How Ford Motors is now utilizing D-Wave's hybrid Quantum Annealing technology in Europe!

 

Investor Summary Report: Ford Otosan and Its Quantum Leap in Automotive Manufacturing

Ford Otosan has implemented a production-grade hybrid-quantum application using D-Wave’s annealing quantum computing to optimize vehicle sequencing for its highly customizable Ford Transit line.

---

📌 Overview

Ford Otosan is a leading automotive manufacturer based in Turkey, jointly owned by Ford Motor Company (41%) and Koç Holding (41%), with the rest publicly traded. As Ford’s commercial vehicle hub for Europe, Ford Otosan is rapidly embracing advanced technologies—most recently quantum computing—to gain a competitive edge in vehicle production.

---

🏭 Business Highlights

• Established: 1959

• Headquarters: Gölcük, Turkey

• Employees: 23,000+

• 2023 Revenue: $17.24 billion

• 2023 Net Income: $1.12 billion

• Production Capacity (2023):

  • 746,500 vehicles

  • 437,500 engines

  • 140,000 powertrains

• Major Facilities:

  • Gölcük, Yeniköy & İnönü (Turkey)

  • Craiova (Romania)

  • Sancaktepe R&D Center

---

🚗 Products

• Current Models: Ford Transit line (Custom, Courier), Ford Puma, Ford F-MAX (trucks), and Volkswagen Transporter (starting 2024).

• 
  

  

• Ford Otosan's truck of the future!

• Historic Firsts: Maker of Turkey’s first passenger car, Anadol.

---

🚀 Strategic Tech Integration: D-Wave Quantum Computing

Ford Otosan has deployed a hybrid quantum-classical application built on D-Wave's quantum annealing technology to optimize vehicle production sequencing. This was done to tackle the complex challenge of building Ford Transit models—offered in over 1,500 configurations—with frequent adjustments and high setup variability.

🔍 Key Benefits:

• Scheduling Time Cut: From 30 minutes to under 5 minutes for 1,000 vehicles.

• Use Case: Vehicle sequencing optimization to minimize changeovers and setup times.

• Platform Used: D-Wave’s Leap™ quantum cloud service.

• Approach: Hybrid solvers combine classical and quantum computing for real-world manufacturing efficiency.

📈 Expansion Plans:

Ford Otosan plans to:

• Extend the solution to additional body shops.

• Apply quantum optimization to paint shops, assembly lines, and buffer zones.

• Continue leveraging quantum computing to drive flexibility, speed, and cost savings in production.

---

💡 Investment Thesis

Ford Otosan presents a unique investment opportunity through:

• Its critical role in Ford's European commercial vehicle strategy.

• A proven track record of profitability and high-volume manufacturing.

• Early adoption of cutting-edge quantum technologies, positioning it as a leader in next-generation smart manufacturing.

• Ongoing partnerships with global leaders like D-Wave and Volkswagen.

---

Conclusion: Ford Otosan is not just a traditional automotive manufacturer—it's transforming into a tech-driven industrial powerhouse, integrating quantum computing to streamline operations and increase its global competitiveness. For investors seeking exposure to AI, quantum tech, and EV supply chains through a proven manufacturer with strong financials, Ford Otosan is a compelling consideration.

Ed Note:

We are long D-Wave Quantum stock - $QBTS

Related articles:

First mover advantage in commercially available Quantum computing - D-Wave systems!

Practical business problem solved proving quantum supremacy says D-Wave Quantum!

The "destruction of trust" has grave consequences!

 

"Trust" is "the foundation" of financial systems, and, indeed, all social systems everywhere!

The current President knows full well how untrustworthy he is and cannot function in a world where "trust" is the cornerstone of society!

(between people, agencies, businesses or countries)

He sees all financial agreements as a "zero sum game" where, if the deal is good for the other side, then it must be coming out of his pocket!

He has never really learned that, any "good" business deal, must be good for "both sides"!

He has systemically taught a large segment of fellow Americans to not trust their neighbors if they don't vote for him, not trust their own Government, not trust Government institutions that organize healthcare, education, border security, immigration etc.!

