Tesla and Ford: Friends or Foes?

Tesla and Ford have been going head-to-head in the electric vehicle (EV) market. But recently, they've been giving each other props instead of jabs.

Ford's Innovation

Ford just showed off its new way of making EVs. It's a big deal because it will make the process cheaper and easier. This new method will be used to build a mid-size electric pickup truck in 2027, priced at $30,000. Ford's calling it their "Model T Moment," a nod to their history of innovation.

Elon Musk's Praise

Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, had some nice things to say about Ford's new manufacturing process. He tweeted:

"Ford basically invented mass manufacturing of large, complex products. Everyone else copied."

This was in response to Ford CEO Jim Farley, who said:

"The Model T didn't change the world on its own. The assembly line made them accessible to everyone. 122 years later, Ford isn't just making another vehicle. We're reinventing how vehicles are assembled."

Mutual Respect

Musk's comment came after social media users pointed out that Ford had praised Musk's work in EV manufacturing. Doug Field, Ford's Chief EV, Digital and Design Officer, even used a phrase often used by Musk: "the best part is no part." Field used to work at Tesla, so it's likely he was giving a shoutout to his former boss and company.

In just one week, both companies' executives were complimenting each other and acknowledging their contributions to the automotive industry.

Manufacturing Methods

Tesla is known for its vertical integration and manufacturing methods that have increased efficiency and helped with margins. Ford's new EV manufacturing process seems to be a mix of the old Model T manufacturing process and the newer "unboxed production process" used by Tesla.

Acknowledging Each Other

Even though they're rivals, the executives have shown mutual respect. Last year, Farley said there's mutual respect between the executives and companies. He even called Musk "an incredible person."