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: Ford's Mark Fields implies company makes no money on hybrids]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/report-fords-mark-fields-implies-company-makes-no-money-on-hyb/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/report-fords-mark-fields-implies-company-makes-no-money-on-hyb/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/04/report-fords-mark-fields-implies-company-makes-no-money-on-hyb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2009 Ford Escape Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, our friends from Consumer Reports got the chance to sit down with Mark Fields, Ford's vice president of North American operations, and some interesting information was gleaned. For instance, CR says Fields "implied the company isn't making money on the hybrids it sells today, and it is looking at ways to "enhance revenue" from them." Not surprising, really, but an interesting admission nonetheless.

There are a few ways Ford could try and recoup some of its hybrid powertrain R&D costs, most logically being to extend the technology across its line and into more expensive products - possibly from Lincoln, mimicking the strategy Toyota uses with its Lexus division. In addition to hybrid and electric cars, Fields says Ford is also interested in diesels but isn't currently planning to sell any oil burners in passenger cars. Instead, Ford's diesel efforts are likely to continue focused on pickups.

Speaking of which, Ford's light duty diesel engine for the F-150 is apparently still somewhat on the agenda. Earlier reports, says Fields, that said the program had been canceled aren't entirely accurate. Instead, the smaller diesel was merely "delayed," though we have no idea for how long.


Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited


[Source: Consumer Reports]

REPORT: Ford's Mark Fields implies company makes no money on hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford hybridford hybrid profitsford hybrid salesFordHybridFordHybridProfitsFordHybridSaleshybrid profithybrid profitsHybridProfitHybridProfitsmark fieldsMarkFieldsFri, 04 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Detroit 2009: Little Bigtime - Concept C takes Lincoln in a brand-new direction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-little-bigtime-concept-c-takes-lincoln-in-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-little-bigtime-concept-c-takes-lincoln-in-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/12/detroit-2009-little-bigtime-concept-c-takes-lincoln-in-brand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Lincoln Concept C

Play the word association game with an average American, and when the topic is "Lincoln," you're likely to hear words like "traditional," "big," and "limousine." Terms describing compact hatchbacks like the Concept C shown above simply won't be on the tips of anyone's tongues. So what gives? Has Dearborn finally looped it? Take a closer look, and what at first seems like a designer pet project reveals a good deal more forethought and finesse.

Yes, the Concept C is small. Said to be underpinned by the next-generation Ford Focus platform, this is a C-segment car, much shorter than any current Lincoln, and indeed, much shorter than any Lincoln we can recall. But how about that width? Emphasized by its sizable fenders and the strong shoulder-line in the doors (said to be inspired by the saddle tanks on go karts), the Concept C may be as long as a Focus, but it's roughly as wide as a MKZ sedan. The extra width and the upright greenhouse (there's almost no tumblehome at all) mean that the C can accommodate two rows of three full-sized adults in surprising comfort. The bustle back shape reminds of a number of Gallic automobiles, including the previous Renault Megane, but rather amazingly, the formal roofline, twin wing grilles and full-width rear light bar that are Lincoln hallmarks don't look out of place. Click on the gallery below or follow the jump to read more about the Concept C and check out the official press releases.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln C Concept Live


Gallery: Lincoln Concept C


Live photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Little Bigtime - Concept C takes Lincoln in a brand-new direction

Detroit 2009: Little Bigtime - Concept C takes Lincoln in a brand-new direction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue OvalBlueOvalDearborndetroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowfeaturedFordFreeman ThomasFreemanThomasJ MaysJMaysLincolnMark FieldsMarkFieldsMercuryPeter HorburyPeterHorburyMon, 12 Jan 2009 09:05:00 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[New York 2008: Mark Fields hails a Transit Connect Taxi Concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-mark-fields-hails-a-transit-connect-taxi-oncept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-mark-fields-hails-a-transit-connect-taxi-oncept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/19/new-york-2008-mark-fields-hails-a-transit-connect-taxi-oncept/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Transit Connect Taxi

Where better than New York for Ford to show off a taxi cab? And what better platform than the company's new Transit Connect van? Ford's Mark Fields and designer J. Mays were on hand for the unveiling of the Transit Connect Taxi Concept, and both were somehow amazed at the applause the concept generated. Seeing as how there were only a handful of us there and that the rest of the crowd consisted of Ford employees, we find it hard to believe there wouldn't be applause aplenty. Seriously though, this is one fun cab. After spending some time in the regular fleet of bumblebee-colored Crown Vics this past week, we can attest that the Transit Connect Taxi has a lot of things that make it a natural improvement over current standard taxis. Our favorite was the panoramic roof that allows passengers to take in tall buildings with a single glance, but we also liked the flexible seating and cargo configurations, as well as the funky interactive infotainment system for the back seat. Although it looks a bit large in photos, the Transit Connect Taxi Concept actually has a small footprint vehicle and seems like it could go four-wide where the Vics can only manage three abreast. Check out the press release after the jump and all of our live high-res pics in the gallery.

