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Ford is making a major move into the affordable electric vehicle market with the introduction of the Ford Fathom. While the new electric pickup is getting plenty of attention because of its $28,350 starting MSRP, the real story may be the technology and manufacturing strategy behind it. The Fathom is the first vehicle built on Ford's new Universal EV Platform, a foundation designed specifically to make electric vehicles simpler and less expensive to produce. That makes the Ford Fathom more than a new electric truck. It is the first look at a new direction for Ford. The First Vehicle on Ford's Universal EV Platform Ford has made it clear that the Universal EV Platform is designed with affordability at its core. Traditional vehicle development can involve thousands of components, complex systems, and manufacturing processes that add cost. Ford's new platform takes a different approach, emphasizing simplicity, efficiency, and fewer parts. The Fathom will use a 400-volt electrical architecture as part of that strategy. The result is intended to be an electric truck that delivers the features people actually want while avoiding unnecessary complexity. This approach could become extremely important as Ford expands its affordable electric lineup. The company says the same basic platform will eventually support everything from vans and three row SUVs to smaller B segment vehicles. The Fathom is essentially the opening chapter of that story. What Makes the Ford Fathom Different? At first glance, the Fathom might seem like a simple compact electric pickup. Look closer and the formula becomes more interesting. Ford is targeting a starting MSRP of $28,350 with a standard range battery. The truck will seat five adults and is projected to provide more passenger volume than a Toyota RAV4. The Fathom will also have a frunk and a pickup bed, giving owners two distinct cargo areas. This is important because Ford is not treating affordability as an excuse to eliminate useful functionality. The company is trying to build a vehicle that works for normal life. A Pickup for Workdays and Weekends The best compact trucks have always been versatile. They can be used for commuting during the week, home improvement projects on Saturday, and a road trip on Sunday. Ford wants the Fathom to follow that same philosophy. Its compact footprint should make it easier to live with than a much larger electric pickup, while the truck bed provides the utility that separates it from many other affordable EVs. The Fathom could appeal to people who have never considered buying an electric truck because they assumed the cost would be too high. It could also attract existing truck owners who do not need a massive vehicle. Performance Is Part of the Formula The Fathom is not simply being designed as an inexpensive way to get from one place to another. Ford has established a target of 4.5 seconds from zero to 60 mph. That target would give the Fathom strong acceleration for a vehicle in this price category. Electric powertrains are particularly good at delivering immediate torque, so the Fathom should feel responsive when pulling away from a stop. For buyers moving from a conventional gasoline vehicle into an electric truck, that instant response could be one of the most enjoyable differences. A Modern Interior Without a Luxury Price The Fathom will also bring a significant amount of technology to the affordable truck segment. The interior will feature a large, high-resolution touchscreen, while smartphone users will have access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ford is also incorporating Apple Maps into the Fathom experience. The next generation BlueCruise system will work with Apple Maps to help create a more seamless experience when entering and exiting compatible highways. Every Fathom will be equipped with the hardware required for Ford's next generation BlueCruise capability. Once activated, BlueCruise is designed to provide a hand and eyes on driving experience on designated highways known as hands free Blue Zones. That technology gives the Fathom a feature set that could feel surprisingly advanced considering its expected price. Digital Key Technology Adds Convenience Another modern feature coming to the Ford Fathom is a digital car key. Digital keys are becoming increasingly common in newer vehicles because they can make vehicle access more convenient and reduce the need to carry a traditional key. For a vehicle designed around affordability and simplicity, features like this show that Ford is not trying to strip away modern conveniences. Instead, the company appears to be focusing on technology that can improve the ownership experience without dramatically increasing complexity. Bidirectional Power Makes the Truck More Useful The Fathom will also offer bidirectional power capability. For an electric pickup, this is a particularly useful feature. A truck has always been more than transportation. Owners use trucks as mobile workspaces, equipment haulers, and tools for outdoor activities. Being able to use the vehicle's electrical system as a power source expands those possibilities. Whether it is powering equipment at a job site or providing electricity during an outdoor adventure, bidirectional power gives the Fathom another layer of functionality. The Fathom and the Slate Truck The most obvious comparison will be between the Ford Fathom and the Slate Truck. The two vehicles are targeting similar buyers who want an affordable electric pickup. The difference may come down to how much equipment customers want. The Slate is expected to focus heavily on keeping the purchase price low, while the Fathom appears to offer more conventional vehicle conveniences. Features such as power windows, an audio system, smartphone connectivity, and advanced driver assistance hardware could make the Fathom more familiar to buyers who are moving from a traditional vehicle. That could give Ford an important advantage. What Ford's Model T Comparison Really Means Ford has described the Fathom as a Model T moment. That comparison is significant because the Model T became famous for helping make automobile ownership accessible to a much wider audience. Ford is now attempting something similar with electric transportation. The challenge is enormous. Electric vehicles need to become more affordable without sacrificing the practicality that mainstream buyers expect. The Fathom's approach is to attack the problem at the platform level. Rather than simply making an expensive electric truck slightly cheaper, Ford is developing a new architecture designed around cost efficiency from the beginning. That could prove to be the more sustainable strategy. What We Still Need to Learn There are still plenty of unanswered questions about the Ford Fathom. Range, charging times, towing capability, payload capacity, battery specifications, trim levels, and final production equipment will all play an important role in determining how competitive the truck becomes. Those details will be especially important for shoppers comparing the Fathom with other electric pickups. For now, however, the foundation looks promising. The Fathom combines a compact truck design with five passenger seating, a frunk, a bed, bidirectional power, digital key technology, smartphone integration, BlueCruise capability, and a projected 4.5 second acceleration target. Most importantly, it does all of this while targeting a starting price of $28,350. The Future of Affordable Ford EVs The biggest reason to pay attention to the Ford Fathom may not actually be the truck itself. It is what comes next. Ford plans to use the Universal EV Platform for a broad range of future affordable electric vehicles. That could eventually mean more practical EVs at prices that are easier for everyday buyers to consider. The Fathom gives us the first real glimpse at how Ford intends to make that happen. Pre orders are expected to open in early 2027, with the Fathom arriving as a 2028 model. There is still plenty to learn, but the direction is clear. Ford wants electric vehicles to become more accessible, and the Fathom is leading the charge. For anyone interested in affordable electric trucks, the Ford Fathom is one of the most exciting new vehicles to watch. It combines the practicality of a compact pickup with the instant performance of an electric powertrain and a technology package that could make it surprisingly easy to live with. If Ford can deliver the Fathom at the promised price while maintaining the practicality and performance targets it has outlined, this new electric pickup could be the beginning of something much bigger.

