Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[RWD Lincolns are coming, fate depends partly on MKZ success]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/rwd-lincolns-are-coming-fate-depends-partly-on-mkz-success/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/rwd-lincolns-are-coming-fate-depends-partly-on-mkz-success/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/04/rwd-lincolns-are-coming-fate-depends-partly-on-mkz-success/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The product portfolio at Lincoln may seem a bit sparse at the moment, but if a report is to be believed, new products are on the way. TheDetroitBureau.com spoke with sources at Lincoln and Ford, who claimed the American premium brand is working on, perhaps more than one, rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Lincoln would likely platform-share with the next-generation Ford Mustang to develop those RWD offerings in the early going. Moving forward, the report indicates that Lincoln could take the lead on other rear-drive projects in the future. As the RWD architecture continues to take shape, "most or all" of the front-wheel-drive portfolio will also be offered with all-wheel drive as an option, ala Audi.

But wait, there's more! The report also suggests that a replacement for the full-size MKS is on the way, as well as a new Navigator and a luxury crossover based on the current Ford Escape.

These plans sound bold and optimistic, but they all hinge on the performance of the MKZ. Ford CEO Alan Mulally has not been shy about the possibility of abandoning Lincoln if things don't turn around soon. Currently the only all-new product in the brand's stable is the MKS, and it will need to be an immediate sales success for any talk of any future product to come to fruition.

RWD Lincolns are coming, fate depends partly on MKZ success originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lincoln mkzalan mulallyfordford mustanglincolnmkzmulallymustangTue, 04 Dec 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20392966/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/04/rwd-lincolns-are-coming-fate-depends-partly-on-mkz-success/20392966/article-detail.xml 20392966 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-lincoln-mkz-new-york-2012_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-lincoln-mkz-new-york-2012.jpeg <![CDATA[Mulally says he has no plans to retire from Ford "any time soon" [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/mulally-says-he-has-no-plans-to-retire-from-ford-any-time-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/mulally-says-he-has-no-plans-to-retire-from-ford-any-time-soon/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/18/mulally-says-he-has-no-plans-to-retire-from-ford-any-time-soon/#commentsFiled under:

Ford CEO Alan Mulally on CBS This Morning

Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally was on CBS This Morning talking about a variety of topics ranging from trade tensions between the U.S. and China to the 2013 Ford Fusion, but our interest was piqued when he started talking about his retirement. Just last week, we reported that Mark Fields is being named the Chief Operating Officer at Ford, putting him in a prime position to take over the reins of the company following eventual Mulally's departure.

The show's co-host, Charlie Rose, brings up the possibility of Mulally leaving on a high note considering Ford's current status, and Mulally replies "Charlie, squelch that rumor." When pushed even further for a definitive answer, Mulally confirmed that he is "not going to retire any time soon" although he gives no indication as to how long "any time soon" actually is.

The interview also touches on the future of the F-150 possibly using more aluminum, stricter fuel economy standards and how Ford plans to deal with its declining sales in Europe.

Scroll down to watch the entire video, and note that the retirement discussion starts around the 3:08 mark.

Continue reading Mulally says he has no plans to retire from Ford "any time soon" [w/video]

Mulally says he has no plans to retire from Ford "any time soon" [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyalan mulally retirementcbscbs this morningcharlie rosefordford motor companymulallythis morningvideoTue, 18 Sep 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20326456/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/18/mulally-says-he-has-no-plans-to-retire-from-ford-any-time-soon/20326456/article-detail.xml 20326456 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/alan-mulally-cbs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/alan-mulally-cbs.jpg <![CDATA[Ford prepared for slow sales with Focus Electric]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/ford-prepared-for-slow-sales-with-focus-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/ford-prepared-for-slow-sales-with-focus-electric/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/ford-prepared-for-slow-sales-with-focus-electric/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Along with Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, Ford CEO Alan Mulally is confident in the growth of the electric car segment. It's a long-term play, though, so Mulally isn't committing the electric Ford Focus EV to making a strong sales statement. For now, Ford's chief says he'd be fine moving fewer than 5,000 Focus EVs in the model's first full year. And even that would mean a steep rise in uptake based on just 12 having been sold in December and January.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Mulally has also let slip the cost for the battery pack in the all-electric Focus: "around $12,000 to $15,000," which makes the Focus Electric's starting cost of $39,200 a bit more understandable. Given that price range and the EV's 23-kWh battery, that means Ford's cost is between $522 and $650 per kWh, which is lower than the estimated $689-per-kWh industry average so far this year.

