Cars

Ford's New Headquarters Promotes Executive-Engineer Collaboration

Ford Motor Company is embarking on a significant relocation of its global headquarters, moving from its venerable 12-story Dearborn office building, affectionately known as the 'Glass House,' to an innovative new facility situated within its expansive 700-acre Product Development Center. This pivotal transition, announced in an internal statement to employees, is scheduled for November 2025. The new campus is strategically designed to unite approximately 4,000 employees from various departments, including engineering, design, and technology, fostering an environment ripe for collaboration and accelerated problem-solving. This shift marks a deliberate effort to modernize Ford's operational structure and enhance cross-functional teamwork, addressing the shortcomings of a traditional office setup that often hindered direct interaction among key personnel.

The newly established headquarters is more than double the size of its 70-year-old predecessor, the 'Glass House,' and represents a tangible commitment to Ford's 'Ford+' transformation initiative. According to Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford and CEO Jim Farley, this move is a 'catalyst for innovation' and a 'physical symbol' of their vision, emphasizing the critical need for closer cooperation to thrive in the current industrial landscape. The facility boasts six cutting-edge design studios, an expansive showroom for comprehensive product reviews, and over 300 tech-equipped meeting rooms. Additionally, it offers a wealth of employee amenities, including a vast food hall with diverse culinary options, wellness areas, mother's rooms, event spaces, a sprawling indoor courtyard, and twelve acres of verdant, walkable green space connecting different campus structures. This holistic approach aims to create a vibrant, integrated ecosystem where executives and development teams can interact in real-time, streamlining processes and accelerating product innovation, a stark contrast to the time-consuming commutes between facilities previously endured by leadership.

The departure from the 'Glass House,' officially known as the Henry Ford II World Center, signifies the end of an era. While the 1956-opened building was once a landmark and bore witness to many of Ford's historic achievements, its design was rooted in an outdated philosophy of individualized, closed-door offices, which, as Bill Ford noted, created a sense of isolation rather than teamwork. The new headquarters, with its focus on open access and integrated departmental functions, aims to overcome these limitations. The old facility will be 'sustainably decommissioned and ultimately demolished' by mid-2026, with its site repurposed for community benefit. This strategic relocation underscores Ford's commitment to adapting to modern work paradigms and nurturing a dynamic, collaborative culture that can attract and retain top talent in an evolving, remote-work-centric world, differentiating itself from traditional automakers and embracing a forward-thinking approach akin to tech giants like Apple.

Walmart Offers PowerSmart 2500W Portable Gas Generator at 47% Discount

Walmart has announced a significant price reduction on the PowerSmart 2500W Portable Gas Generator, now available for nearly half its original price. This inverter generator, known for its quiet operation and fuel efficiency, is an ideal solution for outdoor enthusiasts, tailgaters, or as an emergency power source for homes. Customers can acquire this versatile device for $330, a substantial saving from its regular price of $619.

The PowerSmart 2500W Portable Gas Generator is equipped with a robust 4-stroke OHV engine, capable of delivering a continuous output of 1,900 watts and a surge capacity of 2,500 watts. This power output is sufficient to operate a range of small appliances and camping essentials. Weighing in at under 40 pounds, its portability is a key advantage, facilitating easy transportation for various activities or quick deployment during unexpected power disruptions. Its design prioritizes clean and stable power delivery, ensuring the safety of sensitive electronic devices.

Further enhancing its utility, the generator is fitted with multiple output options, including two AC ports, two USB ports, and a DC car outlet, allowing users to charge mobile phones, tablets, and power other small electronics simultaneously. On a single 1.06-gallon fuel tank, the unit can run for up to 7.5 hours at a 25% load or 5.5 hours at a 50% load, showcasing its impressive fuel economy. A notable feature is its low noise level, operating at a mere 69 decibels, which is considerably quieter than many conventional gas-powered generators, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments like campgrounds. For situations demanding greater power, the generator is parallel-ready, enabling two units to be linked together to achieve a combined output of up to 5,000 watts.

