Ford Posts 2006 Losses Today

[Ferrer]

I would think that European plants and suppliers would not have the capacity to supply both European and American markets.

Therefore you'd need build the cars entirely in the US, and if you are going to do that, why not tailor those cars to the American market?

There is clearly a lack of confidence in the ability of the large American manufacturers to produce good, competitive cars; the only ones that seem to be successful are the base retro-rehash examples that con people into thinking that they are back in the "good old days" when American cars were more highly regarded.

But are Americans able to built good cars with competitive prices? And if they are, why don't they do it. Every time an American family car is unvelied one thing or anohter let's it terribly down, be it styling, engineering or whatever. Some might mention the 300C success, but that's just a Mercedes-Benz E-class in drag. I'm not saying that American Fords have to be exactly the same as European Fords, but they could take a lesson or two from Europe.

For instance, look at the amount of six cylinder engines in the Ford Group. You have the Ford Australia straight six, the Volvo's straight six, Ford's Duratec V6 and the Mustang's 4-litre V6 (which I believe is not a Duratec). Rationalisation is the key, they have to cut the number of platforms and different engines they have, in order to be more profitable and efficient.

[Ferrer]

Apparently they are thinking of taking European Fords to the US.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/01/...-mondeo-to-us/

[Matra et Alpine]

Apparently they are thinking of taking European Fords to the US.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/01/...-mondeo-to-us/

yeah well we'll see if they take the current version when Europe updates it next year. It's what FOrd's done with the Escort/Fiesta/Focus

[Ferrer]

yeah well we'll see if they take the current version when Europe updates it next year. It's what FOrd's done with the Escort/Fiesta/Focus

I believe they are referring to the next gen Mondeo, the one featured in the Bond film. What they shouldn't do is downgrade it though.

[syko]

The loss isn't really that bad of a loss in the sence that only $1.5 billion of it was from operating costs the other $11.2 billion was from planned restructuring costs.

[darkjedi]

Is there a possibility that microsoft could buy something i was thinking about it the other day .

what about apple designing a car imagine how that would be all white

[adrenaline]

^ ^ It sounds like you've read the microsoft and GM thread...

[Ferrer]

I guess this is supposed to help them, the first official pics of the new Mondeo. I think the estate looks quite good.

[fpv_gtho]

It does look quite good. Perhaps its my biased eyes, but some of the lines for the rear of the sedan remind me of the Falcon.

[Prius]

I have to admit, Ford has been heading south for a while, but I have faith in Alan Mulally. I am glad that he sees past the whole "bold moves!" and the Kelly Clarkson ads. I am glad that somebody there figured out that if you want to beat the Japs, you need to make a better car than them. I thought they learned that with the Taurus.

"Sure, the Accord is better looking, more reliable, a better value, and better priced, but the Fusion has Kelly Clarkson singing in its advertisement! I'm gonna buy one of those instead!"

[syko]

Well Q1 profits are in and Ford made a $282 million loss which is substantially less than in recent times which suggests the turn around is starting to work.

$282 million loss in Q1

[Matra et Alpine]

Well Q1 profits are in and Ford made a $282 million loss which is substantially less than in recent times which suggests the turn around is starting to work.

So the accountants succeeded
By selling A-M in the last quarter, Ford are able to put a HUGE sum on the positive side of tehir balance sheet.
BUT ... read further ... profits came from Europe and PAG ( Aston Martin in thir ).
So they have sold one of their geese that lays golden eggs. Lets see next quarter when A-M company sale and car profits aren't included.
Also, by losing A-M, Ford in Europe are losing "image" and I suspect will see a reduction in sales of their upper range cars.

[nota]

Recent quotage

A couple of years ago one industry anayst calculated that it would have been cheaper to pay every Jaguar owner [AUD]$7900 rather than sell them a vehicle.

[syko]

So the accountants succeeded
By selling A-M in the last quarter, Ford are able to put a HUGE sum on the positive side of tehir balance sheet.

I don't think it was counted in this quarters revenue since the sale hasn't completely gone through yet.