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Comments
Let me up that to a 9.5 out of 10.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
It would be nice to see Ford actually start making some money again though.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I hope Mulally has some stock options himself and cashes in too.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Of all the evils, drilling a hole in the ground is less damaging than a lot of the alternatives.
What would Alan do?
Or maybe the question is, is he still switching after making this comment last July?
"Mulally also said Ford will double its production of hybrid vehicles next year, becoming the second-largest provider of hybrids in North America after Toyota."
link
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
At 9:08 yesterday morning, a team of drivers managed to surpass the 1,000 mile mark in a production 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. An astounding feat considering that all of the miles were driven on only one tank of gas. But with 1/3 tank of fuel left, the team pushed on.
At 5:37 am this morning, they finally burned their last drop of gas. The team recorded 1,445.7 miles on a single tank of fuel and finished with an average fuel economy number of 81.5 miles per gallon.
81.5mpg?! Hypermiling or not, them are some good miles-per-gallon numbers, gentlemen!
http://www.allcarselectric.com/blog/1020291_fusion-hybrid-finally-runs-out-of-ga- - s-1445-7-miles-on-single-tank-81-5-mpg
Through gentle throttle usage and cautious driving, eh? I can do that. :shades:
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Ford Reports $2.3 Billion Net Profit, $424-Million Operating Loss (AutoObserver)
Today was good, but in one or two chapters a book it does not make.
"Today was good, but in one or two chapters a book it does not make"
Very true statement. But the one that counts is "buy low, sell high". Too many people "sell low and buy high". In other words, they wait too long to get into the market. If you have been in the market since March, you are having a fantastic year despite the continued economical struggles.
Very happy to see Ford doing better. Rented a Fusion last week. Nice vehicle. Build quality was good. Didn't necessarily see the fuel savings or benefits from the 6 speed tranny. The HVAC/radio controls were a bit confusing. Way too many buttons but that seems to be the norm now in most cars. I like my 3 simple buttons in my 2006 Camry. Barely have to look away to make the changes.
Coulda, shoulda, woulda
The Ford family must be breathing a bit easier, in spite of having hocked the company to the gills.
The Stock Market and Investing
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Presumably, Ford had a bunch of talented people before Mulally became CEO, but were stifled by the culture. Now, the fact that Ford was in desparate shape, and sinking fast when Mulally was selected by Bill Ford removed roadblocks for changing the culture and Ford's direction.
I think the next big test for Mulally and Ford is whether Lincoln can again become one of the top luxury brands. Given where Lincoln is currently, and that this will require competing outside North America, this is a formidable challenge.
Incidentally, I've never worked for Ford or the auto industry, so my comments are based on what I've read and interpreted.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Then again, he lives three miles from the office, goes in at 5:15 am, and works 12 hour days. He'd probably go stir crazy if he retired.
His bet on small cars may yet bite him though.
I read this a lot, but I'm not sure its really true? Ford still dominates trucks. The only ones they are dumping are the old Explorer and Ranger whose sales are declining and whose CR black dot quality ratings hurt Ford. Ford is closing and converting plants in reaction to sales volume. I think the "small car" line comes about because they are in the news right now with Fiesta and Focus. But what they are really doing is combining these vehicles into a more worldwide car so they can be built economically, and profitably everywhere. I think the big hole in their lineup down the road is in smaller CUV's. The Escape is old and the Edge, despite its 2011 update, is heavy giving it mediocre mileage for its relatively small interior. It is also becoming too expensive compared to what it offers versus alternatives. I think GM has hit a potential home run here with the new Equinox, presuming its apparent electronic glitches are resolvable, because the vehicle gives flexible space and decent mileage while improving on the noisy and bumpy ride of competitor's like CRV and RAV4. I agree that Fusion could use more plant capacity though. The Expedition is getting a bit long in tooth, but GM has the same issue with Suburban while still selling a bunch. I think the big issue for Mullaly is margins. They've improved with Ford, but there is a potential for a big return if he can fix Lincoln (not an easy thing by any means though).
The company lies, delays recalls and is totally ruthless with it's consumers.
If you (Ford) know there is a safety risk for your customers, why do you (Ford) delay recalling? Because Ford doesn't care about it's customers, so why give Ford your business? I say Boycott, there are plenty of other vehicles to choose from.