He has manufactured Americans mistrust of each other, their elected officials in Congress and the Senate. He verbally attacks the Courts which have upheld the laws of the country for millennia. He is currently attacking the FED chairman (which he appointed)

He has taught many not to trust immigrants, labelling all as evil, and has actually asked another country to build 4 more "concentration camp" jails to house more people which he will send them, including American citizens.

Now he is teaching America's allies that they cannot trust America as a partner nor trust what he himself has already signed into law as he launches a barrage of tariff's in their direction. They now know instinctively, that he cannot be trusted to uphold previous treaties (NATO) in future.

The markets and market makers are only now coming understand this!

We are all on a path to the total destruction of trust, and it is an existential threat to our way of life, and ominously, peace in the world as many countries are building up armaments now! It doesn't have to be!

The U.S. "dollar" is arguably, the "last bastion of trust" in the world as even enemies will accept it as payment for goods or services. If that trust is lost, then what next?

If the U.S. bond market continues to reveal that "trust" of the reserve currency is weakening, or being lost, then all bets are off.

It becomes a new world of uncertainty and mistrust,

eerily and ominously similar to the 1930s

(Ed Note: This article reflects my own opinions and was not written with the help of AI as are my other posts!)

Agnico Eagle Gold is a top 3 Gold miner on the world stage now, and, it's still growing!

“A Gold Mine of Pharmaceutical Royalties” Royalty Pharma - RPRX

Royalty Pharma (NASDAQ: RPRX) is popping in 2025! There are reasons for that as markets swoon!

SLI's Smackover could be one of the richest Lithium Brine projects in the world, and it's located in Texas and Arkansas

 

Standard Lithium Ltd. (SLI) is a North American lithium development company focused on advancing lithium extraction projects in the United States, particularly within Arkansas and Texas. The company aims to contribute significantly to the domestic supply of lithium, a critical component in electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage systems.​Home+1Reuters+1

Technology and Extraction Methods

Standard Lithium employs Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, an innovative approach designed to efficiently and sustainably extract lithium from brine resources. Unlike traditional methods that rely on large evaporation ponds, DLE utilizes techniques such as adsorption and ion exchange to selectively extract lithium ions from brine. This method offers several advantages, including reduced environmental impact, faster processing times, and higher recovery rates. The company's demonstration plant in El Dorado, Arkansas, has been operating continuously since its commissioning in May 2020, showcasing the practical application of DLE technology. ​Reuters+6YouTube+6The Verge+6Lithium+1Home+1Standard Lithium Ltd.+1Standard Lithium Ltd.+1

Resource Estimates in Arkansas and Texas

In Arkansas, Standard Lithium's South West Arkansas (SWA) Project has reported significant lithium resources. The project boasts an average lithium grade of 437 mg/L, underpinning a minimum 20-year operating life with plans for at least 30,000 tonnes per annum of battery-quality lithium hydroxide production. Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the Smackover Formation in southern Arkansas may contain between 5 to 19 million tonnes of lithium, highlighting the region's substantial potential. ​JPT+27Stock Titan+27Standard Lithium Ltd.+27Stock Titan+2Standard Lithium Ltd.+2Standard Lithium Ltd.+2Stock Titan+3The Verge+3Arkansas Times+3

In East Texas, the company's drilling program has identified lithium brine concentrations as high as 806 mg/L in Franklin County. The first project area spans approximately 67,000 acres, with ongoing efforts to expand the resource base. ​Stock Titan

Development News

Standard Lithium has achieved several key milestones:​Empower Lives+16Standard Lithium Ltd.+16Standard Lithium Ltd.+16

• DOE Grant: In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy finalized a $225 million grant to support the construction of Phase 1 of the SWA Project. This funding underscores the project's strategic importance in bolstering domestic lithium production. ​Stock Titan+8Reuters+8Mining Technology+8

• Joint Venture Formation: In January 2025, Standard Lithium and Equinor announced the formation of Smackover Lithium, a joint venture dedicated to developing lithium extraction projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas. ​Reuters+13Stock Titan+13Standard Lithium Ltd.+13

