Ford Wants More Than Snuggling Under The Covers With Volkswagen

Ford is negotiating with the VW Group to broaden their alliance beyond commercial vehicles, in a bid that would help the U.S. automaker reverse its losses in Europe and South America, while also sharing tech and small car costs with the German brand.

Even though Ford’s stock went up almost 10% after the company surpassed its earnings estimate, the blue oval is still in the midst of a global restructuring and has had to walk back its 2020 margin targets.

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TomM - 10/26/2018 5:25:01 PM

+1 Boost

A combination of Ford and VW - regardless of the level - will signal the end of Ford as a viable stand alone company, AND the people of the USA should get together and protest - and march - against said things.

MDarringer - 10/26/2018 6:35:56 PM

+1 Boost

That is such a stupid comment that dementia has clearly set in with poor old Tommy.

TomM - 10/27/2018 9:01:04 PM

0 Boost

NOTING that the implication above is for some sort of MERGER to become one company (Ie "More than") - Sorry - but this has Diamler/Chrysler written all over it. Unlike Chrysler - Ford is still controlled through preferred stock ownership of the Ford Family - I do not see them giving up control - which they would have to do - if they merged. So - sorry Matt - I consider the suggestion stupid.

A combination of "equals" where Chrysler was never even close to that.
THe German mindset is just something that apparently American Car companies have problems with - including GM/Opel.

Maybe some joint projects - even joint platforms(Which often lead to buyouts) - but keeping the two companies separate would work - ie -snuggling under the covers - BUT NOT MORE THAN THAT = And Matt - YOUR dementia has already eliminated your opinions from discussion - I completely ignore them

MDarringer - 10/26/2018 7:01:47 PM

+1 Boost

A Ford/VW collaboration has massive benefit for both.

VW is terrible at mainstream/consumer trucks.
VW is terrible at crossovers.
Ford has that nailed down big time.
VW needs both
VW potentially has the EV platforms Ford needs as well as sedans to replace the Focus and Fusion.
The killing of Fords cars is probably indicative of this conversation being farther along than people realize.

ricks0me - 10/26/2018 9:48:27 PM

+1 Boost

MD: You make a valid case for VW / Ford, but I can't stomach VW

MDarringer - 10/27/2018 10:47:11 PM

+1 Boost

My hatred for VW is well documented.

malba2367 - 10/27/2018 1:35:00 PM

+1 Boost

A Ford/VW tie-up involving cross investment similar to Renault-Nissan would be a dominant industry force with unparalleled resources to fund EV/Autonomous tech. There is almost perfect product synergy as mdarringer posted above, and extensive engineering knowhow amongst both companies (the most significant being Ford's unmatched expertise in mass producing aluminum vehicles and VWs EV technology). The combined partnership will also have under their combined control two of the biggest profit engines in the entire auto industry (Porsche and F150).

MDarringer - 10/27/2018 10:48:09 PM

+1 Boost

I have to wonder if the killing off of the Fiesta, Focus, and Fusion in the USA was done because this deal is a lot farther along than anyone realizes.