Reportage on the current sales of EVs is a bit schizophrenic - for example, bullish here, bearish here, but the commentators and the numbers seem to support Mulally's confidence. If the Focus EV did manage 5,000 sales this year, that would be a little more than half of the 2011 tally for the Nissan Leaf, yet according to Bloomberg, EV market share grew more quickly than any other segment in Q1: Nissan is still working through its Leaf pre-order list, Chevrolet Volt sales were up 277 percent to 2,129 units vs. March 2011, the Opel Ampera has exceeded sales expectations, and other electric vehicles and their marketing pushes will come online later this year. Oh, and gas prices are still climbing.

There were no Focus EVs sold in February or March, but the retail push is gearing up now for the Spring season.

Ford prepared for slow sales with Focus Electric originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford focus2012 ford focus evalan mulallyelectric carfocusfocus electricfocus evfordford focus electricford focus evmulallyThu, 19 Apr 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217791/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/ford-prepared-for-slow-sales-with-focus-electric/20217791/article-detail.xml 20217791 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focuselectricsales_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/focuselectricsales.jpg <![CDATA[Ford CEO Alan Mulally called out as a tax dodger [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-called-out-as-a-tax-dodger-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-called-out-as-a-tax-dodger-w-poll/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/13/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-called-out-as-a-tax-dodger-w-poll/#commentsFiled under: ,



Remember Jetgate? Back in the pre-bankruptcy days of late 2008, when the Big Three CEO's were traveling to Washington to plead their case for funds, Ford's Alan Mulally, General Motors' then-CEO Rick Wagoner, and Chrysler's former chief Bob Nardelli were publicly chastised for flying in corporate jets to the tune of $20,000 per round trip.

Two years earlier, Ford president Mark Fields became a target of outrage when a Detroit-area TV station discovered that his employment contract included $50,000-$70,000 worth of private jet service per week to ship Fields between Dearborn and his home in Florida.

Now this: The New York Times is reporting that Ford spent spent $178,571 on personal air travel for Mulally last year. While Ford no longer has a fleet of corporate jets, according to the report, it pays a charter service to transport Mulally and his kin. And that's not all. Since this benefit is classified as "security measures," Mulally gets off the hook for paying taxes on it, as he doesn't have to report the benefit as income, according to the Times. Mulally received nearly $30 million in compensation last year, according to other reports.

While Ford refused comment, the article calls out the company for using this "common corporate tax trick" that it says robs the federal government of tax revenue from CEO's like Mulally, meaning that taxpayers are essentially subsidizing his perks.

While the report concerns various corporate executives, it singles out Mulally, suggesting that any potential danger to Ford's CEO has to be less than that posed to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who flies commercial airlines. The Times also says that former Apple CEO Steve Jobs "received no security services from Apple last year before he died."

View Poll

Ford CEO Alan Mulally called out as a tax dodger [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyceo compensationford private jetjetgatemulallymulally private jetprivate jettaxtax dodgingFri, 13 Apr 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20215502/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/13/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-called-out-as-a-tax-dodger-w-poll/20215502/article-detail.xml 20215502 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/alan-mulally-opt-1334346356_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/alan-mulally-opt-1334346356.jpg <![CDATA[Mulally receives nearly $30M in compensation for 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/mulally-receives-nearly-30m-in-compensation-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/mulally-receives-nearly-30m-in-compensation-for-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/mulally-receives-nearly-30m-in-compensation-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: ,

Alan Mulally

If you're Alan Mulally's gardener, it's probably a good time to ask the boss for a raise. The Ford Chief Executive Officer just pocketed $58.3 million in stock earlier in the month, and now his 2011 compensation has been made public - and it's increased some 11 percent.

