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[Who will succeed Mullaly at Ford? It's never too early to start handicapping]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/who-will-succeed-mullaly-at-ford-freep-says-its-never-too-earl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/who-will-succeed-mullaly-at-ford-freep-says-its-never-too-earl/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/who-will-succeed-mullaly-at-ford-freep-says-its-never-too-earl/#commentsFiled under: ,



When Alan Mulally arrived at Ford Motor Company three years ago, the Blue Oval was in bad shape. New product wasn't exactly pouring in and the company's cash hoard was steadily shrinking. And word on the street is that the corporate culture at Ford was in as much trouble as the product lineup, making change difficult. Now in 2009, it appears Mulally has done the near impossible, turning around Ford's product lineup while supposedly positively altering FoMoCo's corporate culture.

For all of Mulally's success, there is one problem: he's 64 and can't continue to run the company forever. And although Mulally has given no signals of separating from Ford any time soon, industry insiders are already speculating on who will become his successor. The four names that continue to come up are Ford Americas President Mark Fields, global marketing boss Jim Farley, manufacturing whiz Joe Heinrich and Ford Europe savior Lewis Booth.

The Detroit Free Press feels the early money is on Fields. The Harvard grad has been with Ford for 20 years, and he's lead some high profile success stories. He turned around Mazda and is currently piloting Ford North America in the midst of what appears to be a substantial product renaissance. Farley has an advantage in that he came to Ford from Toyota/Lexus and is seen by many as a real up and comer.

By many accounts, Heinrich is a bit of a manufacturing genius. The Harvard Business grad came from General Motors, where he became the company's youngest ever Plant Manager at age 29. Booth has the longest resume and arguably the most examples of success. He appears to have consistently met and exceeded expectations everywhere he has been, including Mazda, Ford Asia Pacific and Ford South Africa. Booth is different from his fellow executives in that he is the only one who isn't in his 40s.

We have no earthly idea who would become the next head of Ford, and we're guessing that we're at least a couple years away from finding out. We're OK with that, because this Mulally guy appears to know what he's doing.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Who will succeed Mullaly at Ford? It's never too early to start handicapping originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallyford ceoford motor companyFordCeoFordMotorCompanyheinrichjim farleyJimFarleylewis boothLewisBoothmark fieldsMarkFieldsThu, 26 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: 10 Ford Focus variants coming to the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/report-10-ford-focus-variants-coming-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/report-10-ford-focus-variants-coming-to-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/report-10-ford-focus-variants-coming-to-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford C-Max - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the first-generation Ford Focus certainly had its faults, it was also ahead of its time, with engaging driving dynamics and a ton of different variations. You could get a Focus sedan, a three- or five-door hatch and even a wagon. For a few years there was even a high-revving SVT Focus (those were the days). While the current Focus is relegated to only sedan and coupe variants, the 2011 Focus will reportedly have a lot more options from which to choose.

Car and Driver recently sat down with Ford marketing chief Jim Farley, and when the subject of the Blue Oval's long awaited next-gen global Focus came up, Black Sheep's first cousin came up with the number 10. That's 10 as in the number of Focus variants we might expect here in the U.S. While Farley didn't go too far into which Focus variants will be available here, the list isn't difficult to guess.

One vehicle that we know has been given the green light for sale here in the U.S. is the Focus C-Max and Grand C-Max minivan, which will come in five- and seven-seat variations. Then there's the sedan and coupe, three- and five-door hatch, the promised Electric Focus, the Kuga crossover and possibly Lincoln and Mercury versions that will utilize Ford's global C-Segment platform. The next couple of years will be pretty interesting for Ford as it finally gets serious about small cars here in the U.S. With 10 Focus-based vehicles and an excellent new Fiesta, customers will finally have some solid small car choices from which to choose. The new Focus we've all been waiting for should make its global debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ford C-Max