Earlier this year, we shared exciting news about Queen City Ford General Manager, Josh Williams being selected to participate in Ford Motor Company's prestigious Rising Leaders program. At the time, the journey was just beginning. We talked about the significance of the opportunity, the competitive selection process, and the potential impact it could have not only on Josh's professional development but also on the future of the Mark William's Automotive Group. As one of only 20 participants chosen for the cohort, Josh joined a select group of emerging leaders from Ford dealerships across the country, all brought together with a shared purpose: preparing for the future of the automotive industry. Today, we're proud to share the next chapter of that story. Josh has officially graduated from Ford's Rising Leaders program, completing an experience that he describes as the most rewarding of his professional career. While the original announcement focused on the opportunity ahead, this milestone offers a chance to reflect on the experience itself and the lasting impact it will have moving forward. From the beginning, Rising Leaders was designed to be much more than a traditional leadership program. Participants were immersed in advanced leadership development, operational strategy, executive collaboration, and exclusive experiences that provided a unique look inside Ford Motor Company. Through a combination of virtual learning sessions and in-person events, participants gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the automotive industry while developing the skills needed to lead organizations into the future. What made the experience truly unique, however, wasn't simply the curriculum. For Josh, it was the people. "Being a part of the Rising Leaders program has been the best experience of my professional career," Josh shared. "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." Throughout the program, participants had opportunities to engage with Ford and Lincoln executives, collaborate with dealership leaders from across the nation, and gain perspectives from individuals facing many of the same opportunities and challenges within their organizations. Those conversations often became some of the most valuable moments of the experience. Leadership can sometimes feel isolating. Every dealership operates differently, every market presents unique circumstances, and every leader faces difficult decisions. Rising Leaders created an environment where participants could openly share ideas, discuss challenges, and learn from one another's successes. The result was more than professional development. It was the creation of meaningful relationships that will continue long after the program's conclusion. "I made lifelong connections with the people in this program as well as executives at Ford Motor Company," Josh said. Those relationships represent one of the program's greatest strengths. The opportunity to connect with talented leaders from across the country creates a network of peers who continue supporting one another long after graduation. In an industry that changes as quickly as automotive retail, having access to that collective experience and knowledge is invaluable. Another highlight of the program included exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences that provided participants with a deeper understanding of Ford's history, culture, and future direction. From historic facilities to innovation previews, participants gained firsthand exposure to the people and ideas helping shape the next generation of the Ford brand. Experiences like these offered more than insight into products and operations. They reinforced a broader understanding of leadership and the responsibility that comes with guiding an organization into the future. For the Mark William's Automotive Group, that's where the story becomes especially meaningful. When we first announced Josh's selection into Rising Leaders, we discussed how leadership development ultimately benefits everyone, from employees and team members to customers and the communities we serve. That belief remains just as true today. The lessons learned throughout the program extend far beyond conference rooms and presentations. They influence how teams are developed, how challenges are approached, and how organizations continue evolving in an increasingly competitive environment. Strong leadership creates stronger cultures. Stronger cultures create stronger teams. And stronger teams create better customer experiences. That connection is why opportunities like Rising Leaders matter so much. At Queen City Ford, we have always believed that investing in people is one of the most important investments we can make. Whether it's developing employees, supporting professional growth, or creating opportunities for future leaders, those efforts help build an organization capable of serving customers at the highest level. Josh's graduation represents another step forward in that commitment. The knowledge, perspectives, and relationships gained throughout the program will continue influencing our dealership for years to come. New ideas, fresh approaches, and expanded industry insights all contribute to creating a stronger organization prepared for the future while remaining focused on the values that matter most. As the program came to a close, it also reinforced something Josh has always believed about leadership: growth never stops. The most effective leaders continue learning, continue listening, and continue looking for ways to improve. They understand that leadership is not about reaching a destination. It's about committing to a process of continual development. That mindset is reflected in Josh's vision for the future. "I am very proud to be a Ford dealer and I am excited to carry our Auto Group into the future." Those words capture exactly why this achievement matters. Graduating from Rising Leaders is certainly an accomplishment worth celebrating, but perhaps even more important is what comes next. The relationships formed, the lessons learned, and the experiences gained are now being carried forward into the future of our organization. When we first shared Josh's acceptance into the program, we knew it was the beginning of an important journey. Now, having completed that journey, one thing is clear: the impact is only just beginning. On behalf of everyone at the Mark William's Automotive Group, congratulations to Josh on this incredible achievement. We are proud of everything he has accomplished and excited to see how this experience continues to shape our team, our dealership, and the customers we proudly serve every day. The first chapter was about being chosen. This chapter is about what was gained. The next chapter is about putting it all into action.

