Comments on: Ford’s North American turnaround in a “race against the clock” http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html Car news, reviews, and specs for the auto-industry Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:06:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: jackjimturkey http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-339876 jackjimturkey Sat, 10 Nov 2007 01:26:49 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-339876 A4: That's teh way dealers do thing. A4: That’s teh way dealers do thing.

]]> By: A4 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-339390 A4 Thu, 08 Nov 2007 16:40:12 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-339390 i just found it amusing that he would try and pitch an escort to me when i was interested in something like an RX8 i just found it amusing that he would try and pitch an escort to me when i was interested in something like an RX8

]]> By: jackjimturkey http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-339233 jackjimturkey Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:12:34 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-339233 Don't care. I prefer "pole-smoker," green gay fudge-packer, asspeddler, cumfarter, dong-smuggler ... Don’t care. I prefer “pole-smoker,” green gay fudge-packer, asspeddler, cumfarter, dong-smuggler …

]]> By: DeansterTJ http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-339224 DeansterTJ Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:03:48 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-339224 No, the Old English spelling, like Shakespearean! You like it? No, the Old English spelling, like Shakespearean! You like it?

]]> By: The Stig http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338870 The Stig Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:12:51 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338870 Time to jetison Mark "Big Hair" Fields already. He's the wrong guy for the job. Time to jetison Mark “Big Hair” Fields already. He’s the wrong guy for the job.

]]> By: jackjimturkey http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338791 jackjimturkey Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:26:53 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338791 a4: no, sometimes, you've got to be blunt with dealership types. planet drive: go play on the freeway. Preferably in the truck lanes. a4: no, sometimes, you’ve got to be blunt with dealership types.

planet drive: go play on the freeway. Preferably in the truck lanes.

]]> By: Blakkarr http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338732 Blakkarr Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:47:15 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338732 A4, You are probably neither. You just knew what you wanted and it wasn't a Fusion of Focus. Steve333, I got to agree. But FORD should have shipped the European Focus, which they did for the first Focus, if you recall. Further the Euro-Focus is a re-dressed MAZDA 3. For Some Reason FORD opted to NOT stick to that obvious and winning formula and now they are saying "we may not be around to ship the third generation Focus world wide because we might be out of business by then." Which would be 2012, I think? Somewhere along the line FORD really didn't think thing through. Worse I don't think anyone expected better of Detroit. One Auto magazine pointed out that if GM put the same kind of effort into all their cars as they did the CORVETTE, GM would but number one in the world. FORD had (I said HAD) the same potential, but they aren't even looking for real fixes. Just stop gaps. I makes no since to still be pushing trucks like it were 1999 in 2007. It makes no sense to, even if you didn't do it first, to NOT do whatever the competition is doing right. I was content to think that FORD might be paring themselves back to a size that might make it a rather small car maker but one that can grow back given time. But right now, all I'm seeing is a company trying to prep the lifeboats. Flipper, I'm sorry to hear about you trouble with the Focus, but it really is a reliable car. I don't know you or how you've been driving the car and what kind of tranny they had. But I guessing you are feeling "once bitten, twice shy". Go with it. Then again the dealers you deal with may be pushing Flood cars, or just the cars checked by the crappiest inspector at the plant. A4,

You are probably neither. You just knew what you wanted and it wasn’t a Fusion of Focus.

Steve333,

I got to agree. But FORD should have shipped the European Focus, which they did for the first Focus, if you recall. Further the Euro-Focus is a re-dressed MAZDA 3. For Some Reason FORD opted to NOT stick to that obvious and winning formula and now they are saying “we may not be around to ship the third generation Focus world wide because we might be out of business by then.” Which would be 2012, I think?

Somewhere along the line FORD really didn’t think thing through. Worse I don’t think anyone expected better of Detroit. One Auto magazine pointed out that if GM put the same kind of effort into all their cars as they did the CORVETTE, GM would but number one in the world.

FORD had (I said HAD) the same potential, but they aren’t even looking for real fixes. Just stop gaps. I makes no since to still be pushing trucks like it were 1999 in 2007. It makes no sense to, even if you didn’t do it first, to NOT do whatever the competition is doing right.

I was content to think that FORD might be paring themselves back to a size that might make it a rather small car maker but one that can grow back given time. But right now, all I’m seeing is a company trying to prep the lifeboats.

