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Name
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 CEO Jim Farley to employees: U.S. footprint a positive, but tariff impact ‘likely to be significant’

Farley told employees the impact of tariffs is "likely to be significant across our industry." Analysts have warned of higher prices and lower automaker profits.

Why UAW President Shawn Fain doesn’t buy industry’s tariff fears, predicts more jobs

UAW President Shawn Fain doesn't believe 25 percent tariffs on automotive imports will lead to increased prices or lower profits. Instead, he believes automakers can add "thousands" of U.S jobs within months.

Ford ordered to pay $18 million over blocked dealership sale

A circuit judge found 'overwhelming evidence' that Ford 'engaged in deceit and fraud.'

UAW, VW contract talks in Chattanooga heat up as 1-year mark nears

If the UAW fails to secure a contract by April 30, workers could call for a decertification vote to boot out the union, though labor experts say that's unlikely.

Ford hires former Lululemon, Twitch exec Mike Aragon to lead integrated services group

Aragon starts March 17 and will lead the team in charge of building and marketing a suite of services and experiences across Ford's three business units: Ford Pro, Ford Blue and Ford Model e.

Ford CEO Jim Farley’s 2024 compensation falls to $24.9 million

Three of Ford's five named executives in an annual SEC filing saw their compensation fall from year-earlier levels after the company missed quality and EV sales targets.

Trump begins effort to roll back EV rules; Tesla brand damage

The Trump administration begins efforts to reverse Biden-era electric vehicle rules. Suppliers worry that steel and aluminum tariffs will make them less competitive. Plus, Automotive News’ Laurence Iliff talks about Tesla’s slumping sales and whether CEO Elon Musk’s political statements and actions are partly to blame.

Ford, dealers double service tech scholarship fund to $4 million

Ford on March 10 announced its dealers and philanthropic arm are investing $4 million in the Auto Tech Scholarship program for 800 students, up from the $2 million a year ago it awarded to 400 students.

UAW support of Trump tariffs stems from its long-standing opposition to free trade

The union's stance reflects Fain’s long-held distain for free trade agreements that he believes have harmed U.S. auto workers.

Tariffs could ‘wipe out’ Detroit 3 profits, disrupt virtually all automakers

About 3.6 million vehicles were imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico in 2024, according to S&P Global Mobility, and they include many of this country’s bestselling models.

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