Mulally received $29.5 million in 2011, according to The Detroit News, more than twice the next-highest-paid Ford officer cited in the report, Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr., whose total compensation was $14.46 million. While Mulally's salary amounts to a paltry $2 million, he was paid a $5.46 million bonus, with the rest coming in "stock and option awards as well as personal expenses, which can entail personal use of private aircraft, cell phone use, security, and fuel and car washes," according to the report.

The News says Ford surpassed its profit targets in 2011, but missed other internal benchmarks.

Doing some quick math, Ford sold 5.7 million vehicles globally in 2011, meaning that Mulally pocketed $5.17 for each one.

Mulally receives nearly $30M in compensation for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallybill ford jrbill ford jr.ceo compensationfordmulallyFri, 30 Mar 2012 19:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20204980/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/30/mulally-receives-nearly-30m-in-compensation-for-2011/20204980/article-detail.xml 20204980 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/alanmulally2035-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/alanmulally2035-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Translogic at CES

Usually our sister publication Translogic is out putting futuristic transportation hardware through the paces or talking to geeks who are trying to reimagine the very infrastructure of our world. But this week, the show has a decidedly more conventional subject: Interviews with Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche and Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Both of these automotive bigwigs were wandering the halls of the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month (Zetsche was the keynote speaker, a job Mulally performed two years ago), which is where Translogic caught up with them for a chat and demonstration of their CES wares. Zetsche showed off a new gesture-based in-car interface, as well as some new active safety technology for Mercedes-Benz. Mulally plugged Ford's new hybrid and plug-in hybrid Fusion, as well as showing off the Ford Evos concept's fancy infotainment system. Give it a watch after the jump.

Continue reading Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES

Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallycesces 2012consumer electronics showdaimlerdieter zetschefordinfotainmentmercedes-benzmulallytelematicstranslogicvideoSat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20156559/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/28/translogic-hangs-out-with-daimlers-zetsche-and-fords-mulally-a/20156559/article-detail.xml 20156559 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/translogic-ceo-interviews-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/translogic-ceo-interviews-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Ford denies starting search for Mulally successor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/ford-denies-starting-search-for-mulally-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/ford-denies-starting-search-for-mulally-successor/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/08/ford-denies-starting-search-for-mulally-successor/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford executives

There's little question that bringing Alan Mulally on board at Ford was the smartest move the company made in decades, nor is there much debate that credit for the company's salvation is largely due to his office. But could his number be up?

Having joined Ford in 2006 as an outsider from aerospace giant Boeing, Mulally (pictured above, left) has been on the job for over five years now. And while he's showing no signs of slowing down, sources indicate he is unlikely to stay on the job beyond another year or two.

The question, then, is who might replace him. Citing internal sources, The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Ford has begun putting together a short-list with four candidates: two internal and two external. However, TheDetroitBureau.com has offered a rebuttal saying that the Blue Oval denies beginning such a search.

Either way, at some point, a search will need to begin. Mulally's case notwithstanding, cases of successful hires from outside the business to the top of a major automaker like Ford have been few and far between, but the company could be forced by shareholders to consider outside candidates as well as internal promotions.

The list, according to the WSJ, currently includes Mark Fields (pictured above at right), currently Ford's President of the Americas; Joe Hinrichs (second from right), head of Ford's Asian operations; John Krafcik, a former Ford engineer who now runs Hyundai in America; and Phil Martens, Ford's former product development chief who now runs aluminum manufacturer Novelis.

Again, for its part, Ford denies that it has begun searching for Mulally's successor, but prudent management could very well dictate that it must begin looking - whether the much-lauded executive is ready to retire or not.

Ford denies starting search for Mulally successor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyfordford ceoford motor companyjoe hinrichsjohn krafcikmark fieldsmulallynovelisphil martensThu, 08 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20123485/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/08/ford-denies-starting-search-for-mulally-successor/20123485/article-detail.xml 20123485 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2008taurus0529e_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/2008taurus0529e.jpg <![CDATA[Mulally voted CEO of the Year by fellow suits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/mulally-voted-ceo-of-the-year-by-fellow-suits/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/mulally-voted-ceo-of-the-year-by-fellow-suits/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/28/mulally-voted-ceo-of-the-year-by-fellow-suits/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Alan Mulally at CES

Ford CEO Alan Mulally must have an impressive trophy room. The executive was just voted to be the 2011 CEO of the Year by a group of fellow head honchos, adding yet another honor to his already lengthy list of awards. Chief Executive Magazine readers nominated those leaders they felt deserved a tip of the hat, and the top 10 names with the most votes were then submitted to a selection committee for a final decision. This year's committee was comprised of executives leading companies ranging from Office Depot to MetLife and Ernst & Young.

