Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Bill Ford, AdAge chide GM over 230 MPG Chevrolet Volt MPG projection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/chevy-volts-230-mpg-rating-ad-campaign-comes-under-fire-from-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/chevy-volts-230-mpg-rating-ad-campaign-comes-under-fire-from-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/20/chevy-volts-230-mpg-rating-ad-campaign-comes-under-fire-from-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Chevrolet Volt's 230 mpg number continues to be questioned. The latest to criticize is Bill Ford, who takes issue not only with the General Motors-approved 230 figure, but also Nissan's claim that its Leaf EV will get 367 mpg. The real culprit here, Ford said, is the EPA's methodology, which he argues is meaningless. "This question devolves into madness," Ford reportedly told Green Car Advisor:
"The government will have to come up with a meaningful number for customers - a user-friendly label. And I think they will. I can't dispute that number, but I'm not sure it's relevant to the customer either."
Ford also said that since his company doesn't "have any particular expertise in batteries," they'll probably buy the batteries from established manufacturers for their own electrified cars.

Speaking of relevance, Advertising Age, the publication that was first to guess that the whole 230 teaser campaign was a GM plot, has determined that the stunt was a bad idea. The big problems it sees with the campaign are that it often gave people the wrong idea (that 230 would be the U.S.'s new a standard voltage for outlets) and didn't give people enough breadcrumbs to follow to the Volt. It created more questions than answers, until the big reveal last week. In any case, the whole thing was targeted at a younger, hipper audience, but are these the people who have $40,000+ to buy a Volt?


Gallery: 2011 Chevy Volt


[Sources: Green Car Advisor, Advertising Age]

Bill Ford, AdAge chide GM over 230 MPG Chevrolet Volt MPG projection originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>230230 miles per gallon230 mpg230 mpg volt230MilesPerGallon230Mpg230MpgVoltbill fordbill ford gmbill ford jr.BillFordBillFordGmBillFordJr.epaepa mpgEpaMpgfalsegmleaf mpgLeafMpgmpgnissan leafnissan leaf electricnissan leaf evNissanLeafNissanLeafElectricNissanLeafEvThu, 20 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Bill Ford, Jr. "shocked" at Wagoner's ousting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/report-bill-ford-jr-shocked-at-wagoners-ousting/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/report-bill-ford-jr-shocked-at-wagoners-ousting/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/report-bill-ford-jr-shocked-at-wagoners-ousting/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bill Ford, Jr., executive chairman of the Ford Motor Company, admits he was surprised at former General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner being asked to step down by the Obama administration. Even as Ford applauded the White House, saying "One of the things we've never had in the past is an administration that wants to pull all the parties together and figure out an energy policy and how to make a strong automotive industry and he is doing that," he also told CNN's Larry King: "I guess I never thought I'd live to see the day where the CEO of General Motors was dismissed by the President of the United States."

Of course, Ford isn't alone in being shocked, but there is quite a range of opinion on the matter: Some say GM taking government loans (as opposed to private sector loans) changed the rules, and the government needed to protect its investment; others say it was government interference. Regardless, the way things are going, we would be surprised if that were the last "shocking" development in the car industry saga.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

REPORT: Bill Ford, Jr. "shocked" at Wagoner's ousting originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill fordbill ford jrbill ford jr.BillFordBillFordJrBillFordJr.CNNetcfordgmgovernmentLarry KingLarryKingobamarick wagonerRickWagonerWed, 22 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Ford continues to refuse paycheck from board]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/29/bill-ford-continues-to-refuse-paycheck-from-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/29/bill-ford-continues-to-refuse-paycheck-from-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/29/bill-ford-continues-to-refuse-paycheck-from-board/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford Chairman Bill Ford hasn't been compensated for working at his great grandfather's company since May 2005, and he doesn't intend to cash in until the Blue Oval makes a sustained profit. Ford's board of directors decided that nearly three years was too long to work pro bono and tried to pay the Ford family scion, but the chairman again refused to reneg on his pay-free pledge. Mr. Ford has, however, agreed to receive payment retroactive to 2008 once the Dearborn, MI automaker achieves a full year of profitability.

