(Fields') next challenge is to lead The Americas automotive operations back to a sustained level of profitability while producing the best cars and trucks in the industry, |
(Fields’) next challenge is to lead The Americas automotive operations back to a sustained level of profitability while producing the best cars and trucks in the industry, |
[A crucial point is that Japanese carmakers would still be in good shape even if the Armada and the Sequoia weren't selling, because they have competitive models in every segment. For American automakers, big SUVs are leading the way to closed plants and layoffs. With the Expedition and the Excursion out front, Ford started talking about both things August 16. In the second quarter of 2005, Ford is poised for a pretax loss of $1.21 billion.] The challenge we face isn't a traditional economic downturn, ... It's a new, rapidly evolving, brutally competitive global marketplace. |
Allan Gilmour brings a wealth of knowledge to our financial analysis and reporting functions, ... He served us before during hard times and has the critical knowledge needed to help us implement our revitalization plan. |
As our results indicate, we face many challenges in this competitive and difficult environment, |
As our results indicate, we face many challenges in this competitive and difficult environment. We have demonstrated throughout the year that we will continue to take the actions necessary to return our core business to sustainable profitability. We understand the issues, our priorities, and have the right team in place to get the job done. |
Despite recent announcements, our domestic auto manufacturers are still the foundation of the auto industry in this country, ... We still employ nearly 90 percent of the workers in our industry. We still manufacture 75 percent of the cars and trucks made in America. We purchase 80 percent of all U.S. auto parts. |
Ethanol can provide relief for customers at the pump and lessen America 's dependence on foreign oil. Plus, these vehicles can run on fuel that's grown in the heartland of America. |
Ethanol can provide relief for customers at the pump and lessen America's dependence on foreign oil. |
Ethanol is typically cheaper than regular gasoline and we're going to do all that we can to support it, |
Every day is a big test, ... It's not going to be a bed of roses for the next number of quarters. But we are making progress. I feel very good about where we are from a leadership standpoint. |
For all the progress, we recognize we're very far from the finish line, |
For all the progress, we recognize we're very far from the finish line, ... We need a dramatically different business structure and we need innovation to drive everything we do. |
Ford is working on innovative solutions to customer concerns over high gas prices and America's overdependence on foreign oil, ... Ethanol is an innovative energy source straight from the heartland of America. |
Ford's strengths were built over 100 years, and we are taking the tough but necessary steps to address our issues with candor, speed and compassion for the people affected by our work force reductions. This next chapter in Ford's history will be remembered for our renewed commitment to innovation and as the time we moved boldly to prepare Ford's North American business to face global competition. |