Electric Cars

Ford Motor Company is currently facing legal challenges over its reimbursement policies for electric vehicle battery replacements, as two New York dealerships allege severe underpayments for costly repairs. This situation underscores broader issues within the automotive industry's shift towards electrification, particularly concerning the financial burden on dealers for high-cost EV components. The lawsuit highlights a significant discrepancy between the actual repair expenses and the compensation provided by Ford, leading to substantial financial strain on the affected dealerships. This development occurs amidst a reported decline in EV demand and Ford's re-evaluation of its electric vehicle production plans, suggesting potential cost-cutting measures that may be impacting its dealer network.

Disputed Reimbursement for EV Battery Services

Two Ford dealerships in New York have initiated legal action, accusing the automaker of insufficient reimbursement for electric vehicle battery replacements. The dealerships claim that while the average cost for a battery replacement, including parts and labor, amounts to approximately $22,600, Ford has reportedly reimbursed as little as $600 per incident in many cases. This considerable gap has resulted in significant financial losses for the dealerships, with one reporting a shortfall of nearly $300,000 across multiple replacements. The lawsuit emphasizes that these reimbursement figures are dramatically lower than the actual expenditures, creating a major point of contention within the dealer-manufacturer relationship. This issue surfaces as Ford adjusts its electric vehicle production, including discontinuing the F-150 Lightning, signaling a recalibration of its EV strategy amid evolving market conditions.

The core of the dispute revolves around the substantial financial discrepancy observed by two New York-based Ford dealerships, Patchogue 112 Motors and Jericho Turnpike Auto Sales. These establishments carried out numerous full battery replacements on Ford's electric vehicles, incurring costs around $22,600 for each service. However, Ford is alleged to have provided reimbursements as low as $600 per repair for the majority of these instances. One dealer cited completing 15 such replacements, with 13 receiving the minimal $600 reimbursement and the remaining two being compensated at approximately $13,000 each, still leaving a deficit of around $286,200. The second dealership reported similar experiences, consistently being underpaid by roughly $20,000 per battery. These allegations raise serious concerns regarding Ford's support for its dealer network in managing the high operational costs associated with EV maintenance, especially in light of the brand's broader strategic shifts within the electric vehicle market, including the impending cessation of F-150 Lightning production. The lawsuit posits that Ford's reimbursement practices effectively shift a significant financial burden from the manufacturer to its independent dealers, challenging the established framework of dealer-manufacturer financial responsibilities.

Legal and Ethical Implications of Ford's Reimbursement Policy

The lawsuit brought against Ford highlights critical legal and ethical questions regarding fair compensation for warranty repairs under state law. New York regulations stipulate that automakers must reimburse dealerships for warranty work at rates comparable to retail services, encompassing both parts pricing and reasonable labor markups. The plaintiffs contend that Ford has disregarded these legal requirements by implementing flat-rate reimbursements that fail to reflect the true market costs of EV battery replacements. While electric vehicles are generally less costly to maintain daily, the expense of a full battery replacement, potentially reaching $25,000, makes adequate reimbursement crucial. By allegedly limiting these reimbursements, Ford is perceived as transferring its financial obligations to its dealerships, a move that could set a precedent for future disputes across the automotive industry.

Filed on December 5, 2025, the case, titled 440 Jericho Turnpike Auto Sales LLC v. Ford Motor Company, initially involves only these two New York dealerships. However, the outcome could potentially inspire similar legal actions in other states, particularly if the broader trend of declining EV sales continues to pressure automakers to cut costs. The question of whether Ford's reimbursement practices constitute a deliberate strategy to save money or merely an oversight remains to be determined through the legal process. This situation adds a layer of complexity to the dealership experience, suggesting that while Ford aims to simplify the car-buying process for consumers, the financial realities for its dealers, especially concerning high-value EV components, are becoming increasingly challenging. The legal battle will scrutinize Ford's adherence to state franchise laws and industry standards for warranty compensation, potentially influencing how other manufacturers manage their relationships with their dealer networks as the automotive sector continues its electric transition.

