He's focusing on creating a team atmosphere and promoting a new directness and honesty meant to cut through Ford's often-hidebound culture.

Mulally wants Ford's finance staff to support the business, not control it as in years past. The number-crunchers will have a place at the table, but inferior or stripped-down vehicles won't go on the road just to make budget.

Ford insiders say financial executives have traditionally had a broad say over the budget, including vehicle programs. That has engendered what some call a "culture of stretch," in which product development executive executives overestimate sales volumes and revenues in order to get vehicle programs approved by finance.

Mulally has said he wants to intensify the focus on the customer.

He's working on getting rid of his Lexus in favor of a Ford, possibly a Five Hundred sedan. He also has been familiarizing himself with Ford's lineup by driving a different model nearly every day, including the Ford Edge, the roomy crossover vehicle due on the market in November.

Mulally gestured to a financial chart that showed a precipitous decline followed by an upward turn. He pointed to the lowest point.
"Guys," he said, "let's get to the bottom as quick as we can, because let me tell you, the ride up is a lot of fun."