Latest news with #Fusion
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Insider
When No Boring Cars Goes too Far: Ford's (NYSE:F) Race to Make Everything Exciting
One of the major dogmas that seems to be driving legacy automaker Ford (F) these days is 'no boring cars.' And indeed, Ford seems to be sticking to that pretty hard. It has removed several cars from its lineup, including, among others, the Fusion, the Focus, the Fiesta and the Taurus. There are reports that the Ford Escape, Ford's smallest SUV, is also on track for removal. And the question that is starting to rise in some quarters is whether or not Ford's pursuit of only exciting cars is, perhaps, going too far. Confident Investing Starts Here: Certainly, Ford has many exciting cars going for it right now. It has been ramping up efforts on its Ford Mustang line, including the Mustang electric vehicle series. Indeed, not so long ago, Ford rolled out a new kind of battery technology that is likely to improve its electric vehicle concepts, the lithium manganese rich (LMR) system. This kind of technological development is likely to prove helpful in getting Ford vehicles to be more regularly considered by drivers. Ford has other improvements as well; the BlueCruise system is doing quite well, with service now up and running on over 130,000 miles of highway in the United States. This brings us closer to the dream of complete hands-free operation. And while BlueCruise itself is only a level 2 system, meaning that a human driver must be in place and ready to intervene as needed, that is still a significant step up from where we were. Even Ford Pro is seeing some potential gains from Ford's increased infatuation with high tech. A report from back in March suggested that Ford could end up with an automated loading system for its delivery vehicles. That could be a huge win for any parcel delivery service or catering operation; being able to automatically load a vehicle means potential cost and time savings, depending on how the system is executed. Jetsons or Terminator? But not all of Ford's advances are wins. After all, like we said, the BlueCruise system is still a level 2 system. That means, as noted previously, it needs constant human oversight. That does not make it bad, but it does make it less than optimal. The automated loading system in Ford Pro vehicles could also be an issue; anything that increases complexity also increases potential failure risk; there are simply more moving parts and more potential points of failure. This may be a universal condition, but it is still an issue nonetheless. Even some of Ford's current advances are having issues. The SYNC 4 infotainment system, for example, has an unexpectedly substantial failure rate. A major update came out back in late February to address this matter, which at least demonstrates Ford's eagerness to fix whatever problems it may have. It is an issue that speaks to reliability, and in some cases, safety. So far, Ford has issued over 40 different recalls, from small ones impacting only a handful of vehicles—one recall was geared toward just three cars—all the way up to major ones impacting fractions of millions. But with over 40 recalls so far this year, and 2024—already regarded as a bad year for recalls—having just 64 in the entire year—it is looking like Ford's fascination with exciting cars is leading to some cars that are exciting for all the wrong reasons. Is Ford Stock a Good Buy Right Now? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Hold consensus rating on F stock based on two Buys, 12 Holds and three Sells assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 12.65% loss in its share price over the past year, the average F price target of $9.71 per share implies 6.9% downside risk.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How Accurate Weather Forecasting Helps Breeze Airways Keep Flights Smooth, Safe And On Time
At Breeze Airways, a low-cost carrier known for serving smaller, less-trafficked airports, flight planning starts long before wheels leave the ground, and weather plays a starring role. "We start by analyzing the weather both nationally and internationally to identify potential hotspots for operational risk," said Garrett Urry, Manager of Flight Dispatch at Breeze Airways. "We use that information to generate our routes for our flight plans. Then we work with air traffic control as well to make sure that the route that we're filing is a route that we can actually predict that we're going to get." For Breeze, which operates out of hubs in Charleston and Akron, flying into smaller, secondary cities comes with unique weather-related challenges. The airline relies heavily on weather tracking and forecasting tools from The Weather Company – including Fusion and Maverick Dispatch – to identify hazards like thunderstorms, hail and lightning, but also less obvious threats. "Hot weather or high altitude airports have a great effect on us," Urry said, highlighting airports in Provo, Utah, and Las Vegas as presenting unique challenges. "If we don't have cooler weather or if we don't have supporting headwinds, it can really impact our payload capabilities of the aircraft and we could be bumping guests. We could be delaying into a later hour. Those