[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: 10 Ford Focus variants coming to the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 focus variants10FocusVariants2011 ford focus2011FordFocusc-maxford focusFordFocusgrand c-maxGrandC-maxjim farleyJimFarleySat, 14 Nov 2009 12:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Slow Ford Flex sales blamed on...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/slow-ford-flex-sales-blamed-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/slow-ford-flex-sales-blamed-on/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/28/slow-ford-flex-sales-blamed-on/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for more high-res pics of the Ford Flex

Ford's boxy new Flex crossover wagon is far from meeting its sales expectations. And while part of its slow sales can be chalked up to the overall downturn in the auto market, and specifically sales of large 'utes, some believe that there could be more than meets the eye to this particular story.

Up to this point, Jim Farley, Ford's main marketer, has been running a very stylized advertising campaign to accompany the launch of the new people mover, and certain members of Ford's board reportedly believe that a more mainstream or conservative launch would have worked out better.

Farley defends his approach to The Detroit News, and he points out that half of all Flex's are sold to conquest buyers from other brands, especially from foreign-made minivans. Plus, more are sold loaded with all the goodies and are going for prices in the high 30's. Regardless, expect to see more ads touting the Flex's roominess and sound core family values moving forward.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Flex


[Source: The Detroit News]

Slow Ford Flex sales blamed on... originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford flexford flex adsford marketingFordFlexFordFlexAdsFordMarketingjim farleyjim farley fordJimFarleyJimFarleyFordTue, 28 Oct 2008 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford <strike>firing</strike> letting go up to 12% of salaried workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/28/ford-to-fire-up-to-12-of-salaried-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/28/ford-to-fire-up-to-12-of-salaried-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/28/ford-to-fire-up-to-12-of-salaried-workers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Perhaps 'fired' is the wrong word, as that does imply that these white collar workers did something wrong. The only thing some 12% of Ford's salaried workforce did wrong is get hired by a company that dug itself into a hole relying on strong truck and SUV sales during the 1990s. Now, with consumers avoiding gas-hungry vehicles, the restructuring effort faltering amidst high gas prices, and news that the company has abandoned its goal of returning to profitability in 2009... cutting more salaried workers was inevitable.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally told reporters last week that sales of big trucks and SUVs crashed once gas hit $3.50 per gallon. In April, full-sized pickups accounted for 11 percent of sales. By the second week of May, the number had fallen to just 9 percent. "I don't think we've ever seen a decline week over week like this," Mulally said. "It was clear to us it was time to act." And act they did. While details have not been finalized, Ford expects to eliminate up to 12 percent of its salaried work force (with about 24,300 white-collar workers in the States, this means more than 2,000 positions will be gone). Ford Vice President Jim Farley couldn't sugar-coat the news, but he did try to spread the doom around when he spoke to his employees on Friday, saying "I would expect other car companies to make similar announcements... they have the same issues that we do -- even Toyota."

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ford firing letting go up to 12% of salaried workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 May 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan MulallyAlanMulallyFiringFordJim FarleyJimFarleyLayoffRestructuringWed, 28 May 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's Drive One campaign moving full speed ahead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/fords-drive-one-campaign-moving-full-speed-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/fords-drive-one-campaign-moving-full-speed-ahead/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/fords-drive-one-campaign-moving-full-speed-ahead/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After spending a few days with Ford's main-marketing-man Jim Farley and his team, we can truly say that the excitement surrounding the company's new Drive One marketing strategy is palpable. They believe that the story they have to tell is rather compelling; the real struggle will be convincing car-buyers that their vehicles are every bit as good as their competition from Japan -- as recent studies indicate. To show people what's going on behind the scenes, Farley and his posse brought Ford's best and brightest engineers with them to Las Vegas to introduce their dealer-base to the new campaign. They let us tag along so we could see what all the fuss is about, and the dealers we spoke to seemed pretty pumped about Drive One and felt that Farley's new team at Ford was finally listening to them and doing something with their input. Keep reading to find out what else we heard in Sin City.