Gallery: Ford transit Connect Taxi Concept


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading New York 2008: Mark Fields hails a Transit Connect Taxi Concept

New York 2008: Mark Fields hails a Transit Connect Taxi Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford transitford transit connectford transit taxiFordTransitFordTransitConnectFordTransitTaxiMark FieldsMarkFieldsnew yorknew york 2008new york auto showNewYorkNewYork2008NewYorkAutoShowWed, 19 Mar 2008 11:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry leaders predictions for '08; Lutz angrier than ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/industry-leaders-predictions-for-08-lutz-angrier-than-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/industry-leaders-predictions-for-08-lutz-angrier-than-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/31/industry-leaders-predictions-for-08-lutz-angrier-than-ever/#commentsFiled under:

Between top X lists and hastily written end-of-the-year musings, the final day of 2007 is looking a lot like last year's run of retrospectives. Although some of the stories are different, many of the players have remained the same, so Tom Walsh from the Freep shot out a dozen emails to some of the leaders in his home state to get their predictions and hopes for the New Year.

The General's CEO, Rick Wagoner, echoes the sentiments of many in the auto industry, with hopes that the housing crisis is resolved post haste, while Ford's Mark Fields wishes that "we don't continually talk ourselves into a recession in 2008." Fields either wants to see or is predicting that "cars and crossovers will outsell trucks and SUVs for the first time in many years" and with gas prices holding steady at their current rates, that's a distinct possibility.

Both execs hope that comprehensive reform of the United States' energy policy takes effect, but the every quotable Bob Lutz takes the curmudgeon cake, saying, "Now that we have the 35 miles-per-gallon fuel economy mandate by 2020, I am hoping that in 2008 'Professor Doktor' David Friedman (research director, clean vehicles program, Union of Concerned Scientists) and his 'highly-qualified' band of allegedly concerned, self-proclaimed scientists will turn their energy toward showing the world's automotive industry exactly how those numbers, using existing technology and 'costs of a few hundred dollars at the most' can be attained with a vehicle selection that even remotely resembles the cars and trucks Americans want to buy today."

While on the cusp of another year, it's nice to know that some things will never change.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Industry leaders predictions for '08; Lutz angrier than ever originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzBobLutzmark fieldsMarkFieldsrick wagonerRickWagonerMon, 31 Dec 2007 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford might increase cuts in slow economy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/ford-might-increase-cuts-in-slow-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/ford-might-increase-cuts-in-slow-economy/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/18/ford-might-increase-cuts-in-slow-economy/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mark "the Mullet" Fields dropped some small ordinance during an interview with the Wall Street Journal today, saying that if the slow U.S. economy puts the automaker at risk of not meeting its financial goals for the next two years, it may increase the rate at which it will cut costs.

To quote Ford's executive veep of North and South American operations, "There's more risk than there is opportunity going forward." Fields maintains that the combination of the turmoil-ridden home mortgage market, weak job numbers and increased debt among U.S. borrowers might cause Ford to slow production down in the fourth quarter to avoid excess inventory, a problem that plagued Chrysler last year around this time.

The adjustments are a last resort, and according to Ford, it's currently on track to meet its goals as long as things stay stable. Nevertheless, you can bet Fields has his fingers crossed.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Ford might increase cuts in slow economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cutsdebtfinancial goalsFinancialGoalsfordjobsmark fieldsMarkFieldsTue, 18 Sep 2007 14:33:00 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[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 earns poor marks on own internal report card]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/ford-earns-poor-marks-on-own-internal-report-card/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/ford-earns-poor-marks-on-own-internal-report-card/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/15/ford-earns-poor-marks-on-own-internal-report-card/#commentsFiled under: ,



We're getting mixed signals from Ford. One week ago the automaker announced it was distributing bonuses to every single one of its salaried and hourly workers, just to say thanks for helping the company reduce costs, improve quality and reduce the ranks. Today we learn that Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields has told his workforce in a weekly webcast that the company earned poor marks on its own internal report card. The poor marks resulted from missing sales targets and not cutting material costs enough in February. We were under the impression that successful cost cutting was one of the reasons for paying out at least $36 million dollars in bonuses to its workers.

