Backup Cameras Have Triggered 21 Million Recalls, And It Isn’t The Camera’s Fault Since backup cameras became a federal requirement in the United States eight years ago, automakers have initiated recalls for nearly 21 million vehicles due to issues with the technology. The problem extends beyond cars, with recreational vehicles and small buses contributing to a total of approximately 28 million affected units. A Bloomberg analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data highlights the scale of the issue, noting that over 6 million vehicles were recalled in the past year alone. Drivers have reported a range of malfunctions, from minor glitches like blank screens when reversing to more serious concerns such as displays showing outdated images, which could compromise safety during maneuvers. The complexity of modern infotainment systems has exacerbated these issues, providing backup cameras with more potential points of failure. For example, in 2026, over 2.93 million vehicles were recalled due to problems with their rear cameras. Ford led the list, recalling 1.7 million vehicles across two campaigns. One issue involved rear-camera images appearing reversed, while another centered on an overheating component that could cause the infotainment display to go blank. Honda followed with a recall of nearly 60,000 electric vehicles, citing potential water or debris ingress into the camera systems. Industry data underscores the persistent challenges with backup cameras. According to JD Power’s 2026 Initial Quality Study, backup cameras have consistently ranked among the 10 most problematic vehicle features since 2022. Infotainment systems, meanwhile, have become even more troublesome, reflecting the growing integration of complex technology in vehicles.#nhtsa #ford #honda #polestar_4 #jaguar_type_01
Ford Needs Another Taurus, and the $30K Fathom EV Pickup Isn’t It Ford has long relied on breakout hits to sustain its dominance in the automotive industry. From the Model T and Taurus to the F-150 and Explorer, the company has historically launched vehicles that became cultural icons and drove significant sales. However, in recent years, Ford has struggled to replicate that success. While U.S. vehicle sales rose 6% year-over-year to 2.08 million in 2025, they remain less than half of the 4.48 million units sold in 2000. New models introduced in recent years have failed to achieve the same level of popularity as past successes, leaving Ford in search of its next big hit. The automaker’s CEO, Jim Farley, is placing high hopes on the upcoming Fathom EV pickup, which he has dubbed a “Model T moment” for the company. The Fathom, part of Ford’s Universal EV platform, is positioned as a key player in the company’s strategy to compete with the rapid rise of Chinese electric vehicles. However, analysts and industry observers suggest that the Fathom may not be the next Taurus or Explorer. The vehicle’s success will depend on a combination of factors, including pricing, market trends, and design appeal. The Fathom’s base model starts at $29,945, including a destination fee. This price point is significantly lower than the $50,000 average for new vehicles and the $56,000 average for EVs. It is also about $5,000 below the Keating Line, which represents the average listing price of the largest price segment available at dealers. While affordability is a strong selling point, consumers often prioritize more than just price when making car purchases. The Fathom is entering a niche market that has been largely overlooked until recently.#ford #maverick #jim_farley #fathom_ev #universal_ev_platform
Ford’s New Small EV Truck Named Fathom, Priced at $29,945 Ford has officially announced the name and starting price for its upcoming small all-electric pickup truck, which will be called the Fathom. The decision marks a departure from earlier speculation that the vehicle would be named Ranchero, a name previously associated with Ford’s compact pickup models. Instead, the company has opted for a new nameplate that aligns with its historical use of alliterative naming conventions, such as the Fusion, Focus, and Flex. The Fathom’s name is said to reflect Ford’s “reached a new depth of innovation,” with the company claiming it has “fathomed possibilities once thought beyond reach.” The Fathom will start at $29,945, including a $1,595 destination fee, making it nearly identical in price to the 2026 Ford Maverick. This pricing strategy positions the Fathom as a more affordable alternative to the F-150 Lightning, which ended production in 2025 after struggling to balance electric innovation with traditional truck buyer expectations. The Fathom’s base price is also significantly lower than the cheapest versions of the F-150 Lightning in its final year of production, which started at around $31,500. The vehicle will be powered by a standard-range lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) battery, with an optional larger battery pack available for extended driving range. Ford confirmed that the entry-level Fathom will feature rear-wheel drive, propelled by a permanent-magnet motor developed and manufactured in-house. An all-wheel-drive variant, which adds an induction motor to the front axle, will also be offered. The company emphasized its focus on manufacturing efficiency, highlighting the Universal Electric Vehicle Platform that underpins the Fathom and other future EVs.#ford #fathom #maverick #f150_lightning #jim_farley