It's impressive that Blue Oval Bill has foregone between $25 million and $33 million in salary over the past few years, but Henry Ford's sweat and guile made him wealthy beyond his wildest dreams before he was even born. Those of us living in Michigan would be far more impressed if Bill pledged to give up the Detroit Lions if the automaker misses its target to regain profitability in 2009.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Bill Ford continues to refuse paycheck from board originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill Fordbill ford paycheckBillFordBillFordPaycheckFordHenry FordHenryFordprotitFri, 29 Feb 2008 08:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mulally pockets $28 million in 2006]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/mulally-pockets-28-mil-while-ford-loses-12-bil/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/mulally-pockets-28-mil-while-ford-loses-12-bil/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/mulally-pockets-28-mil-while-ford-loses-12-bil/#commentsFiled under: ,

Reuters is reporting that while Ford Motor Co. posted a $12.7 billion loss last year, its new Chief Executive earned $28.18 million. And that was for four months worth of work. Alan Mulally's pay for 2006 included salary and stock options, as well as an $18.5 million bonus. The man Mulally replaced, Chairman Bill Ford, had made good on his pledge to forego compensation until the company made a turnaround, and had no salary, bonuses, or stock earnings during the first 8 months of 2006. In the grand scheme of things, $28 million is a drop in the bucket compared to the huge corporate losses Ford has posted, but hopefully Ford is getting what they are paying for with their new CEO. Only time will tell, as the automaker isn't expected to get back into the black until 2009 at the earliest.

In all fairness, Mulally's package included a $7.5 million signing bonus and Ford had to pay an additional $11 million to compensate for getting him out of his Boeing contract early. And in case some think Ford would be smart to dump him and take the company in a different direction, the EXIT package would be almost as big. If the CEO is released during his first five years on the job, his exit package is valued at $27.54 million. Mulally gets that amount if he is let go for anything other than cause. That includes being let go due to a merger or bankruptcy filing. To put it in perspective, Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields made $5.57 million last year. That included a salary of $1.25 million and something related to using a jet. And CFO Don Leclair had $4.4 million in total compensation for 2006.

[Source: Reuters]

Mulally pockets $28 million in 2006 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan MulallyAlanMulallyBill FordBillFordDon LeclairDonLeclairexecutive compensationExecutiveCompensationFord Motor CoFordMotorCoMark FieldsMarkFieldsThu, 05 Apr 2007 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Live like a king in Bill Ford's ex-residence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/30/live-like-a-king-in-bill-fords-ex-residence/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/30/live-like-a-king-in-bill-fords-ex-residence/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/30/live-like-a-king-in-bill-fords-ex-residence/#commentsFiled under: ,

Are you looking for a unique property with plenty of land, 5,900 sq. ft. of living space and a beautiful view of a lake Huron the Huron River? Not sure? What if we told you the house belongs to Ford Motor Company Chairman Bill Ford? Well, if you have $3.95 Million and a desire to live in Ann Arbor, then this very well may be your dream home. The Fords moved down the street, so your children may even go to the same school. They'll be the kids with the full-time security detail and access to a corporate jet.

Mr. Ford's house has five bedrooms, a tennis court, in-ground pool, and a view that is remarkably like the one at the Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn. The house sits on 17.1 acres and has an amazing 650 feet of lake-frontage. The $3.95 Million selling price seems very firm, but since it's a Ford you can probably negotiate 0% financing.

Check out the house listing here.


[Source: Detroit Free Press via Jalopnik]

Live like a king in Bill Ford's ex-residence originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jan 2007 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill FordBillFordFordFord MansionFord Motor CompanyFordMansionFordMotorCompanyTue, 30 Jan 2007 19:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Fields under fire for expensive flights home]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/15/mark-fields-under-fire-for-expensive-flights-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/15/mark-fields-under-fire-for-expensive-flights-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/15/mark-fields-under-fire-for-expensive-flights-home/#commentsFiled under: ,

Steve Wilson, a reporter for WXYZ Channel 7 in Detroit, has taken the President of the Americas for Ford Motor Company, Mark Fields, to task for the weekly flights the executive takes from Detroit to his home in Delray Beach, Florida. Fields uses a company jet for the flights, which itself isn't the issue since the trips are approved by his employment contract. Wilson, however, estimates that each weekly trip costs between $50,000 and $70,000, essentially an entire year's salary for many who work at Ford. Those high figures include the cost of flying one passenger with a crew of three, and either putting the crew up in a luxury hotel for the weekend or having the jet return to Detroit and fly back to fetch Fields before Monday.

