FORD CEO Alan Mulally Will Drive to Washington D.C. To BEG For Money - But What Car Will He Drive To D.C.? His Lexus, OR Perhaps Maybe a Ford Product?

FORD CEO Alan Mulally Will Drive to Washington D.C. To BEG For Money - But What Car Will He Drive To D.C.? His Lexus, OR Perhaps Maybe a Ford Product?
Alan Mulally caught a lot of flack when he took over at Ford Motor Company in September of 2006. 

He stated publicly that he would continue to drive his Lexus LS430 until such time as Ford built a car comparable to the Lexus.

My how times have changed.

Lambasted in front of Congress two weeks ago for flying in corporate jets, Alan Mulally is driving to D.C. with the intention of begging Congress for bailout money.

But the bigger question lingers, will Alan make the trip in his Lexus - or will a new Ford car or truck (scratch the truck, aren't they part of the problem?) be his vehicle of choice.

Of course spending 10-12 hours in a car probably isn't the best use of Mr. Mulally's time or resources either given his hourly rate is on par with some peoples annual salaries, but at least the corporate jet won't be vilified.

I suggest Mr. Mulally drive a Ford Focus to D.C., perhaps some quality time in the entry level product will offer some insight as he makes the drive as to what part of the problem in Detroit is.  Perhaps the fit and finish which we ALL KNOW is not on par with comparable Toyota products will annoy Mr. Mulally into sweeping changes that actually make a difference to product versus a "quasi bailout" for the UAW which most of the Big Three's problems can be traced to.

Of course I seriously doubt the Focus will be the car of choice for this trip.  I suspect a Lincoln MKS would make a good travel companion, and with the all wheel drive option having to deal with the incremental weather he is bound to hit on his journey, the MKS would probably be the safer bet.



I do think it would be funny to see the expression of the many faces of Congress if Mr. Mulally actually showed up in a Focus, don't you?

Click through to read the article, should be interesting to see how much money the Big Three

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Agent004Agent004 - 12/1/2008 10:07:03 PM
+7 Boost
I think he should drive a BMW/Audi/MB there and a Ford back. And then ponder the question why an American car company can't even begin to compete.


t_bonet_bone - 12/1/2008 6:54:17 PM
+14 Boost
The private jet never bugged me, but that these guys refused to waive their salaries did.


vtandonvtandon - 12/2/2008 12:27:18 PM
+3 Boost
I agree, the private jet did not bug me also. Them not giving up there bonuses and salary really pissed me off. Having one or two jets are fine, but seven! ridiculous


jt716jt716 - 12/1/2008 7:01:38 PM
-4 Boost
I say the MKS it is the best Lincoln out there and is up to Lexus's so called standard.


Agent00JAgent00J - 12/1/2008 7:10:25 PM
+16 Boost
I sat in a MKS over the weekend, it is not up to Lexus standards yet. It is getting closer, but at the end of the day it is still a warmed over Taurus.

-00J


mscottc1mscottc1 - 12/2/2008 9:23:10 AM
-2 Boost
Yep.


WillisWillis - 12/2/2008 10:43:30 AM
+3 Boost
Come on, give Lincoln a break. They have made tremendous strides in my opinion and the new MKS is definitely a car that can match or compete with a Lexus. I personally find most Lexus products to be very good, but also heavily overrated on the other hand.


jt716jt716 - 12/1/2008 7:28:14 PM
+8 Boost
Wrong its based on a VOLVO S80


XYZZXYZZ - 12/2/2008 2:16:31 AM
+2 Boost
volvos don't come up to lexus standards either.


kpaxxkpaxx - 12/2/2008 9:42:52 AM
+3 Boost
In many aspects the volvo is much better than the lexus. Safety just to name one.



WillisWillis - 12/2/2008 10:45:31 AM
+3 Boost
And design. Volvo has a harmonious design language. Catch a glimpse of one of their models and you know it is a Volvo.

