new performance vehicles through 2020 – including Focus RS – to be available globally Ford uniting regional performance engineering and racing teams as one global team under Ford Performance, delivering more new vehicles and parts, more quickly Ford will deliver more than 12 new performance vehicles for global enthusiasts through 2020, as the company announced today its new global Ford Performance team.

Quitting Mexico factory helps bring down Ford earnings $200 million in 2016

Ford released its 2016 earnings report this morning, and despite a fourth quarter net loss it proved to be the automaker's second most successful year ever, following record breaking numbers in 2015. Losses for the year come from a number of sources, including accounting changes and a $200 million hit for backing out of the small-car factory in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Despite the loss, come March 9 about 56,000 UAW-represented employees will receive a $9,000 profit-sharing check. That, like most of Ford's other 2016 metrics, is slightly down from the year before, but it's still the second best profit-sharing payment ever. Total net income was $4.6 billion, down $2.8 billion from 2015. Total revenue for 2016 was $151.8 billion, up $2.2 billion. Ford's earnings report lists a global market share of 7.6 percent, down a tenth from 2015. Ford's European and Asia-Pacific markets posted their best and second best pre-tax profits respectively. The South American, Middle East, and African markets all took hits because of unstable economies and other external factors. Ford expects to have another down year in 2017 as it invests in new and emerging markets and focuses more on its mobility projects.Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Ford via Automotive NewsImage Credit: Getty Earnings/Financials Plants/Manufacturing UAW/Unions Ford Lincoln Mexico ford earnings