Flipper,

I’m sorry to hear about you trouble with the Focus, but it really is a reliable car. I don’t know you or how you’ve been driving the car and what kind of tranny they had. But I guessing you are feeling “once bitten, twice shy”. Go with it. Then again the dealers you deal with may be pushing Flood cars, or just the cars checked by the crappiest inspector at the plant.

]]> By: planet_drive http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338726 planet_drive Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:37:06 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338726 ^You should have spit in his face for blatantly trying to sell you a peice of garbage. Fusion hot? lol Ford dealers now are very aggresive and desperate to sell you a car. It would be wise to not even step into a Ford dealership because those guys are only interested in selling you a peice of crap and when something goes wrong good luck trying to get it fixed under warranty. They will invent any excuse to make it seem like its your fault that something went wrong with the car. When it comes to cars Ford is the worst and they are the worst to deal with. Its a company of greedy pricks feeding off the idiotic loyalty of the few customers it still has. ^You should have spit in his face for blatantly trying to sell you a peice of garbage. Fusion hot? lol Ford dealers now are very aggresive and desperate to sell you a car. It would be wise to not even step into a Ford dealership because those guys are only interested in selling you a peice of crap and when something goes wrong good luck trying to get it fixed under warranty. They will invent any excuse to make it seem like its your fault that something went wrong with the car. When it comes to cars Ford is the worst and they are the worst to deal with. Its a company of greedy pricks feeding off the idiotic loyalty of the few customers it still has.

]]> By: steve333 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338688 steve333 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 06:43:28 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338688 The CEO should not be sounding so gloomy, it doesnt bode well for investors and customers. At least GM has a cheerleader in Bob Lutz. Problem for both companies is an inattention to their small cars. The Cobalt isnt bad but it badly needs updating and isnt getting it. At least Saturn is getting the Astra. Ford-the Focus redesign is truly awful, especially the gaudy interior. They should just copy the European Focus design inside and out even if they dont adopt its platform just yet. Same for the Fusion-Mondeo it. I would use the 3 bar grill design only on SUVs-the Edge looks good with it, not so for the Taurus,etc. The CEO should not be sounding so gloomy, it doesnt bode well for investors and customers. At least GM has a cheerleader in Bob Lutz.
Problem for both companies is an inattention to their small cars. The Cobalt isnt bad but it badly needs updating and isnt getting it. At least Saturn is getting the Astra.
Ford-the Focus redesign is truly awful, especially the gaudy interior. They should just copy the European Focus design inside and out even if they dont adopt its platform just yet. Same for the Fusion-Mondeo it. I would use the 3 bar grill design only on SUVs-the Edge looks good with it, not so for the Taurus,etc.

]]> By: Flipper http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338683 Flipper Tue, 06 Nov 2007 05:48:59 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338683 Quality is the BIG issue. We just got rid of a 2003 Focus which @ 46k started to have tranny problems. I'd even give them some benefit of doubt but it was the replacement of a 2000 Focus that needed a new transmission At 35k. Needless to say we didn't buy another ford. Quality is the BIG issue. We just got rid of a 2003 Focus which @ 46k started to have tranny problems. I’d even give them some benefit of doubt but it was the replacement of a 2000 Focus that needed a new transmission At 35k. Needless to say we didn’t buy another ford.

]]> By: SS4LIFE http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338675 SS4LIFE Tue, 06 Nov 2007 03:35:59 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338675 yeah Ford is pretty much a hopeless wreck. Ford thinks that it's Mustang and F-150 are going to save it. And pulling these name changes with the Taurus and Sable funny that it hasn't helped their sales either. However seeing their products overseas like the Falcon from their Aussie Division if they brought those products to the U.S. I bet they'd pull a 180. yeah Ford is pretty much a hopeless wreck. Ford thinks that it’s Mustang and F-150 are going to save it. And pulling these name changes with the Taurus and Sable funny that it hasn’t helped their sales either. However seeing their products overseas like the Falcon from their Aussie Division if they brought those products to the U.S. I bet they’d pull a 180.

]]> By: 1c3d0g http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338663 1c3d0g Tue, 06 Nov 2007 02:01:39 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338663 Cyclone of Red: that is an extremely good example of the situation at Ford. Cyclone of Red: that is an extremely good example of the situation at Ford.