Lexus on the other hand has a jumbled up and confusing design cues on most of their cars. If one took off the badges of an LX570 or ES350, I kid you not, I would think I was looking at a Landcruiser and a Deluxe Camry (I am not trying to be sarcastic or insulting here).


Htay7500Htay7500 - 12/2/2008 3:58:10 PM
+2 Boost
How is volvo not better than lexus? There are longer lasting volvos that I see than lexuses.


XYZZXYZZ - 12/6/2008 5:20:01 AM
+1 Boost
just look at the REPAIR RECORDS of lexus vs. volvo.

or TOYOTA vs. volvo for that matter.

even fords have better records than most euro brands. and ford doesn't match honda, to say nothing of toyota.


WorldofLuxuryWorldofLuxury - 12/1/2008 7:28:28 PM
+12 Boost
Wow...while Bill Gates can handle a Ford without embarrassment, Mulally can't even consider how people won't laugh at him for driving a car MADE BY THE COMPANY HE VIRTUALLY OWNS!!!


DustbusterDustbuster - 12/2/2008 1:59:38 AM
+6 Boost
Uh...isn't it Mullaly's job to fix the company, one of which task includes fixing the product? If that holds true, he is blasting himself not getting the job done so that technically speaking, he should fire himself because he is driving a Lexus.


lexusrox123lexusrox123 - 12/2/2008 8:50:39 AM
+1 Boost
lol! the mks pic above is the concept isnt it?


elduderionelduderion - 12/1/2008 7:47:29 PM
+17 Boost
His refusal to drive a Ford product is one of the many signals he doesn't 'get' the company or industry. Its a slap in the face to the empolyees and investors. Why should Ford investors buy Ford stock? The top man won't even drive a Ford!

If he doesn't drive a Ford to the next hearing, I would ask him why should Congress bother to save a company who's products he doesn't even support?

Remove the Cancer at the root.


Agent00JAgent00J - 12/1/2008 9:07:47 PM
+6 Boost
I would say the cancer is the UAW. Are you proposing breaking the union?

-00J


EL34EL34 - 12/1/2008 8:13:22 PM
+2 Boost
I just heard a news report about when 9 GM executives flew on the corporate jet it cost GM $500 dollars for each person, but everyone screamed at the top of their lungs about the corporate abuse and they said they will fly coach with an airline the next time they have to fly to Washington DC to show their plan for the bailout. The news show said it will cost more for the GM executives to fly on the airline than to fly on their own corporate jet.


09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 12/1/2008 10:21:04 PM
+3 Boost
What private jet flys a route for $4500?!?!?

I want one!!! No, I want a fleet! I'd make an absolute fortune!


DustbusterDustbuster - 12/2/2008 2:06:13 AM
+7 Boost
Something's not adding up...you have to pay for fuel, pilots (more than 1), at least 1 flight attendant, check-up by qualified technicians, wear and tear, depreciation, insurance, cleaning people, not to mention fees for using the airports that provides the crew in the towers and on the ground. Now compare that to selling the corporate jet and taking Southwest. The company I work for sold the jet years ago even when times were good - that's probably why I have a job!


XYZZXYZZ - 12/2/2008 2:24:32 AM
+1 Boost

it's about perception AND cost. former alaska guv frank "murky" murkowski figured the state should fly him around in a private jet. (ak having the highest per capita owners/pilots makes 'ordinary' planes too ordinary for His Buffooness). so he actually bought one.

once we replaced that clown with another clown (sarah) one of the first things done was DUMPING that costly, near useless flying money eater.




kornholiokornholio - 12/1/2008 9:08:24 PM
+1 Boost
Didn't Mullaly drive a Fusion Hybrid to the last hearing? If so, then by your logic, does it mean the Fusion is up to lexus standards?


09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 12/1/2008 10:18:59 PM
+9 Boost
Hey Agent,

I drove my Ford Focus from Dallas to Orlando in one day and thought it was perfectly fine...rather surprisingly fine...

have you tried doing what you suggest with such negative implications?

