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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.

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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