Can You Really Take a Road Trip in an EV? The 2025 Mustang Mach-E Says Yes

We sell Ford vehicles every day. We talk about them with our customers, put them on our showroom floors, help families find the right truck or SUV, and watch as new Ford vehicles leave our dealerships and head home with the people who will drive them for years to come. But at Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant Family Day, we had the opportunity to see something that we don't always get to see. The people who help make those vehicles possible. Beechmont Ford was honored to be invited to the 2026 Sharonville Transmission Plant Family Day, an event celebrating the employees and families who are such an important part of Ford's story. For us, being there was about much more than attending an event. It was an opportunity to say thank you, to show our appreciation and to celebrate the hardworking people behind the Ford vehicles we are so proud to represent. And after spending time at Sharonville, we walked away with an even greater appreciation for what goes into building a Ford. A Proud Part of Ford's Story The Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant has been part of the automotive industry for nearly seven decades. The facility opened in 1958 on 182 acres in Sharonville, Ohio, and began production with the Ford-O-Matic three-speed transmission. Since then, the plant has evolved alongside Ford and the automotive industry, producing millions of transmissions and components over generations. Today, Sharonville is home to more than 2,000 Ford employees. According to Ford's June 2026 figures, the facility employs 2,391 people, including 1,841 hourly employees. Those numbers are impressive. But numbers don't tell the whole story. Behind those thousands of employees are individuals who bring their knowledge, experience and dedication to work every day. They are machinists, technicians, engineers, skilled tradespeople, supervisors and countless others whose work contributes to the vehicles Ford customers drive across the country. The transmissions and components produced at Sharonville ultimately become part of a much bigger story, one that starts inside the plant and ends with a Ford vehicle sitting in someone's driveway. That connection means something to us. Seeing the People Behind the Product As a Ford dealer, we spend our days focused on the finished product. We know the models. We know the features. We know the capability, technology and design that go into today's Ford lineup. But Family Day gave us an opportunity to step back from the vehicles themselves and focus on the people. That was one of the most meaningful parts of being there. Family Day is exactly what the name suggests, it’s a chance for Ford employees to bring their families together and share a place that plays such a significant role in their lives. For many employees, the Sharonville plant isn't simply where they work. It is where they've built careers. It is where they've formed friendships. It is where generations of families have spent their working lives. And it is a place they can take pride in. We were grateful to be welcomed into that environment and to have the opportunity to experience a small part of the community that exists within the Sharonville plant. Nearly 70 Years of Hard Work There is something powerful about walking into a facility that has been producing for nearly 70 years. Sharonville has seen tremendous changes in the automotive industry during that time. Technology has changed. Manufacturing has changed. The vehicles on American roads have changed. But one thing has remained constant: people. People showing up. People learning new skills. People adapting to new technology. People taking pride in their work. People working together to build something bigger than themselves. That commitment is a major part of what has allowed Sharonville to remain an important part of Ford's manufacturing network for generations. Today, the plant produces 6R140 and 10R80 finished transmissions, as well as gears used in several Ford transmission programs. Those components make their way into Ford vehicles throughout the country. So, when we hand a customer the keys to a new Ford, we know there is an enormous amount of work behind that moment. Family Day gave us the chance to recognize some of the people responsible for that work. Proud to Represent Ford Our relationship with Ford is something we are proud of every day. At Beechmont Ford and throughout Mark Williams Auto Group, we are proud to represent a company with such a long history in the communities we serve. But being invited to Sharonville reminded us that representing Ford is about more than selling vehicles. It is about the people behind the vehicles. It is about the employees who make the products we put on our showroom floors. It is about the families who support those employees. And it is about the communities that have grown alongside Ford over generations. That is why this invitation meant so much to us. We weren't there simply as a Ford dealer. We were there as guests welcomed into a community that has spent decades helping move Ford forward. And we are incredibly grateful for that opportunity. Thank You, Sharonville To the Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant team, thank you for inviting Beechmont Ford to be part of your 2026 Family Day celebration. We are grateful for the hospitality, the welcome and the opportunity to spend time with the people who make Sharonville such an important part of Ford's story. And to every Sharonville employee: thank you. Thank you for the early mornings and long days. Thank you for the skill and experience you bring to your work. Thank you for the pride you take in what you do. Thank you for helping produce the transmissions and components that eventually make their way into Ford vehicles driven by families, businesses and customers across the country. We may be the people who sell those vehicles, but you are part of the reason we have such a great product to sell. That is something we don't take for granted. More Than a Vehicle One of the things we love about the automotive business is that a vehicle is never just a vehicle. There are people behind it. There are families behind those people. There are communities behind those families. And there are thousands of hardworking individuals whose contributions make it possible for a Ford vehicle to eventually make its way into a customer's driveway. Family Day at Sharonville gave us the chance to see that story from a different perspective. We saw the pride employees have in their work. We saw the importance of family.

