DAILY ROUNDUP | SEP 16 | $77K Rap...

DAILY ROUNDUP | SEP 16 | $77K Raptor, Volvo 41.2-kWh Hybrid, Dealers -15%

IA
Auto News Talk di Auto News Talk
16 set 2026
20:09

Note sull'episodio

Automakers are stuffing vehicles with bigger batteries, hands-free towing, AI dashboards and high-output engines — while cutting heated seats and climate controls just to keep prices from getting worse.

Today’s episode breaks down Ford’s refreshed F-150 strategy, the $77,790 Raptor Low trim, Volvo’s plug-in hybrid range claims, conflicting 38- versus 41.2-kilowatt-hour battery reports, Eastern Holdings’ 15% pre-tax profit drop, and why dealership AI only works when the human process underneath is strong.

Today's Key Headlines

~Ford replaces the refreshed F-150’s standard 2.7-liter engine with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6

~Ford’s Raptor Low trim sits at $77,790 while dropping heated seats and automatic climate control

~Volvo’s updated XC60 plug-in hybrid is reported with 78 miles of EV range in one source and 124 miles in another

~Volvo hybrid reports conflict between a 38-kilowatt-hour battery and a 41.2-kilowatt-hour gross battery

~Eastern Holdings’ pre-tax profit falls 15% to $11.3 million despite gross profit rising to $108 million

00:07 A $77,000 truck without heated seats opens the episode

01:36 Ford refreshes the F-150 around torque and towing capability

04:04 Hands-free towing turns software into a truck feature

04:58 Volvo pushes plug-in hybrids toward EV-like range

10:07 Ford strips features to keep truck pricing reachable

11:42 Eastern Holdings exposes dealership margin pressure

14:41 Dealership AI fails when the underlying process is broken

19:12 Big takeaway: technology still depends on human infrastructure

20:00 Outro: are you paying for the feature or the technician?

To keep up with the latest headlines — plus explore our Marketplace, Vendor Directory, and Job Listings — check in daily at AutoNewsTalk.com