New technologies are starting to set the auto world on fire, says Ford Motor Corp. (NYSE: F) executive chairman and former Ford CEO Bill Ford. Although auto sales have dropped sharply in the last eight months, Mr. Ford sure believes that products like electric vehicles and biofuels will enable the reinvention of the automobile.To his credit, Ford has been a leader in hybrid vehicles in addition to being a pioneer in adopting eco-sustainability in its auto manufacturing operations. That doesn't mean Ford's cars and trucks will be better for the environment, of course. It does mean Ford thinks of going green as a corporate strategy, not a "me too" collection of half-promises.
Ford said that "it's a really cool time to be part of the industry," in relation to the advances in safety, communications and powertrains on new vehicles. But, the rubber will have to meet the road at some point. In other words, pushing customers to eco-friendly vehicles built from the ground up in eco-friendly factories should be the goal of Ford.
This is the only domestic automaker not to have taken federal bailout funds due to some decent decisions in the last few years, and now it seems poised to be a leader in earth-friendly transportation if it pushes lip service aside. With Ford in better shape than its American-based competition, it has a chance to really become the pre-eminent American automaker in the next five to seven years. Will it take advantage of it?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-23-2009 @ 8:34PM
Larry said...
Mr.Ford,
What a job,what an attitude. My late father and brothers worked many years for Ford. You care and show concern for employees. Your gonna turn this thing around and I'm putting my money on it. Question: Why are you waiting to launch the "Smart Key". It's every parents wish....hurry up before graduation.
4-24-2009 @ 12:54PM
wayne godfrey said...
I just bought a new ford from you guys.
Hope it is helping you and the economy.
and i"m going to buy your stock.
Thanks for not taking Goverment money
BUY FORD
4-27-2009 @ 5:24AM
RALPH L COLANGIONE said...
I JUST BOUGHT A 2010 FUSION HYBRID .WHAT A AWSOME CAR. EVERY ONE THINKS IT A LEXUS AT FIRST GLANCE AND ARE REALLY IMPRESSED WHEN THEY FIND OUT IS A FORD. GO FORD GO!!