The strength of McNicholas High School has always been rooted in its sense of community. That spirit was clear during the 2026 Rocket Raffle, an event that brought together students, families, alumni, and local supporters in a shared effort to expand access to Catholic education. With the raffle now complete, its meaning extends far beyond the final drawing. While one ticket ultimately won a grand prize, real success belongs to an entire community that chose to invest in students and their future. A Fundraiser with a Purpose That Lasts The Rocket Raffle is one of McNicholas High School’s most impactful annual traditions. Its purpose is centered on providing tuition assistance to families who value a faith-based, academically strong education but may need financial support to make it possible. Each ticket sold in 2026 contributed directly to that mission. The funds raised help ensure that more students can benefit from the school’s rigorous academics, spiritual development, and supportive environment. The theme Launch Dreams; Fuel Futures reflects what the event accomplishes in practice: transforming community participation into meaningful educational opportunity. Community Support That Amplifies Impact A defining feature of the Rocket Raffle is the way it unites the wider community around McNicholas’ mission. This year, support from partners such as Queen City Ford helped bring additional energy and visibility to the event, contributing to the excitement surrounding the grand prize drawing. Their involvement reflects a broader tradition of local organizations stepping forward to support education and student opportunity. These partnerships strengthen not only the event itself, but the long-term ability of the school to serve its students. Students Driving the Mission Forward Students play a central role in the Rocket Raffle’s success each year. In the weeks leading up to the drawing, they actively promote ticket sales, engage with families, and help spread awareness throughout the community. Beyond fundraising, these responsibilities provide meaningful experiential learning. Students gain confidence in communication, learn how to work toward shared goals, and develop leadership skills that extend far beyond their time at McNicholas. The Rocket Raffle becomes, in many ways, a hands-on extension of the school’s mission to prepare students for life beyond the classroom. A Build-Up of Excitement As the February 5 deadline approached, excitement steadily built across campus and throughout the broader community. Conversations about the raffle became more frequent, outreach efforts intensified, and participation grew as the final drawing neared. This gradual buildup of anticipation is part of what makes the Rocket Raffle so effective it creates a shared experience that engages the entire school community over time, not just in a single moment. By the time ticket sales closed, attention turned fully to the upcoming live drawing scheduled for February 6, 2026. A Pep Rally to Remember The culmination of the Rocket Raffle took place during a school-wide pep rally that captured the spirit of McNicholas High School. Students filled the gym with energy and anticipation as the live drawing began. As numbers were announced and the final ticket was revealed, the atmosphere reached its peak. When the grand prize winner was announced, the room erupted in celebration. The prize a 2025 Ford Bronco was a highlight, but the moment represented something larger: the success of a community-wide effort that brought people together around a shared mission. The True Value Behind the Prize While the vehicle drew attention, the true importance of the Rocket Raffle lies in its outcomes. Funds raised will directly support: Tuition assistance for families Expanded access to McNicholas High School Academic and extracurricular programs The school’s faith-based educational mission Each ticket represented a meaningful contribution toward student opportunity. Long-Term Impact on Students and Families The effects of the 2026 Rocket Raffle will continue long after the event concludes. Students will benefit from increased access to education and school programs, families will receive needed financial support, and the broader McNicholas community will continue to strengthen through shared purpose. The raffle demonstrates how collective effort can translate directly into real-world impact. Appreciation and Continued Tradition McNicholas High School extends heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this year’s Rocket Raffle. Students, families, alumni, volunteers, and supporters all played essential roles. Special thanks go to Queen City Ford for their partnership and support in helping make this year’s event a success. As a long-standing tradition, the Rocket Raffle continues to grow in both participation and impact, reinforcing a culture built on generosity and opportunity. In the end, the 2026 Rocket Raffle was about far more than a drawing. It was about a community coming together to ensure that more students can truly launch their dreams and fuel their futures.