Ford Motor Co. is partnering with Seattle-based outdoor brand Filson to launch a new Bronco SUV aimed at consumers who value rugged utility, outdoor adventure and products built to last for generations.

The companies announced Tuesday that the first-ever Bronco Filson SUV will debut on June 3.

“It is definitely catered to those that really have the appreciation for the outdoors, but [those who] also have an appreciation for products that you buy for the durability and the legacy of them standing up over time,” Dave Rivers, head of Ford Enthusiast Brands, told FOX Business. 

“Think about Broncos from the ’60s that now go for over $100,000 – ones that are passed on through generations. … The same exists for Filson.”

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The companies said the Bronco Filson collaboration is also rooted in a shared commitment to craftsmanship and American manufacturing.

“We’re both American-made. Bronco is assembled at our Michigan assembly plant, and Filson has their manufacturing footprint in the Pacific Northwest. So we have that common thread of American manufacturing,” Rivers said.

Unlike traditional marketing partnerships, Ford said the collaboration was designed directly into the vehicle itself.

“This is actually us collaborating with them to take the best of what Filson is and the best of what Bronco is and bringing it together in the product,” Rivers said.

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The Bronco Filson is intended to function both as a daily driver and a capable off-road vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts, according to Neil Morgan, head of strategy at Filson.

“It also has the capabilities of being your commuting vehicle, but I’d say it really is attractive to those people that have that adventurous, outdoor spirit,” Morgan told FOX Business.

The automaker and Filson previously collaborated in 2020 on the Ford Bronco x Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept vehicle, which supported wildfire conservation efforts through the National Forest Foundation.

“We’re teaming up with Filson in this brand collaboration to redefine the rugged premium utility space,” Rivers said. “Between the two of us, we have just a tremendously long history in this space.”

Morgan added, “This is a partnership many years in the making.”

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The announcement follows another recent Ford partnership with workwear brand Carhartt.

Earlier this month, Ford and Carhartt announced a collaboration focused on industries such as construction, manufacturing, public services and skilled trades.

The companies also introduced a Ford Super Duty Carhartt truck, a Super Duty XLT pickup co-developed by the two brands.

Mumbai: Battered shares of Information Technology companies advanced on Tuesday for the third straight trading session, as a weakening rupee lifted sentiment, offsetting recent concerns over AI-related disruptions.

The Nifty IT index jumped 3.2% on Tuesday and clocked 7% gains in three sessions, signalling a turnaround after a prolonged bout of downsides. The benchmark Nifty, which ended 0.1% lower, is down 0.3% in the past three days.

Coforge, Infosys and LTM (erstwhile LTI Mindtree) gained 4-5% on Tuesday, while other constituents were up between 1.7% and 3.2%.

“The rupee hitting fresh lows has improved sentiment around IT companies, as it could lead to a 150-200 basis point improvement in their margins,” said Anshul Jethi, research analyst, LKP Securities.

The rupee made a record low of 96.61 against the dollar on Tuesday.

As software services exporters earn most of their revenues in US dollars, a weaker rupee against the dollar boosts their margins.
According to Sushovon Nayak, research analyst at Anand Rathi Institutional Equities, recent developments such as the Globant management highlighting the importance of IT services firms in AI implementation, Cognizant increasing its buyback size, and some weakness in leveraged US AI-infrastructure stocks on the back of higher US bond yields, have improved investor sentiment towards the IT sector. The Nifty IT index is down nearly 23% this year, against Nifty 50’s fall of 9.7%, as the launch of new AI tools, aimed at increasing productivity, is perceived to be a threat to the business of traditional IT services providers.

Investors may have overreacted to concerns around AI taking the place of traditional software systems, said analysts.

“Our recent interactions with TCS management suggest that nearly 95% of enterprises still operate on legacy models and have yet to meaningfully adopt AI, indicating growth opportunity for the sector remains,” said Sumit Pokharna, vice-president – fundamental research, at Kotak Securities.

“However, part of the cost benefits to these firms from AI is likely to be passed on to clients, which may lead to revenue deflation,” he said.

The sharp recovery in the past three sessions comes as valuations of top Indian software exporters fall to the levels seen in the global financial crisis in 2008-09. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCL Technologies and Wipro are trading at trailing price-earnings (P/E) multiples between 15 and 18, the lower end of the spectrum, indicating lower-than-average valuations.

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The rebound may continue, but it will be marked by sharp swings amid intermittent concerns around AI product launches.

“We expect a J-curve recovery in IT revenues going ahead,” said Nayak. He likes LTM, Tech Mahindra and Infosys amongst the large caps, and prefers Mphasis and Persistent Systems in the mid-cap IT space.

Pokharna said large-cap IT valuations remain attractive, and he maintains a positive view on TCS, Infosys and Tech Mahindra.

“While LLM companies may disrupt market shares of traditional IT players and FY27 could remain challenging for the sector, AI adoption could improve their productivity,” said Jethi, who is positive on Persistent Systems and HCL Technologies. “Valuations in the sector have also turned attractive enough for investors to take a contrarian view on the AI theme.”

More than 113,000 electric kettles sold at Costco and HomeGoods have been recalled after reports that the handles can detach and spill hot water, including one reported second-degree burn, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recall, announced May 14, involves ZWILLING J. A. Henckels Aktiengesellschaft Enfinigy Kettle and Enfinigy Kettle Pro electric stainless-steel kettles after reports of the handles loosening and separating, posing a risk of serious injury due to a burn hazard.

About 113,440 kettles were recalled in the United States, according to the CPSC report. An additional 43,963 were sold in Canada and 48 were sold in Mexico.

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The firm received 163 reports of kettle handles loosening or separating, including five incidents involving handle separation and one reported second-degree burn.

The affected kettles can be identified by model numbers 53101-200 and 53101-201 for the 1.5L ENFINIGY Electric Kettle, and 53101-500, 53101-501, 53101-502, 53101-503 and 53101-504 for the 1.5L ENFINIGY Electric Kettle Pro. 

The model numbers and “ZWILLING” branding can be found on the bottom of the kettle and the power base.

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The electric stainless-steel kettles came in several colors, including black, silver, rose gold and white, according to the recall notice. ZWILLING branding appears on the kettle itself.

The kettles were sold at Costco, HomeGoods stores nationwide and online at zwilling.com from December 2019 through February 2026 for between $120 and $200.

Customers are urged to stop using the kettles immediately and to contact the brand in exchange for a full refund.

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Consumers in the U.S. should also visit the brand’s website for instructions before disposing of the recalled product, including unplugging the kettle, cutting the cord and uploading a photo of it.

A representative for Costco did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

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