]]> By: jackjimturkey http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338649 jackjimturkey Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:20:17 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338649 j-cat: there it is there: I drove the taurus (Five Hundred) and there's just nothing there that tells me i should buy that car. Just bland j-cat: there it is there: I drove the taurus (Five Hundred) and there’s just nothing there that tells me i should buy that car. Just bland

]]> By: luna07 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338640 luna07 Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:13:43 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338640 no matter how much import lovers rejoice, this is sad, a company with so much history and so much potential could potentially cease to exist in the near future. i hope that something drastic changes on their behalf no matter how much import lovers rejoice, this is sad, a company with so much history and so much potential could potentially cease to exist in the near future. i hope that something drastic changes on their behalf

]]> By: Blakkarr http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338619 Blakkarr Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:22:05 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338619 I woldn't be put to far off by a near total restart of all of FORD's brands. To put some pressure on FORD division, one should consider splitting FORD Cars from Ford Trucks, much as GM has GMC and Chevrolet trucks but without the overlap. Out here in Texas we have FORD Delarships that sell only trucks. no cars. They usually sell to professionals, farmers and ranchers, and a few who want just the big trucks. Anyway, A FORD Cars restart would consist of the Mustang, the Taurus X, Fusion, and Focus the Taurus and the Crown Vic would be dropped is lieu of a new car, possibly the Falcon. Eventually a new Thunderbird, built as a proper sports car to compete directly with the CORVETTE, would be built. Mercury would restart (IF it did) with a Cougar built as an upscale Mustang, a better outfitted Falcon - The new Marauder. Cross develop cars for Mercury and Lincoln, to include a new midsized FR platform (Think RS500 coupe and sedans) Share notes for the Jaguar X-type to build a new compact platform with AWD as a likely standard but RWD preferred. Lincoln would redevelop the LS (easily one of the best FORDs in many years - and it was a Jaguar) and move the MKS and MKZ on class size down (The current MKS would be stamped on the MKZ and the current MKZ would be cross developed with Mercury's compact sedan). A new Continental as the new flag ship, and retain the SUVs (no sleep lost over losing the Mk LT). Otherwise, this is a division on its way back and needs more push to make it happen. Take much sales emphasis off the trucks and SUVs and more on the cars as newer product is deployed. The Trucks sale themselves, despite what some say. And need little help. Quality issues are being addressed so it's not as serious a problem. Ditch the choice of Manual and Automatic Transmissions for DCT/DSG trannies. they cover all the bases eliminate the need to set aside units for differing trannies. Automatic drivers will miss little if anything, Manual-philes will have nothing to honestly complain about. Improve engines, stop choking engines so much. More power means you can move the car more easily resulting in a gain in efficiency. Maybe small but it will be there. Example: the LS V8 made only 250Hp. An engine that size should have made at least 300hp. Better engine designs, the 4.6L V8 sucks. stop using it. the 4.0L V6 (inthe Explorer Sport track and Bas Mustang) seriously sucks, open it up or stop using it! I woldn’t be put to far off by a near total restart of all of FORD’s brands. To put some pressure on FORD division, one should consider splitting FORD Cars from Ford Trucks, much as GM has GMC and Chevrolet trucks but without the overlap. Out here in Texas we have FORD Delarships that sell only trucks. no cars. They usually sell to professionals, farmers and ranchers, and a few who want just the big trucks.

Anyway, A FORD Cars restart would consist of the Mustang, the Taurus X, Fusion, and Focus the Taurus and the Crown Vic would be dropped is lieu of a new car, possibly the Falcon. Eventually a new Thunderbird, built as a proper sports car to compete directly with the CORVETTE, would be built.

Mercury would restart (IF it did) with a Cougar built as an upscale Mustang, a better outfitted Falcon – The new Marauder. Cross develop cars for Mercury and Lincoln, to include a new midsized FR platform (Think RS500 coupe and sedans) Share notes for the Jaguar X-type to build a new compact platform with AWD as a likely standard but RWD preferred.

