The United Auto Workers union ratified new contracts with Ford and Stellantis that, along with a similar deal with General Motors, will raise pay across the industry, force automakers to absorb higher costs and help reshape the auto business as it shifts away from gasoline-fuelled vehicles.

The union hasn't posted final vote totals yet, but workers at five large factories who finished voting in the past few days have turned down the four year and eight month deal by fairly large margins.

The United Auto Workers union said Wednesday it has reached a tentative contract agreement with Ford that could be a breakthrough toward ending the nearly six-week-old strikes against Detroit automakers.

Leaders of the United Auto Workers union are considering targeted strikes at a small number of factories run by each of Detroits three automakers if they cant reach contract agreements by a Thursday night deadline.

Seven major automakers say they're joining forces to build a North American electric vehicle charging network that would rival Tesla's and nearly double the number of fast-charging plugs in the U.S. and Canada.

Electric vehicles made by General Motors will be able to use much of Tesla's extensive charging network beginning early next year. In addition, GM will adopt Tesla's connector, the plug that links an electric vehicle to a charging station.

Another automaker is trying to cut its workforce to trim expenses and stay competitive as the industry makes the long and costly transition to electric vehicles.