GM and Ford Expand Rivalry Into Defense and Energy Storage

General Motors and Ford are broadening their longrunning rivalry beyond car sales and into defense and energy storage. The Detroit automakers are both pursuing U.S. military contracts and investing in energy storage systems as they look for new areas of growth. GM has been active in defense since reviving its unit in 2017, and it recently won an Army contract to build infantry squad vehicles. Ford is newer to the space but has begun seeking defense work as well, including a UK military vehicle project. At the same time, both companies are building energy storage businesses that use technology similar to EV batteries. The move comes as automakers try to make use of battery capacity and factory space after heavy losses in their electric vehicle programs and slower growth in new vehicle sales.