Ford’s new budget electric pickup aims to disrupt the US market with affordability and versatility

MAN Truck & Bus's fully electric trucks have surpassed five million kilometres across Europe in demanding operational roles, demonstrating their viability and rapid adoption in sustainable commercial transport, with major companies and municipalities leading the charge.Since early 2025, MAN Truck & Bus's fully electric trucks have traveled over five million kilometres in demanding daily operations across Europe, really showing their increasing viability and acceptance in the world of commercial logistics. Big names in European logistics, like DB Schenker, Dachser, Duvenbeck, and Dräxlmaier, played a big part in reaching this milestone. These approximately 200 battery-electric trucks, which consume about 90 kWh per 100 km on average, have together helped save roughly 3,600 tonnes of CO₂, especially when compared to traditional diesel trucks that burn around 27 litres per 100 km. If you think about it, over the trucks’ typical lifespan — which is around 1.2 million kilometres — that could amount to roughly 172,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved. To put that into perspective, it’s about the same as what a mid-sized German city of around 32,000 people might produce each year. What’s quite remarkable is how versatile MAN's eTGX and eTGS electric models have proven to be, operating successfully in all sorts of sectors. These include automotive logistics, timber, food transportation, and municipal services. They’re built at MAN’s Munich plant, where they use a pretty innovative mixed production line—capable of rolling out up to 100 units every day. These trucks are designed not just for city driving but also for medium to long-distance haulage, construction jobs, and urban deliveries. Friedrich Baumann, who’s in charge of Sales and Customer Solutions at MAN Truck & Bus, mentions that hitting five million kilometres practically serves as "impressive proof of the practical suitability" of their electric trucks, really highlighting how adaptable they are in real-world settings. The first batch—about 200 pre-series electric trucks—rolled off the line in 2024. They were built for customers eager to move toward electric mobility. These trucks have been put to work in several countries—Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Poland, Portugal, Norway, Denmark—you get the idea. For instance, the Behrens Group, a major German timber wholesaler, has clocked over 50,000 kilometres using MAN eTGX trucks equipped with swap bodies for electric forklifts and partly powered by solar energy. Then there’s the Jacky Perrenot Group in France, which ordered over 100 units for food delivery, and Danone in Poland, using these trucks to cut back on supply chain emissions. Also, Royal Unibrew in Denmark and Nor Tekstil—the largest textile service provider in Norway—have incorporated MAN eTrucks into their fleets. It’s like a wave across Europe toward greener logistics. And it’s not just companies—the public sector is taking note too. An Austrian consortium, involving 12 cities and municipalities, has signed contracts for up to 45 MAN electric trucks, which signals a rising trend in municipal adoption. From a production side, MAN aims to exceed 1,000 electric truck orders by the end of 2025. That’s after they saw nearly 800 confirmed orders shortly after starting series production in June 2024. In fact, there was a huge jump—about 238% more electric vehicles sold in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. Admittedly, they started from a pretty low base, but still, the growth is promising. These trucks are also quite capable on long hauls, with typical daily ranges between 400 and 600 kilometres, and some even reaching up to 800 km with strategic charging in between, as Dr Frederik Zohm, one of MAN’s R&D leaders, points out. A core part of the MAN approach is modular battery design and durability, which aims to make it easier for fleet operators to transition, especially since they often have heavy-duty schedules. From the feedback so far, it seems that electric trucks can handle the tough demands of various tasks, while also delivering environmental advantages and dependable operation. It’s pretty interesting, right? I find it surprising that electric trucks like these can really match up to traditional diesel ones in so many ways—while also helping reduce emissions significantly. The future of logistics, it seems, is heading toward cleaner, smarter technology, and MAN appears to be leading quite well in that shift. Source: Noah Wire Services