• Technology Advancements: The company has reported exceptional lithium recovery rates exceeding 99% in field-pilot testing, demonstrating the effectiveness of its DLE technology. ​The Verge+2Stock Titan+2Lithium+2

Ownership and Partnerships

Equinor, a prominent international energy company, has acquired a 45% stake in Standard Lithium's projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas. This partnership involves an initial $30 million cash payment to Standard Lithium, with Equinor funding a $60 million work program. Additional payments of up to $70 million are contingent upon future project milestones and final investment decisions. Standard Lithium retains a 55% ownership stake and continues as the operator of these projects, while Equinor contributes its subsurface expertise. ​Reuters+14Enverus+14Nasdaq+14Reuters+3Standard Lithium Ltd.+3Mining Technology+3Reuters+1Standard Lithium Ltd.+1

Financial Overview

As of December 31, 2024, Standard Lithium reported cash reserves of $31.2 million and working capital of $27.5 million, with no term or revolving debt obligations. The company's stock is publicly traded under the ticker symbol SLI.​Stock Titan+1GlobeNewswire+1

Standard Lithium Ltd (SLI)

$1.20

Conclusion

Standard Lithium Ltd. is strategically positioned to become a leading player in the U.S. lithium market through its innovative DLE technology and significant resource holdings in Arkansas and Texas. The partnership with Equinor and substantial support from the U.S. Department of Energy further enhance the company's prospects. As the demand for domestically sourced lithium continues to grow, Standard Lithium's developments are poised to contribute meaningfully to the energy transition.​Reuters+1Standard Lithium Ltd.+1

"Smackover Lithium" is a newly formed joint venture (JV) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (55%) and Equinor (45%), announced in January 2025, created to develop and commercialize lithium extraction projects from the Smackover Formation, which spans southwest Arkansas and east Texas.

---

🔍 What Is Smackover Lithium?

Smackover Lithium is not just a project name — it is a dedicated JV entity, structured as a separately governed commercial enterprise. It was formed to jointly manage, finance, develop, and operate lithium production facilities using Standard Lithium’s Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology and Equinor’s subsurface expertise and financial backing.

---

🏢 Ownership Structure

• Standard Lithium (SLI): 55% ownership

  • Brings technology, existing pilot plant, lithium resource rights, and operational leadership

• Equinor ASA: 45% ownership

  • Brings global energy development experience, large-scale capital support, and subsurface reservoir expertise

Equinor paid an initial $30 million to Standard Lithium for its stake and committed to fund $60 million in work program development. An additional $70 million is performance-based, contingent on meeting technical and investment milestones.

---

⚙️ How Will Smackover Lithium Operate?

1. Focus Areas:

   • Southwest Arkansas Project (SWA): Flagship project with lithium hydroxide production targeted at 30,000 tonnes per year

   • East Texas Resource Expansion: High lithium concentration brines discovered; further drilling and testing ongoing

2. Operational Structure:

   • Standard Lithium is the Operator

     • Leads construction, DLE implementation, and lithium hydroxide production

     • Maintains control over day-to-day development and engineering

   • Smackover Lithium (the JV entity) holds the project assets, receives funding from Equinor, and distributes proceeds in line with ownership

3. Technology & Production Method:

   
   
   

   • Use of proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology

   • Avoids large evaporation ponds

   • Demonstrated >99% lithium recovery rates in pilot-scale trials

   • Environmentally low-impact, water-efficient process

4. Regulatory and Financial Oversight:

   • DOE-funded Phase 1 construction at SWA (via $225M grant)

   • The JV is structured to qualify for U.S. government incentives under Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other U.S. battery supply chain initiatives

---

📈 Viability & Strategic Importance

Yes, Smackover Lithium is viable — here’s why:

• Secure Domestic Lithium Supply: Targets a critical vulnerability in the U.S. EV supply chain by offering a domestic source of lithium hydroxide

• DOE Support + Equinor's Capital: Both public and private capital are backing it

• Strong Resource Base: Multi-million tonne lithium resource estimate across Smackover Formation

• Scalable Model: Once proven, JV could scale or replicate elsewhere in North America

---

🧠 Summary

Smackover Lithium is a strategic, operational joint venture formed to commercialize large-scale lithium extraction using advanced DLE technology. It’s a separate company, majority-controlled by Standard Lithium, with deep-pocketed support from Equinor, and already positioned to play a major role in the U.S. lithium supply chain — especially with DOE grants and federal incentives backing its development.