We made the argument last week, and again in this week's podcasts, that we bet many Ford workers would much rather have their bonus money go back into the company to ensure all the right moves are made during these uncertain times and their jobs remain secure. This seems even more evident today in light of Ford's failing to meet its own targets for February. Those many millions could pay for the next niche vehicle that sparks a renaissance, or any number of things that could help save the company. Heck, it could pay for a Taurus SHO!

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Ford earns poor marks on own internal report card originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2007 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>failfailurefordinternal targetsInternalTargetsmark fieldsMarkFieldspoor marksPoorMarksreport cardReportCardThu, 15 Mar 2007 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Ford Taurus X unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/chicago-auto-show-2008-ford-taurus-x-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/chicago-auto-show-2008-ford-taurus-x-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/chicago-auto-show-2008-ford-taurus-x-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , ,


High-res gallery of live and press pics available by clicking above image

Today in Chicago, Ford Motor Company's Cisco Codina unveiled the new Freestyle Taurus X. As we told you in our preview post, the Taurus X loses the Freestyle name but gains the Edge's face. It's a simple act that helps build a familial look for Ford's crossovers. And just like the new Sable and Taurus, it will get the 260-horsepower V6 and additional content like the Microsoft co-developed Ford Sync. Unlike the Sable and Taurus, the X gets three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate. All three vehicles will be in dealers by this summer.

At breakfast this morning, Mark Fields helped explain the switch back to the Taurus (and Sable) monikers. "Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs. Consumer awareness of the Taurus name is double the Five Hundred that it's replacing, and awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego." Makes sense to us. The details may have changed, but this remains one handsome wagon/crossover. Sort of an SRX with a Blue Oval. Pretty sexy for this segment, and a good sharp alternative to the Edge's softer silhouette. Read more details about the "new" Taurus X in the full press release after the jump, and check out the gallery here, where you'll see a Taurus X that looks particularly good in all black.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2008 Ford Taurus X

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Ford Taurus X unveiled

Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Ford Taurus X unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cisco CodinaCiscoCodinaFord FreestyleFord Taurus XFordFreestyleFordTaurusXMark FieldsMarkFieldsWed, 07 Feb 2007 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's Mark Fields announces Bold Move: Bring back Taurus & Sable brands]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/fords-mark-fields-announces-bold-move-bring-back-taurus-and-sabl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/fords-mark-fields-announces-bold-move-bring-back-taurus-and-sabl/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/fords-mark-fields-announces-bold-move-bring-back-taurus-and-sabl/#commentsFiled under: ,



Making both a bold and simple move, Ford's North American boss Mark Fields confirmed this morning what we already knew, that the Taurus and Sable brands will be resurrected for 2008.

Fields, delivering the keynote address at the Chicago Auto Show this morning, said the Ford Five Hundred nameplate will be dropped in favor of the venerable Taurus badge. The Freestyle crossover vehicle will also be renamed the Taurus X, and Mercury Montego will switch to the Sable nameplate. All three vehicle will be introduced to the press later in the day, though we were first introduced to the new "Taurus" in Detroit.

Fields said only four in 10 consumers were aware that Ford offered a vehicle called the Five Hundred. Yet the Taurus nameplate, which was killed last year, had built up 20 years of strong brand recognition and was recognized by 80 percent of shoppers. Fields also said Taurus was Ford's third-best-known brand behind F-Series and Mustang. During the early '90s, the Taurus was America's best-selling car five years running. About seven million Taurus models were sold in 21 years, and Ford estimates nearly 3.5 million are still on the road.

Check out more of our thoughts, a complete transcript of Mark Fields' speech, and VIDEO of him delivering the announcement after the jump.