Fields has been quoted as saying, "We are making sacrifices at every level." The person who hired Fields, ex-CEO Bill Ford Jr., surely made sacrifices. The great-grandson of Henry Ford announced he would forego any and all compensation back in May of 2005 until his family's company begins turning a profit again. Of course, Mark Fields is not a member of the Ford family and no expects him to forego a salary, which last year reportedly amounted to $3 million including a $1 million bonus. Wilson, however, clearly sees the hypocrisy of an executive asking his workforce to sacrifice their wages, health care and even their jobs while he drains the company of funds he could cleary afford to cover himself.

The weekly trips home on the company jet are seen by Ford as an incentive to attract and retain talent the automaker sorely needs to turn its fortunes around. Hopefully Mark Fields is the man for that job, and if he succeeds we won't say a word every time he boards the Blue Oval jet. But at this moment when Ford is struggling to remain solvent, even if the overall impact is minimal, the gesture of foregoing some of those expensive perks goes a long way.

Thanks to Joe for the tip!

[Source: WXYZ.com]

Mark Fields under fire for expensive flights home originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Nov 2006 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill fordBillFordcompensationflightsfordjetmark fieldsMarkFieldspaytripWed, 15 Nov 2006 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Meeting of the Minds: Big Three and Bush to talk on Tuesday]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/09/meeting-of-the-minds-big-three-and-bush-to-talk-on-tuesday/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/09/meeting-of-the-minds-big-three-and-bush-to-talk-on-tuesday/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/09/meeting-of-the-minds-big-three-and-bush-to-talk-on-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bill Ford, Rick Wagoner and Tom LaSorda have been twiddling their thumbs since May waiting for the White House to confirm a date for the Detroit trio to meet with George Bush, the D.C. decider. Tentative times have come and gone, and as each one passed, the perception that the current administration cares little about the challenges facing domestic automakers continued to grow. In reality, those challenges that include health care costs and the price of imported raw materials like steel, just didn't make for good pre-election prattle.

Not a day after the midterm elections have passed, the White House has announced that George Bush will meet with Ford, Wagoner and LaSorda next Tuesday. No additional details were given about what time the meeting would take place or if an agenda of talking points had been set.

Most of us on the Autoblog team are apolitical when it comes to cars, but since the Republicans have lost control over both houses of Congress, we can't help but wonder if Detroit should instead sit down for a chat with someone like N ancy Pelosi (D - CA), the presumptive Speaker of the House, or Harry Reid (D - NV), the soon-to-be leader of the Senate's majority.

BTW - if you'd like to talk politics in the comments, feel free. Keep it civil, though, or we'll be forced to turn the comments off.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Meeting of the Minds: Big Three and Bush to talk on Tuesday originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Big 3Big3Bill FordBillFordCEOGeorge BushGeorgeBushHarry ReidHarryReidmeetingNancy PelosiNancyPelosiRick WagonerRickWagonerTom LaSordaTomLasordaWhite HouseWhiteHouseThu, 09 Nov 2006 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Antics abound at the SAE Greenbrier retreat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/21/antics-abound-at-the-sae-greenbrier-retreat/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/21/antics-abound-at-the-sae-greenbrier-retreat/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/21/antics-abound-at-the-sae-greenbrier-retreat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Greenbrier retreat hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers is known as something of a boondoggle in the industry, but with all the doom and gloom, we're hard-pressed to deny the automotive bigwigs a little fun. The tone of the confrence is light, with industry execs spending more time creating comedy routines than doing any actual work. Last year's event saw Bo Andersson search high and low for a Dracula costume after an opening skit referred to him as a blood-sucking vampire.

This year's Saturday Night Live-style newscast, which is a yearly tradition, showed Delphi boss Steve Miller at his funniest, even relating that the night before was so cold, Ford purchasing chief Tony Brown was seen with his hands "in his own pockets."

The fun didn't end at Greenbrier, however -- the annual Steakout, a not-so-PETA-friendly fundraiser hosted by the Detroit Press Club Foundation, will take place this Wednesday, complete with a re-do of the aforementioned newscast as well as some new stuff, including a secret video tape allegedly of the first meeting between Bill Ford and "The One," Alan Mulally (set to the soundtrack, "Endless Love"). Also slated for the dinner is the "real story" behind GM's unanimous vote to reject Renault/Nissan's merger bid -- all we'll say is that Jerry York should have held it.