Car and Driver magazine has once again curated its highly anticipated 10Best cars list for 2026, a definitive guide to the most outstanding vehicles available today. This annual accolade celebrates cars that not only push the boundaries of engineering and design but also deliver unparalleled driving pleasure and exceptional value. Through an exhaustive evaluation process that includes back-to-back testing on identical routes and comprehensive performance assessments, the magazine's seasoned experts meticulously scrutinize each contender. The selection criteria are stringent: vehicles must have a starting price under $115,000 and be available by January 2026. This rigorous methodology ensures that the 10Best list genuinely represents the cream of the crop, showcasing vehicles that embody their intended purpose with remarkable skill and an infectious joy behind the wheel.

Car and Driver's 2026 10Best: A Deep Dive into Automotive Excellence

The prestigious 2026 10Best awards from Car and Driver magazine have brought to light a remarkable collection of vehicles, each a testament to automotive innovation and driving passion. The selection process, a hallmark of the publication's commitment to thoroughness, involved extensive testing where every new and significantly updated model, alongside previous winners, was subjected to a gauntlet of evaluations. Judges, a team of twenty experienced evaluators, scored each car out of a hundred points after two weeks of intensive road tests, covering acceleration, braking, cornering, interior noise, and fuel efficiency.

Among the distinguished honorees, the BMW M2 stands out as a compact powerhouse. With 473 horsepower, it offers M3/M4 level performance in a more agile and affordable package, echoing the spirit of the iconic 2002. Its inclusion signifies its potent blend of power and practicality, fitting easily into urban landscapes without compromising on thrill.

Cadillac secured two spots with its formidable Blackwing series. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, earning its fifth consecutive 10Best trophy, continues to impress with its smooth, customizable ride, manual gearbox option, and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Not to be outdone, the larger Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing also made its fifth appearance, triumphing over new rivals like the BMW M5 and Audi RS7 in head-to-head comparisons, largely due to its superior value proposition and the bespoke options available through the 'Curated by Cadillac' program.

Chevrolet's mid-engine Corvette Stingray and E-Ray variants demonstrate a monumental shift in design, transforming the Corvette into a true ultra-high-performance sports car capable of competing with the world's elite.

Honda proved its consistent excellence with the Accord and Civic. The Accord was lauded for its unwavering quality and predictable performance, while the Civic, with its various iterations including the hybrid, Si, and Type R, was praised for its brilliant driving dynamics, affirming the adage, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

In the electric vehicle realm, the Lucid Air Pure made its third consecutive appearance, solidifying its place as a newcomer that has swiftly earned respect for its innovative design and compelling performance.

Mercedes-Benz earned recognition for the E450 sedan and wagon, celebrated for their refined purpose and grace amidst a fast-paced automotive world, embodying understated elegance and quality.

The collaborative efforts of Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 showcased their prowess as light, rear-wheel-drive sports coupes, filling the void left by the temporary exit of some higher-priced competitors and proving that pure driving enjoyment doesn't always come with an exorbitant price tag.

Finally, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, despite losing their manual transmission option in some markets, were still celebrated for their enduring appeal as hot hatches, proving that their spirit transcends a single feature.

These selections collectively paint a vivid picture of the current automotive landscape, where performance, value, and the sheer joy of driving remain paramount, guiding consumers towards vehicles that truly excel.

The 2026 Car and Driver 10Best awards offer valuable insights into the evolving automotive industry. It's inspiring to see a diverse range of vehicles, from high-performance sports cars to practical sedans, recognized for their excellence. This list serves not only as a benchmark for manufacturers but also as a trusted guide for consumers seeking quality, performance, and driving satisfaction. It highlights that true automotive brilliance lies in a harmonious blend of engineering prowess, emotional appeal, and tangible value, reminding us that the best cars are those that enrich our lives on every journey.