Mind you, it's no CTS-V, but I am honestly pleasantly surprised with the quality and features of the Focus, and if you think the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, or Nissan Versa are better for the money, well, I just don't think you've comparison shopped them.


PlanBPlanB - 12/2/2008 10:20:34 AM
+1 Boost
I totally agree. My wife got a Focus as a rental while her truck was in the shop and we too were surprised by the quality of it. Now I don't think it'd beat the Civic or Mazda 3 in this class but it could definitely hold its own against the others.


09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 12/2/2008 11:46:57 AM
+2 Boost
But that's the thing...when you price them out, the Civic and Mazda 3 are WAY more expensive than a Focus.

We liked the "good" verison of the 3 much better, but it cost $5000 more and with less features.

Based on actual purchase price, the Versa, Fit (base, not Sport), Sentra, and SX4 are the Focus' competitors, and the SX4 is the only other one that has near the features and quality.

If anyone thinks that is BS, go shop them for fun and tell me honestly what car is the best buy for $16,000 or so, which is what we paid for a loaded Focus SES. (<---that's a funny thing to type : )


BMW_DRVRBMW_DRVR - 12/2/2008 12:50:23 PM
0 Boost
Completely fine unless you usually make the journey in a S-Class then you will notice the vast difference.


09CTSVforMe09CTSVforMe - 12/2/2008 3:23:33 PM
+1 Boost
That's just assinine. Here..I'll play along....

The S-Class is completely fine unless you usually make the journey in a Bentley or Veyron, then you will notice the vast difference.

Seriously? You're actually comparing an S-Class to a FORD FOCUS?!?!!?

The Focus must be even better than I thought!


olscuulolscuul - 12/2/2008 6:09:53 PM
+1 Boost
if he drove a focus, he could make it all the way from dearborn to dc on one tank of gas.


BMW_DRVRBMW_DRVR - 12/5/2008 1:00:14 PM
+1 Boost
Do u think the CEO of Ford is used to driving in a Focus?


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 12/1/2008 10:31:44 PM
+5 Boost
im confused as to why this is a problem Ford doesnt now, and has never made a car that competes with the LS, the Lincoln MKS isnt aimed at the ls crowd....the only issue i have with his comment is that it sounds as if he is saying his company's cars arent good enough for him to drive which was tacky and super pretentious to say. I dont agree though that jsut because he works for Ford means he has to drive one, if you make the money to afford something nicer why wouldnt you buy it. If you were make a ton of money and worked for suzuki would you drive one


truckmantruckman - 12/2/2008 6:19:08 AM
+1 Boost
This guy is merely collecting a paycheck, and his Lexus states that he knows it is a better car, why doesn't he produce something more refined to compete? If I were him I would drive the new Ford F150 Rapture with the 6.1L engine, it'll handle the bad weather no problem.


sogac6sogac6 - 12/2/2008 7:54:11 AM
+4 Boost
It's being reported that he will drive a Ford Escape Hybrid. Not the most comfortable of vehicles on a trip.


henbmwhenbmw - 12/2/2008 8:29:09 AM
-1 Boost
If he hopes to make it at all, he should probably just stick with his Lexus.


rockerrocker - 12/2/2008 9:32:00 AM
+3 Boost
Biggest issue is that you have 3 guys that make millions per year asking guys that make $160k a year for money and the guys that make $160k a year just don't get it. Recession, credit, home foreclosure and the cost of gas and oil up until November made everyone that was living on credit go belly up. Not just companies but normal everyday people also. Fight the Power.


rockerrocker - 12/2/2008 9:34:56 AM
+3 Boost
And yes Mulally is an idioit for not driving the product he oversees. There have been many memos around Ford that if you do not drive a Ford product you must park it at the back of the parking lot when you arrive at work. Get in a Shelby by yourself and drive balls out to DC and then ask Congress to handle your speeding tickets.


WhelanWhelan - 12/2/2008 9:38:30 AM
+2 Boost
It's already been stated that he is driving a Ford Hybrid down there. So think Escape or Fusion.

