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[27,000 Ford workers have officially left the building]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/27-000-ford-workers-have-officially-left-the-building/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/27-000-ford-workers-have-officially-left-the-building/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/27-000-ford-workers-have-officially-left-the-building/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Detroit Free Press is reporting today that since Ford began offering buyouts and early retirement offers to its hourly employees last year, about 27,000 have accepted and left the company. Since the offer was made last October to hourly workers at all of Ford's plants in North America, about 8,000 before the ball dropped on 2007 and 19,000 so far this year. Fortunately for Ford, about half were not eligible for early retirement, which means the automaker takes on less long-term retiree health care liability. Some of the workers who clocked out early include employees of Visteon plants, as well.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

27,000 Ford workers have officially left the building originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutsearly retirementEarlyRetirementexpire-images:2008-6-13fordford workersFordWorkersturn aroundTurnAroundway forwardWayForwardThu, 14 Jun 2007 16:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Fields to white-collar crew: "How do you feel?"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/23/mark-fields-to-white-collar-crew-how-do-you-feel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/23/mark-fields-to-white-collar-crew-how-do-you-feel/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/23/mark-fields-to-white-collar-crew-how-do-you-feel/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you are still here after seeing your friends and colleagues pink-slipped (or encouraged to take buyouts or early retirement), then we want to know how you're feeling. That was the basic message sent to Ford's white-collar workers today by Ford's President of the Americas Mark Fields. Top Ford managers received an email from Fields along with Ford's quarterly Employee Engagement Surveys. According to The Detroit Free Press (Freep), the e-mail also discussed Ford's new Way Forward portal online and changes to employee benefits, but it mainly dealt with the anonymous surveys. Fields apparently "strongly encouraged" managers to get workers to fill out the surveys by March 28.

Fields pointed out that the results will help Ford understand the views of employees on the issues covered, so management can better shape future plans and the company can "move forward as a team." Although 6,000 of its 48,000 salaried workers have left Ford since February, those who are still on the job might show a different attitude towards Ford's future.

[Source: Freep]

Mark Fields to white-collar crew: "How do you feel?" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Employee Engagement SurveysEmployeeEngagementSurveysFord managementFordManagementlayoffsMark FieldsMarkFieldsWay ForwardWayForwardFri, 23 Mar 2007 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's cost of recovery: Over $11 Billion for accelerated restructuring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/02/fords-cost-of-recovery-over-11-billion-for-accelerated-restru/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/02/fords-cost-of-recovery-over-11-billion-for-accelerated-restru/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/02/fords-cost-of-recovery-over-11-billion-for-accelerated-restru/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that surfaced yesterday, Ford estimated that it the accelerated restructuring plan announced last September will cost $11.2 billion when the books are finally balanced. In other words, it will cost Ford$11.2 billion to let go of 38,000 hourly and 10,000 salaried workers. The estimate includes ongoing costs for health care for any workers that didn't take the lump-sum buyout. Who knew it was that expensive to reduce your workforce?

If there is any good news here, it's that Ford has already accounted for $10 billion of that cost in 2006. The rest of the associated costs of the restructuring plan will be billed to the first quarter of 2007. Nothing like pulling the Band-Aid off quickly.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Ford's cost of recovery: Over $11 Billion for accelerated restructuring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Mar 2007 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fieldsfordmulallyrestructuringway forwardWayForwardFri, 02 Mar 2007 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Ohio offering the farm for Ford to stay]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/05/ohio-offering-the-farm-for-ford-to-stay/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/05/ohio-offering-the-farm-for-ford-to-stay/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/05/ohio-offering-the-farm-for-ford-to-stay/#commentsFiled under: ,



We here in Ohio love our Ford plants. We've got 'em all over the place - in Cleveland, in Toledo, in Cincinnati... wait. Scratch those last two, as the Way Forward plan counts among its victims a stamping plant in Maumee near Toledo and a transmission plant in Batavia near Cinci. Ohio Governor Bob Taft and his Lt. Gov., however, have just offered Ford Motor Company a package worth $15.7 million in incentives to keep the Maumee plant open, however. Ford has graciously said it will review the offer, but Anne Marie Gattari, a Ford spokewoman, has already told the Detroit News that a turnaround plan unfortunately requires the idling of some plants, "and we don't expect that to change." Sorry Maumee, not even the great-grandson of William Howard Taft himself can save your stamping plant now.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ohio offering the farm for Ford to stay originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Nov 2006 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob TaftBobTaftfordMaumeeOhiostamping plantStampingPlantway forwardWayForwardSun, 05 Nov 2006 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[ Ford forced to weather the storm through 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/ford-forced-to-weather-the-storm-through-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/ford-forced-to-weather-the-storm-through-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/ford-forced-to-weather-the-storm-through-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