Lincoln would redevelop the LS (easily one of the best FORDs in many years – and it was a Jaguar) and move the MKS and MKZ on class size down (The current MKS would be stamped on the MKZ and the current MKZ would be cross developed with Mercury’s compact sedan). A new Continental as the new flag ship, and retain the SUVs (no sleep lost over losing the Mk LT). Otherwise, this is a division on its way back and needs more push to make it happen.

Take much sales emphasis off the trucks and SUVs and more on the cars as newer product is deployed. The Trucks sale themselves, despite what some say. And need little help. Quality issues are being addressed so it’s not as serious a problem.

Ditch the choice of Manual and Automatic Transmissions for DCT/DSG trannies. they cover all the bases eliminate the need to set aside units for differing trannies. Automatic drivers will miss little if anything, Manual-philes will have nothing to honestly complain about.

Improve engines, stop choking engines so much. More power means you can move the car more easily resulting in a gain in efficiency. Maybe small but it will be there. Example: the LS V8 made only 250Hp. An engine that size should have made at least 300hp. Better engine designs, the 4.6L V8 sucks. stop using it. the 4.0L V6 (inthe Explorer Sport track and Bas Mustang) seriously sucks, open it up or stop using it!

]]> By: jonnycat http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338609 jonnycat Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:44:18 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338609 Quality isn't the issue, it's their static designs. I bled Ford blue for years. One day (2006) there was nothing on their lot that I wanted to own. I went GM. Quality isn’t the issue, it’s their static designs. I bled Ford blue for years. One day (2006) there was nothing on their lot that I wanted to own. I went GM.

]]> By: RicardoHead http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338594 RicardoHead Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:20:15 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338594 When Mulally's drone can answer one simple question, he will know what he has to do fast: ..... "Gentlemen, other than trucks, why would a customer ever visit a Ford dealership in NA?" Mulally, give people a reason to go to Ford and some will. Give them no reason and eventually no one will. When Mulally’s drone can answer one simple question, he will know what he has to do fast:

….. “Gentlemen, other than trucks, why would a customer ever visit a Ford dealership in NA?”

Mulally, give people a reason to go to Ford and some will. Give them no reason and eventually no one will.

]]> By: jackjimturkey http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338581 jackjimturkey Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:44:30 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338581 Hey ford, how about making some interesting cars? deantj, 1115: Good points. Ford trucks are good, I'd suggest the company kill all the cars, and use only Euro designers for its next round of "world cars." Sell them here as mercurys. Design Lincolns here as real luxury cars, not rebadged "upscale" cars. Mustang should be ford's only car Hey ford, how about making some interesting cars?
deantj, 1115: Good points.

Ford trucks are good, I’d suggest the company kill all the cars, and use only Euro designers for its next round of “world cars.” Sell them here as mercurys. Design Lincolns here as real luxury cars, not rebadged “upscale” cars. Mustang should be ford’s only car

]]> By: Scarface03 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338570 Scarface03 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:19:56 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338570 Interesting analogy, Cyclone, although addressing symptoms one at a time instead of going for the cure is probably something many in-danger companies experience. If Mullaly can't do it, it probably can't be done (except maybe Ghosn). Mullaly turned around Boeing and had to make very tough decisions to pull it off. I have no business background, but it strikes me that if you can sell millions of anything, you should be able to stay in business. Cutting costs (and invariably jobs and benefits) is the tough choice. But, hey, instead of beating up on auto unions again, how 'bout three shouts for the real problem: the product, like everyone here ays. I'm sure it is expensive to adapt foreign platforms for U.S. sale, with emissions and crash regs. being different. So, that's why you make a global platform compliant with everything from the get-go. Again, that's a management problem. GM's learning with Opel/Saturn and Holden/Pontiac offerings. Again, product, product, product. Nothing stirs the soul. The Ford Five Hundred/Taurus... really? Allegedly re-vamp an entire model line and that's what you do? The Fusion is a step in the right direction, but only just so. Invest heavily in trucks, cross-overs, Mustangs, and for God's sakes, bring over the Euro Focus. Kill Mercury and update Lincoln luxury. Make it a brand to drool over with design and peformance (you may not like the "Art & Science" Caddy CTS, but it definitely stirs the soul). Read the label, Ford, there's a limit to how many cough drops you can take before it's too dangerous to take any more.... Interesting analogy, Cyclone, although addressing symptoms one at a time instead of going for the cure is probably something many in-danger companies experience.