Proceeds from the dinner go toward scholarships for journalism students and buying holiday toys for children.

[Source: Detroit News]

Antics abound at the SAE Greenbrier retreat originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Oct 2006 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallybill fordBillFordcomedydelphigreenbriersteakoutsteve millerSteveMillertony brownTonyBrownSat, 21 Oct 2006 17:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Hamp jumps big blue oval ship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/steve-hamp-jumps-big-blue-oval-ship/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/steve-hamp-jumps-big-blue-oval-ship/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/26/steve-hamp-jumps-big-blue-oval-ship/#commentsFiled under: ,

To no one's surprise, Steve Hamp, chief of staff for Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally, is bailing on the blue oval at the end of this year. The well-connected brother-in-law to former CEO and continuing chairman Bill Ford was apparently instrumental in bringing the former Boeing big wig on board. Ford hasn't announced any plan to replace him.

Hamp, who is married to Bill Ford's older sister Shiela, was brought on in early November of 2005 after Jim Vella stepped down. The then-president of the Henry Ford Museum was responsible for running Michigan's number one tourist attraction, bringing in $54 million in revenues and representing a huge public relations tool for Ford.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Steve Hamp jumps big blue oval ship originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Sep 2006 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mullalyAlanMullalybill fordBillFordelena fordElenaFordford motor companyFordMotorCompanysteve hampSteveHampTue, 26 Sep 2006 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's Accelerated Way Forward Plan details announced]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/ford-s-accelerated-way-forward-plan-details-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/ford-s-accelerated-way-forward-plan-details-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/ford-s-accelerated-way-forward-plan-details-announced/#commentsFiled under: ,



All right, we got up this early to get Ford's announcement first thing, so let's get to it. Ford has announced, in a nutshell, that Way Forward 2.0 will include a further reduction in its production capacity and work force combined with a "ramp up" of new product introductions. The company also announced that a return to profitability is now not expected until at least 2009.

The entire announcement can be found after the jump, but we'll highlight a few important points here. For one, the Lincoln Town Car will live on! After the Wixom, MI plant closes, production of the Town Car will move to the St. Thomas, Ontario plant. Also, the large crossover based on the Ford Fairlane concept will be on sale in 2008. In the area of cost savings, the Blue Oval has announced that 14,000 salaried-related positions will be eliminated, which is a big jump in addition to the prior 4,000 salaried positions that were cut in Q1. Here's a big one: the company is moving up its goal of reducing its workforce by 25,000 to 30,000 workers from 2012 to the end of 2008. Ford subsidiary Automotive Components Holding will also see all of its facilities either sold or closed by the end of 2008, as well.

Finally, the impression we got is that Ford is serious about shrinking. In terms of production, capacity is being reduced to 3.6 million units, 26% under 2005 levels. Market share is expected to decrease to around 14 to 15 percent and then level off, too. We now have a list of plants that will either be closed or idled by 2008, which can be found after the jump.

There's lots to chew on here folks. Check out the complete release with details after the jump and analysis will be forthcoming.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford's Accelerated Way Forward Plan details announced

Ford's Accelerated Way Forward Plan details announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerateaccelerationalan mulallyAlanMulallybill fordBillFordmark fieldsMarkFieldsway forwardWayForwardFri, 15 Sep 2006 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's 'Way Forward': Part Deux]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/fords-way-forward-part-deux/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/fords-way-forward-part-deux/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/fords-way-forward-part-deux/#commentsFiled under: ,

As the week begins, many industry analysts and insiders are confident that Ford will be making dramatic steps towards increasing their efficiency and productivity. The announcement last week that Bill Ford would be stepping down as CEO and passing the torch to Alan Mulally, was the first of many actions that the automaker hopes will transform the company over the all-important, coming years.

With management shifts underway, tackling the union issue is next on Ford's "Way Forward" agenda. Thankfully, negotiations between FoMoCo and the UAW have already been settled, at least for the time being. This newest contract addresses many streamlining issues that have plagued the company's efficiency over the last several years and, after being voted on by the Local 600 workers, should take place soon.