Continue reading Ford's Mark Fields announces Bold Move: Bring back Taurus & Sable brands

Ford's Mark Fields announces Bold Move: Bring back Taurus & Sable brands originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 11:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Five HundredFiveHundredFreestyeFreestyleMark FieldsMarkFieldsMontegoSableTaurusTaurus XTaurusXWed, 07 Feb 2007 11:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Fields gives up his flying perks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/18/fields-gives-up-his-flying-perks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/18/fields-gives-up-his-flying-perks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/18/fields-gives-up-his-flying-perks/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On 11/15, we reported about the expensive flights on Ford's corporate jet that Mark Fields was taking every weekend from Detroit to his home in Florida. Today, Mr. Fields announced to the workers at Ford that he would forgo the perk, guaranteed to him as a part of his compensation package, and make the weekend flights home on a commercial airline.

Fields has been asked to relocate several times throughout his career at Ford Motor Company, and felt that this arrangement would avoid yet another disruption in the life of his family. He uses the time at home with his family to relax from the brutal schedule he keeps during the week as one of the significant players in the revitalization at Ford. Fields will continue to fly home to Florida on the weekends, but felt that the issue was becoming a distraction to the team and made the decision on his own, with the company's full support. See you on Southwest, Mark!

[Source: Detroit News via Jalopnik]


Mark Fields gives up his flying perks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corporate jetCorporateJetflights to FloridaFlightsToFloridaFord Motor CompanyFordMotorCompanyMark FieldsMarkFieldsThu, 18 Jan 2007 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Could the Big Three learn from Apple?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/could-big-three-learn-from-apple/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/could-big-three-learn-from-apple/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/could-big-three-learn-from-apple/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Associated Press Business Writer Tom Krisher makes a few good points about how the Big Three (or 2.5 if you prefer) could stand to learn from Apple's comeback. Well, ok, one good, though not exactly new, point. We've all heard it, if not said it ourselves. It's all about the product. Just like Steve Jobs saved Apple in 1998 with the innovative, highly-desired iMac, American carmakers need their own hotcake vehicle. And in reading Krisher's article, you get the impression GM, Chrysler and Ford have been paying attention.

"I admire (Apple's) pure understanding of the brand and the type of customer they're going after, and married to that, a product and a design strategy that they do not veer off of," said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Co.'s president of the Americas.

"We're really trying to be more like companies like Apple, where we can innovate and move faster," said Mark LaNeve, vice president of sales, service and marketing for General Motors Corp.

"I think a fresh, creative mind is something that you can appreciate and focus simply on some complicated things," said Eric Ridenour, chief operating officer of DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group.

So where's the automotive version of the iPhone? Is it GM's Volt? Ford's Interceptor? The Chrysler Nassau? Just like with Apple, only time, and the free market, will tell.

[Source: The Associated Press via Yahoo Finance]

Could the Big Three learn from Apple? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jan 2007 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple AutomakersAppleAutomakersautomaker innovationAutomakerInnovationbig threeBigThreeEric RidenourEricRidenourMakr LaNeveMakrLaneveMark FieldsMarkFieldsSun, 14 Jan 2007 09:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford says "No diesel for you!" to American buyers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/10/ford-says-no-diesel-for-you-to-american-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/10/ford-says-no-diesel-for-you-to-american-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/10/ford-says-no-diesel-for-you-to-american-buyers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Focus we should've received - diesel-powered, 50 MPG and thoughtfully styled.

During an interview with Automotive News, Mark Fields, Ford's U.S. division president, said that the automaker would not be offering diesels in any of its passenger cars in the near future. For the time being at least, Ford's only diesel-equipped vehicles will be in their flagship F-series line of pickups.

The reasons behind not bringing an oil burner to America are varied, but the primary hurdle is the cost of engineering an engine that would meet the U.S.'s stringent emissions standards. This is the same argument currently employed by Toyota, when asked about its own pursuit of diesel technology.

Instead, Ford will focus on high-tech gasoline mills, utilizing turbocharging, direct injection and hybrid powertrains, which will increase fuel economy and in some cases, performance.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Ford says "No diesel for you!" to American buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldirect injectionDirectInjectionfordhybridmark fieldsMarkFieldsturbochargingWed, 10 Jan 2007 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford's Fields says F-Series will stay #1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/fords-fields-says-f-series-will-stay-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/fords-fields-says-f-series-will-stay-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/fords-fields-says-f-series-will-stay-1/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bring it on! Ford Motor Co. president of the Americas Mark Fields says that Ford's F-Series pickups will continue to be America's favorite truck, despite Toyota's new Tundra and GM's resurgence with their new Sierra and Silverado. And that wasn't a shot at the competition, rather a pledge to stay one step ahead and keep improving their benchmark pickups. Talking about the new Super Duties, he explained that the refreshed F-250, F-350 and new F-450 are good examples of that commitment. Ford's pickup sales were down almost 12 percent last year, but the whole truck market was down almost 10. And Fields admitted 2007 might not be much better, because of economic concerns, he admitted that new entries in the field could get people thinking trucks again, which can only help all of the contenders.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req]