Continue reading Ford's Drive One campaign moving full speed ahead

Ford's Drive One campaign moving full speed ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford dealersford drive oneford marketingford-dealersford. drive one.Ford.DriveOne.FordDealersFordDriveOneFordMarketingjim farleyjim-farleyJimFarleyTue, 15 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford shoots for 100,000 Flex sales a year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/ford-shoots-for-100-000-flex-sales-a-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/ford-shoots-for-100-000-flex-sales-a-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/11/ford-shoots-for-100-000-flex-sales-a-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Flex.

The SUV exodus means Ford's Flex has the potential to be a hit and it's gearing up for an onslaught of orders when sales begin this summer. Ford's group veep of marketing and communications, Jim Farley, told Automotive News that consumers leaving the full-size SUV fold and others who haven't considered putting a Blue Oval badge in their garage might be ready to give something like the Flex a chance. CUV sales have been strong over the last year, and Ford and Farley believe that the Flex could rack up 100,000 sales annually if the trend continues.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Flex


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Ford shoots for 100,000 Flex sales a year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossovercuvflexfordford flexFordFlexjim farleyJimFarleyFri, 11 Apr 2008 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford shows the SVT Raptor to dealers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/lots-of-details-on-fords-f150-raptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/lots-of-details-on-fords-f150-raptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/lots-of-details-on-fords-f150-raptor/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As the days go on, the much rumored F-150 Raptor is becoming less wild speculation and more solid reality. Dealers were given a glimpse of the forth-coming truck at the Ford Dealer Show in Las Vegas, and they haven't shied away from spilling the beans regarding what they saw. Ford marketing boss Jim Farley unveiled the Ford-embossed front grille of the baja F-150, then showed video of a juiced-up off-road mule tearing it up in the desert.

Farley also revealed some details about the Raptor's new powerplant, which is believed to be the 6.2L "BOSS" V8. Power was quoted at 380 hp, but both PickupTruck.com and Four Wheeler believe Ford is sand-bagging on the engine's real power quotient, which they feel will be in the ballpark of 420 ponies. We're guessing 420 would be a much more appropriate number considering the size of the engine and rumors that the truck may be formally labeled as an SVT product. Dealers were also shown one of the Raptor's long-travel shocks, which was built by Fox Racing especially for the Raptor and has a full 12 inches of travel.

Ford is reportedly very excited about the Raptor, and execs allegedly went as far as saying that the Blue Oval was going to drive the truck "right up Toyota's ass." Ouch, we hope that's a metaphor. At this time there is no word as to when the Raptor will be available to customers, but since it's being shown to dealers, it likely isn't too far off.

Gallery: Ford F150 "Raptor" - Spy Shots


[Source: PickupTruck and Four Wheeler]

Ford shows the SVT Raptor to dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Boss V8BossV8F-150Ford RaptorFordRaptorJim FarleyJimFarleySVTThu, 10 Apr 2008 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mulally's replacement could come from within Ford... or maybe not]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/mulallys-replacement-could-come-from-within-ford-or-maybe-no/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/mulallys-replacement-could-come-from-within-ford-or-maybe-no/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/24/mulallys-replacement-could-come-from-within-ford-or-maybe-no/#commentsFiled under: ,



Joe Laymon isn't on the short list of successors for Ford CEO Alan Mulally, and it's unlikely you've ever heard of him, but if you want to get to the top at the Blue Oval, this is the guy you stop by Starbucks for on the way to work. Laymon is in charge of keeping a list of internal candidates ready in the event Mulally retires (or quits, is fired or for some other reason exits his position), which could come as soon as 2011 when he turns 65.

Both President of the the Americas Mark Fields and new marketing chief Jim Farley are on the short list of six execs on which the company is keeping tabs, but some less familiar names are considered, as well. Europe boss Lewis Booth, CFO Don LeClair, Europe COO Stephen Odell, and manufacturing chief Joe Heinrich round out the list of internal CEO candidates that will be given to the Ford board in the event of a Mulally exit. The list isn't static, either, as names are reviewed and added or dropped each year. If the board doesn't like its choices, though, the list is completely worthless and the company will again look outside its hallowed halls for help, just like it did in Mulally's case.