With everyone weighing in on what will make or break Ford's future, it seems this week will bring more speculation, more engagement and, hopefully, more "bold moves" from one of the nation's most esteemed automakers.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Ford's 'Way Forward': Part Deux originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallybill fordBillFordbold movesBoldMovesforduawunited auto workersUnitedAutoWorkersway forwardWayForwardMon, 11 Sep 2006 09:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Bush calls Bill Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/10/bush-calls-bill-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/10/bush-calls-bill-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/10/bush-calls-bill-ford/#commentsFiled under: ,

It came as a surprise to read on Bloomberg's website that "the President and Mr. Ford are friends." We don't know why this made us do a double take, but it's nice to know that some form of direct communication is taking place between Washington and an automaker.

According to the article, President Bush phoned Mr. Ford while in route to a fund-raiser in Detroit and although Bush's spokesperson wouldn't elaborate on what was discussed, she did say that the phone conversation only lasted a few minutes. We think it's safe to assume that the topic at hand was FoMoCo's recent personnel changes.

We reported earlier on an uproar among the heads of the Big two-point-five, when they discovered that Bush would be making a campaign appearance in their home town, but had not (re)scheduled any meetings with the automakers. Judging by the information revealed to Bloomberg, the conversation between the two men sought to solidify the administration's promise of a meeting after mid-term elections.

We're eagerly anticipating the outcome of that meeting, if and when it happens.

Related Links:
(FYI - Due to the unfortunate comments made by some readers in a related post, comments have been disabled for this article. Our apologies to those of you that enjoy a civil exchange of ideas.)

Bush calls Bill Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Sep 2006 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill fordBillFordgeorge bushGeorgeBushSun, 10 Sep 2006 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Mulally will make at least $10 million/year at Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/alan-mulally-will-make-at-least-10-million-year-at-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/alan-mulally-will-make-at-least-10-million-year-at-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/alan-mulally-will-make-at-least-10-million-year-at-ford/#commentsFiled under: , ,

New Ford Motor Company CEO Alan Mulally will make some mad cash according to the Detroit News -- at least $10 million clams in compensation, in fact. The high sticker comes as no surprise given the fact that Bill Ford has had such a hard time finding somebody to take over his job, including the likes of Carlos Ghosn and Dieter Zetsche. It also comes as no surprise since Mulally was Boeing's second-highest paid executive at a mere $9.9 million compensation package in 2005, and Ford had no choice but to offer him a better deal.

Among his Boeing perks was a 104-percent pay increase for 2005 over 2004, $83,000 in personal use of the company jet, company cars and club memberships for business purposes. His base pay in 2005 was $825,000.

[Source: Detroit News]

Alan Mulally will make at least $10 million/year at Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill fordBillFordboeingexecutive compensationExecutiveCompensationford motor companyFordMotorCompanymulallyThu, 07 Sep 2006 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[POLL RESULTS: Leadership isn't Ford's biggest problem]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/poll-results-leadership-isn-t-fords-biggest-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/poll-results-leadership-isn-t-fords-biggest-problem/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/poll-results-leadership-isn-t-fords-biggest-problem/#commentsFiled under:

Our latest poll shows that the majority of you (51%, that's a mandate right?) believe that the CEO isn't the problem over at Ford Motor Company. However, Mr. Mulally should take heart in the fact that 30% of you believe he seems like the right fit for the job. Rounding out the pack were the 14% of you who thinks Ghosn should be cutting and slashing Ford back to profitability, while a scant 5% of you believe Bill Ford Jr. could've turned the company around given a little more time.

It is true, Ford's problem has little do with its CEO, but at the same time Bill Ford recognized that perhaps there were people in this world more qualified than he to reverse the sagging fortunes of the third largest automaker in the world. That has to be a humbling call to make, but it's been the boldest move yet for the Blue Oval.

POLL RESULTS: Leadership isn't Ford's biggest problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill FordBillFordGhosnMulallypollresultsThu, 07 Sep 2006 13:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoextremist welcomes Alan to the fold]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/autoextremist-welcomes-alan-to-the-fold/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/autoextremist-welcomes-alan-to-the-fold/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/07/autoextremist-welcomes-alan-to-the-fold/#commentsFiled under:



The major news media is awash in pundits and "experts" who have argued every conceivable angle of the Ford/Mulally CEO switcheroo. Most seem to have little to substantiate their opinions, while others just seem to enjoy some seat time under the newsroom lighting. Thankfully, more sources are available beyond the realm of "traditional media" and Peter M. DeLorenzo decided the best way to address the future of Ford was to write an open letter to its newest helmsman.