By now, everyone knows that Ford Motor is in trouble in North America, largely because of a product line that missed a rapid shift in consumer preferences, but there's a limit to how quickly the company will be able to restructure to meet the challenge, according to Ford's president for American operations, Mark Fields.

Fields says that Job 1 for the automaker is stabilizing the business, while rolling out carefully targeted new vehicles aimed at key market segments, like Ford's new Edge crossover. While Ford sticks to a carefully measured plan for upgrading its product line, analysts predict that things are going to get worse before they get better, with the new models currently in the pipeline not having a significant impact on the automaker's results until 2009. Ford itself is predicting that its U.S. market share will drop from its current 16 percent to around 14 percent in the next few years.

Nonetheless, Fields says there are no plans to rush new models to market, citing the risk that a crash development program might compromise product quality. Meanwhile, the company is just gearing up for a massive employee buyout program that will eliminate 30,000 factory jobs.

In a masterpiece of understatement, Fields told reporters in San Francisco yesterday that "The next number of quarters will be interesting, given what we are trying to accomplish."

For those who missed it, check out what we believe Ford's lineup should have been had the automaker gotten out in front of the shifting marketplace.

[Source: Reuters]

Ford forced to weather the storm through 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mark fieldsway forwardWayForwardTue, 17 Oct 2006 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[It's Job Fair Day at FoMoCo!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/its-job-fair-day-at-fomoco/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/its-job-fair-day-at-fomoco/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/its-job-fair-day-at-fomoco/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not usually a good sign when your boss starts talking to you about what you want to do with the rest of your life. If they start leaving the help wanted classifieds on your desk, things are really getting bad. If they actually bring in a number of other employers to recruit amongst their workers, it must be Ford's Way Forward Plan in overdrive. That's exactly what Ford did yesterday in Norfolk, by hosting its first Opportunity Workshops and Opportunity Fairs. The goal of the workshops is to help hourly workers find the best buyout package for their particular situation.

And let's not forget, this is a workforce of 75,000 people we're talking about. Between Oct. 16, and Nov. 27, workers need to select one of eight different retirement, education or other "separation" programs. The specific details about each of these programs come after the jump, but some of the biggest ones include tuition reimbursement for a two- or four-year college degree, a $100,000 lump sum payment or $35,000 retirement incentive.

Besides the workshops that will help explain each program, nearly 75 local employers, colleges and universities will be on hand at the Norfolk Assembly Plant today for the first Opportunity Fair, as well. They will be able to provide info, answer questions and sign up interested employees. Some of the organizations expected to turn out are Norfolk State University, ITT Technical Institute, Hampton Fire Department, Norfolk Southern Railroad, Old Dominion University, Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office, Fantastic Sams and Smithfield Foods, among others.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading It's Job Fair Day at FoMoCo!

It's Job Fair Day at FoMoCo! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fantastic SamsFantasticSamsHampton Fire DepartmentHamptonFireDepartmentITT Technical InstituteIttTechnicalInstituteNorfolk Assembly PlantNorfolk Southern RailroadNorfolk State UniversityNorfolkAssemblyPlantNorfolkSouthernRailroadNorfolkStateUniversityOld Dominion UniversityOldDominionUniversityOpportunity FairsOpportunity WorkshopsOpportunityFairsOpportunityWorkshopsre-educationretirementSmithfield FoodsSmithfieldFoodsVirginia Beach Sheriff's OfficeVirginiaBeachSheriff'sOfficeWay ForwardWayForwardWed, 11 Oct 2006 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford drew on politics to reverse image "180 in 180"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/ford-drew-on-politics-to-reverse-image-180-in-180/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/ford-drew-on-politics-to-reverse-image-180-in-180/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/11/ford-drew-on-politics-to-reverse-image-180-in-180/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Daniel Howes of The Detroit News has written a piece on the project that was supposed to pave the way for Ford's Way Forward turnaround plan. It wasn't as big as Alan Mulally coming in or the restructuring plans now in effect, but it did involve Clinton White House consultants using polling and campaign techniques to turn around Ford's image before the company itself tried to do an about face. It was known as "180 degrees in 180 days." Even though most political campaigns are very short-term and focus on improving an image in a matter of weeks, 103-yr-old Ford thought this might help at a time when 80% of its potential customers thought it had fallen behind the competition.