Ford has reclaimed its status as the most loyal automotive brand in Q2 2025, outperforming Tesla amid market challenges, rising cross-shopping, and increasing competition from legacy automakers.Despite dealing with some significant challenges—such as a record number of recalls and repeated repair campaigns—Ford has maintained a strong hold on customer loyalty. According to data from S&P Global Mobility, Ford was named the most loyal automotive brand during the second quarter of 2025, with a buyer retention rate of 59.6%. This marks a return to its previous position after holding the top spot for 12 consecutive years until Tesla briefly took over in 2023. The broader industry saw a slight decline in overall loyalty, dropping to 51.1%, a decrease of about 1.4 percentage points from the same period last year. What makes Ford’s resilience notable is its ability to sustain loyalty amidst a shifting market landscape. Tesla, which once led in customer loyalty, experienced a significant decline—its retention rate falling approximately 9.4 percentage points throughout 2024 into 2025, at times dipping below the industry average. Industry analysts attribute this decline partly to CEO Elon Musk's political involvement, such as endorsing Donald Trump in mid-2024, which alienated many environmentally conscious Tesla customers. Reuters reports indicate Tesla’s loyalty rate dropped from 73% in June 2024 to just under 50% in March 2025, with a partial rebound to 57.4% in May. Nonetheless, Tesla’s position remains behind major automakers like Chevrolet and Ford. Tesla’s struggles extend beyond loyalty figures. Its U.S. electric vehicle (EV) market share has declined to 38% in August 2025—the lowest since 2017—down from its historic dominance of over 80%. The decline is fueled by increased competition from legacy automakers such as Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Toyota, and Volkswagen, which are ramping up incentives and introducing new models. Tesla’s lack of new affordable models and ongoing political controversies have contributed to this downward trend. Additionally, global vehicle sales for Tesla decreased by nearly 9% in the first quarter of 2025, the first year-over-year decline in nearly four years, reflecting increased market competition and slowing demand. Meanwhile, General Motors (GM) continues to demonstrate strong customer loyalty. About 68.1% of customers who switch vehicles within GM’s brand portfolio or to other GM brands remain loyal to the group. Ford, which includes Lincoln, has a slightly lower loyalty rate of 58.9%. Certain models are particularly influential in driving these figures; for example, Ford’s F-Series pickups, Expedition SUVs, and Bronco Sport each boast loyalty levels exceeding 60%. Chevrolet’s Equinox crossover also performs well, with 42.7% of buyers switching from one Equinox to another, indicating that approximately 57.3% of its buyers remain loyal to the model. Customer behaviors are shifting, with data showing increased cross-shopping activities. In the first half of 2025, conquest rates—where buyers opt for a different brand—rose notably, by 7.6% among mainstream brands and 6.2% among luxury brands. Vince Palomarez, associate director of loyalty product management at S&P Global Mobility, explains that this trend is driven by a combination of a steady return-to-market volume and intense inter-brand competition. Consumers now appear more open to exploring alternative brands than during pre-pandemic times when loyalty was typically higher. This shift reflects pent-up demand that has been building since 2020, even as vehicle prices continue to rise. Looking ahead, the expiration of the federal EV tax incentive—currently set at $7,500—could further influence brand loyalty. The incentive is scheduled to end soon, prompting a possible surge in EV purchases before the cutoff, which may temporarily boost loyalty for brands offering qualifying models. Conversely, some buyers might delay or forgo EV purchases due to higher post-incentive costs, potentially benefiting traditional internal combustion and hybrid vehicle markets. Overall, Ford’s position as the leading brand in customer loyalty amid a turbulent market underscores its critical role in the automotive industry. Its ability to retain customers despite recall issues demonstrates resilience, while Tesla’s recent decline highlights the risks associated with political entanglements and rising market competition. As the industry navigates evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes, legacy automakers like GM and Ford are well positioned to capitalize on shifting trends, balancing innovation and loyalty in a challenging environment. Source: Noah Wire Services

Smaller trucking fleets are increasingly turning to innovative fuel card solutions to combat rising fuel costs, optimise routes, and streamline financial controls, offering a crucial edge in a competitive industry.For smaller trucking fleets, fuel costs tend to be the biggest and most unpredictable expense, directly impacting how profitable the business can be. From what I’ve seen and read, using fuel cards smartly can make a real difference — they can cut down the cost per mile significantly, fit right into existing cash-flow systems, and even improve how well finances are managed overall. When new carriers are setting up shop, figuring out a solid fuel management plan really becomes crucial if they want to boost their margins and run things more smoothly. Getting a handle on how fuel prices work is pretty important. The price you see at the pump isn’t always what you end up paying. Fuel card programs, for instance, often negotiate discounts either off that posted price or based on benchmarks like the cost-plus model. These negotiated