We're only two days into this, and even we are getting tired of the speculation and conjecture, but DeLorenzo's take is easy to digest. By breaking down what issues need addressing and how Mulally should go about setting up shop (practically telling him the proper placement of his letter opener), the Autoextremist's focus is set squarely on the near future.

The daunting task is to begin with Mulally dumping the "amicable boss routine" and jump in with tempered ruthlessness. A benevolent dictatorship may not be the most P.C. operation, but it gets things done and done right. After that it's all about product. Revive Lincoln to its former glory (please!), unleash the pent-up talent laying at your disposal, bring Ford back to the main stage by getting your hands dirty in motorsport at a level that rivals the company's achievements in the 60's. Kick ass, take names and bring the pain.

We want it. The public wants it. And the U.S.needs it.

BTW, for a counter to DeLorenzo's assertion that the aerospace and automotive biz are mutually exclusive entities, check out Jalopnik's retort.

Autoextremist welcomes Alan to the fold originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoextremistbill fordBillFordfordmulallypeter m. delorenzoPeterM.DelorenzoThu, 07 Sep 2006 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[POLL: Has Ford found the right man for the job?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/poll-has-ford-found-the-right-man-for-the-job/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/poll-has-ford-found-the-right-man-for-the-job/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/poll-has-ford-found-the-right-man-for-the-job/#commentsFiled under: ,

That's the big question. Alan Mulally has no experience in the automotive industry, but he is considered to be an accomplished turnaround artist after whipping into shape the commercial airplane division of Boeing and returning that business to profitability. But did Bill Ford remove himself from the throne too fast? And what about Carlos Ghosn, is he really that good? Perhaps you're of the mind that Ford's problems can't be fixed by switching CEOs. Let us know. Perform your civic duty and vote!

Has Ford found the right man for the job?
Alan Mulally seems like a good fit
Bill Ford Jr. just needed more time
Someone should call Carlos Ghosn
The CEO isn't the problem
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POLL: Has Ford found the right man for the job? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallybill fordBillFordcarlos ghosnCarlosGhosnceofordghosnmulallypollWed, 06 Sep 2006 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Bill Ford out as CEO of Ford, Boeing President/CEO Alan Mullaly in]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/breaking-bill-ford-out-as-ceo-of-ford-boeing-ceo-alan-mullaly/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/breaking-bill-ford-out-as-ceo-of-ford-boeing-ceo-alan-mullaly/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/05/breaking-bill-ford-out-as-ceo-of-ford-boeing-ceo-alan-mullaly/#commentsFiled under: ,



UPDATED - Ford has issued a press release announcing that Bill Ford will step down as CEO of the company his family founded over a century ago and that Alan Mulally, a man with a 37-year record at Boeing, who most recently ran the airplane manufacturer's commercial plane business as CEO and President, will be his successor.

Ford's resignation as CEO was forecasted not only in recent interviews in which he stated outright that replacing himself was a possibility, but also the memo he sent out to employees late last week that outlined three strategies that he felt were critical to the company's turnaround. One of the strategies detailed cultivating better executive leadership from outside and within. Mulally appears to be the outside help Ford believes can help return his company to profitability.

Mulally has faced challenges at Boeing similar to the ones facing Ford Motor Company in the present, including improving customer satisfaction, manufacturing, supplier and labor relations, and fluctuating fuel prices. He also knows what it's like to lead a company on the brink, as Boeing found itself in such a place after the events of 9/11 while facing stiffer competition from its rival Airbus.

Ford will stay on as executive chairman and be behind a desk everyday trying to turn around Ford's fortunes. He stated, "As executive chairman, I intend to remain extremely active in the direction of this Company. I'll be here every day and I will not rest until a prosperous future for this Company is secured."

Ford's complete press release can be found after the jump.

Check out Mulally's bio on Boeing's website here (thanks Speed42).

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading BREAKING: Bill Ford out as CEO of Ford, Boeing President/CEO Alan Mullaly in

BREAKING: Bill Ford out as CEO of Ford, Boeing President/CEO Alan Mullaly in originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill FordBillFordbloggingstocksBoeingCEOTue, 05 Sep 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Ford outlines 3-point plan to employees]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/03/bill-ford-outlines-3-point-plan-to-employees/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/03/bill-ford-outlines-3-point-plan-to-employees/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/03/bill-ford-outlines-3-point-plan-to-employees/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an effort to assuage the fear of his employees over the current direction of Ford Motor Company, Bill Ford sent out a company-wide memo on Friday that details a three-point strategy for ushering the Blue Oval out of hard times. The Detroit News describes the strategy in a nutshell as 1) fixing Ford's North American business, 2) leveraging the company's global assets, and 3) bolstering its leadership team from within and outside the company. Easier said than done, right?