Ford's Fields says F-Series will stay #1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>F-SeriesMark FieldsMarkFieldsSuper DutySuperDutyTue, 09 Jan 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford to spend $866m on Michigan plants]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/ford-to-spend-866m-on-michigan-plants/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/ford-to-spend-866m-on-michigan-plants/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/09/ford-to-spend-866m-on-michigan-plants/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The timing for the announcement couldn't have come at a better time for Ford Motor Company or the state of Michigan. Just days before the North American International Auto Show opens to the public in Detroit, Ford's President of the Americas Mark Fields announced that the company will invest $866 million into four Ford Motor Company manufacturing facilities in southeastern Michigan.

Planned investments include $130 million in Wayne Assembly, $320 million in the Van Dyke transmission facility in Sterling Heights, $88 million in the Livonia transmission plant, and an additional $320 million in Dearborn Assembly, home of the F-150.

In what some saw as a desperate but necessary measure, Ford raised about $23 billion from loans against company assets to fund the restructuring of the company and plans to go through $17 billion in cash over the next three years positioning Ford Motor Company to be to once again be profitable by 2009.

The announcement is some sorely needed good news for Michigan, where employment cuts in the automotive industry have contributed to one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Ford to spend $866m on Michigan plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assembly plantsAssemblyPlantsFord Motor CompanyFordMotorCompanyMark FieldsMarkFieldsMichiganTue, 09 Jan 2007 09:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford announces corporate realignment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/14/ford-announces-corporate-realignment/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/14/ford-announces-corporate-realignment/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/14/ford-announces-corporate-realignment/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not long after we told you about the likely promotion of Derrick Kuzak to the role of global Car Czar, President and CEO of Ford Alan Mulally officially announced his corporate realignment plan. At the top of the pyramid is, of course, Mulally himself. Reporting to him are the leaders of Ford's three largest units: Mark Fields, Ford of the Americas; Lewis Booth, Ford of Europe and the Premier Auto Group (PAG); and John Parker, Ford of Asia Pacific, Africa and Mazda. Supporting this team will be the aforementioned Derrick Kuzak, whose office door now reads Global Product Development Leader (a.k.a. Car Czar). J Mays is still the leader of Ford's design teams and will support Kuzak.

The whole point of defining each executive's role in the company and creating clear hierarchies is so that Ford can begin acting like one company instead of five separate ones, each with their own interests. The biggest change here is that Fields, Booth and Parker will now all be reporting directly to Mulally. In the past, both Booth and Parker would report to Mark Schulz, the company's Executive VP of International Operations. Schulz, however, announced his retirement earlier this month, which gave management a perfect opportunity to cut out a middle man position and improve communication between various rungs of the corporate ladder.

Check out Ford's full press release on this realignment after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford announces corporate realignment

Ford announces corporate realignment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallycorporateDerrick KuzakDerrickKuzakexecutiveJ MaysJMaysJohn ParkerJohnParkerlewis boothLewisBoothmanagementmark fieldsMarkFieldsrealignmentThu, 14 Dec 2006 17:29:00 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[4,000 Ford workers take buyout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/4-000-ford-workers-take-buyout/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/4-000-ford-workers-take-buyout/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/24/4-000-ford-workers-take-buyout/#commentsFiled under: ,

During a conference call yesterday, FoMoCo's President, Mark Fields, announced that over 4,000 workers would take early retirement from the Ford-owned Visteon plant in Michigan.

Employees had until last Friday to make their decision and of the 10,400 workers currently employed at the plant, 40-percent have decided to take the buyout. That rate was higher than expected and will hopefully be an indicator of the 75k employees Ford hopes to retire by the end of 2008.

Ford intends to shutter 16 plants in the next two years and workers have until November 27th to take the buyout Ford has offered.

[Source: The Detroit News]

4,000 Ford workers take buyout originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutfordmark fieldsMarkFieldsretireretirementvisteonTue, 24 Oct 2006 09:35:00 EST