If Mullaly can’t do it, it probably can’t be done (except maybe Ghosn). Mullaly turned around Boeing and had to make very tough decisions to pull it off.

I have no business background, but it strikes me that if you can sell millions of anything, you should be able to stay in business. Cutting costs (and invariably jobs and benefits) is the tough choice.

But, hey, instead of beating up on auto unions again, how ’bout three shouts for the real problem: the product, like everyone here ays. I’m sure it is expensive to adapt foreign platforms for U.S. sale, with emissions and crash regs. being different. So, that’s why you make a global platform compliant with everything from the get-go. Again, that’s a management problem. GM’s learning with Opel/Saturn and Holden/Pontiac offerings.

Again, product, product, product. Nothing stirs the soul. The Ford Five Hundred/Taurus… really? Allegedly re-vamp an entire model line and that’s what you do? The Fusion is a step in the right direction, but only just so.

Invest heavily in trucks, cross-overs, Mustangs, and for God’s sakes, bring over the Euro Focus. Kill Mercury and update Lincoln luxury. Make it a brand to drool over with design and peformance (you may not like the “Art & Science” Caddy CTS, but it definitely stirs the soul).

Read the label, Ford, there’s a limit to how many cough drops you can take before it’s too dangerous to take any more….

]]> By: Cyclone of Red http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338548 Cyclone of Red Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:57:33 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338548 As much as I dislike Ford due to their boring lineup and poor quality (trucks excepted), I would be very sad to see Ford die. While they have been representing it fairly poorly for a while now, Ford IS American cars. It would be the loss of an icon. Ford's problem for a long time now has been that they are only concerned with quarter profits. They devise some stupid marketing campaign designed to boost sales and make a small quarter profit, ignoring long term plans that might cost them a little initially, but would earn them billions long term. Ford's current strategy is basically taking cough drops to cure cancer because they're too cheap for Chemo As much as I dislike Ford due to their boring lineup and poor quality (trucks excepted), I would be very sad to see Ford die. While they have been representing it fairly poorly for a while now, Ford IS American cars. It would be the loss of an icon.

Ford’s problem for a long time now has been that they are only concerned with quarter profits. They devise some stupid marketing campaign designed to boost sales and make a small quarter profit, ignoring long term plans that might cost them a little initially, but would earn them billions long term.

Ford’s current strategy is basically taking cough drops to cure cancer because they’re too cheap for Chemo

]]> By: planet_drive http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338541 planet_drive Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:50:28 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338541 The F150 trucks are just terrible in terms of reliability. Cheap plastics in the interior, when it rains the truck handles like its riding on ice, and those terrible brakes! As for the mustang, its still a primitive machine compared to other performance cars. I drove an 07 GT and the shifter on that thing is the worst I have ever experienced. Step on the gas while on uneven pavement and that thing already starts to lose control. U.S. Fords are just badly engineered, and management is saving costs by using lower grade materials which creates a very bad product. Only an uneducated fool would spend his hard earned money on a Ford. The F150 trucks are just terrible in terms of reliability. Cheap plastics in the interior, when it rains the truck handles like its riding on ice, and those terrible brakes! As for the mustang, its still a primitive machine compared to other performance cars. I drove an 07 GT and the shifter on that thing is the worst I have ever experienced. Step on the gas while on uneven pavement and that thing already starts to lose control. U.S. Fords are just badly engineered, and management is saving costs by using lower grade materials which creates a very bad product. Only an uneducated fool would spend his hard earned money on a Ford.

]]> By: cardesigner5 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338536 cardesigner5 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:27:36 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338536 the trucks also suck, mustang ain't much better, who want's a car with a live rear axle, that wheelbarrow chassis technology the trucks also suck, mustang ain’t much better, who want’s a car with a live rear axle, that wheelbarrow chassis technology

]]> By: TomF http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338534 TomF Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:24:48 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338534 If you shut down Ford of North America and stitched together Ford Europe, Ford Australia, Volvo and Mazda, you'd have an excellent and competitive car company. You want to see a real bold move? Kill every Stateside model except the Mustang and trucks. If you shut down Ford of North America and stitched together Ford Europe, Ford Australia, Volvo and Mazda, you’d have an excellent and competitive car company. You want to see a real bold move? Kill every Stateside model except the Mustang and trucks.