Despite Ford taking a beating in this year's JD Power Initial Quality rankings due to trouble with its MyFord Touch and Sync systems, the selection committee still recognized Mulally for helping usher the automaker through some of the darkest days of domestic auto production. Last year, Mulally pulled down honors for Businessperson of the Year and he made the Motor Trend power list for 2011. We hear he's shooting for an Oscar in 2012. Hit the jump for the CEO of the Year press release.

Continue reading Mulally voted CEO of the Year by fellow suits

Mulally voted CEO of the Year by fellow suits originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyceo of the yearchief executivechief executive of the yearchief executive officerfordford ceomulallyTue, 28 Jun 2011 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19977620/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/28/mulally-voted-ceo-of-the-year-by-fellow-suits/19977620/article-detail.xml 19977620 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/alan-mulally-at-ces-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/alan-mulally-at-ces-630.jpg <![CDATA[Ford projecting 50% sales growth by 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/ford-projecting-50-sales-growth-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/ford-projecting-50-sales-growth-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/ford-projecting-50-sales-growth-by-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

alan mulally

Alan Mulally has done a lot of good for the Blue Oval brand, but the Ford CEO still has big plans for the automaker. In fact, Mulally's goal is to see a 50 percent increase in global sales by the year 2015. An ambitious target, which would see Ford selling nearly eight million vehicles around the world.

How does Mulally expect to achieve this substantial growth? According to USA Today, Ford plans to increase its footprint in the growing markets in Africa and Asia, with a specific focus on the Chinese car-buying public. Small cars will be the key to increased sales in those markets. Ford hopes to make make money on these lower-margin vehicles through sheer volume thanks to the growth potential of these still-emerging markets.

Ford projecting 50% sales growth by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyblue ovalfordford africaford asiaford chinaford global salesford salesmulallyTue, 07 Jun 2011 17:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19960782/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/07/ford-projecting-50-sales-growth-by-2015/19960782/article-detail.xml 19960782 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mulallypay18_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mulallypay18.jpg <![CDATA[Bill Ford, Jr. hints Mulally's successor will likely come from within Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/bill-ford-jr-hints-mulallys-successor-will-likely-come-from-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/bill-ford-jr-hints-mulallys-successor-will-likely-come-from-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/06/bill-ford-jr-hints-mulallys-successor-will-likely-come-from-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford CEO Alan Mulally

Alan Mulally has no plans to retire just yet. The 65-year-old Ford CEO is still going strong at the helm in Dearborn, and is working to get his company back up to an investment-grade credit rating. Still, Bill Ford, Jr. explained to reporters last week that the former Boeing CEO's replacement will probably come from within the company.

According to The Detroit News, Ford went as far as to say it would be "very unusual" if Mulally's replacement came from outside. The executive chairman elaborated, explaining that Mulally holds "Business Performance Review" meetings every Thursday, encouraging execs from different wings of the company to participate and learn as much as they can about the business as a whole. In part, the meetings are designed to help "train the next generation" of leadership for the company.

Bill Ford, Jr. hints Mulally's successor will likely come from within Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallybill ford jrfordford ceoford jrmulallyMon, 06 Jun 2011 13:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19958637/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/06/bill-ford-jr-hints-mulallys-successor-will-likely-come-from-w/19958637/article-detail.xml 19958637 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mulallypay18_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mulallypay18.jpg <![CDATA[Mulally urges Capitol Hill to adopt national fuel standard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/mulally-urges-capitol-hill-to-adopt-national-fuel-standard/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/mulally-urges-capitol-hill-to-adopt-national-fuel-standard/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/mulally-urges-capitol-hill-to-adopt-national-fuel-standard/#commentsFiled under: ,

ford ceo alan mulally

Will there be one fuel standard to rule them all? Ford CEO Alan Mulally certainly hopes so, and he's letting Washington know. As manufacturers spend time and money pushing to reach established Corporate Average Fuel Economy goals, some states are looking to set their own rules. That could prove to be a tricky - and hugely expensive - proposition for the automakers.

