Ford Motor Company introduced its low-priced Focus and Fiesta small cars several years ago equipped with a new dual-clutch transmission that promised improved fuel economy and smooth operation. But the company did so knowing that the transmissions were defective and prone to jerking and stalling outright, even on the highway. And it continued to sell them for years despite thousands of complaints from customers, mounting repair bills and dozens of injuries.
That’s the gist of an investigation by the Detroit Free Press. On this episode, we speak with Randy Essex, the Freep’s senior content director who oversees autos coverage, about how Ford allowed it to happen.
Then, we check in with soccer sage Fletcher Sharpe on Detroit City FC’s playoff exit Sunday at the hands of Cleveland SC in the Midwest Regional final. The loss brings City’s promising NPSL regular season to an abrupt and disappointing close, but we look ahead to the inaugural NPSL Founders Cup, which starts next month and brings pro soccer back to Detroit.
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