The plan was formulated and implemented last year but the results are still unclear. It placed an emphasis on innovation and safety because they were identified as a positive buzzwords and a renewed focus on Ford being "America's car company." While some of this is still working its way into Ford advertising and product development, a lot of it is on hold while more immediate concerns are being taken care of, mmm... like being profitable. Playing up your company's strengths and advances is always good as long as its authentic, and we think Ford should continue down the path of first becoming in reality what it wants to advertise itself as. Read the full story by following the link.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Ford drew on politics to reverse image "180 in 180" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Oct 2006 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Clinton White HouseClintonWhiteHouseDaniel HowesDanielHowesThe Detroit NewsTheDetroitNewsWay ForwardWayForwardWed, 11 Oct 2006 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Bold Moves - Episode 13: Close to the Edge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/21/ford-bold-moves-episode-13-close-to-the-edge/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/21/ford-bold-moves-episode-13-close-to-the-edge/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/21/ford-bold-moves-episode-13-close-to-the-edge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Ford Bold Moves web-based documentary reaches lucky number 13 today and focuses it's power over audio and video on the upcoming Ford Edge. "This launch is absolutely crucial," says Mark Fields in the episode, and we couldn't agree with him more. I say as much in an accompanying piece on the website you can read right here. With the Accelerated Way Forward plan now on the table, the stakes are even greater for a good launch of the Edge. By the time Mark Fields stands before us at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show in January we'll find out whether or not Ford's been successful and if the Edge is resonating with consumers. For Ford's sake, we wish 'em luck.

[Source: Ford Bold Moves]

Ford Bold Moves - Episode 13: Close to the Edge originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerated way forwardAcceleratedWayForwardedgeepisodeford bold movesford edgeFordBoldMovesFordEdgelaunchway forwardway forward 2.0WayForwardWayForward2.0Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Way Forward 2.0: Product, product, product]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/way-forward-2-0-product-product-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/way-forward-2-0-product-product-product/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/way-forward-2-0-product-product-product/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're like us, no doubt you're most interested in how Ford's accelerated Way Forward plan is going to affect the company's product portfolio. Having just watched the webcast delivered by Mark Fields (a trasnscript of his speech can be found after the jump), here's what we can tell you.
  • Completely redesigned F-150 in 2008
  • One new Mustang every year
  • Bullitt Mustang returns in 2008 (w00t!)
  • Redesigned gas and hybrid Escape and Mercury Mariner early next year
  • Five Hundred, Freestyle and Mercury Montego updated early next year (interior, exterior and likely addition of 3.5-liter V6)
  • Updated Focus with new interior and exterior styling (not a C1-based model, yet)
  • Lincoln MKS arrives in 2008 with exclusive 3.7-liter V6
  • All-new full-size crossover based on Fairlane concept in 2008
  • By end of 2009, side air curtains and stability control standard on every model
  • Arrival of small cars based on B- and C-platforms used abroad after 2009 (Euro Focus?)
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Way Forward 2.0: Product, product, product

Way Forward 2.0: Product, product, product originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue ovalBlueOvalway forwardWayForwardFri, 15 Sep 2006 09:57:00 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[Two senior Ford executives quit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/two-senior-ford-executives-quit/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/two-senior-ford-executives-quit/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/two-senior-ford-executives-quit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ahead of Friday's announcement of Ford Motor Co.'s "Accelerated Way Forward" plan, two senior Ford Motor Co. execs have quit. Anne Stevens, COO of the Americas and Dave Szczupak, head of manufacturing for the Americas have, in the company's words, "elected to retire." Stevens has been with Ford for 16 years, and in 2005 was appointed executive VP and COO for the Americas, where she played a key role in crafting the Way Forward plan. Szczupak was named group VP, Manufacturing for the Americas in 2005, which made him responsible for all assembly, stamping and powertrain operations and engineering, including manufacturing plants in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Neither executive will be replaced in the short term - all manufacturing execs will now report directly to Mark Fields, president of the Americas group.