We know we said "some states," but you all know the one we're talking about. California is (once again) considering the idea of setting its own average fuel economy rules starting in 2017, and the federal government is (once again) considering letting them. Currently, California and the federal government agree that fleet-wide fuel efficiency will be required to hit 34.1 miles per gallon starting in 2012, a figure that runs through 2016.

As part of a visit to D.C. this week, Mulally told House members and Bill Daley, White House Chief of Staff (among others), that he wants the government to step up and standardize fuel economy and emissions rules, which would prevent states from breaking out their own guidelines.

Mulally urges Capitol Hill to adopt national fuel standard originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallycafecorporate average fuel economyfordford ceo alan mulallyfuel efficiencymulallyWed, 01 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19955598/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/01/mulally-urges-capitol-hill-to-adopt-national-fuel-standard/19955598/article-detail.xml 19955598 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mulallycbitalk02_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/mulallycbitalk02.jpg <![CDATA[Ford head honcho Mulally talks tech with The Engadget Show]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/video-ford-head-honcho-mulally-talks-tech-with-the-engadget-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/video-ford-head-honcho-mulally-talks-tech-with-the-engadget-sho/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/27/video-ford-head-honcho-mulally-talks-tech-with-the-engadget-sho/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford CEO Alan Mulally
Alan Mulally on The Engadget Show - Click above to watch video after the jump

If you aren't already an avid follower of The Engadget Show, we highly recommend checking out the video series. The editors of our favorite tech site (disclosure: Engadget and Autoblog are both owned by AOL) routinely sit down with the movers and shakers of the electronics and gadget world for a look into what's new and what's next. The latest episode delves into everything from a hybrid version of the Shredder to the BlackBerry PlayBook. Of course, we're a little more interested in the show's interview with Ford CEO Alan Mulally. Engadget caught up with Mulally while he was in New York for the 2011 New York Auto Show and picked his brain on the future of the electric car and Ford's vision for the automobile moving forward.

Like most manufacturers, Ford is currently working to develop new battery technologies that will allow for quicker charge times, though Mulally says that his company also hopes to see the electric car become a more integral part of the electrical grid as a whole in the near future. As battery technology advances, Ford wants EVs to be able to charge on off-peak hours, store energy and feed it back to homes and businesses when not in use.

Pretty clever.

Hit the jump to see the full episode of The Engadget Show after the jump.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading Ford head honcho Mulally talks tech with The Engadget Show

Ford head honcho Mulally talks tech with The Engadget Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyengadgetfordford ceomulallythe engadget showWed, 27 Apr 2011 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19923088/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/27/video-ford-head-honcho-mulally-talks-tech-with-the-engadget-sho/19923088/article-detail.xml 19923088 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/mulally-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/mulally-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: UAW boss calls Mulally's salary "morally wrong"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/report-uaw-boss-calls-mulallys-salary-morally-wrong/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/report-uaw-boss-calls-mulallys-salary-morally-wrong/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/23/report-uaw-boss-calls-mulallys-salary-morally-wrong/#commentsFiled under: , ,

UAW boss Bob King

After the miracle Ford CEO Alan Mulally and his One Ford team pulled off in turning around the company in the face of an industry meltdown, it might seem hard to argue about the amount of money the CEO makes. But that's exactly what United Auto Workers President Bob King did in front of reporters at an event in Detroit, calling Mulally's $54.5 million stock payment "morally wrong."

CNN Money reports that King said that he liked Mulally, but added, "It creates problems for Ford in both the salaried work force and the hourly work force. It seems like one individual is getting all of the gain."

So how and why would King bring up Mulally's pay at a time when Ford just doled out $5,000 in profit sharing checks to the union? King's statements come as the UAW prepares to negotiate with the Detroit 3 automakers on a new labor contract to replace the last deal that was ratified in 2007. Yeah, that may have something to do with it...

King wouldn't go into specifics when asked what the UAW is looking for in the next contract, but did add that he'd like to get back some of the concessions the UAW agreed upon when the Detroit 3 were losing money by the bushel full. The UAW boss also said that he wasn't looking for a contract that will make Detroit automakers uncompetitive.

