Ford's New "Green" Plant First In World To Produce All Energy Saving Types

I think it is safe to say that many feel like Ford has been the shining example in the auto industry for the U.S. the last few years. While we watched the biggest manufacturers take handouts from the government, Ford just kept chugging away, and has literally revamped the entire company. With all the government "loans" that we have seen since the economic hardships recently, it is always nice to see a company that didn't get the help making strides.

Ford Motor Company's Michigan Assembly Plant, which once churned out large SUVs, has completed a $550 million transformation that will make it the world's first factory to build not only fuel-efficient gas-powered cars, but also three production versions of electrified vehicles including battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.

We've modernized just about every square foot of this facility to establish a new standard for a high-tech, green, flexible and efficient auto factory," said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. "The transformation of Michigan Assembly Plant stands as a symbol for the transformation of Ford."

On the outside, a new 500-kilowatt solar panel system will be installed to help generate renewal energy for production of Ford's all-new Focus and Focus Electric cars. Ten new electric vehicle charging stations on the property will be used to recharge the electric trucks that transport parts between adjacent facilities. That's a little more high tech than my Murray Feiss lighting, but what are you gonna do?

It really is a great story in my opinion. Especially since I live in Michigan. Here's more on the plant if you are interested. Now only if something would rub off on the Detroit Lions...

Ford Focus Sales up 23%

Although Ford sales figures look like they have been taking the best diet pills available this year, on car is still increasing in sales month to month. That is the Ford Focus.

“The Focus and Escape offer the features and fuel economy today’s consumers want,” Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president for sales and marketing, said in a statement.

Ford does not see the market for new vehicles rebounding anytime soon.

“We expect the second half of 2008 will be more challenging than the first half,” Farley said, “as weak economic conditions and the consumer credit crunch continues.”

2008 Ford Fusion

Felt like putting up a review of this car because I have a friend who wants to take a look at one this year. They are either going to splurge on a new car, or some home theater chairs, but they may as well get a bit of info on both for now from people that have had a chance to take a look at one already.

Ford's midsize family cars have typically been comfortable and safe, although not up to the class leaders in terms of performance and refinement. A few years ago, the company brought the Fusion to market, intent on improving its competitiveness in the segment. Based on a larger version of the Mazda 6 platform, the Fusion combined the 6's athleticism with more passenger room than its Japanese cousin. full review

Ford Reports a Net Profit of $750 Million for Second Quarter 2007

Guess it is time for them to take a break at a Virginia bed and breakfast. Ford Motor Company today reported a net profit of 31 cents per share, or $750 million, for the second quarter of 2007. This compares with a net loss of 17 cents per share, or $317 million, in the second quarter of 2006.

It has been quite a while since Ford showed up in positive numbers so this is a bit surprising.

Ford's second-quarter revenue was $44.2 billion, up from $41.9 billion a year ago. The increase primarily reflected currency exchange, mix and net pricing improvements, partially offset by lower volume.

Ford's second-quarter profit from continuing operations, excluding special items, was 13 cents per share, or $258 million, compared with a loss of 6 cents per share, or $118 million, in the same period a year ago.**

Special items - which primarily reflected the sale of Aston Martin and the recognition of previously deferred gains on certain hedges at Jaguar and Land Rover - increased pre-tax results by $443 million in the second quarter. read more

Ford and GM To Offer Month End Discounts

Reuters reported that General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. plan to introduce discount programs intended to boost sales during the last weekend of June, people familiar with the sales plans said on Friday. Another way would be to look into school loan consolidation.

Jess Toprak, analyst at industry tracking service Edmunds, said he expected the discount programs from GM and Ford to target sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

He said that would represent a kind of "retaliation" to Toyota Motor Corp.'s announcement last week that it had begun offering rebates of up to $3,500 on its Tundra pickup truck.

"NOT AWFUL"

"Historically, you do tend to see a ramp-up (of discounts) at the end of June through the end of summer," Toprak said. full story

Navistar stops work on engine for Ford

Bring the pain. When a company doesn't stay ahead and plan for the future right you just keep getting nailed. Every single day it gets worse for Ford. Funny thing is the Lions still make money. Revenue sharing is great. No incentive to improve. Rock on boys.

In a showdown that could cause Ford Motor Co. more financial pain, Navistar International said Monday it has halted production of the Power Stroke diesel engine that Ford puts in its profitable and recently revamped Super Duty lineup.

The escalating dispute between the two companies, which was touched off when Ford sued Navistar over a contract disagreement last month, could eventually disrupt production of one of Ford's key new vehicles. read more...

Ford boss to managers: Handle buyout process with care

Fun, fun, fun. All our boys are losing thier jobs. Thank you Fords for handling this with such "care". Everyone loves you so much. The company is doing awesome. Please handle Millen's buyout with care too please. Fire someone that actually does suck at their job.

As Ford Motor Co. works through thousands of employee buyouts, Executive Vice President Mark Fields sent a memo Thursday advising managers to handle the process with decency and humanity.

As the Free Press reported Tuesday, Ford had so many white-collar workers sign up for voluntary buyouts that the automaker has begun to revoke offers. read more...

Historic low: Ford 4th with U.S. buyers

Ford is still in the news and they can't seem to get a break. For the first time in the long history of the company they rank 4th in total market share in the United States. This is mind boggling how a company can lose so much ground so fast. IT has been a long 5 years and it doesn't appear to be getting any better. The Ford name is becoming an embarrassment to not only Michiganders, but to the country as well.

Ford Motor Co. fell out of the top three in U.S. market share last month for what appears to be the first time since company founder Henry Ford rolled out the Model T.

In January, the same month it reported the largest annual financial loss in its history, Ford dropped to fourth with 15.2% of U.S. sales.

Full Story

So what does everyone think of Ford's problems?

Everything this company seems to touch turns to crap. Do they even care anymore? It seems like they are just going through the motions these days.

'HARD TO BELIEVE': Workers shocked that it's this bad

I can't realize how much money that is and I used to be a financial advisor. This state is already hurting for jobs and news like this isn't going to help anyone. These workers are going to get the shaft.

The size of Ford Motor Co.'s losses last year caught the company's rank-and-file workers off guard Thursday.

They had expected bad news from the company's annual earnings report, but not losses of nearly $13 billion -- an amount so high that for some workers it was hard to fathom.

"They really don't realize how much money that is," Bill Gazsi said of some of his coworkers at the Dearborn Truck Plant. "Sometimes it's kind of hard to believe."

Full Story

Ford Airstream

Another odd looking duck. Interesting look to say the least. Apparently the vehicle is partially inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey. Looks like a strange space ship.

WardsAuto.com delved deeper into this cross utility vehicle here.


Image from wardsauto.com