That sounds pretty consistent with the claims made by the plaintiffs in Louisiana. Follow the link in the third bullet point above -- the law firm even posts some of Ford's technical service bulletins that address the problem.

This article has nothing to do with Affirmative Action. (And even if it did, if you watch the video clip, you'll note that the spokesperson in question probably wasn't the beneficiary of such programs.) Just trying to keep the discussion on topic.

"Shifting blame" may be right, but I don't see what that has to do with Affirmative Action. Unless you were making a racial slur. Which I'm sure you weren't.

Ford, like Hyundai/Kia, is being sued for inaccurate mpg figures -- though Ford has a better chance of winning its case, since hybrid fuel economy can vary widely. (We covered that here: http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1081352_following-in-hyundais-footsteps-ford-sued-over-c-max-fusion-fuel-economy) The lawsuit makes it even more remarkable that Ford's hybrid sales have continued to ramp up.

The reason is pretty innocent: I tend to make all of my pronouns feminine. (Though sometimes I slip up.) It's a byproduct of many years of grad school, where, for a variety of reasons, most of my profs preferred we do so.

Hmm. I think you may be confusing this article with the one about recalls that we ran earlier today. If not, I might need you to explain your argument.

Unfortunately, that's how automatics were originally pitched -- as simpler options "for the little wifey". Remember that talking Barbie doll in the early 1990s that said stuff like "Math is hard?" The stereotypes endure, and to a degree, they've become ingrained.

I think both companies would argue that they produce very distinct products. Tesla makes fully electric vehicles, while Fisker makes (or made) extended-range cars, not unlike the Chevrolet Volt. It's true that those vehicles are expensive, but that's one of the few things the companies have in common. IMHO, arguing for their merger is a little like arguing that Lexus and Audi are indistinguishable from each another and ought to become one.

Thanks for the tip! I've updated the article accordingly.

Check the next-to-last bulletpoint: 200km per charge.