[Source: CNN Money | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images]

Report: UAW boss calls Mulally's salary "morally wrong" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulally paybob kingmulallymulally bonusmulally salaryuawuaw contractuaw president bob kingWed, 23 Mar 2011 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19889126/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/23/report-uaw-boss-calls-mulallys-salary-morally-wrong/19889126/article-detail.xml 19889126 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/king_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/king.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Alan Mullaly, Bill Ford Jr. get huge bonuses from Blue Oval <i>*Update</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/alan-mullaly-bill-ford-jr-get-huge-bonuses-from-blue-oval/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/alan-mullaly-bill-ford-jr-get-huge-bonuses-from-blue-oval/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/alan-mullaly-bill-ford-jr-get-huge-bonuses-from-blue-oval/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Bill Ford Jr. and Alan Mulally

Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford, Jr. and Chief Executive Alan Mulally have reportedly been given big-time bonuses by the Blue Oval for keeping things moving when General Motors and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy. Mulally received $56.5 million worth of Ford stock before taxes and Ford got stock worth $42.4 million.

Ford, Jr. hired Mulally from Boeing in 2006, before they went around to different banks to secure restructuring loans to stay solvent through the lending crisis and economic recession. In 2010, Ford saw its best year since 1999, clearing $6.6 billion in profits.

To add to their enormous bonuses, the Los Angeles Times says that Ford, Jr. and Mulally opted to purchase Ford stock at $14.76 a share. *Update: Ford tells us that Ford, Jr. and Mulally do indeed have stock options but have not cashed them in at this time. Market value of Ford stock rose three percent today to $14.46 a share.

[Source: Los Angeles Times | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Report: Alan Mullaly, Bill Ford Jr. get huge bonuses from Blue Oval *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallybill ford jrblue ovalexecutive bonusesexecutive payfordla timesmulallyTue, 08 Mar 2011 15:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19872493/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/08/alan-mullaly-bill-ford-jr-get-huge-bonuses-from-blue-oval/19872493/article-detail.xml 19872493 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/ford-and-mulally-getty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/ford-and-mulally-getty.jpg <![CDATA[How Mulally put the Ford Explorer on a crash diet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/08/how-mulally-put-the-ford-explorer-on-a-crash-diet/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/08/how-mulally-put-the-ford-explorer-on-a-crash-diet/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/08/how-mulally-put-the-ford-explorer-on-a-crash-diet/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Ford Explorer
2011 Ford Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Bloomberg, the Ford Explorer can thank Alan Mulally for its stay of execution. When the former Boeing executive took the helm at FoMoCo, the powers that be urged him to make a decision on the then-ancient SUV. Mulally said that the nameplate could live on, but only if the company's engineers could find a way to seriously cut weight and increase fuel economy at the same time. The new vehicle was not only able to meet those demands, but was able to offer a larger package with much of the same off-road ability as well.

That meant sacrificing the body-on-frame blue print for a unibody design and exploring alternative engine solutions - engines like the upcoming Ecoboost four-cylinder. In the end, the Blue Oval boys were able to shed 100 pounds off the platform.

Ford has since interpreted that same quest for svelteness into a company-wide strategy, and Bloomberg says that the Dearborn automaker is now on par with automakers like BMW when it comes down to aggressively stripping weight from a vehicle. You can read the full story on how Mulally's obsession with reducing weight changed Ford for the better here. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!


Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer: First Drive

2011 Ford Explorer2011 Ford Explorer2011 Ford Explorer2011 Ford Explorer2011 Ford Explorer

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Bloomberg]

How Mulally put the Ford Explorer on a crash diet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 ford exploreralan mulallyexplorerfordford explorermulallyTue, 08 Feb 2011 18:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19832735/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/08/how-mulally-put-the-ford-explorer-on-a-crash-diet/19832735/article-detail.xml 19832735 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/explorer-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/explorer-630.jpg <![CDATA[Ford's Mulally beats the tech gurus in online voting for Businessperson of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/fords-mulally-beats-the-tech-gurus-in-online-voting-for-busines/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/fords-mulally-beats-the-tech-gurus-in-online-voting-for-busines/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/10/fords-mulally-beats-the-tech-gurus-in-online-voting-for-busines/#commentsFiled under: ,



If you saw the recent boring-story-brilliantly-told called The Social Network, you might have come away with the notion that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg deserves the Businessperson of the Year title. The movie's been a box-office smash, but evidently the voting public felt otherwise, electing Ford CEO Alan Mulally as their popular choice.

