Michael Knauer

Ford is reducing the freedom of its European managers at a time when "they need far-reaching powers to move the company forward," an insider said.

The first units of the Leapmotor T03 small EV rolled off the production lines at the factory last week, Jefferies wrote in a report. The factory is on schedule for mass production of the T03 in September.

The full-electric Lyriq's price is "extremely competitive" against comparable all-wheel-drive SUVs offered by BMW, Mercedes and Audi, GM Europe Managing Director Jaclyn McQuaid said.

Weak sales, too few truck drivers and direct selling of imported cars online instead of through dealerships are causing stockpiles at European ports.

The automaker was forced to halt output at its Saarlouis plant, which builds the Focus compact car, after IG Metall members went on strike.

Ford's Saarlouis factory halted production after workers at five suppliers went on strike seeking improved severance deals.

Demand for the Grandland is slowing as customers wait for a new-generation model that will have a full-electric version.

The move is because after July the electronics architectures in new vehicles registered in the EU will have to comply with new rules to protect the car from hackers.

Stellantis may have to change its strategy "if political and public opinion tends toward fewer EVs," CEO Carlos Tavares said. 

BYD and Chery were among Chinese companies said to be interested in buying Ford's Saarlouis factory where the Focus compact car is built.

Ford has joined BMW and Mercedes-Benz in getting the OK to allow drivers to use its autonomous technology to drive hands free on certain stretches of highway in Germany.

Ford cited new European standards for batteries as the reason for the delay.

The Tesla Model Y is so superior to European rivals that its sales success should not come as a surprise. VW and other traditional automakers need to do better.

Show organizers have developed a new concept for the show to cut costs for automakers that includes offering exhibitors preconfigured booths.

Ford will retain about a fifth of the workforce at the plant after Focus production ends as it seeks to sell the factory.