Trump Praises Ford’s F-150 Amidst Fuel Economy Rule Changes
In a recent Oval Office meeting, President Donald Trump highlighted the Ford F-150 pickup, calling it a “hot truck” while announcing proposed changes to vehicle emissions standards. This marks the second time in recent months that Trump has praised the popular vehicle model.
On October 29, when informed that Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, was considering purchasing a fleet of F-150 trucks, Trump described the vehicles as “great trucks” and lauded Takaichi’s taste. Trump’s enthusiasm for the F-150 continued into December, as he proposed easing emissions standards that could impact future production requirements for automakers.
During the Oval Office announcement, Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley was present as Trump discussed the impact of current emissions standards on automakers. “Ford would make numerous electric cars in order to sell one Ford F-150 because they’d make all that money with the 150,” Trump stated, highlighting the financial strain of producing electric vehicles to meet stringent standards.
Farley, nodding in agreement, has acknowledged the financial challenges faced by Ford, having reported a $5 billion loss last year on electric vehicles due to high production costs and low profit margins. Meanwhile, the Ford F-Series pickups have proven to be lucrative, generating $41.5 billion in revenue in 2023—more than companies like Starbucks, Netflix, and Visa.
Trump praised the F-150 as a “monster” and questioned the logic of a business model where companies must produce less profitable vehicles to offset sales of larger, more in-demand models. “Congratulations on the 150,” Trump added, to which Farley responded, “Thank you. Best selling vehicle in the United States … and 100% built in the United States.”
The F-150 also garnered attention from the previous administration. In May 2021, then-President Joe Biden visited Ford’s Rouge complex in Dearborn to see the all-electric F-150 Lightning. After delivering a speech, Biden expressed a desire to test drive the vehicle, even joking about evading the Secret Service to do so.
Ford executives obliged, allowing Biden to drive the Lightning on a skid pad at Ford’s test track. The President, enjoying the experience, asked the press corps if they had timed him, suggesting he might have reached 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
Following the test drive, images of Biden behind the wheel of the F-150 Lightning circulated on social media, showcasing the bipartisan admiration for the iconic truck.
Original Story at www.freep.com