The Ford and VW joint venture Argo, announced its closure on Wednesday, proving that automated vehicles are further away from mass deployment than industry executives predicted in 2019.
Those who blamed the Narendra Modi government for Ford’s untimely demise as a manufacturer in India should look at Kia and Hyundai's success over the past three years.
Ford will import and sell some vehicles, including Mustang coupes, but the sale of models including the Figo, EcoSport & Endeavour will cease once existing inventory at dealers is sold.
Ford dashboard infotainment screens will be powered by an Android operating system starting in 2023 and the automaker will adopt Google’s AI and data-analytics technology.
A flaw affecting a plug-in hybrid SUV in Europe will keep Ford from complying with tougher emissions standards this year. BMW and Hyundai are recalling tens of thousands of cars.
The deal with Mahindra & Mahindra effectively ends Ford’s independent operations in India, the country it wanted to turn into one of its top three markets by 2020.
Without a Congress revival, there can be no challenge to the BJP pan-nationally. Modi’s party is growing, and almost entirely at the cost of the Congress.
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