The online Reader's Choice contest is one of several criteria which Fortune magazine uses to select their honoree, and works in a playoff-like bracketed run-off. Mulally was pitted against Zuckerberg in the first round, but the social networking chief isn't the only tech guru vanquished by the auto exec along his rise to the top of the standings: Mulally also knocked off Apple's Steve Jobs, while his Indian counterpart Ratan Tata - who incidentally took Jaguar and Land Rover off Mulally's hands in his restructuring plan - beat out Twitter's Ev Williams. The noteworthy leaders of Amazon, WalMart, Berskshire Hathaway and DuPont were also eliminated along the way.

While the popular perception that Mulally succeeded where his Detroit compatriots failed surely weighed heavily, the victory was compounded by a campaign on Ford's part to drive voters to the Fortune contest: The business journal reports that over half the voters came directly from Ford.com.

[Source: Fortune]

Ford's Mulally beats the tech gurus in online voting for Businessperson of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallybusinessperson of the yearbusinessperson of the year awardfordfortunefortune magazinemulallyreaders choiceWed, 10 Nov 2010 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19709024/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/10/fords-mulally-beats-the-tech-gurus-in-online-voting-for-busines/19709024/article-detail.xml 19709024 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/mulallychicago0714_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/mulallychicago0714.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Chung, Mullaly, Winterkorn named top car company CEOs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/report-mong-koo-mullaly-winterkorn-named-top-car-company-ceos/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/report-mong-koo-mullaly-winterkorn-named-top-car-company-ceos/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/14/report-mong-koo-mullaly-winterkorn-named-top-car-company-ceos/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automotive News has put together its list of 2010 auto industry all-stars, and taking first place in American, European and Asian CEO categories are Ford CEO Alan Mulally, Volkswagen CEO Dr. Martin Winterkorn, and Hyundai-Kia CEO Chung Mong-koo. Hard to fault the choices, and it shouldn't come as a surprise at all that the same three gentlemen took slots two through four of Motor Trend's list of top 50 auto execs for 2009.

Mulally was cited because his "steadfast plan to turn Ford around is bearing fruit in impressive fashion" and Chung was lauded for having " turned the Hyundai brand into a superpower." Winterkorn, who could have been awarded based on VW's Hulk-like growth, was actually noted for his "Strategy 2018," by which time he plans for the VW group to be selling ten million cars per year. Check this spot in eight years to see if he's still an all-star. For now, though, congrats to all.

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

Report: Chung, Mullaly, Winterkorn named top car company CEOs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallyauto ceoauto executiveauto executivesAutoCeoAutoExecutiveAutoExecutivesawardsceoceosChung Mong-KooChungMong-koomartin winterkornMartinWinterkornmong-koomulallywinterkornWed, 14 Jul 2010 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19553083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/14/report-mong-koo-mullaly-winterkorn-named-top-car-company-ceos/19553083/article-detail.xml 19553083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/topautoceos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/topautoceos.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Bill Ford Jr. not likely to be CEO again, Mulally successor will be internal]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/report-bill-ford-jr-not-likely-to-be-ceo-again-mulally-succes/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/report-bill-ford-jr-not-likely-to-be-ceo-again-mulally-succes/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/14/report-bill-ford-jr-not-likely-to-be-ceo-again-mulally-succes/#commentsFiled under: ,



If Bill Ford, Jr. has his way, he'll never be behind the controls of the Ford Motor Company ever again. It's not that the former CEO loathes the idea of holding the reigns to one of the biggest car manufacturers on the planet, notes Automotive News, it's just that he'd rather spend his time focusing on the company's future than dealing with day-to-to-day concerns.

So who's going to take the tiller when current head-honcho Alan Mulally steps out for good? It's anyone's guess at this point, though Ford believes that the company now has a strong enough management structure to pull a candidate from within. Mulally, who's currently 64 years-old, took over as CEO back in 2006, and there has been some speculation as to how long the man will stay in charge.

