There's no question that Ford is in the mess it's in now mostly through its own doing.

By the same token, turnarounds take a lot of time in companies that are entrenched doing things a certain way. Edge and Fusion may not be class-leading, as you put it, but they are strong contenders that are doing very well in their respective markets. That's a good start.

What they need now is to revamp the rest of the lineup with even more innovative products >> an interesting B-segment car...an exciting full size sedan...the next iteration of the Euro Fusion. But as I said, those things take a bit of time, and from all indications we will have to wait a couple of more years for that stuff. The big question is: will it arrive in time to save the company as the money starts to run out...?

 

I don't disagree with this, but Ford has WASTED time. It's been a year since the "Way Forward" plan was announced. Ford knew they were in trouble more than two years ago. Today, new cars take roughly 36-39 months from from concept to production. The next year is critical for Ford. Given that timeframe, Ford's "revival" products should be out shortly. Ford COULD have already had the Euro Focus in dealerships if they were capable of making a good decision. Ford seems to have a ton of excuses to not bring the car here. Everyone on the outside knows it's common sense.

On the other hand, look at GM. They've imported Opel products to the US VERY quickly. Ford has no sense of urgency. It's very sad to see!

 

Well, blame the "old guard" finance and marketing execs (otherwise known as beancounters) - all jockeying to hold onto their little internal fiefdoms - for the glacial pace of change in the company.

Personally, I think Mulally should have fired the lot of 'em.

 

Wow, thanks for proving my point by-proxy. Everything I stated is accurate and the fact that these modestly positive statements prompted such a negative, and oddly sweeping, response says a great deal IMO.

As for your comments about Ford's future. Were I a betting man I would wager that the changes you think Ford should undertake are less radical than my thoughts on the issue. But I don't feel the need to ignore or belittle positive results to validate my opinion.

 

Thought this was a Shelby KR thread not a debate on Ford being stupid.

 

Actually, I think it may have decayed into a debate where posters are calling each other stupid.

 

Well Then Stupid is as Stupid does ? Bottom Line Shebey Originals ROCK !