Ford’s radical transformation signals a dramatic shift

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7/23/08, 06:44 AM

Evil_Capri

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Ford’s radical transformation signals a dramatic shift

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Ford’s radical transformation signals a dramatic shift for the company – and the American automobile industry.
By Peter M. De Lorenzo

Detroit. Now that the story is starting to get out about Ford’s dramatic future product plans due to be announced tomorrow, I can safely say that Ford, under the leadership of CEO Alan Mulally, will be the best-positioned American automaker for this still-new century.

That’s a strong statement, but an accurate one. No automobile manufacturer has undergone a more fundamental internal transformation than Ford. And by fundamental I mean everything, beginning with a philosophical shift in the way the company approaches this business led by Mulally, whose laser-like focus has altered the company to such an extent that it’s barely recognizable in less than two years

http://www.autoextremist.com/

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7/23/08, 12:01 PM

Moosetang

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**** right.

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7/23/08, 01:29 PM

bt4

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Desperate times call for drastic measures...

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...efer=worldwide

I'm not sure how accurate their crystal ball is, but some analysts give GM and Ford a slightly better than 50/50 chance of avoiding bankruptcy. 'Might as well pull out all the stops.

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7/23/08, 04:22 PM

Hollywood_North GT

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Originally Posted by bt4

It seems to so often be human nature to wait until things get really bad before actually taking action. Looking at the sales and popularity of imports, Ford should have had this strategy in place about five to ten years earlier than it did.

But as you said: desperate times call for desperate measures. And the upside is that if the company can survive, what will emerge is a much leaner, more relevant, more focused, higher quality Ford product lineup that can take on the import competition without always appearing like the "compromise kid".

Last edited by Hollywood_North GT; 7/23/08 at 04:24 PM.

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7/23/08, 04:36 PM

Hollywood_North GT

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That article referenced at the top of this thread is a great read, too. Sounds like Mulally really has implemented a massive restructuring at Ford. If the renaissance is everything the article promises, it could represent the most comprehensive and rapid overhaul ever attempted by a single automaker.

Can't wait till tomorrow...

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7/23/08, 09:59 PM

hi5.0

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can only watch, wait, and hope things will actually change for the better. why only now? maybe they enjoy the stress?

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7/24/08, 07:50 AM

05fordgt

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Originally Posted by bt4

I'll tell you right now, there is NO WAY that two of the Detroit BIG 3 will file for bankrupcy! If they did file, and they closed, if you think were in a recession now, wait till you see the economy when all those jobs go away! This country would be in even more serious financial trouble (than it already is in) if GM and Ford filed and closed! I love these analysts!