New Ford CEO Mulally to finally expose the truth?

If Mulally sounds like a man in a hurry, it's because he and other executives know the clock is ticking.

Wall Street lost patience with Ford's first Way Forward plan and was not bowled over by the accelerated version unveiled last week -- Ford stock dropped 12 percent the day it was announced.

Mulally's challenge will be to manage change and motivate employees at a time when Ford is dramatically reducing its blue and white-collar work force.

"It's somewhat tenuous around here," Fields said of the morale at Ford's headquarters. "They want to see Ford win."

So does Mulally. The man credited with pulling Boeing back from the brink of financial disaster after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks knows how sweet victory tastes. In a recent meeting with Ford senior executives, 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."


Read Article

crazyhorse - 9/24/2006 10:31:29 PM

+1 Boost

I do not know how ford could produce such crap, and think the public would actually buy it. The interior materials and plastics are those found at target in the toy aisle.

bubbahotep - 9/25/2006 9:31:50 AM

+1 Boost

I know is layoffs and buyouts are the only way FORD can try to get out of its financial bind, but to me, it kind of leaves a sour taste in my mouth when jobs are cut...I don't know much about him, but Mulally seems like one of those, "cheerleader, motivational speaker types" In other word, is he full of #(@$& ?!?!

lewissalem - 9/25/2006 1:51:59 PM

+2 Boost

Crazyhorse,

What is even more sad is that Ford thinks it can pawn off the old crap on it's domestic market while Ford of Europe gets all of the new products like the Focus and Mondeo.

These moves make me feel like they don't care about the domestic consumer.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 9/26/2006 6:19:25 PM

+1 Boost

lewissalem
It's because over here we do not give a Damn about Heritage, we are Loyal only to Quality & Value 4 Money so if they produce SHITE they will go out of business Quicker than you can say This Car Is Shite.

In NA there seems to be multiple ways to get people to part with their money in exchange for Sub-Par Vehicles, don't know how they do it but the Buyers are the problem. Vote with your Money. If 50% of potential buyers suddenly went somewhere else and did not fall for the Stupid Discount Schemes I guarantee the Ford People will get the Message.

EnnNorak - 9/28/2006 11:38:26 PM

+1 Boost

I hope Ford's new CEO loves challenges more than life itself. As a former Ford customer, I can only say that Ford's legacy of shortcomings will be an overwhelming obstacle. There has been too much rust, too much bad paint, too many corroded electrical grounds and a general lack of desire to back the product in a way that retains customers.

norak - 9/29/2006 11:23:37 AM

+1 Boost

Here in Australia the Ford BA Falcon is reputably riddled with problems. Based on the JD Power survey Ford quality is worse than Hyundai. The best car to get in terms of quality is a Porsche followed by a Lexus then by a Toyota.