There is something exciting happening in the electric truck market, and the new Ford Fathom could be one of the most important electric vehicles to arrive in years. Ford is preparing to introduce an affordable electric pickup designed to bring the benefits of electric driving to people who do not necessarily want to spend a premium price on a new truck. The Ford Fathom is expected to start at just $28,350 with its standard range battery, putting it directly in conversation with some of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market. Pre orders are expected to begin in early 2027, with the Fathom arriving as a 2028 model. For anyone who has been waiting for an electric truck that feels practical, approachable, and genuinely attainable, the Ford Fathom is a vehicle worth watching. A New Kind of Ford Truck Ford has a long history of building trucks for everyday Americans. From the legendary F Series to the compact Ford Maverick, the company understands that not every truck buyer needs a massive vehicle with a massive price tag. The Ford Fathom takes that idea into the electric era. With a footprint comparable to the Ford Maverick, the Fathom is designed to provide the versatility of a pickup without the size and expense associated with many larger electric trucks. It will seat five adults and is projected to provide more passenger volume than a Toyota RAV4. That combination could make the Fathom particularly appealing to people who want a truck for weekend projects, commuting, errands, outdoor activities, and everyday family life. The goal is not simply to create another electric pickup. Ford is trying to rethink what an affordable electric truck can be. The $28,350 Starting Price Gets Our Attention Price is one of the biggest reasons the Ford Fathom is generating so much interest. The starting MSRP of $28,350 with the standard range battery places the Fathom in a part of the market where electric pickups have been largely absent. Electric trucks have traditionally carried significant price tags, making them difficult for many buyers to justify. Ford appears to understand that affordability will be critical if electric vehicles are going to reach a much wider audience. The Fathom is not positioned as a luxury truck. Instead, it is designed around value, functionality, and thoughtful technology. That could ultimately be its biggest strength. Ford Fathom Performance Could Be Surprisingly Quick Affordable does not necessarily mean slow. Ford has set a target of 4.5 seconds for the Fathom to reach 60 mph. If the production truck delivers on that goal, it could provide a level of acceleration that feels downright impressive for an entry priced electric pickup. Instant electric torque should make the Fathom responsive around town, while the compact dimensions could make it easy to maneuver in crowded streets and parking lots. For buyers who want an electric truck that is enjoyable to drive without paying for a high-performance model, this could be a very appealing combination. Practicality Is at the Heart of the Fathom One of the things we find most interesting about the Ford Fathom is the attention being given to everyday usefulness. The truck will have both a frunk and a bed, giving owners multiple options for carrying gear. That matters because a pickup should be useful beyond simply transporting passengers. The Fathom is also expected to offer bidirectional power capability. That feature could make the truck useful away from home, whether someone needs power for equipment, outdoor activities, or other situations where access to electricity is limited. Ford is also giving the Fathom a digital key, adding another modern convenience to the package. Technology Without Losing Simplicity Inside, the Ford Fathom will feature a large, high resolution touchscreen and support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. One particularly interesting part of the Fathom is its integration with Apple Maps. Ford says the next generation BlueCruise system will work with Apple Maps to provide a more seamless experience from highway entrance to highway exit. Every Fathom will also be equipped with the hardware required for Ford's next generation of BlueCruise capability. Once activated, BlueCruise is designed to provide a hands off, eyes on driving experience on designated highways known as hands free Blue Zones. That technology could give the Fathom an impressive technology story without requiring buyers to step into a luxury price range. Built on Ford's Universal EV Platform Perhaps the most important part of the Ford Fathom is what sits underneath it. The Fathom will be the first vehicle built on Ford's new Universal EV Platform. The platform has been designed around simplicity and cost efficiency, using fewer parts and a 400-volt electrical architecture. This is important because the Fathom is not supposed to be a one-off experiment. Ford says the Universal EV Platform will eventually support a range of affordable electric vehicles, including vans, three row SUVs, and smaller B segment vehicles. The Fathom is effectively the beginning of a much larger electric vehicle strategy. The Slate Truck Competition The Ford Fathom will enter a market that is also attracting attention from the Slate Truck. The Slate is expected to target buyers looking for a very affordable electric pickup, making it an obvious competitor for the Fathom. Ford may have an advantage when it comes to standard equipment. While both trucks are focused heavily on affordability, the Fathom is expected to include features such as power windows, an audio system, modern connectivity, and advanced driver assistance hardware. That could make the Ford Fathom feel more like a conventional vehicle while still delivering an accessible price. Why We Are