May 25, 2023

Auto News

Ford Keeping AM Radios In Cars After All

Amid pressure from customers and lawmakers, Ford has backtracked on its decision to remove AM radio from its vehicles. Ford CEO Jim Farley announced the news in a tweet, claiming that the automaker reached the decision after speaking with lawmakers and confirmed that AM radio would be available on all 2024 model year vehicles from both Ford and Lincoln. EV owners will get AM radio on their vehicles with a software update.

"After speaking with policy leaders about the importance of AM broadcast radio as part of the emergency alert system, we've decided to include it on all 2024 Ford and LincolnMotorCo vehicles. For any owners of Ford EVs without AM broadcast capability, we'll offer a software update," reads Farley's tweet.

The controversy surrounding Ford's decision to axe AM radio came up earlier this February when Ford announced that it would be dropping AM radio from the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. At the time, Ford stated that frequencies involved in AM radio affected the propulsion systems in its electric cars.

Ford isn't the only automaker that was looking into taking AM radio out of their electric vehicles. The Hill claims that several brands like BMW, Mazda, Volkswagen, and Tesla were looking into phasing out AM radio because of interference that can be caused by AM radio soundwaves.

Once government leaders heard about Ford, and the possibility of other automakers following suit, they got together to introduce a new bill. As The Hill reports, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers, which includes Senator Ted Cruz and Ed Markey, introduced new legislation that would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a rule that would require automakers to have AM radio in their new vehicles.


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Recalls

Tesla faces more trouble in China

Tesla has initiated a recall affecting more than 1.1 million cars in China over issues with their braking system and warning instructions.

The State Administration for Market Regulation said in a statement that starting May 29, Tesla will recall 1,104,622 vehicles due to issues with the vehicles' regenerative braking system.

The Chinese regulator said that the vehicles affected by the recall don't allow drivers to turn off the regenerative braking system, which slows down the vehicle and feeds surplus power back to the battery and do not offer a warning to step harder on the acceleration pedal.

It added the issues "may increase the risk of collision and potential safety hazards.

Featured Car

Lego Ferrari Monza SP1

This Ferrari Monza SP1 took a year to build and it is made entirely out of LEGO. A life-size Ferrari built with more than 380,000 LEGO bricks has been unveiled to visitors in Legoland, Denmark. Ferrari wheels and a steering wheel were the only original components used for the 1.34 ton life-size model.

Built in the Czech Republic with the help of Ferrari designers, the completed Lego Ferrari was shipped to Denmark, where it was unveiled under applause from Lego fans and auto enthusiasts at the amusement park in Billund.

The SP1 and SP2 debuted in 2018 as limited-edition models as part of Ferrari's Icona range. They took inspiration from the brand's sports cars in the 1950s and early 1960s but with modern powertrains.


Thanks for reading,

The Editor

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