[Source: Ford]

Two senior Ford executives quit originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 07:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anne stevensdave szczupakford americasmark fieldsstevensszczupakway forwardFri, 15 Sep 2006 07:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford of Europe spared the Way Forward]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/ford-of-europe-spared-the-way-forward/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/ford-of-europe-spared-the-way-forward/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/ford-of-europe-spared-the-way-forward/#commentsFiled under: ,

Focus ST 5-Door

As Ford readies the presentation of the Accelerated Way Forward plan for North America tomorrow, in Europe, it'll be business as usual. Ford's profitable European division offers a peek at what life could be like for the North American division after the Way Forward -- assuming all goes well.

To get where it is today, Ford Europe eliminated jobs, closed plants, and made the remaining facilities more efficient. All seven plants on the Continent operate at 100% efficiency, according to the Auto Channel. Of course, it doesn't matter how well-oiled the manufacturing operation is if the product isn't up to snuff. Here again, Europe gets the better of its larger North American counterpart, offering a diverse mix of compelling, stylish vehicles, many of which you'll see pictured after the jump.

We, like everyone else, are very interested to hear what's in store when the Way Forward 2.0 is revealed tomorrow. Whatever it is, we hope Ford finds a way to pull it off. There's plenty of work ahead, and they have several new products coming that can now only be described as crucial, such as the Ford Edge and the new, long-awaited and more powerful 3.5-liter Duratec V6 that will find its way into much of the company's vehicle lineup.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Continue reading Ford of Europe spared the Way Forward

Ford of Europe spared the Way Forward originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerated way forwardAcceleratedWayForwardway forwardway forward 2.0WayForwardWayForward2.0Thu, 14 Sep 2006 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Way Forward goes WOT tomorrow, all brands are safe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/way-forward-goes-wot-tomorrow-all-brands-are-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/way-forward-goes-wot-tomorrow-all-brands-are-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/way-forward-goes-wot-tomorrow-all-brands-are-safe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford announced this afternoon that it will be presenting an Accelerated Way Forward plan, also known as Way Forward 2.0 in the web savvy crowd, at 7 AM tomorrow. Assuming we get to bed on time and experience no alarm malfunctions, we'll be on hand to bring you the details as they come in. No doubt the acceleration will involve more job cuts, a much needed plan to streamline the company's distribution chain, and perhaps even a product announcement or two.

The Detroit Free Press is also telling us that all of Ford's eight brands will survive the chopping block tomorrow morning. While Aston Martin is still up for sale, none of the brands will be killed off in the fashion of Oldsmobile's demise at the hands of General Motors. Of course, those who have beating the drum for Ford to get rid of the Mercury brand are being very critical. Accusing Ford of being too emotional over keeping Mercury, most are pointing out the obvious that funds spent on keeping the brand alive could be better spent elsewhere.

[Source: Ford, Detroit Free Press]

Way Forward goes WOT tomorrow, all brands are safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerated way forwardAcceleratedWayForwardway forwardway forward 2.0WayForwardWayForward2.0Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Way Forward 2.0 today?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/way-forward-2-0-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/way-forward-2-0-today/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/way-forward-2-0-today/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Now that Ford's got a new captain at the helm, it's full steam ahead for the "Way Forward." According to Reuters, Ford's board of directors will be instituting the second stage of its plan and is expected to release an overview of the strategy later today. Some of the proposals to be announced include a 30 percent reduction in white collar workers and a new pricing strategy, with more details to follow over the course of the month.

The proposals come on the heels of the first wave of "Way Forward" transformations, including plans to reduce the company's hourly workforce by 30,000 jobs and close 12 plants by 2012. The Way Forward plan so far has yet to produce the results Ford was hoping for, according to critics and analysts.