Ford's 2,200-HP Electric Mustang Shatters EV Quarter-Mile Record Ford Racing’s new Mustang Cobra Jet 2200 has set a new benchmark for electric vehicles, achieving a 6.87-second quarter-mile time at 221 mph during the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte. This performance eclipses Ford’s previous EV record of 7.623 seconds, set by the Cobra Jet 1800 in September 2024, by nearly 0.75 seconds—a dramatic leap in drag racing, where milliseconds often determine victory. The achievement underscores Ford’s rapid progress in electric powertrain development and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance. The Cobra Jet 2200 represents a complete redesign rather than an incremental upgrade from its predecessor. Engineers overhauled the vehicle’s architecture, replacing the previous four-motor setup with two custom-built electric motors and inverters that operate at over 98% efficiency. Each motor/inverter pair delivers approximately 1,200 horsepower, totaling 2,200 HP. Despite this increase, the motors weigh roughly half as much as the previous generation, showcasing a significant improvement in power density. The simplified design reduces mass and complexity, enhancing efficiency and performance. The car’s power delivery is supported by a 900-volt electrical system and a 32 kWh battery pack, which Ford claims can charge in about 20 minutes. This aligns with NHRA’s 45-minute turnaround standard, ensuring the vehicle remains competitive in high-speed racing environments. The redesign also incorporates a patented centrifugal clutch, a feature typically associated with internal combustion engines. This clutch allows for controlled torque application at launch, slipping briefly before locking into direct drive for optimal efficiency. Another key innovation is the inclusion of a multi-speed transmission.#charlotte #ford #mustang_cobra_jet_2200 #nhra_4_wide_nationals #ford_racing
Nick Swisher Embraces Life as 'Girl Dad' and Softball Coach Nick Swisher, once known as "Swish" for his baseball prowess, has transitioned from the MLB spotlight to a new role as a father and part-time softball coach. The former New York Yankees All-Star, now 45, has spent over a decade away from professional baseball, focusing instead on raising his two daughters, Emerson and Sailor, with his wife, actress JoAnna Garcia. Emerson, 12, plays middle school softball, while Sailor, 10, is a cheerleader. Swisher, who recently partnered with Ford and MLB, shared his experiences with Us Weekly, highlighting his unique perspective as a parent and coach. Swisher admitted to joking about the attention his daughter receives during games, noting that other parents often compare his baseball background to Emerson's softball performance. "When Emme gets up to bat, everybody’s looking at me, like 'I knew it bro, he couldn’t hit anyway,'" he said. Despite the humor, Swisher emphasized the importance of supporting his daughters' passions, regardless of his own lack of expertise in their pursuits. He explained, "I think one of the things that we really pay attention to is passion. Obviously, for myself, I have a crazy amount of passion. I’ve got a crazy amount of excitement and energy. And I think that’s where we shepherd our girls." The former MLB star acknowledged that his daughters have distinct interests. While Emerson enjoys horse jumping, a sport Swisher admits he knows little about, Sailor is passionate about cheerleading. Swisher expressed his willingness to support both, stating, "The fact that she’s in on something like that, and the fact that I can support her in doing that, I’m all about it." He also mentioned that his youngest daughter, Sailor, is a cheerleader, another discipline he has no experience with.#ford #nick_swisher #joanna_garcia #emerson #sailor
Why Are So Many Electric Cars Getting Canceled? The electric vehicle market is experiencing a wave of cancellations as manufacturers reassess their strategies in the wake of policy changes and shifting consumer demand. With the expiration of federal tax credits and regulatory incentives, companies are rapidly scaling back or abandoning plans for several models. In recent weeks, Honda canceled three new U.S.-built electric vehicles, Volvo scrapped its EX30 project, and Hyundai announced it would stop selling the standard Ioniq 6, leaving only the performance-focused N variant. These moves follow similar cancellations of existing models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Acura ZDX, signaling a broader industry reckoning. The cancellations reflect a combination of factors, including the loss of financial support that made certain models viable, a mismatch between product offerings and market preferences, and the challenges of competing without subsidies. Models like the F-150 Lightning and Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which relied heavily on incentives, are seen as examples of vehicles that struggled to succeed without them. Meanwhile, the decline of sedans like the Ioniq 6 and Tesla Model S highlights a growing preference for SUVs and crossovers, which dominate the current market. Some cancellations appear to be driven by regulatory changes. For instance, Honda’s decision to abandon its first fully in-house EV project months before production began suggests a lack of confidence in the model’s viability without the previous incentives. Other decisions remain puzzling, such as the abrupt cancellation of the 2024 Saloon concept, which was based on a design that had already been unveiled. These moves raise questions about which companies will remain competitive in the evolving EV landscape.#hyundai #ford #honda #volvo #volkswagen