discounts can vary quite a bit depending on the location and the fuel brand — so planning routes carefully is key in squeezing out the most savings. Take this example: If a truck drives 1,500 miles a week, gets around 6.5 miles per gallon, and saves about 35 cents a gallon thanks to a fuel card, that’s over $4,000 saved every year per truck. Of course, bigger fleets or trucks with better mileage can save even more — which highlights how important it is to choose stops wisely on the route. Now, fuel cards definitely beat regular credit cards meant for consumers in many ways. They usually come with exclusive discounts at fuel stations that you can’t get through standard cards, and they often let you set spending controls. Carriers can limit transactions, restrict purchases to fuel only, or get alerts if something weird happens with spending. A lot of programs even support IFTA — the International Fuel Tax Agreement — which simplifies tax reporting. Features like locking cards so they can only be used for fuel, setting time and location restrictions, adding driver PINs, and tracking odometer readings give fleet managers better control. Basically, they help prevent costly misuse or fraud. Plus, real-time alerts can tip off managers immediately if a transaction isn’t in line with the route or usual patterns, which helps protect margins. Putting together a complete fuel buying plan means focusing on discount locations in the network rather than just going to the most convenient or advertised pump prices. It’s often better to do some smaller, strategic fills instead of blindly filling up at expensive stations, especially when you’re trying to stay flexible and cost-conscious. Also, watching how long trucks idle and how fast they go can boost fuel efficiency. Small improvements in miles per gallon can lead to big savings over time — sometimes thousands of dollars a year per truck. Combining fuel cards with factoring companies or digital wallets can keep cash flowing smoothly, which is a huge plus for new businesses. When invoices are approved, loading funds onto fuel cards via digital wallets means trucks aren’t held up because of lack of cash at the pump. This kind of steady access to fuel money can be a lifesaver during the often tricky first year in business. When choosing a fuel card, it’s smart to ask about how transparent their discounts are—can you see exactly how much you’re saving at each station? It’s also worth clarifying any fees upfront, like card fees, transaction costs, or minimum usage requirements. Make sure to compare control features and alerts—are they included or considered extras? Customer support is another big one—since issues at fueling stations can be time-sensitive, having support available during nights or weekends matters. And if the card can work with factoring and digital wallets seamlessly, that makes managing finances way easier. Some fuel card providers also go beyond just fuel — they might cover vehicle maintenance or repairs, combining operational expenses into one platform. Security features like fraud prevention tools, PIN-protected cards, and detailed activity reports help keep transactions safe and organized. Additionally, some providers report on-time payments to credit bureaus, which helps build a good credit profile for startups and smaller fleets. That’s a real bonus. Wide acceptance networks are another benefit — some programs are accepted at over 14,000 truck stops nationwide, making it convenient for drivers no matter where they are. Some cards also come with perks like rebates on fuel, discounts at repair shops, or partnerships with hotels, which can really help drivers and fleet managers alike. Plus, detailed expense reports give fleets insights into fuel usage and vehicle performance, helping to make smarter decisions and optimize routes. Industry data clearly shows that fuel cards aren’t just about saving money. They also improve operational management and even help with driver retention. For example, reports from specialized providers show average savings between 14 and 35 cents per gallon. Many tools—like fuel price searchers—help plan routes smarter. Managed properly, accounts become more controlled, and drivers tend to appreciate the benefits too, making it easier to keep good drivers happy in a competitive market. All in all, for trucking firms — especially those just starting out or running smaller operations — fuel cards turn out to be pretty versatile financial tools. They help cut down fuel expenses with negotiated discounts, keep cash flowing through factoring and digital wallets, and provide comprehensive oversight with spend controls and detailed reports. Choosing a program that’s transparent about pricing, offers solid customer support, and has flexible controls makes a lot of sense if you want to protect profit margins and keep operations running without hiccups in this tough industry. References: - Paragraph 1 – [1], [4] - Paragraph 2 – [1], [3], [6] - Paragraph 3 – [1], [5] - Paragraph 4 – [1], [3], [6] - Paragraph 5 – [1] - Paragraph 6 – [1], [2], [5] - Paragraph 7 – [3], [4], [7] - Paragraph 8 – [5], [6] - Paragraph 9 – [1], [2], [3], [4], [6] Source: Noah Wire Services