So apparently driving 500 miles in a hybrid makes a statement. Pelosi must be happy.


stevenv1999stevenv1999 - 12/2/2008 10:47:43 AM
-1 Boost
This article states that the UAW is the main problem!! What in the hell, AGENT00J you sound like a republican talking point. It is easy to blame the union for unreasonable demands, but it is poor product and corporate culture why these companies are no longer viable or for that matter relevent. These companies have known since at least 1978 that they were losing 1% market share and have done little to change that trend. The union issue keeps coming up because that was the only constant and profits were not constant. Relying on high profit SUV's and trucks was just complacent and lazy on their part and it also protected and buffered the high salaries of executives while ignoring the real issue which was defective product and strategies. The bottom line is the Big 3 have been failing for some time now and if anything should be called in to question it is the executives running them should be eliminated. The only exception would be Chrysler. Ciberus picked up Chrysler for a song and so they are not even publically held and so that group should just invest a lot more of it's own money in saving that company. Sorry Ciberus, owning car companies is expensive and if you are not making money, it is because you are cheap and so bolstering your share holders bottom line is not what these loans are for.


Agent00JAgent00J - 12/2/2008 11:30:59 AM
+5 Boost
When I have friends and neighbors at home getting 95% of their normal pay while the factory (Saturn in Spring Hill, TN) is closed because NO ONE is buying the cars currently sitting on dealer lots because the UAW negotiated a contract which states that they get paid whether or not the cars being made sell, there is a problem.

This is not a Republican or Democrat thing, this is just common sense.

I own 2 businesses, if I could collect 95% of what I pay myself without having to do any work, - well the choice would be obvious as to how much attention I would pay to the business.

In the NON-UAW world, if the product you are making doesn't sell, YOU DON'T KEEP WORKING! I will state however the product is getting a lot better, however that still doesn't account for the years of JUNK coming out of GM.

-00J


91z4me91z4me - 12/2/2008 11:48:05 AM
+1 Boost
The Spring Hill plant should be picking up volume as the production of the Chevrolet Traverse. The Vue line is likely slowing down but I think production is moving to somewhere in Canada or Mexico (I forget which).


Chaos29Chaos29 - 12/2/2008 11:56:21 AM
0 Boost
What if the car breaks down on it's way their? He shouldn't risk it.


mercuryguymercuryguy - 12/2/2008 12:19:54 PM
+1 Boost
He will likely drive the MKS or Town Car on that long of a trip.

I heard that he will drive a hybrid Escape, but the Escape is certainly not a road car for the interstate.


91z4me91z4me - 12/3/2008 11:25:28 AM
+1 Boost
I disagree my 08 V6 FWD is quite comfortable on the highway (even on 5 hour road trips).


mercuryguymercuryguy - 12/2/2008 12:24:40 PM
+1 Boost
Alan should tell his crew to pack a real full size spare tire in case he gets a flat. I doubt he will be wearing a suit on such a long drive anyways, so he can change his own tire.

I drive the interstate all day for work.

I never leave home without a Full Size Spare in the Trunk, because I drive way more than a 50 Mile Radius from the city.

I can't imagine an importnat CEO travling with a donut spare. Not for someone that important who needs to show up on-time.


91z4me91z4me - 12/3/2008 11:26:32 AM
+1 Boost
As I said in the other thread: Way to find something to bitch about.


jt716jt716 - 12/2/2008 1:45:41 PM
0 Boost
It is strange to see that this site is very protective about Lexus. Is it because of the advertising? Volvo is definitely above Lexus standards n the MKS is just as up to the standard of Lexus I mean come on it has bridge of Weir leather. Give credit to them because it is whole a lot better than any of the US automakers.


dano100dano100 - 12/4/2008 10:00:00 PM
+2 Boost
Let 'em all go bankrupt. We'd all be better off down the road if Toyota, Honda and Nissan were the new Big 3.
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