This seems wrong
As much as we have ragged on the Big 3 in our conversations, it seems wrong that the first post on the auto industry is positive. This weekend, I was telling my wife that it appeared that Ford has a real chance to come through the current crisis not only alive, but thriving. Not only have the ys aid they won’t need bailout money, but they seem to be steadily but surely overhauling their line-up and building up their reputation for quality, technology and making cars the public wants. My wife really likes the Ford Fusion. The hybrid version might be on her shopping list, even though it would be an under-budget purchase. Then, I read this.
Ford really gets it. For the first time in maybe 50 years, they really get it.
February 10th, 2009 at 09:36
Actually, I think Ford has been “getting it right” for quite some time. The only problem is they’ve been doing it over in Europe.
Unfortunately that doesn’t help them out much since it’s here in America where we change cars as frequently as some Europeans change their underwear.
February 10th, 2009 at 16:08
Business wise, Ford is the more conservative of the Big Three. In terms of product, that has sometimes hurt them but financially it’s helped. Mortgaging every piece of property, machinery and stick of furniture they owned in 2006 hasn’t hurt either.
Latest news is that Ford will soon begin importing the Transit Connect van, that ubiquitous workhorse seen all over Europe. Like much involving the auto industry, this seems so obvious it’s shocking it hasn’t already been done. Story at Car and Driver’s website.