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Alan Mulally Retirement Plans - Good or Bad for Ford? - READ ONLY

101 messages,  Last post on Nov 02, 2012 at 9:41 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford, Automotive News

    

Messages Page 9 of 11

#72 of 101 Update by hpmctorque

Oct 23, 2010 (7:01 pm)

Given Ford's condition when he became CEO, I'd give Alan Mulally an A so far.

#73 of 101 And I would... by iluvmysephia1

Oct 23, 2010 (7:04 pm)

as well. Alan Mulally is doing a great job. However, a car company requires a bunch of talented people to get good, competent, reliable cars built, and Alan is surrounded by so many good people around him it would make your car crazy head spin.

#74 of 101 Re: And I would... [iluvmysephia1] by hpmctorque

Oct 23, 2010 (7:28 pm)

Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Oct 23, 2010 7:04 pm)
Granted, the CEO shares the credit or blame, but the CEO leads and sets the tone. Think Steve Jobs at Apple versus Jacques Nasser at Ford.
 
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.

#75 of 101 Your comments are spot on... by iluvmysephia1

Oct 24, 2010 (2:58 am)

and they've given me something to think about and watch here from the cheap seats of NE Nevada. Snow is soon to arrive, BTW.

#76 of 101 Re: And I would... [hpmctorque] by steve_ HOST

Oct 24, 2010 (9:50 am)

Replying to: hpmctorque (Oct 23, 2010 7:28 pm)
Mulally has been running Ford for four years now. He also turns 65 this year. You have to wonder how the culture at Ford (not to mention the stock market) will react if he decides to retire.
 
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.

#77 of 101 Re: And I would... [steve_] by berri

Oct 24, 2010 (1:53 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Oct 24, 2010 9:50 am)
"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).

#78 of 101 Lincoln by hpmctorque

Jan 07, 2011 (8:04 am)

Most observers credit Mr. Mullaly with doing an excellent job at Ford so far. The next major test for him and those he manages will be to re-establish Lincoln as a respected "gotta have it" luxury brand."

#79 of 101 Alan R. Mulally is not making the grade, he should be fired, not admired by paytonsmom

Apr 14, 2011 (5:20 pm)

Like I've been saying all along. Ford Builds the worse vehicles in the U.S.A .
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

#80 of 101 Indeed... by iluvmysephia1

Apr 16, 2011 (5:11 am)

if you thought Dee-troitt was ugly in the 40's take a long look at it today. I am so very sorry to hear of this news, paytonsmom. Alan Mulally, if he had any integrity at all, would personally call you up, apologize, and then write you a check off his own personal checking account for $5 million dollars.
 
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.

#81 of 101 Re: Indeed... [iluvmysephia1] by fintail

Apr 16, 2011 (6:47 am)

Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Apr 16, 2011 5:11 am)
What?
 
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.

Messages Page 9 of 11

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