1966 Thunderbird Convertible 428 Q Code on 2040-cars

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Defying Trump, major automakers finalize California emissions deal

WASHINGTON — The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and major automakers on Monday confirmed they had finalized binding agreements to cut vehicle emissions in the state, defying the Trump administration's push for weaker curbs on tailpipe pollution. The agreements with carmakers Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen AG, Honda Motor Co and BMW AG were first announced in July 2019 as voluntary measures prompting anger from U.S. President Donald Trump. A month later, the Justice Department opened an antitrust probe into the agreements. The government ended the investigation without action. The Trump administration in March finalized a rollback of U.S. vehicle emissions standards to require 1.5% annual increases in efficiency through 2026. That is far weaker than the 5% annual increases in the discarded rules adopted under President Barack Obama. The 50-page California agreements, which extend through 2026, are less onerous than the standards finalized by the Obama administration but tougher than the Trump administration standards. The automakers have also agreed to electric vehicle commitments. Volvo Cars, owned by China's Geely Holdings, said in March it planned to join the automakers agreeing to the California requirements. It has also finalized its agreement. The settlement agreements say California and automakers agreed to resolve "potential legal disputes concerning the authority of CARB" and other states that have adopted California's standards. In May, a group of 23 U.S. states led by California and some major cities, challenged the Trump vehicle emissions rule. Other major automakers like General Motors Co, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and Toyota Motor Corp did not join the California agreement. Those companies also sided with the Trump administration in a separate lawsuit over whether the federal government can strip California of the right to set zero emission vehicle requirements. Ford said the "final agreement will reduce emissions in our vehicles at a more stringent rate, support and incentivize the production of electrified products, and create regulatory certainty." BMW said "by setting these long-term, predictable, and achievable standards, we have the regulatory certainty that is necessary for long-term planning that will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but ultimately benefit consumers as well." 

Ford shares falling on news of lower-than-expected profits next year

Ford has released projections for its 2013 profits, along with predictions of its 2014 earnings, and the news has forced the company's stock to stumble, falling over seven percent as of this writing. The Blue Oval is expecting earnings of $8.34 billion for 2013, although the bulk of that is coming largely from its North American operations, as troubles abroad continue to take a toll.
Calling 2013 an "outstanding" year, Ford expects its revenue to be up about 10 percent, thanks to gains in market share everywhere but Europe. But it's 2014 predictions that are causing stock prices to fall, as the Dearborn-based manufacturer expects pre-tax profits to fall to $7 to $8 billion, because of troubles in both Europe and South America, according to a report from Reuters. This is despite an expansion plan that will see it open an additional factory in the southern hemisphere, as well as two plants in China, all in a bid to launch 23 new or refreshed products next year.
The issues in South America aren't so much related to a fall in sales - Ford expects improved profits in Brazil and Argentina - but because of currency devaluations in Venezuela that are projected to cost it around $350 million. While that would still allow it to break even with 2013, Ford cites continued economic risks that could push losses even higher.

Ford GT heading back to Le Mans [w/video]

Ford is set to return to endurance sports car racing, and return in a big way. Announced this morning at Le Mans, the Blue Oval will be entering a version of the new Ford GT in endurance racing series on both sides of the Atlantic. The highly accomplished Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates team will field the Ford GT next season in the LM GTE Pro class in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and in the United SportsCar Championship, culminating in a four-car entry at next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. That will mark the 50th anniversary of Ford's landmark victory at Le Mans in 1966. The pivotal, dominant one-two-three finish lead to a further three back-to-back wins with the legendary GT40 - the historic progenitor of the new GT revealed in Detroit earlier this year. Ford isn't saying much about the technical specs underpinning the new competition-spec GT developed with Multimatic, but it's expected to follow closely along the lines of the road-going supercar we've already seen. That includes the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 developed in conjunction with Roush Yates and which has already proven a winner in Daytona Prototypes. We also know that the crazy diffuser you see here will be part of 2016's regulations. Look for the new Ford GT racer to mark its debut in January in the Rolex 24 at Daytona. In the meantime, you can scope it out in the high-resolution image gallery above, the video below and the press release at bottom. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Ford Returning to Le Mans in 2016 with All-New Ford GT, Marking 50th Anniversary of 1966 Victory - Ford returns to Le Mans in 2016 with the all-new Ford GT supercar to compete in LM GTE Pro class, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ford's 1966 overall victory - All-new Ford factory program to compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and TUDOR United SportsCar Championship with a two-team, four-car effort – operated by Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates - Ford GT is company's showcase for aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fibre construction, along with new twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 – most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever LE MANS, France, June 12, 2015 – Ford announced today it is returning to one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world with its new Ford GT race car, based on the all-new ultra-high-performance supercar that goes on sale next year.