]]> By: richt62167 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338526 richt62167 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:01:54 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338526 How inbarrasing for us "Americans car makers" they can make better better cars outside the United States and all we get is Shit cars here How inbarrasing for us “Americans car makers” they can make better better cars outside the United States and all we get is Shit cars here

]]> By: CA36GTP http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338522 CA36GTP Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:54:27 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338522 If Mullally really thinks they are on the right track, then Ford is as good as dead. If Mullally really thinks they are on the right track, then Ford is as good as dead.

]]> By: autonut http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338520 autonut Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:51:26 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338520 Mazdaman & Deanster, the problems you've noticed are in model line-up (or lack of it). This is symptom of a problem. The problem is always management who allows problem to happen. IN case of the Ford the management is hand-picked by Ford-Firestone inbreeding clan. They had to select non-threating to their interests board who pick equally useless management team. The time shall win. Mazdaman & Deanster, the problems you’ve noticed are in model line-up (or lack of it). This is symptom of a problem. The problem is always management who allows problem to happen. IN case of the Ford the management is hand-picked by Ford-Firestone inbreeding clan. They had to select non-threating to their interests board who pick equally useless management team. The time shall win.

]]> By: richt62167 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338518 richt62167 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:50:15 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338518 Great point DeansterTJ. Fords Management are like weather men They get paid the "BIG BUCKS" and have no clue whats going on. I want those jobs Side note..... With Fords sales down, Wana bet Management still get raises. BASTARDS!!!! Great point DeansterTJ. Fords Management are like weather men They get paid the “BIG BUCKS” and have no clue whats going on. I want those jobs

Side note…..
With Fords sales down, Wana bet Management still get raises. BASTARDS!!!!

]]> By: gtv6 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338499 gtv6 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:11:16 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338499 Build the giugiaro mustang. Build the giugiaro mustang.

]]> By: angelo http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338498 angelo Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:09:41 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338498 Mazda (Mazdaspeed3, Miata, CX7/9), Volvo (C30, XC90, XC70) and Ford Europe (Mondeo & Euro-focus) have exciting products in the pipeline. Ford of North America is really unexciting, same for Mercury and Lincoln. However, maybe the next Mustang will cause a stir. They could also be replacing the Fusion when the new Mazda6 comes out. Mazda (Mazdaspeed3, Miata, CX7/9), Volvo (C30, XC90, XC70) and Ford Europe (Mondeo & Euro-focus) have exciting products in the pipeline. Ford of North America is really unexciting, same for Mercury and Lincoln. However, maybe the next Mustang will cause a stir. They could also be replacing the Fusion when the new Mazda6 comes out.

]]> By: DeansterTJ http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338496 DeansterTJ Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:03:44 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338496 Funny how the answer to Ford's problems is painfully obvious to the whole planet but Ford's management itself. Funny how the answer to Ford’s problems is painfully obvious to the whole planet but Ford’s management itself.

]]> By: mazdaman http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338495 mazdaman Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:03:19 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338495 Ford put themselves in this position and I hope they can fight their way out. Ford's current problems exist because they completely embraced the truck/SUV craze of the mid 90's and abandoned the rest of their lineup to rot and wither away. When the bottom fell out of the truck/SUV market, Ford finally had to face the cold, hard reality that it didn't really have any reliable and/or desirable quality vehicles in any other market segments. They have been scrambling ever since to fix the situation. One of the reasons that other car companies are so successful is that they work on their entire lineup so that they are prepared for any shifts in the market. Ford should have learned this lesson long ago. They seem to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. If they do recover from their current woes, I hope they won't let history repeat itself yet again. Ford put themselves in this position and I hope they can fight their way out. Ford’s current problems exist because they completely embraced the truck/SUV craze of the mid 90′s and abandoned the rest of their lineup to rot and wither away. When the bottom fell out of the truck/SUV market, Ford finally had to face the cold, hard reality that it didn’t really have any reliable and/or desirable quality vehicles in any other market segments. They have been scrambling ever since to fix the situation.

One of the reasons that other car companies are so successful is that they work on their entire lineup so that they are prepared for any shifts in the market. Ford should have learned this lesson long ago. They seem to keep making the same mistakes over and over again. If they do recover from their current woes, I hope they won’t let history repeat itself yet again.