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

Mulally's replacement could come from within Ford... or maybe not originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan MulallyAlanMulallyBlue OvalBlueOvalDon LeClairDonLeclairFordJim FarleyJimFarleyJoe HeinrichJoeHeinrichLewis BoothLewisBoothMark FieldsMarkFieldsMon, 24 Mar 2008 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's Jim Farley wants the Fiesta hatchback in the US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/23/fords-jim-farley-wants-the-fiesta-hatchback-in-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/23/fords-jim-farley-wants-the-fiesta-hatchback-in-the-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/23/fords-jim-farley-wants-the-fiesta-hatchback-in-the-us/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click the Fiesta for a high-res gallery

Until recently, Ford had only planned to sell the new Fiesta small car as a sedan in the US market. Judging from the reaction of readers in the comments here when we showed photos of the production version of the car, which is based on the Verve concept, most people disagreed. The vast majority of commenters chiming in said that they wanted the stylish little hatchback. Apparently, they aren't alone. When the Verve sedan concept appeared at the Detroit Auto Show, it was supposed to be shown alone. A last-minute change of plans was prompted by new Ford marketing chief, Jim Farley, who insisted that the original three-door hatchback concept from the Frankfurt show be displayed as well. The hatchback concept was on a European tour and was detoured for a stateside visit to judge reaction from American showgoers. It now looks like there is indeed a very good chance that the hatchback will be offered to US drivers in addition to the sedan.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Fiesta


[Source: Ford]

Ford's Jim Farley wants the Fiesta hatchback in the US originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingford verveford-fiestaFordVervehatchbackjim farleyJimFarleySat, 23 Feb 2008 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's "effing" problem needs a fix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/18/fords-effing-problem-needs-a-fix/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/18/fords-effing-problem-needs-a-fix/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/18/fords-effing-problem-needs-a-fix/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Towards the end of 2003, Ford unveiled the Freestar. It was a lousy minivan, and its name wasn't much better. From there the f-bombs started pouring in with the Freestyle, Five Hundred, and Fusion. Ford had a Shakespearean stranglehold on alliteration, but outside of the decent success of the Fusion, Ford's effed-up naming convention brought little name recognition to the Blue Oval's car lineup. When Allan Mulally came to town, he scrubbed the Freestyle and Five Hundred names for the much more recognizable and respected Taurus and Taurus X, but unfortunately the basic shape of the family haulers didn't change enough for customers to want them.

Detroit News Columnist Daniel Howes accurately points out that Ford is back to effing up the names of its vehicles. The Flex arrives this summer, and the Fiesta arrives in 2010. The News says Ford marketing head Jim Farley questioned why the Flex name would adorn Ford's full-size crossover, but even the ex-Toyota wunderkind is unable or unwilling to lose the F. We don't understand the fixation Ford has with the sixth letter of the alphabet. The Dearborn automaker's two most successful cars of the past 40 years are the Taurus and Mustang, both of which are decidedly sans F. As a matter of fact, the Camry, Civic, Accord, Impala, and Malibu are all alliteration-free. Sure, if the Flex and Fiesta are great products they'll sell no matter what they're called, but we'd like for Ford to give us an effing break.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford's "effing" problem needs a fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FiestaFlexFordJim FarleyJimFarleyMulallyVerveMon, 18 Feb 2008 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Lincoln going global?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/15/lincoln-going-global/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/15/lincoln-going-global/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/15/lincoln-going-global/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Bringing his experience heading Lexus with him when he defected to Ford, Jim Farley's got his eye on some premium-Toyota style brand growth. Ford's past party line has been that the Lincoln nameplate is strictly for North American consumption, but Farley's been conferring with other Forders like Peter Horbury about taking Lincoln worldwide. Lexus is enjoying rapid growth in markets like Russia and Saudi Arabia, so it's not a new concept for Farley, and Horbury has previous global-brand experience, as well. Whether Ford intends on turning Lincoln into an American Lexus (whatever that might mean) isn't clear, but our domestic luxury marques sometimes enjoy a better reputation elsewhere - witness Buick's stature in China (Counterpoint: witness Cadillac's stature in Europe). The newly unveiled MKS is a good weapon to shoot across the globe, riding on a platform that originated at Volvo. We don't think Lincoln will swipe customers from Volvo, as they're likely different groups of buyers - so what it really may mean is more potential buyers to snap up Ford's production capacity.