are the little things that really make a massive difference in our operation." Breeze's proactive approach to weather isn't just about avoiding turbulence. It's essential to profitability and passenger satisfaction. According to Urry, a simple misread forecast can delay or cancel four to eight flights and cause a ripple effect throughout the day. "A 30-minute delay can turn into cancellations by the end of the day because of how much that puts us into negative weather," he said. To stay ahead, the dispatch team begins building each flight's release two hours before departure and continues to monitor conditions in real time. "We have 10 cities in Florida that we're operating in and out of," Urry said. "If we're not monitoring and making sure that what was forecasted and what we were expecting is actually what's going to happen, then we can get behind that eight-ball really, really quick." Confidence in the forecast builds confidence across the board, starting in the cockpit. "The pilot's confidence is one of the most important things," Urry said. "Making sure that the pilots feel equipped, that they feel like they're ready for the challenges of everyday flight is really important because when they're confident, our guests are confident, which makes the entire operation run more seamless." For Breeze, guest comfort plays a big role in weather-driven decisions. "We can't predict everything," admits Urry, explaining that even during turbulent weather, the flight dispatch team does their best to stack the cards in the passengers' favor. "When it's an expected event that's going to occur during a flight, the guests are generally a lot more, 'OK, this was expected,'" he said. "But if you leave them in the dark and you're not using those forecasting tools, it can really put them into a bad situation." What makes the difference is accurate, dependable forecasting, and a partnership that helps minimize surprises. "Having the team at The Weather Company has been an absolute delight," Urry said. "Having them come back and reaffirm our thoughts and our opinions with supported information is so critical and it has allowed us to operate at times where we would have not otherwise been able to operate." Breeze's partnership with The Weather Company has helped the airline maintain some of the highest Net Promoter Scores in the industry, Urry said, and has provided a foundation for the airline's growth and reliability. "Without accurate weather reporting, we really can't do our jobs well. It's like going through the dark without a path forward," he said. "But this gives us a clear path. This gives us a way to operate, a way to have confidence, a way to be able to provide the best experience for our guests." lead editor Jenn Jordan explores how weather and climate weave through our daily lives, shape our routines and leave lasting impacts on our communities. MORE ON These Are America's Most Turbulent Airports The Weather Company Named Most Accurate Forecaster Hacks To Avoid Summer Travel Delays
Mid East Info
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Official Mobility Live Technology partner Keyloop, launches innovative Automotive Retail Platform in Middle East
Keyloop has launched Fusion , a new end-to-end Automotive Retail Platform designed to streamline the entire vehicle sales and aftersales process for Middle East retailers. , a new end-to-end Automotive Retail Platform designed to streamline the entire vehicle sales and aftersales process for Middle East retailers. As the official Technology Partner of Mobility Live Middle East (24–25 June 2025), Keyloop will showcase its new end-to-end Automotive Retail Platform, Fusion, at the event. Dubai, UAE: Keyloop, a leading global automotive technology company, has launched Fusion, a new end-to-end Automotive Retail Platform (ARP) that will help motor retailers across the Middle East manage and optimise the full vehicle sales and aftersales process – from initial enquiry through to ownership and retention. The new platform will be showcased at Mobility Live Middle East (24 – 25 June 2025; Dubai World Trade Centre), where Keyloop is the event's official Technology Partner. Fusion incorporates four distinct 'domains' – Demand, Supply, Ownership and Operate – covering all key functions within a dealership business. Keyloop's Drive Dealer Management System (DMS) is now a critical element in the Operate domain. All of Fusion's domains draw upon information held in the system's Active Data Core, which provides users in all departments with a single comprehensive record of customer interactions and transactions. This is in line with their commitment to a way of working that prioritises outcomes: making efficiency, automation, and an AI-driven future a core part of their strategy. As it is cloud-based and powered by AWS, Fusion tools and functionality can be deployed rapidly and securely for organisations of all sizes, even major dealer groups operating in multiple countries and with distributed networks of sites representing a diverse portfolio of vehicle brands. Fusion uses 'Experience-First' technology that puts the customer at the heart of all activity, helping retailers deliver positive customer outcomes and amplify revenues through the full purchase and