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Michael Martinez
Reporter covering Ford and the UAW for Automotive News
mdmartinez@crain.com
313-446-1644
Michael Martinez covers Ford Motor Co. and the UAW for Automotive News. He has broken a number of stories on product plans, executive changes and union contract negotiations since joining Automotive News in 2016. He previously worked at The Detroit News, where he covered Ford and co-hosted a podcast covering a range of auto industry topics. He is also an occasional adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he graduated in 2012 with bachelor’s degrees in communications and history.

Latest from Michael Martinez

Ford extends employee-pricing-for-all discounts into July

The automaker’s “From America, For America” campaign launched April 3 and was originally set to run through June 2.

GM says Trump tariffs to cut profits by up to $5 billion this year

GM now expects an annual adjusted core profit of $10 billion to $12.5 billion and says it can offset at least 30% of tariff costs through 'self-help initiatives.'

Ford CEO Jim Farley calls for more help on tariffs, credit for exports

Farley said it was 'essential' that the federal government enact policies that encourage vehicle exports.

These U.S. auto plants have extra capacity, but moving production from overseas no easy task

Some see underutilized U.S. plants as a quick way for automakers to shift production of imported models. But doing so would be a costly, time-consuming process, experts say.

Tesla earnings plummet; Wayve’s Kaity Fischer

Tesla says first-quarter net income fell 71 percent. A U.S. auto industry coalition tells the White House that parts tariffs will cause layoffs and bankruptcy. Plus, Kaity Fischer, Wayve’s vice president of commercial and operations, talks about the company’s new partnership with Nissan and what is next for the self-driving tech startup.

Ford elevates Super Duty with Platinum Plus edition, customer perks

The Platinum Plus trim includes experiences such as a welcome gift, discounts on accessories, early access to software features and more.

New design chief hopes people aspire to own Lincolns the way her immigrant father did

Christine Cheng, Lincoln's new design director, wants to continue evolving the luxury brand while maintaining its status as an aspirational symbol of success.

Tariff-induced price hikes loom as analysts warn sales could slow

Ford's warning to dealers of potential price hikes starting in May is the latest as automakers face tough decisions amid President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Outgoing Lincoln chief: Luxury brand’s future focused on wellness

Ford's luxury brand hopes a focus on wellness, including its spa-like Rejuvenate mode, will help lead to new buyers and increased relevance in the competitive premium market.

Ford tells dealers it might raise prices in May if tariffs continue

A memo to dealers said Ford was still working to understand the policy's effects but believes “certain tariffs are likely to remain in place for at least some time.”

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