The connection between journalists and the auto business is simple for probably the most half.

Journalists are guided by legal guidelines that forestall defamation of character, and libel. However there’s additionally equity, honesty, decency, respect and accuracy. Staying true to those fundamental tenets is what establishes credibility. It’s how we turn out to be a trusted supply for business information.

Since Automotive Information Canada isn’t out to get anybody — judging by our full podcast roster of auto executives — the hope is that corporations can be forthcoming with data and solutions to fundamental questions.

Then there’s that awkward silence, when corporations, or governments, clam up, don’t reply or return calls or emails, or sidestep the questions.

Ford Canada — one of many nation’s largest automakers — ended the longstanding observe of publicly reporting gross sales by quarter. As an alternative, the corporate stated, outcomes will come yearly. They was reported month-to-month. Ford communication employees appeared puzzled why we might wish to know the rationale for ditching custom (the one main automaker to take action,by the way in which). Ford chalked it as much as company construction adjustments affecting North America, though Ford in the US continues to report quarterly in addition to month-to-month. The query of why then nonetheless remained.

To research the affect, we requested the federal authorities if it thought Ford Canada ought to proceed quarterly reporting within the curiosity of transparency to the taxpayers who’re serving to fund the corporate’s $1.8-billion retooling of Oakville Meeting to construct electrical vehicles.

Truthful query, however, predictably, the feds tooted their very own horn whereas not ruffling Ford’s feathers: “The Authorities of Canada was happy to work with Ford to safe Canada’s first electrical automobile (EV) manufacturing mandate. Our efforts helped safe 5,400 well-paying middle-class jobs throughout Ford’s manufacturing work drive in Canada and can assist develop Canada’s inexperienced financial system. Whereas now we have loved a productive relationship with Ford, the Authorities of Canada doesn’t touch upon the reporting practices of personal entities, equivalent to Ford.”

Right here’s the importance: Since most automakers ended month-to-month gross sales reporting in Canada some years in the past, quarterly reporting is the principle lens via which to view gross sales efficiency and gauge the market generally. It’s one measure of an organization’s well being, particularly vital when automakers are investing billions of {dollars} of their swap to EVs. Even when taxpayers don’t have a authorized proper to understand how the corporate is performing, Ford needs to be particularly clear as a substitute of withholding. It’s simply good optics.

Being silent or evasive isn’t controlling the narrative; it truly has the other impact. Tales will nonetheless be written however with out their voice. They usually’re denying themselves a voice when there’s clearly excellent news to share. How can we overlook the range success at Oshawa Meeting when Basic Motors employed 50 per cent girls? We gushed as a lot as GM Canada did.

This communication state of affairs is just not strictly restricted to Ford, however on this case it will be higher to get out in entrance and say extra. Possibly, as J.D. Energy Canada’s Robert Karwel urged in a roundabout approach, Ford doesn’t need eyes on its electrification progress.

The transition to EVs, he stated, is “a tricky street” with “two steps ahead and some steps again alongside the way in which. Because of this, I feel some producers need rather less highlight on that.”

Regardless, there isn’t a good motive to not, particularly when Ford stated it’s nonetheless offering quarterly numbers to sellers.

We perceive it’s not all the time straightforward — or speedy — for giant corporations with a number of layers of administration to place themselves on the market by participating in dialog, which is why we went again to Ford to make certain there was nothing else so as to add. However relaxation assured, it’s information, and we’re going to jot down about it. Pretty, honesty, respectfully and precisely.