In the memo Ford admits the business strategy that fueled Ford for decades has stopped working (i.e. a myopic reliance on trucks and truck-based SUVs). In order to achieve profitability again in North America, Ford has charged Mark Fields and his team with developing products that drive revenue and rapidly reducing costs, as any CEO should we think. Mazda and Volvo will also apparently contribute more to Ford's North American turnaround than they have in the past. Ford's last point about leadership development is already in practice, as the aforementioned Mark Fields, president of the Americas for Ford, has Bill Ford's new progressive policies to thank for his title.

Bill Ford's memo contains nothing that hasn't been suggested before, but its purpose wasn't to unveil Ford's revised "Way Forward" plan, which is due in detail later this month. The note to employees is rather an effort, we believe, to make workers at the company feel more like they're in the loop while Ford wrestles with changing his company's course.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Bill Ford outlines 3-point plan to employees originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Sep 2006 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill FordBillFordemployeesFord Motor CompanyFordMotorCompanyMark FieldsMarkFieldsmemoturnaroundWay ForwardWayForwardSun, 03 Sep 2006 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Ford puts Aston Martin up for sale]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/breaking-ford-puts-aston-martin-up-for-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/breaking-ford-puts-aston-martin-up-for-sale/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/31/breaking-ford-puts-aston-martin-up-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,



You can stop wondering which brand in Ford's Premier Auto Group will be the first to go. It's Aston Martin. Though speculation had pointed to a possible sale of Jaguar and/or Land Rover, in a statement Ford indicates that Aston Martin makes the most sense because it has a completely separate dealer network, its products share few parts with other Ford brands and its size is much smaller than other members of PAG. Ford will be looking to sell either all or a portion of Aston Martin, supposedly whatever it can get for a good price while ensuring that the James Bond brand finds a happy home. As this process has just begun, no buyers have stepped forward and expressed interest.

Volvo, Jaguar and Land Rover aren't in the clear yet, however. As to their future, Bill Ford says, "we've made no decisions, as our review of strategic alternatives continues."

Is this the right move? Aston Martin is arguably better off today than it was when Ford purchased it in the late Nineties, so there's definitely some equity in the brand that the Blue Oval feels it can collect. Keep in mind this announcement doesn't guarantee anyone's interested in purchasing Aston Martin or that a transaction will take place, but the For Sale sign has been staked in the front yard and Bill Ford's waiting inside with lemonade and cookies for prospective buyers.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading BREAKING: Ford puts Aston Martin up for sale

BREAKING: Ford puts Aston Martin up for sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill fordBillFordsaleway forwardWayForwardThu, 31 Aug 2006 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Ford sends note of encouragement to Blue Oval employees]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/bill-ford-sends-note-of-encouragement-to-blue-oval-employees/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/bill-ford-sends-note-of-encouragement-to-blue-oval-employees/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/03/bill-ford-sends-note-of-encouragement-to-blue-oval-employees/#commentsFiled under:



Bill Ford likes to talk to his peeps on the front lines and factory floors every once in awhile. Unfortunately, recent events affecting the current trajectory of Ford Motor Co. means most conversations have become one-sided pep talks aimed at rallying the troops. Ford employees recently received he following note from Ford himself. The rest is included in its entirety after the jump.

As you know, our response to the challenges to our business is the subject of ongoing speculation in the news media, on Wall Street, and in our own hallways and lunchrooms. That's to be expected at a time of great change in our industry and renewed urgency among all of us.
That's why I want you to hear directly from me how I view our situation. First of all, the company's top priority remains the turnaround of our North American operations. As I said when we released our second quarter financial results, Mark Fields and his leadership team are accelerating their efforts, and we expect to tell you in the next couple months what additional measures we will take. These measures may be difficult, but are necessary.

Continue reading Bill Ford sends note of encouragement to Blue Oval employees

Bill Ford sends note of encouragement to Blue Oval employees originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Aug 2006 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bill FordBill Ford Jr.BillFordBillFordJr.CEO FordCeoFordThu, 03 Aug 2006 18:26:00 EST