One thing's for sure though, odds are whoever jumps in the saddle at the Blue Oval after Mulally likely won't be of the Ford bloodline.

[Source: Automotive News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Report: Bill Ford Jr. not likely to be CEO again, Mulally successor will be internal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan MulallyAlanMulallybill fordBill Ford Jr.BillFordBillFordJr.Ford CEOford ceo alan mullalyFordCeoFordCeoAlanMullalymulallymullallymullalyWed, 14 Apr 2010 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19437671/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/04/14/report-bill-ford-jr-not-likely-to-be-ceo-again-mulally-succes/19437671/article-detail.xml 19437671 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/alan-and-bill-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/alan-and-bill-630.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealers being scaled out of existence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



In 2006, Ford began to shrink its dealership network in order to more efficiently align its distribution network. Three years later, it appears that the hardest hit are the company's stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealerships. While there were 619 Lincoln-Mercury dealerships nationwide just a few years ago, the number had dwindled down to just 357 at the beginning of 2009.

Automotive News recently spoke with Ford CEO Alan Mulally about the future of the Lincoln brand and its stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury stores. While Ford's current strategy is pushing combo Ford-Lincoln-Mercury retailers, Mulally would not confirm that eliminating the stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealerships was the desired end result. When pushed on the question, Mulally reiterated that Ford was focusing on building a distribution network which allowed sales volume, product breadth, and profitability... qualities that are apparently better served by the Ford-Lincoln-Mercury store.

Mulally added that although these combo dealerships will be selling the Lincoln MKS on the same lot as the Ford Taurus (both vehicles share platforms and mechanicals), retailers will learn how to deliver the sales experience that fits the vehicle and differentiates the brand. Whether this concept works or whether car salesmen simply take the easy route and sell the less expensive Ford remains to be seen.

Either way, it has to be asked - is peeling away at the automaker's stand-alone LM dealers part of a larger plan to do away with Mercury altogether? Inquiring minds want to know...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Stephen Brashear/Getty]

REPORT: Stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealers being scaled out of existence originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallycar dealercar dealerscar showroomCarDealerCarDealersCarShowroomCombinationConsolidationDealershipsDualFordFord dealershipsford mercuryFord-Lincoln-MercuryFordDealershipsFordMercurylincolnLincoln-Mercurlincoln-mercuryMercurymulallyMullallyshowroomMon, 09 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19228972/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/19228972/article-detail.xml 19228972 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/78285970-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/78285970-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/microsoft-ceo-gets-1-000-000th-sync-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/microsoft-ceo-gets-1-000-000th-sync-vehicle/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/28/microsoft-ceo-gets-1-000-000th-sync-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One Millionth SYNC: Click above to view the high-res gallery

Ford and SYNC have combined to be the peanut butter and jelly of automotive tech combo deals. 80% of the vehicles Ford sells now has the infotainment system, helping the Blue Oval and Microsoft reach 1 million sales of the infotainment system in less than two years.

Since Microsoft created the SYNC software, it has just as much reason to celebrate its success as Ford. Microsoft CEO and Detroit native Steve Ballmer decided the best way to celebrate was to get his hands on SYNC vehicle number 1 million; a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The 41 mpg sedan was delivered by none other than Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Mulally reiterated his support of SYNC, saying that Ford would "continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers' lifestyles." SYNC already interfaces with navigation and entertainment systems, and 911 Assist helps call emergency services in the event of an accident. SYNC will receive further updates this summer when it gains the ability to deliver traffic, directions and information services. Hit the jump to view the Ford press release, and check out the gallery below to see Mulally deliver a 2010 Fusion Hybrid to the Microsoft CEO.


Gallery: One Millionth SYNC


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC

Microsoft CEO gets 1,000,000th Ford with SYNC originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballmerfordFord FusionFordFusionfusionfusion hybridFusionHybridhybridmicrosoftmulallysyncThu, 28 May 2009 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19049070/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/28/microsoft-ceo-gets-1-000-000th-sync-vehicle/19049070/article-detail.xml 19049070 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/1millionthsync_1706s_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/1millionthsync_1706s.jpg -1 2