The three U.S. automakers say they are already at a disadvantage to nonunion rivals while labor leaders hope that big gains in negotiations will inspire workers in Southern states to unionize.
The carmaker made less money in the third quarter as it cut car prices to attract buyers amid stronger competition.
The executive chairman of Ford Motor counsels patience as his company negotiates with the United Automobile Workers union, which has shut three of his company’s plants.
Mr. Ford, the executive chairman of Ford Motor, said nonunion automakers would make gains against Michigan automakers because of strikes by the United Automobile Workers union.
The prices of used battery-powered models have fallen sharply, as the supply of cars and trucks has improved.
Analysts expected a decline in sales for the quarter. Still, the dip may raise concerns about flagging demand.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a lawsuit accusing the carmaker of mistreating Black employees at its factory in California.
Elon Musk, the Tesla chief executive, may be able to exploit his rivals’ weaknesses, but the United Auto Workers union also has the electric carmaker in its sights.
Autoworkers want, and deserve, a big raise. But they are asking for too much.
Carmakers are anxious to keep costs down as they ramp up electric vehicle manufacturing, while striking workers want to preserve jobs as the industry shifts to batteries.