ownership cycle. It also streamlines and automates key processes to reduce operational costs, making businesses more agile. Keyloop pulls from over 9,000 OEM integrations to help facilitate a connected user and customer journey. Motor retailers can select those elements of the new Fusion ARP that best suit their requirements or introduce the full platform across their entire business. The areas of focus for Fusion's key domains are as follows: Demand : Helps retailers and OEMs maximise deal profitability through the use of convenient communication and ecommerce tools, omnichannel-enabled sales operation software and intelligent retention initiatives. It reduces cost per acquisition, increases lead-to-sale conversion rates, and improves customer loyalty. : Helps retailers and OEMs maximise deal profitability through the use of convenient communication and ecommerce tools, omnichannel-enabled sales operation software and intelligent retention initiatives. It reduces cost per acquisition, increases lead-to-sale conversion rates, and improves customer loyalty. Supply : Allows retailers, OEMs and fleet suppliers to achieve maximum profit per unit by proactively managing vehicle supply through intelligent management of inventory and asset risk. : Allows retailers, OEMs and fleet suppliers to achieve maximum profit per unit by proactively managing vehicle supply through intelligent management of inventory and asset risk. Ownership : An aftersales-focused suite of resource and workshop management tools that increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Enables retailers and OEMs to maximise workshop utilisation and income per visit. : An aftersales-focused suite of resource and workshop management tools that increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Enables retailers and OEMs to maximise workshop utilisation and income per visit. Operate : With the Drive advanced dealer management systems (DMS) at its core, Operate helps retailers and OEMs achieve peak operational efficiency, supporting faster, more informed business decisions. Visitors to Mobility Live Middle East will hear Tom Kilroy, Chief Executive Officer and Dean Gardner, Chief Customer Officer deliver a keynote speech focusing on how to create the latest digital retailing ecosystem. While Monzer Tohme, Managing Director Sales MEA, will chair a panel session with industry experts, discussing how connecting data leads to the delivery of better customer experiences. Keyloop will also have its own 48 square-metre stand where delegates will be able to see our connected Fusion technology in action and speak to our team on the day. Commenting on the launch of Fusion, Monzer Tohme said: 'Middle East is a critical growth region for Keyloop, and with Fusion we have a unique opportunity to unlock more value to the dealer network in the region. The four domains in our new connected ARP enable our retailer customers to benefit from the expertise of our team and the extensive reach of our technology. Our focus remains on simplifying the vehicle sales and ownership journey, staying true to our Experience-First principles. Fusion is more than just a technological solution – it's a transformative approach to reshaping our industry and delivering meaningful value to all stakeholders.' Tohme added: 'Today's evolving automotive ecosystem demands a more flexible, scalable, and integrated approach. Fusion is a clear and compelling proposition, guaranteed to drive value for our customers. It underpins a connected, data-driven approach which fosters customer trust, revenue growth and long-term loyalty.'
Zawya
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Official Mobility live technology partner Keyloop
Keyloop has launched Fusion, a new end-to-end Automotive Retail Platform designed to streamline the entire vehicle sales and aftersales process for Middle East retailers. As the official Technology Partner of Mobility Live Middle East (24–25 June 2025), Keyloop will showcase its new end-to-end Automotive Retail Platform, Fusion, at the event. Dubai, UAE: Keyloop, a leading global automotive technology company, has launched Fusion, a new end-to-end Automotive Retail Platform (ARP) that will help motor retailers across the Middle East manage and optimise the full vehicle sales and aftersales process – from initial enquiry through to ownership and retention. The new platform will be showcased at Mobility Live Middle East (24 - 25 June 2025; Dubai World Trade Centre), where Keyloop is the event's official Technology Partner. Fusion incorporates four distinct 'domains' – Demand, Supply, Ownership and Operate – covering all key functions within a dealership business. Keyloop's Drive Dealer Management System (DMS) is now a critical element in the Operate domain. All of Fusion's domains draw upon information held in the system's Active Data Core, which provides users in all departments with a single comprehensive record of customer interactions and transactions. This is in line with their commitment to a way of working that prioritises outcomes: making efficiency, automation, and an AI-driven future a core part of their strategy. As it is cloud-based and powered by AWS, Fusion tools and functionality can be deployed rapidly and securely for