Ford recalled my car 9 months after my son burned to death, they knew about that safety issue too, but delayed , and denied any fault, case was dismissed in Detroit. (don't transfer your case to Detroit, it will never get out.
http://paytonsmom.blogspot.com/2011/03/ceo-alan-r-mulally-and-bill-ford-jr.html?- spref=tw
Then apologize again. But he won't. All Alan cares about is the money. That's how this evil system of things works. Or should I say doesn't work.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Detriot (intentional) was still in its golden years during the 40s.
Mulally, not being a lifer like most of the sycophants GM has installed into lead positions in the past several generations, has done better than most of his domestic counterparts. Look at what came before him.
All execs are about huge compensation first and foremost, it's our defective breed of capitalism at work...but some actually are around for better results than others.
He's ruthless and cold. Not kosher. Her story is tragic. She deserves a check for $5 million from A.Mulally. Before he pays her personally out of his own pocket he owes her an apology. We've really hit the ker-plunker in this pathetic wannabe nation.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
No CEO is an angel, but look at some of the garbage he replaced, and his peers in other industries. He's a lesser evil at most, at least he has something for his tenure.
If you want to see not kosher, look at some of the figures who have controlled the Korean makes you so lust after...
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I loathe the CEO class and would not cry if many of them met the same fate as 18th century French elites, but I don't see how Mulally is so evil. Look at the crap that ran GM over the past 40 years and compare.
The closest Mitsu dealer is about 65 miles west in Spokane. But the problem I have with myself when I put down German cars is I haven't test-drove them all! Another Edmund's member, jimbres, lets me know that I'd probably love the drive of a German car so I'll just shut up and reserve judgement for later. After I actually know more of what I'm blabbling about. And I did mean spelling of that word to say blabbling. :P
Here's a German concept I'm really kind of interested in test-driving, if it gets built. And I think VW will build this minibus.
2013 VW Minibus Concept
This rig has shot to No.3 on my futures list of purchase possibilities. They're mentioning the 'E' word with it, in that VW is designing it to be an all-electric powertrain. Put it #3 behind the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS Hybrid with S-AWC (a must because of Kellogg's snowy, icy winters that last about 6 months), the 2013 Kia Rio hatchback in ICE form, and now this. But this one, if it can reach the 186 miles of range that I just read about they are advertising, could shoot to No.1 on my list in a Seattle minute.
I would translate that 186 miles to a more realistic 135 miles, actually. More usually always means less with all-electric powertrain fantasia's.
I like these seats as well. I am seriously considering a VW product for purchase-this would be an iluv first. I wonder what product VW uses to make these seats. It is white and the Chow Chow and Pomeranian would make mincemeat of them (as in dirtying them)...or would they? Look closely at those seats. They look vinyl on the side and cloth in the center. Humm...have ta just wait and see in the test drive about those.
Did you guys know this concept was first unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in Jan. of 2001? Wow! I had no clue.
2013 New World Order VW "crewcab" Minibus"
Wheelbase:
118.1 inches
Length:
185.5 inches
Height:
75.0 inches
Engine:
3.2 liter 230hp V6
Transmission:
5 speed Tiptronic
Tires:
245/45R20H tires
(yes, 20" wheels!)
My 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS has 215 45R18 sized tires. And the Hankook's cost me $200.52 a tire. This VW Minivan's will cost me even more to replace, you know that, don't you?
Of course, these Hankook's have a lifetime rotation and replacement Warranty on them, too. For $20.00 a tire Discount Tire will rotate them for free for life and replace them, if anything ever happens to the tire from an injury while driving. It doesn't cover "normal wear and tear" but with all the crap on the road out there the Warranty covers road damage injuries that kill the tire. And free rotations for the life of those tires. I pondered it for a bit, then bought it. Not such a bad deal, really.
fintail-I'm catching the German car bug! It's happened...finally. Actually, I was taught to drive stick in a 1966 VW Fastback. That was such a fun car to drive. Shouldn't be such a surprise ta me that I would one day desire to purchase my own VW. This is a likely color choice for the VW Bulli.
My favorite dog is the Pomeranian, and they come from the upper German province of Pomerania. Come on, now. Get with the program y'all! It's all German! Germania!