Thanks for the tip, throwback!

[Source: Auto News - sub req]

Lincoln going global? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionfarleyfordglobalhorburyjim farleyJimFarleylexuslincolnpeter horburyPeterHorburyworldwideThu, 15 Nov 2007 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Jim Farley gets to wear two hats at Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/03/jim-farley-gets-to-wear-two-hats-at-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/03/jim-farley-gets-to-wear-two-hats-at-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/03/jim-farley-gets-to-wear-two-hats-at-ford/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jim Farley will climb aboard at Ford in mid-November, after defecting from his position as Group Vice President and General Manager of Lexus. His role at Ford will be dual-fold. Farley will be heading up the effort to entice people to buy Ford vehicles as Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. In addition to his MarCom responsibilities, Farley will also be taking on the U.S. marketing, sales, and service for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, a job most recently filled by the retired Cisco Codina. Ford needs to get North American consumers excited about their cars, and having Farley in charge of global marketing and communications as well as US sales makes us think that there will be some connection between the two efforts, keeping the messaging coherent and focused. Being able to see how sales are driven by marketing efforts, and Farley's track record at Toyota and Lexus would make it appear that he's equipped to understand and react to sales metrics. That understanding hopefully bodes well for Ford, and all the rhetoric is exceedingly positive about how everyone all around is excited for Farley to come aboard and make a miracle.

Ford's press release is after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Jim Farley gets to wear two hats at Ford

Jim Farley gets to wear two hats at Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 07:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cisco codinaCiscoCodinacommunicationsfordford lincoln mercuryFordLincolnMercuryjim farleyJimFarleylincolnlincoln mercuryLincolnMercurymarcommarketingmercurysalesSat, 03 Nov 2007 07:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota loses another: Jim Farley heads to Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/toyota-loses-another-jim-farley-heads-to-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/toyota-loses-another-jim-farley-heads-to-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/11/toyota-loses-another-jim-farley-heads-to-ford/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sure, the loss of Jim Press to Chrysler was probably a bigger blow, but news today that one of Toyota's marketing gurus, Jim Farley, has been hired awar by Alan Mulally to be Ford's group vice president of marketing and communication implies that the Japanese automaker's North American operation is experiencing a bit of a brain drain. Farley will start at Ford in mid-November and report directly to Mulally. His resume includes overseeing the launch of Scion, general manager of Lexus and group VP of marketing of Toyota.

In addition to Farley and Press, Toyota also lost Deborah Wahl Meyer two months ago when Chrysler hired her to be its chief marketing officer. What we're seeing is a dream team of executives groomed by Toyota going out and testing the free agent market. It remains to be seen, however, whether Team Toyota will ultimately suffer for not keeping these execs in their positions.

NOTE: A few of us couldn't help but notice that along with his marketing acumen, Farley will bring another mullet to the Ford fold. He'll need a month or so of missed haircuts to reach Mark Fields' level of mulletocity, but he'll get there.

[Source: Ford, Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Continue reading Toyota loses another: Jim Farley heads to Ford

Toyota loses another: Jim Farley heads to Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordjim farleyjim farley fordjim farley toyotaJimFarleyJimFarleyFordJimFarleyToyotatoyotaThu, 11 Oct 2007 18:03:00 EST