Ed Note:

The "Smackover" project is also well positioned in relationship to Tesla's new Battery plants in Texas!

Some top Canadian companies to consider in uncertain times!

 

Identifying top Canadian companies for investment involves evaluating factors such as financial stability, growth potential, dividend history, and market position. Based on recent analyses and market trends, here are several Canadian companies that are often considered strong investment candidates:​

1. Royal Bank of Canada (RY):

• Sector: Financials​Yahoo Finance

• Market Position: As one of Canada's largest banks, RBC has demonstrated consistent performance and resilience.​Investor's Business Daily+1Yahoo Finance+1

• Recent Performance: The bank has shown improving technical indicators, with its Relative Strength Rating rising from 65 to 72, suggesting growing momentum. ​Investor's Business Daily+1Investor's Business Daily+1

2. Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD):

• Sector: Financials​Investor's Business Daily+2Morningstar+2Yahoo Finance+2

• Market Position: TD is a leading Canadian bank with significant operations in both Canada and the U.S., offering a diversified revenue stream.​

3. Canadian National Railway (CNR):

• Sector: Industrials​Yahoo Finance+3Million Dollar Journey+3The Motley Fool Canada+3

• Market Position: CNR operates an extensive rail network across North America, providing essential transportation services.​

• Investment Appeal: The company's substantial economic moat and consistent dividend growth make it attractive to long-term investors. ​Yahoo Finance+3Million Dollar Journey+3Wikipedia+3

4. Enbridge Inc. (ENB):

• Sector: Energy​Yahoo Finance+8Million Dollar Journey+8Wikipedia+8

• Market Position: Enbridge is a major energy infrastructure company, primarily involved in transporting and distributing oil and gas.​

• Dividend History: The company has a strong track record of dividend growth, appealing to income-focused investors. ​Million Dollar Journey

5. Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ):

• Sector: Energy​Million Dollar Journey

• Market Position: As one of Canada's largest oil and natural gas producers, CNQ has a diversified asset base.​

• Dividend Growth: The company has a history of consistent dividend increases, reflecting its financial health. ​Million Dollar Journey

6. Shopify Inc. (SHOP):

• Sector: Technology​Yahoo Finance

• Market Position: Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform provider with a global customer base.​

• Growth Potential: The company's innovative solutions and expanding market presence position it well for future growth.​

7. Fortis Inc. (FTS):

• Sector: Utilities​Morningstar+2wsj.com+2Million Dollar Journey+2

• Market Position: Fortis operates regulated utilities in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean.​Savings Grove+1Million Dollar Journey+1

• Dividend Stability: With a history of over 50 years of dividend increases, Fortis is known for its reliable income generation. ​The Motley Fool Canada

8. Alimentation Couche-Tard (ATD):

• Sector: Consumer Staples​Million Dollar Journey

• Market Position: The company operates a vast network of convenience stores across multiple countries.​

• Growth Strategy: Couche-Tard focuses on strategic acquisitions to drive expansion and profitability. ​Million Dollar Journey+1Million Dollar Journey+1

9. Telus Corporation (T):

• Sector: Telecommunications​

• Market Position: Telus is one of Canada's major telecom providers, offering a range of communication services.​

• Dividend Yield: The company offers a competitive dividend yield, appealing to income-seeking investors. ​

10. Bank of Montreal (BMO):

• Sector: Financials​

• Market Position: BMO is a well-established bank with extensive operations in Canada and the U.S.​

• Dividend History: The bank has a long history of dividend payments, reflecting its financial stability. ​Savings Grove

These companies represent a cross-section of Canada's diverse economy and have been recognized for their strong fundamentals and growth prospects. However, it's essential to conduct thorough research and consider your individual investment goals and risk tolerance before making any investment