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Episode #1192: Ford faces a jolt of EV reality as the F-150 Lightning may lose its spark. Meanwhile, SEMA goes full throttle with hydrogen, hybrids, and horsepower. And Progressive’s “Flo” gets a digital copilot as AI helps animals hit the road in the brand’s latest ad.
Show Notes with links:
- Ford is reportedly weighing the end of its all-electric F-150 Lightning as it reassesses its EV strategy amid steep losses and cooling demand. The move would mark a dramatic shift from what Ford once called a “Model T moment.”
- Ford’s Model e division has lost $2.2B in the first half of 2025 and Lightning production remains paused after a fire at aluminum supplier Novelis,
- Sales have plateaued: only 24,577 units sold through October and fewer than 100,000 total since launch.
- Ford execs are prioritizing gas and hybrid F-150s as EV tax credits fade and consumer demand softens.
- The review echoes moves by GM and Stellantis, both of which have scaled back electric truck plans.
- The SEMA Show once again delivered its signature mix of over-the-top creativity and real-world innovation. Automakers used the Las Vegas stage to showcase performance, personalization, and the future of vehicle design.
- Ford unveiled the Maverick 300T, a 300-hp street truck featuring the Mustang’s turbocharger, a lowered stance, and sport-tuned suspension aimed at AWD trims.
- Honda came in hot with eight prototypes, led by the Civic Type R HRC Rally XP built for rally racing.
- Toyota showed off a Turbo Trail Cruiser based on a 1985 Land Cruiser FJ60.
- Nissan’s Dune Patrol turned the Armada into a desert racer.
- “SEMA has become the proving ground for what’s next in personalization — if it’s wild enough to work here, it’s only a matter of time before it hits the street,” said one show organizer.
- Progressive is putting artificial intelligence in the driver’s seat—literally—in its new ad “Drive Like an Animal.” The spot uses AI-generated visuals to depict animals behind the wheel while promoting the company’s Snapshot® program, which personalizes rates based on actual driving habits.
- The ad combines AI-generated animation with the familiar voice of Flo (Stephanie Courtney) for a whimsical twist where llamas, lions, and leopards rule the road.
- “AI is an exciting tool that adds to our ability to innovate, but it’s just that—a tool,” said Matt Dillon, Business Leader of Creative Development at Ninety6, Progressive’s agency.
- Progressive says its use of AI follows strict ethical and copyright standards, emphasizing responsible innovation.
- “‘Drive Like an Animal’ shows that fairness and personalization can be fun—drivers deserve coverage that reflects them,” said Meghan Walsh, Progressive’s Head of Integrated Marketing.
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