Positive feedback from users highlights its ease of use and performance. One satisfied customer commended its efficiency during a camping trip, stating its ability to power multiple devices for extended periods with minimal fuel consumption, along with its quiet operation and easy start-up. Another user drew comparisons to a well-known brand, noting the PowerSmart's comparable size, weight, and power, and praising its single-pull start and significantly quieter performance compared to their larger generator.

Opportunities to purchase high-value items at such steep discounts are often fleeting. Therefore, prospective buyers are encouraged to visit Walmart promptly to take advantage of this flash sale on the PowerSmart 2500W Portable Gas Generator, securing it for $330 while the offer remains valid.

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Toyota GR Corolla: Bridging the Performance Gap Across Model Years

Toyota is enabling owners of 2023 GR Corolla models to elevate their vehicle's performance to match that of the 2025 iterations through a significant software update. This initiative not only boosts the car's torque by an additional 22 pound-feet but also revamps the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system, offering drivers more dynamic and controlled handling. By making these enhancements available to previous model years, Toyota underscores its commitment to customer satisfaction and the continuous evolution of its high-performance vehicles. This upgrade, first rolled out in Japan, highlights a progressive approach to vehicle improvement, extending the lifespan and competitive edge of earlier models in the automotive market.

This strategic move by Toyota sets a new standard for how traditional automakers can engage with their existing customer base, offering substantial performance upgrades via software. Unlike many competitors who might reserve such enhancements for new models or offer them at a significant cost, Toyota is providing a pathway for 2023 GR Corolla owners to experience the latest in performance technology. This not only enhances the driving experience but also strengthens brand loyalty by ensuring that earlier adopters are not left behind in the rapid pace of automotive innovation.

Enhanced Performance and All-Wheel-Drive Refinements

Owners of the 2023 GR Corolla can now receive a software update that boosts their vehicle's torque by 22 pound-feet and significantly refines the GR-Four all-wheel-drive system. This upgrade ensures that early models achieve performance levels comparable to the 2025 versions, narrowing the gap between generations. The recalibrated GR-Four system replaces the previous "rear" mode with a "gravel" mode offering a 50:50 front-rear distribution, enhancing stability on uneven terrain. Furthermore, the "track" mode, once fixed at 50:50, now provides variable power splits from 60:40 front-biased to 30:70 rear-biased, allowing for more precise control during aggressive driving.

This comprehensive software enhancement goes beyond a simple power increase, fundamentally altering the driving dynamics of the GR Corolla. The improved torque output means quicker acceleration and more responsive handling, making the hot hatch even more exhilarating to drive. The advanced GR-Four all-wheel-drive system's recalibration provides drivers with greater flexibility and control across diverse driving conditions. Whether navigating challenging gravel roads or pushing the limits on a racetrack, the updated AWD system intelligently distributes power, optimizing traction and stability. This commitment to delivering cutting-edge performance to existing owners distinguishes Toyota in the competitive high-performance segment, promising a more engaging and adaptable driving experience for all GR Corolla enthusiasts.

Toyota's Proactive Approach to Customer Support

Toyota's decision to provide these performance upgrades underscores a significant commitment to its existing customer base, ensuring that those who invested early in the GR Corolla continue to benefit from the latest advancements. Initially rolled out in Japan, where it also accompanies an easing of sales restrictions for the vehicle, this approach highlights Toyota's dedication to supporting its community. The upgrade not only brings earlier models up to par with future versions but also paves the way for American owners to potentially receive similar benefits, along with other 2026 enhancements such as improved air ducts and structural rigidity.

This forward-thinking strategy by Toyota demonstrates a progressive stance in the automotive industry, where performance-focused software updates are still relatively uncommon from traditional manufacturers. By offering these enhancements, Toyota is not only improving the capabilities of its vehicles but also setting a precedent for customer care and loyalty. The upgrades, particularly the refinements to the all-wheel-drive system, address real-world driving needs and expand the car's versatility across various conditions. This initiative ensures that the GR Corolla remains a competitive and desirable option in the hot hatch segment, showcasing Toyota's ongoing commitment to innovation and driver satisfaction without requiring owners to purchase a new model.

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