Excited About the Ford Fathom The excitement surrounding the Ford Fathom goes beyond its price. This truck represents a shift in how Ford approaches electric vehicles. Instead of simply adding expensive technology to existing vehicle formulas, Ford is designing a new platform around efficiency, simplicity, and affordability. Ford has even described the arrival of the Fathom as a Model T moment for the company. That is a big statement, but the idea behind it is easy to understand. The original Model T helped make automobile ownership accessible to a much broader audience. Ford now appears to believe the Fathom can play a similar role for electric transportation. With a starting price of $28,350, seating for five, a truck bed, a frunk, bidirectional power, digital key technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available BlueCruise capability, the Ford Fathom has an intriguing formula. There is still plenty we do not know, including important details about range, towing, payload, charging speed, and final equipment levels. Those details will matter. But the basic idea is incredibly promising. The Ford Fathom could be the electric pickup that makes going electric feel less like a compromise and more like a smart decision for everyday drivers. If Ford delivers on its promises, this compact electric truck could become one of the most interesting new vehicles of 2028. And that is exactly why we cannot wait to see it on the road.

Every leadership opportunity eventually reaches a finish line. The real question is what happens afterward. For Queen City Ford's General Manager Josh Williams, that answer is now beginning to take shape following his graduation from Ford Motor Company's Rising Leaders program. When we first shared news of Josh's selection into the program, the focus was on the opportunity ahead. Being chosen as one of only twenty participants in the cohort was an accomplishment in itself. It reflected years of hard work, leadership development, and a commitment to excellence within the automotive industry. Today, the focus shifts from the selection process to the experience itself and the value it created. Over the course of the program, Josh joined fellow dealership leaders from across the country in a series of advanced leadership sessions designed to prepare participants for the future of automotive retail. The experience combined executive engagement, operational learning, strategic discussions, and immersive opportunities that offered participants a unique perspective on the Ford organization. For many professionals, leadership development programs are about gaining knowledge. For Josh, this experience became something much larger. "Being a part of the Rising Leaders program has been the best experience of my professional career," he shared. That statement carries significant weight from someone who has participated in numerous leadership and professional development programs throughout his career. The reason becomes clear as he reflects on the people who shared the experience alongside him. "I have been a part of some great programs in the past and I can confidently say this was the most talented group of individuals I have ever worked with." Bringing together accomplished leaders from different markets and backgrounds created opportunities for meaningful conversations that challenged assumptions, sparked new ideas, and encouraged fresh thinking. Those discussions often became the foundation for lasting professional relationships. "I made lifelong connections with the people in this program as well as executives at Ford Motor Company." Connections like those matter because leadership is constantly evolving. Markets change. Customer expectations shift. New technologies emerge. Having access to a trusted network of peers and mentors helps leaders continue growing long after a program concludes. The Rising Leaders experience also offered participants a closer look at Ford's future. Through exclusive access and unique learning opportunities, participants gained insights into innovation, strategy, and the long term vision driving one of the most recognizable brands in the automotive industry. That perspective is invaluable. Understanding where the industry is heading helps leaders make better decisions today while preparing their organizations for tomorrow. At the Mark William's Automotive Group, that preparation directly benefits both employees and customers. The knowledge gained through the program helps strengthen leadership practices, support team development, and foster a culture focused on continuous improvement. It creates opportunities to identify new ideas while remaining committed to the values that have always guided the dealership. Programs like Rising Leaders exist because strong organizations require strong leaders. Not leaders who believe they have all the answers, but leaders who remain curious, adaptable, and committed to growth. Josh's graduation represents exactly that kind of commitment. It demonstrates a willingness to invest time, energy, and effort into becoming a better leader for the benefit of employees, customers, and the community. As he looks ahead, Josh remains focused on the future. "I am very proud to be a future Ford dealer and I am excited to carry our Auto Group into the future." Those words capture the spirit of this achievement. Graduation is often viewed as the end of a journey. In reality, it is the beginning of applying everything that has been learned. The Rising Leaders program may be complete, but the impact of the experience will continue shaping decisions, relationships, and opportunities for years to come. That is what makes this accomplishment worth celebrating. The journey started with being selected. The real story begins with what happens next.