[Source: Reuters]

Way Forward 2.0 today? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financefordgmmullahyway forwardWayForwardWed, 13 Sep 2006 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to shrink dealer network over three years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/ford-to-shrinkdealer-network-over-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/ford-to-shrinkdealer-network-over-three-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/ford-to-shrinkdealer-network-over-three-years/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Reuters is reporting that Ford will be shrinking its dealer base over the next three years in order to better align its distribution network with a market share that is smaller than it has been in the past. Dealers were told of the planned reduction at the dealer meeting in Las Vegas last month. The East Coast and California have the highest saturation of Ford dealerships and are likely to see the largest reduction in numbers. At the moment there are about 4,300 Ford dealerships operating in the U.S.
This is tough but smart call by Ford. It would be easy for Ford to use the belief that its market share will begin climbing again in the near future as an excuse to keep its dealer network intact. However, shrinking the dealer network now to more comfortably handle its reduced production capacity, it appears Ford is accepting its current situation and trying to build a smaller, more efficient Blue Oval.

[Source: Reuters]

Ford to shrink dealer network over three years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealerdealer networkDealerNetworkdealershipford dealerFordDealermarket shareMarketShareturnaroundway forwardWayForwardMon, 11 Sep 2006 18:51:00 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[Is Ford robbing Boeing's boardroom?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/is-ford-robbing-boeing-s-boardroom/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/is-ford-robbing-boeing-s-boardroom/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/06/is-ford-robbing-boeing-s-boardroom/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Reuters article released today suggests that Ford's new CEO Alan Mulally could attract a whole group of defecting executives from Boeing Co., Mulally's previous employer. Apparently Mulally is a pretty good guy to work for, being described by Reuters as a charismatic leader with a loyal following accrued over his 37-year tenure at Boeing.

The jury is still out on whether or not Mulally's experience makes him the right man for the job, so one must also ask whether a team of Boeing ex-pats would be better capable of restoring Ford to its former glory or would only make things worse.

While everyone is saying Mulally has valuable experience in manufacturing, operations, labor and supplier relations, etc., in an interview with Bloggingstocks, Brent Wilsey of Wilsey Asset Management makes the very good point that Mulally has never faced more than one competitor: Airbus. Now Mulally will have to face the likes of General Motors, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, the Koreans and soon the Chinese in a market that's begin to resemble an overstocked coy pond.

Mulally's impact on Ford, whether good or bad, is at least a couple of years out, so sit back and get comfortable.

[Source: Reuters, Blogginstocks]

Is Ford robbing Boeing's boardroom? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Sep 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BoeingCEOMulallyWay ForwardWayForwardWed, 06 Sep 2006 17:29:00 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[BREAKING: Ford slashes production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/18/breaking-ford-slashes-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/18/breaking-ford-slashes-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/18/breaking-ford-slashes-production/#commentsFiled under: ,

As part of its accelerated "Way Forward" turnaround strategy, Ford Motor announced today that it will cut North American production by 21 percent (168,000 vehicles) in the fourth quarter of this year. Third quarter production will by cut by 20,000 units.

The result will be a 9 percent reduction in 2006 vehicle production compared to 2005 levels.

In an announcemento employees, Chairman and CEO Bill Ford said the decision is part of the company's recently accelerated North American turnaround plan, going on to say that additional actions will be announced in September.

The resulting reduced supply of vehicles will help dealers control inventory carrying costs and reduce the need for sales incentives to move slow-selling models. 2006 production in the first two quarters of the year was already 40,000 units under 2005 levels, due to cuts in truck production levels.

The announcement will mean downtime at plants producing the slower-selling vehicles affected by the plan. Plants and vehicles targeted include: St. Thomas, Ontario (Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis), Chicago (Ford Five Hundred and Freestyle and Mercury Montego), Wixom, Mich. (Lincoln Town Car), Louisville, Ky. (Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer), Michigan Truck in Wayne, Mich. (Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator), Twin Cities, Minn. (Ford Ranger) and all F-Series truck plants (Kansas City, Mo.; Norfolk, Va., Dearborn and Kentucky Truck in Louisville).

[Source: Ford]

BREAKING: Ford slashes production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Aug 2006 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>production cutrestructuringway forwardWayForwardFri, 18 Aug 2006 12:32:00 EST