[Pablo2079]

I think Ford will be fine. The only place they really aren't doing well is the North American market. They're making the tough choices now to make them more profitable.

A common misconception is that they lease the Toyota Hybrid system. They do not. They purchased the rights to use some of their patents and Toyota purchased the rights to some of Ford's patents. The Escape Hybrid system is at least as good as the Prius' if not better (I'll try to find the tech info to explain why). Watch for a Fusion Hybrid and Focus Hybrid in the near future. Probably E-85 compatible as well.

There has also been some recent talk of bringing over some of the Ford models sold in Europe and selling them here under the Mercury brand. This has been something that previous management has resisted (not sure of the reasoning, but most of that management is now gone).

Lincoln has also recently gotten good press for the MKZ (redone Zephyr) and the MKS (CUV).

I actually think they're turning the corner and doing what needs to be done. If the UAW will step up, agree to kill the job bank and let Ford compete with other manufacturers that are not hindered by unions, I think you'll find them more than competitive. GM is a big question mark. I don't see them making all the hard choices that Ford is making... maybe they'll be okay.... maybe not.

But, of course, Peak Oil will ultimately take care of all of this... one way or another. It just remains to be seen when, and no.... I don't work for Ford. I just get tired of all the "Toyota can do no wrong" stuff out there.... They do have a good product, good dealer network and good advertising... but other manufacturers have made significant progress and I believe Ford is doing something right, finally.

Some recent good news for Ford:

http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/ar ... 148/AUTO01

http://wardsauto.com/home/best_engines_winners/

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06341/744125-97.stm

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/12/05/ ... on-hybrid/

Interesting article about their recent "financing":

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... 80337/1014

[TommyJefferson]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('ElijahJones', 'W')e need to stop protecting these auto companies. The market is sending them signals,

[Pablo2079]

Agreed, the Big 3 (now 2.5) sat back and let the other manufacturers come in and take marketshare. Fortunately, they're coming to realize that the other players are here to stay. They're cutting back tens of thousands of jobs and are now designing better vehicles. Competition is good for the consumer and also good for pushing new tech. into the marketplace.

Will GM and Ford look for a handout? I don't think they'll find one if they do.

Are they bringing relevant products to market? I think so... at least they're starting to.

Has there been such a backlash against them that even with well designed and manufactured products they won't find enough customers? This is the real big question. Has their reputation degraded to such a level that they aren't even considered by a large percentage of consumers when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle? Possibly.... I think that's why you see commercials that say things like "you gotta put Mercury on your list". They realize they're in survival mode now and that they need to convince the consumer that they have a competitive product.

[budeone]

Ford is not dead.. Its not even close.

They are showing they have faith in the new management and they will be fine.

Ford is not going anywhere!

[TITAN]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('dukey', 't')hat debt is a drop in the ocean compared to the US debt of

[Denny]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Niagara', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Denny', '
')Denny, I'm curious. Did you short Ford?

If so congrats on the great call! Do you use any technical analysis software?

[Denny]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('ElijahJones', 'T')hese saps could have been getting their design issue in order long ago but just like the grasshopper in the old tale they kept right on playing the fiddle while the winter moved steadily along. The resourceful and insightful Japanese were planning for this day and now they are seeing the benefits.

[KevO]

Ford has reported a loss of $12.7bn (£6.5bn) for 2006 - the biggest annual loss in the struggling US carmaker's 103-year history.

HERE

[gego]

Now they know how the buggy whip manufacturers felt many years ago; whipped.

[Revi]

I know why Ford is losing so much money. I have been trying to buy a newer version of my Ranger pickup. I asked for the one that is touted as getting 24/29 mpg. I was even thinking of buying a new car for the first time in my life. I have been to three dealerships. They won't sell me the one I want. I've tried hard. One even told me that it wasn't worth his while to sell me what I want. They are going down the tubes for a very good reason. They don't want to sell cars, despite what they say:

Ford hit by record $12.7bn loss



Ford is undergoing a major restructuring drive

Ford has reported a loss of $12.7bn (£6.5bn) for 2006 - the biggest annual loss in the embattled US carmaker's 103-year history.

A slump in sales, combined with major restructuring costs, saw the firm lose $5.8bn in the final three months of the year alone.

The iconic US carmaker has been struggling in the face of competition from Japanese rivals such as Toyota.

Ford has plans to close 16 factories in North America and cut 45,000 jobs.

The company, which is currently the second-biggest carmaker in the US, may be overtaken by Toyota in its domestic market later this year, reports have suggested.

'Aggressive actions'

Ford's full-year loss surpassed the company's previous record annual net loss of $7.39bn in 1992.

However, the company said it remained confident that it would return to profit by 2009.

"We began aggressive actions in 2006 to restructure our automotive business," said Ford chief executive Alan Mulally.

He added that the company wanted to "operate profitably at lower volumes and with a product mix that better reflects consumer demand for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles".

Ford, the world's third-biggest motor company, made a net profit of $1.44bn in 2005.

[Pablo2079]

Not surprising they had record losses. With all of the employee buyouts and plant closings, it was expected. If they didn't do what they did in 2006, they probably would have ended up merging with another company in the near future.

Ford has let the Ranger stagnate. I'm not sure for their reasoning for doing that. They're known for making great trucks, so why let the small version wither on the vine??

Fortunately for Ford, they are right up there with Toyota with the efficiency of their Hybrid technology. Ford and Toyota are actually sharing patented technology in that area. I read that they are looking to release a plug in hybrid version of the Fusion. That should sell well.

The UAW needs to make more concessions, or the big 2.5 are going to continue having difficulty. It's hard for them to compete with other manufacturers that are able to set up non-union shops. I suppose it's partly their fault for agreeing to these contracts back when things were good.

The real odd thing for Ford specifically is that they are doing really well in most other parts of the world. Hopefully, they'll start selling some of the product that they have over in Europe in North America.

It will be interesting to see how Ford does this year.... as well as GM and Chrysler.

[cube]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Revi', '.')...
They won't sell me the one I want. I've tried hard. One even told me that it wasn't worth his while to sell me what I want.
.....

[dukey]

ford won't last much longer if they keep losing this much money
gm's future is questionable also

[Dreamtwister]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('dukey', 'f')ord won't last much longer if they keep losing this much money
gm's future is questionable also

[Boris555]

Ford's Hybrid technology is pretty awesome. I hope they can spin that into profits soon. And put it in more vehicles.

I also like Ford's display implementation to show hybrid power usage. Toyota has a flat-screen with complex graphics showing power flow. When you are braking or coasting the power flow reverses, the colors change, little things flash and move, etc.

Ford just uses a simple gauge that has "Charging" on one end and "Power" on the other. When you brake, the needle heads toward "Charging", when you accelerate it moves toward "Power". MUCH simpler and cheaper, and tells you the same thing.

[dukey]

they both suck
a small diesel engine like what they sell over here (europe) will be a lot cheaper and just as fuel efficient

[nemo]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Pablo2079', '
')The real odd thing for Ford specifically is that they are doing really well in most other parts of the world. Hopefully, they'll start selling some of the product that they have over in Europe in North America.