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The Morning Shift
Good morning! It’s Monday, March 24, 2025, and welcome to The Morning Shift, your daily briefing on the most important automotive news. Today’s edition covers a new safety probe for Ford, Elon Musk’s recent moves, and changes to electric vehicle rebates.
1st Gear: Feds Open Probe into F-150s for Unexpected Gear Shift
Ford is facing yet another safety investigation. Federal regulators are probing nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks due to reports of issues with unexpected gear shifts.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating reports of a potential issue where the trucks unexpectedly downshift, which, in some cases, can lead to the rear wheels locking up. According to the NHTSA, this can increase the risk of crashes and injuries. While no accidents or fires have been reported so far, the probe covers F-150 models from 2015 to 2017.
This investigation is the first step in a possible recall. If a recall is issued, it would be the 16th for the 2017 F-150, following previous recalls for issues with brakes, seatbelts, engine components, and doors.
2nd Gear: Elon Musk’s Tesla All-Hands Felt ‘Cynical’
Tesla’s Elon Musk is facing scrutiny following recent events. The automaker has been dealing with recalls, an exodus of owners, and criticism directed at Musk’s involvement.
In an effort to address concerns, Musk spoke with Tesla employees. However, some employees found the meeting to be “cynical” and a “publicity stunt,” reports Business Insider. Workers reportedly felt the timing and short notice of the meeting were suspect; another mentioned that the event seemed designed to “appease shareholders.” During the meeting, Musk urged employees to hold onto their shares despite the company’s declining value, and he discussed the progress of the humanoid robot and autonomous taxi projects.
Musk admitted being “stretched pretty thin,” due to his roles at several companies and the recent department he was put in charge of at the Trump administration. Due to his lack of focus, some investors are calling for his resignation, mentioning that the business has been neglected for too long.
3rd Gear: Challenges for China’s EV Makers
While Tesla faces difficulties, Chinese automakers are also navigating challenges. Nio, a Chinese EV maker, is experiencing a slowdown in sales. The company is considering cost-cutting measures to remain competitive.
Nio expects to sell around 43,000 cars in the first quarter of 2024, which is 12,000 units below expectations. Revenue projections have also been reduced. Nio is responding by implementing cost-cutting measures. The company aims to increase its gross margin with new product launches this year, planning to deliver nine new or revamped models. Despite efforts, Nio has yet to turn a profit. The company is targeting profitability for 2025, aiming to double annual sales.
4th Gear: Tesla Loses EV Rebates in More Canadian Provinces
Tesla is facing reduced government support in Canada. Two provinces, Nova Scotia and Manitoba, have cut electric vehicle rebates for the automaker.
The decision comes after criticism of Elon Musk’s alignment with the former U.S. president, Donald Trump. The removal of rebates means that Tesla buyers in these provinces will no longer be eligible for as much as $3,000 in incentives. Manitoba is also cutting rebates for Chinese electric vehicles and any EV costing more than $70,000.