organisations of all sizes, even major dealer groups operating in multiple countries and with distributed networks of sites representing a diverse portfolio of vehicle brands. Fusion uses 'Experience-First' technology that puts the customer at the heart of all activity, helping retailers deliver positive customer outcomes and amplify revenues through the full purchase and ownership cycle. It also streamlines and automates key processes to reduce operational costs, making businesses more agile. Keyloop pulls from over 9,000 OEM integrations to help facilitate a connected user and customer journey. Motor retailers can select those elements of the new Fusion ARP that best suit their requirements or introduce the full platform across their entire business. The areas of focus for Fusion's key domains are as follows: Demand: Helps retailers and OEMs maximise deal profitability through the use of convenient communication and ecommerce tools, omnichannel-enabled sales operation software and intelligent retention initiatives. It reduces cost per acquisition, increases lead-to-sale conversion rates, and improves customer loyalty. Supply: Allows retailers, OEMs and fleet suppliers to achieve maximum profit per unit by proactively managing vehicle supply through intelligent management of inventory and asset risk. Ownership: An aftersales-focused suite of resource and workshop management tools that increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. Enables retailers and OEMs to maximise workshop utilisation and income per visit. Operate: With the Drive advanced dealer management systems (DMS) at its core, Operate helps retailers and OEMs achieve peak operational efficiency, supporting faster, more informed business decisions. Visitors to Mobility Live Middle East will hear Tom Kilroy, Chief Executive Officer and Dean Gardner, Chief Customer Officer deliver a keynote speech focusing on how to create the latest digital retailing ecosystem. While Monzer Tohme, Managing Director Sales MEA, will chair a panel session with industry experts, discussing how connecting data leads to the delivery of better customer experiences. Keyloop will also have its own 48 square-metre stand where delegates will be able to see our connected Fusion technology in action and speak to our team on the day. Commenting on the launch of Fusion, Monzer Tohme said: 'Middle East is a critical growth region for Keyloop, and with Fusion we have a unique opportunity to unlock more value to the dealer network in the region. The four domains in our new connected ARP enable our retailer customers to benefit from the expertise of our team and the extensive reach of our technology. Our focus remains on simplifying the vehicle sales and ownership journey, staying true to our Experience-First principles. Fusion is more than just a technological solution – it's a transformative approach to reshaping our industry and delivering meaningful value to all stakeholders.' Tohme added: 'Today's evolving automotive ecosystem demands a more flexible, scalable, and integrated approach. Fusion is a clear and compelling proposition, guaranteed to drive value for our customers. It underpins a connected, data-driven approach which fosters customer trust, revenue growth and long-term loyalty.' Full details of Fusion can be found here
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
83-year-old woman killed in Salem Township crash caused by unlicensed driver: OSHP
[Watch in the player above: What to do if you witness a crash] NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio (WJW) — A driver with a suspended license caused a crash that hospitalized an 85-year-old man and an 83-year-old woman in another car, according to state troopers. The 83-year-old woman later died of her injuries, according to a Monday news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The crash happened at about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, on U.S. Route 36, near the entrance ramp to Interstate 77 South, in Salem Township, Tuscarawas County, according to the release. 20-year-old Ashtabula man killed in weekend Painesville shooting A 26-year-old Cambridge man driving a Chevrolet Malibu southwest on U.S. Route 36 attempted a left turn onto the entrance ramp for I-77 and failed to yield to an oncoming Ford Fusion, according to the report. The Fusion struck the passenger side of the Malibu. The 85-year-old driver of the Fusion and his passenger, an 83-year-old woman, were transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Both ended up in an intensive care unit at Akron General Hospital, according to the release. The 83-year-old woman, identified as Judy K. Mizer, of West Lafayette, died of her injuries on Saturday, June 7, according to the patrol. The driver of the Malibu, who troopers said caused the crash, suffered only minor injuries, according to the release. Cleveland police investigating after 7 teens shot: I-Team The Malibu driver's license was not valid at the time of the crash, having been previously suspended, according to the release. He was cited for the crash and found guilty. The Tuscarawas County Prosecutor's Office is now reviewing additional charges, according to the release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
