Ford shifts focus from engines, sparks debate

Ford’s Vice Chair, John Lawler, recently stirred things up at a Bernstein conference by saying the company isn’t prioritizing engines anymore. He believes most buyers don’t care about engine details like horsepower or torque as much as they did decades ago. This has upset some Ford fans who still value traditional engines, and social media is buzzing with opinions. Lawler’s point is that today’s car buyers focus less on what’s under the hood and more on other features.

But some argue this move is less about customer preferences and more about competition. Chinese automakers are selling cars at very low prices, pushing Ford to cut costs and shift strategies. Instead of sticking to their strengths, Ford seems to be chasing trends, which critics call a risky choice. While everyday drivers might not obsess over engine specs, they notice when a car feels slow or breaks down early. Reliable engines, like those in Toyota’s Camry, keep customers loyal.

Ford’s push toward electric vehicles (EVs) also plays a role. With EV mandates fading, Ford wants to steer the industry toward electrification, even if it means moving away from gas-powered engines. Critics warn that abandoning internal combustion engines could backfire. If Ford stops improving them, competitors like Toyota might gain an edge. Many hope Ford rethinks this plan and keeps investing in what made them strong. The debate shows how much people still care about the heart of their cars.