Fords North American operation import automotive parts from Mazda (Japan) every month, year after year. They agree that all purchases made by ford will be made in Japanese Yen at the spot rate as long the FX rate is between 0.0080/yen. If however the FX rate falls outside this range, Ford and Mazda will share the difference equally. Ford has an account payable of Yen 25,000,000 for the month of March.

1. The spot rate at the payment date is 0.0095/yen. According to the contract, how much US$ Ford needs to prepare in order to pay Mazda?

2. If there is no contract between Ford and Mazda Japan, how much US$ Ford needs to prepare?