]]> By: tripleonefive http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338493 tripleonefive Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:01:01 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338493 If Ford really wants to turnaround the company they have to import those euro models here. That is the only thing that will save them I hate hearing that they cant afford it They have no choice at this point they should just ship them here re badge them as Mercury's. Sell off Jag and LR but take some of their technolgy and keep a litle piece of them so they can continue to take their technology. Put some V8's in Lincoln and make them into a real luxury brand If Ford really wants to turnaround the company they have to import those euro models here. That is the only thing that will save them I hate hearing that they cant afford it They have no choice at this point they should just ship them here re badge them as Mercury’s. Sell off Jag and LR but take some of their technolgy and keep a litle piece of them so they can continue to take their technology. Put some V8′s in Lincoln and make them into a real luxury brand

]]> By: autonut http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338489 autonut Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:57:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338489 In college physics I was led to believe that time ALWAYS wins.... In college physics I was led to believe that time ALWAYS wins….

]]> By: richt62167 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338479 richt62167 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:44:05 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338479 You know how auto makers have "series cars" Like mercedes Benz has AMG & BMW have M series ect. ect. I think Foed should have a V series. V for Vanilla. Cuz that what there car's are Vanilla!! Nothing special. You know how auto makers have “series cars” Like mercedes Benz has AMG & BMW have M series ect. ect. I think Foed should have a V series. V for Vanilla. Cuz that what there car’s are Vanilla!! Nothing special.

]]> By: planet_drive http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338473 planet_drive Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:22:36 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338473 The problem with Ford is the very bad quality and people have finally got wise to Ford and are not buying their cars anymore. The European Fords are a whole different story since they share almost nothing in common with North American Fords. The reason its a bad idea to buy a car from an automaker in such big trouble as Ford is they will save money everywhere they can on things that will not be visible to the consumer, such as lower grade metals, and plastics. This will result to major reliability issues after the warranty expires and the consumer will be stuck with a car that ends up becoming a financial burden to the owner with many costly repairs. Not to mention the lost income of taking a day off to go get the car fixed. The problem with Ford is the very bad quality and people have finally got wise to Ford and are not buying their cars anymore. The European Fords are a whole different story since they share almost nothing in common with North American Fords. The reason its a bad idea to buy a car from an automaker in such big trouble as Ford is they will save money everywhere they can on things that will not be visible to the consumer, such as lower grade metals, and plastics. This will result to major reliability issues after the warranty expires and the consumer will be stuck with a car that ends up becoming a financial burden to the owner with many costly repairs. Not to mention the lost income of taking a day off to go get the car fixed.

]]> By: buenos http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338472 buenos Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:21:56 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338472 Indeed Maddcapp... "it's the cars, stupid." It seems that Ford is "irrelevanting" (not bad, eh? I just made that word up) themselves to extinction. Indeed Maddcapp… “it’s the cars, stupid.”

It seems that Ford is “irrelevanting” (not bad, eh? I just made that word up) themselves to extinction.

]]> By: Madcapp http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338470 Madcapp Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:17:08 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338470 Ford has nothing interesting on the table, and nothing interesting coming up. I can't see how they will ever recover. Ford is making the same mistake as GM...they think that their salvation is to launch a big media campaign (I'm referring to Fords 'way forward' BS) when they should focus instead on building higher quality better looking cars that people want to buy. Ford has nothing interesting on the table, and nothing interesting coming up. I can’t see how they will ever recover. Ford is making the same mistake as GM…they think that their salvation is to launch a big media campaign (I’m referring to Fords ‘way forward’ BS) when they should focus instead on building higher quality better looking cars that people want to buy.

]]> By: cardesigner5 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338468 cardesigner5 Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:10:38 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/fords-north-american-turnaround-in-a-race-against-the-clock.html#comment-338468 the ironic thing is that ford is doing really bad in it's homeland cause americans won't even buy there own shit, while in europe it is doing good and has a good model range ( must be the heavily german influenced lineup) the ironic thing is that ford is doing really bad in it’s homeland cause americans won’t even buy there own shit, while in europe it is doing good and has a good model range ( must be the heavily german influenced lineup)

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