Episode #55 - Ford's Big Split, Stellantis Global / China Strategy & Lei Drives a Tesla Model 3

Tu starts out the pod talking about Rivian’s marketing and pricing missteps with Lei reminding everyone that the EV startups will run into these types of challenges as they gain footing into the market. 

Tu then shares his thoughts on Ford’s announcement this week about splitting the company into Ford Blue, the division focusing on ICE development & Ford Model e, the division that will build out Ford's EV & mobility services strategy and why it was such an important move to hire Doug Field and let him take on the lead role for Ford Model e. 

Lei moves on to discuss Stellantis' China strategy which is was part of his overall strategy review. Stellantis China will take on an asset light approach to China leaning on brands like Jeep, Citröen, and Peugeot.  

February sales was due to be a slow month due to Chinese New Year but BYD & Tesla seemed to buck that trend they continue with their expectations for BYD for 2022 and its likely consistent sales of >100K / month starting in March as long as long as they can continue to manage supply chain issues so that they don’t affect production in any significant way.

Lei moves the conversation over to Li Auto’s earnings their grand ambitions and how they’ve contrasted themselves vs. XPeng and NIO.

Tu talks about Lotus's new electric SUV that’s to be unveiled at the end of March and how Lotus is following the playbook of Porsche, Bentley, Rolls Royce, and other sports car brands that eventually launched SUVs. 

Lei closes out the pod with his experience of spending a week driving a Hertz Tesla Model 3.