Is Dallas with the tall German Dirk Nowitski finally going to prevail in the NBA playoffs and...ummm...actually advance to the...eeekkk...2011 NBA Finals?
German-build quality? Can VW build this thing with rock-solid electricals...including the all-electric powertrain? Can they? Do it! I challenge you ta do it properly the first time, VW!
Am I right?
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Is there any kind of German make dealer in ID, or do you have to go to Spokompton? The little bus looks fun, but the transition from concept to production can sometimes be painful.
20" wheels on that little thing? Impractical, won't see the real world. I spent over $1200 for a set of tires for my car - after rebate. I don't want to hear about tire costs :shades:
I'll tell you the nicest driving cars I ever dealt with were German. Next were probably Swedish. I keep ending up with Japanese name plates because of the reliability - certainly not the fun factor, though until recently Honda always tried to put some fun in their cars.
That 01 microbus was a different thing from what they are talking about now. I saw that 01 job at the MY Auto Show in 01. At the time they were talking about maybe producing it. Sadly they didn't. This current one sounds like they'll really do it. That would be a treat.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
VW Minibus concept named 'Bulli'
Looks just like a futuristic, smaller than bus...bus. Looks just like it's supposed ta look. And it's lookin' hot. I really think V-Dub-L-You oughta build this pup. I'm practically planning for it in my budget for 2013 right now. :shades: Though the bus may not come out until 2014. In which case it will give me more time ta save. The '08 Lancer GTS will be paid off in May of 2013 and will be worth around $7 or $8,000 by that time, which should be worth about $6,000 in trade at a V-Dub-L-You dealer in Spokane, WA, round about that time.
You can never plan big purchases too early V-Dub-L-You...get crackin'!
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I want people to know, That my family did not receive one penny from Ford Motor Company, and my son's case is dismissed. I spend my time writing these post to educate the consumer, and hopefully save some lives.
A few more points, I wish to make is that the passenger's family of the Lincoln car fire did settle with Ford Motor Company.
And the cruise control switch was found, and x-rayed by experts several times, and was found to have internally failed.
Also, I received a phone call the night the car fire happened from my son, saying "something smells wrong with the car, up or jump" and the phone went off.
2 hours later I heard a heavy knock on my door, that every mother dreads. Stating they had found my car , and there were two bodies in the car, one big ,one small and not recognizable. My child was dead, burned to death. My life will never be the same. But, Alan Mulally gets an award , gets millions for being so great.
But, Judge Bernard A. Friedman did not believe I had a case, and denied the case to be transferred back to Texas, where it was originally filed.
Allan Mullaly was not employed by Ford at that time.
If you want to blame Ford I have no problem with that. I have certainly had my issues with them though not at all to the degree you did, but Mulally is part of the solution.
Courts, meanwhile, are odd things. There is no logic to them and huge injustices are overlooked while at other times frivolous suits are rewarded.
No kidding.
You can thank greedy trial lawyers and jurors that shouldn't be serving for that!
And, you're right. Mulally can't be blamed for something that happened when he wasn't there.
Were it not for his business sense, Ford may not exist today.
Fields, currently Ford's President of the Americas, will take over his new position effective Dec. 1. Mulally, currently CEO, will remain in that position until at least 2014."
Ford taps Fields as COO; Mulally remains CEO (Detroit News)
2014 sounds like a long way off, but if Mulally decides to leave on 1/1/14, then we're really jut looking at 13 months before the handoff.
Call it two years if he steps down at the end of 2014.
Sucession plans have been laid and Mulally is currently 67 (the new 57). Better to set something up now, like Apple did, and trust that the scheme and pending retirement won't be a drag on the stock value.
Mark Fields becomes COO and the obvious successor. The WSJ reports that "Ford officials stopped short of specifically naming Fields the next CEO, but both Mulally and Ford said they're rather see an internal candidate take over the top job than to hire someone from outside the company.
That was not the opinion in 2007 when Ford hired Mulally away from Boeing, a decision that at the time, many said was a risk because he was not an automotive expert."
Without knowing all the ins and outs of what goes on at Ford behind closed doors, it seems to me, as a rank outsider, that Ford made a strategic error in trying to go into the software business. They really should have hired Silicon Valley to develop all their driver/car interfaces. Their systems haven't worked out too well.