US Auto Industry Struggles with Political Uncertainty and Tariffs The U.S. automotive sector faces mounting challenges as political shifts and trade policies create instability. Automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler are recalibrating their electric vehicle (EV) strategies amid fluctuating government support for clean energy. While the Biden administration pushed for a rapid transition to EVs, the Trump administration has shown hostility toward such efforts, leading to a reversal in plans by major manufacturers. Ford, for instance, has taken a $19.5 billion hit and scaled back its EV ambitions, while GM and Chrysler are also rethinking their long-term goals. Meanwhile, Chinese automakers are gaining ground in the EV market, raising concerns about whether U.S. companies can keep pace. The political landscape has created a volatile environment for the industry. Emissions regulations, tariff policies, and shifting priorities between administrations have made long-term planning difficult. Automakers are now hedging their bets, maintaining EV development while preparing for potential policy reversals. For example, they remain cautious about the possibility of reinstating stricter emissions rules under a future administration or the Trump administration’s efforts to block California and other states from phasing out gasoline-powered vehicles. Additionally, the global demand for EVs in Europe and Asia continues to grow, pushing U.S. companies to stay competitive internationally. The recent Iran war has not significantly altered the market dynamics, according to industry analysts. While gas prices have risen, consumers are unlikely to shift to EVs in the short term. Historical data shows that even when gas prices spiked to $5 a gallon in 2022, there was no widespread move toward electric vehicles.#general_motors #ford #us_auto_industry #chrysler #chinese_automakers
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger's children have never watched a movie Chris Pratt, 46, revealed on the "Today" show that his three children with wife Katherine Schwarzenegger have not yet seen a film. The actor, known for his role as Mario in the animated "Super Mario Galaxy" series, shared that his 5-year-old daughter Lyla Maria, 3-year-old daughter Eloise Christina, and 1-year-old son Ford have never experienced a movie. Pratt attributed this to Schwarzenegger’s cautious approach to screen time, stating, "Katherine is very old school when it comes to screens and technology," and that they are "waiting" for the right moment. The conversation arose when Pratt was asked about his children’s awareness of his voice work in the "Mario" films. He joked that his kids would eventually realize his fame, saying, "They haven’t realized it yet." Pratt and Schwarzenegger, married since 2019, have three children together, with Ford, their youngest, born in November 2024. The couple previously announced Ford’s birth, adding to their family of Lyla Maria and Eloise Christina. Pratt also mentioned his 13-year-old son, Jack, from his previous marriage to Anna Faris. Jack attended an early screening of the first "Mario" movie and expressed admiration for his father’s role, calling it "pretty cool." Pratt has voiced characters in several family-friendly animated films, including "The Garfield Movie" and two "Lego" films, highlighting his long-standing involvement in kid-centric media. Schwarzenegger has previously discussed her philosophy on limiting screen time for her children. On "The Skinny Confidential" in 2024, she explained that she avoids using technology for her kids, encouraging play without devices.#chris_pratt #katherine_schwarzenegger #lyla_maria #eloise_christina #ford
New Era of Formula 1: Major Changes for 2026 Season The Formula 1 cars set to compete in the 2026 season are undergoing a radical transformation, marking the most significant rule overhaul in the sport’s history. These vehicles, which will debut at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, differ substantially from the models that concluded the 2025 season. Teams have spent the winter adapting to sweeping changes affecting engines, chassis, tyres, and fuel, all of which aim to reshape the competitive landscape. At first glance, the new cars retain their iconic single-seater design with front and rear wings and exposed wheels. However, deeper inspection reveals critical modifications. The engine architecture has evolved, with a 1.6-litre V6 turbo hybrid power unit now split 52-48 between internal combustion and electrical components—a shift from the previous 80-20 ratio. The electrical side now generates up to 350kW (470bhp), three times the output of last year’s units, though the battery size remains unchanged. This change was intended to attract more manufacturers to F1, a goal achieved with entries from Audi, General Motors, Ford, and Honda, which reversed its decision to exit the sport. The removal of the MGU-H, a complex energy recovery system on the turbo shaft, has left the cars energy-starved. While the MGU-K (kinetic energy recovery) remains, the absence of the MGU-H and the ban on front axle energy recovery have forced teams to rethink power management. This has led to significant adjustments for drivers, including the need to balance energy recovery with performance. The aerodynamic philosophy has also shifted. The previous "ground effect" design, which used curved venturi tunnels under the chassis to create low-pressure zones for downforce, has been abandoned.#formula_1 #audi #general_motors #ford #honda
