LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - With Ford Motor Co’s (F.N) stock at nearly a nine-year low and the company squeezed by tariffs and trade tensions, Chief Executive Jim Hackett sought to restore confidence among dealers gathered in Las Vegas this week, days ahead of third-quarter results. FILE PHOTO: The new Ford Focus car is displayed during a media preview at the Auto China 2018 motor show in Beijing, China April 25, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo In closed-door meetings with members of Ford’s national dealer network, Hackett and other top Ford executives showed off future versions of the popular Explorer and Escape SUVs as well as new the Ranger mid-sized pickup truck and an unnamed smaller off-road utility vehicle, attendees said. Ford has said it will refresh 75 percent of its North American lineup over the next two years. “I feel better after seeing the product,” said Jim Seavitt, owner of Village Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, near the company’s … [Read more...] about Ford CEO seeks to rally dealers as shares sink to new low
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Vision Problems? Ford CEO Says There Aren’t Any
Analysts and investors are quick to point out a key similarity between Ford Motor Company’s stock and the terrain between the Appalachians and Outer Banks, viewed from west to east. Unlike Tesla’s recent share price plunge(s), Ford’s decline has been gradual, remaining stubbornly unaffected by the automaker’s attempts to turn it all around. While he’s faced questions about his performance before, Ford CEO Jim Hackett is growing frustrated with the idea that, under his leadership, the company is focused too much on the future, with not enough going on in the present. Speaking to Automotive News, which was allowed to freely roam the automaker’s Dearborn HQ, pens in hand, Ford brass were only willing to admit fault when it came to the recent decision to scrap its passenger car fleet. The idea is still sound, the company claims, but it might have been a good idea to loop dealers into the plan. “We could have spent a little more time explaining why … [Read more...] about Vision Problems? Ford CEO Says There Aren’t Any
You’ll never guess what the new Ford Fusion looks like
Phoebe Wall Howard Detroit Free Press Published 9:32 p.m. UTC Jul 11, 2018 Ford plans to get rid of the traditional Fusion sedan in favor of a longer, taller and more brawny version. The new design, which has no scheduled release date, is intended to capture buyers who drive the Subaru Outback wagon and maybe even the BMW 5 Series hatchback. “While current Ford Fusion production ends in a few years, we’ll likely continue to use the name because of its awareness, positive imagery and value with consumers,” said Mike Levine, Ford North America product communications manager. “However, it’s too soon to speculate on what that new vehicle may look like.” He went on to emphasize that consumers are moving away from cars into crossovers, SUVs and hatchbacks. “All car sales are down,” Levine said. “We’re going where the consumer wants to go. They want vehicles with more ride height, more interior space, more versatility. … [Read more...] about You’ll never guess what the new Ford Fusion looks like
Live: Ford CEO says Corktown ensures Dearborn’s future
Ian Thibodeau The Detroit News Published 3:58 p.m. UTC Jun 19, 2018 New age of mobility Ford CEO Jim Hackett commends Bill Ford Jr. for his “vision” with the Rouge Plant, his now-famous TED talk in which he called for a new age of mobility, and now with his investment in Corktown. He’s allowed the automaker the chance to “prove mobility. To prove it works,” Hackett says. Hackett says the Corktown plans won’t replace Ford’s plans for Dearborn. “Make sure you hear that,” he said. In fact, Corktown ensures the future of Dearborn, he added. Hackett then introduces a teaser for a History Channel documentary titled “Detroit: Comeback City” Welcome call Bringing it home Wayne County Executive Warren Evans says, “The Michigan Avenue corridor is in my mind the one corridor that needs help more than any of the others.” He noted the Corktown development will connect Detroit and … [Read more...] about Live: Ford CEO says Corktown ensures Dearborn’s future
Ford CEO Says They’re Reinventing Cars Not Abandoning Them
Ford held its annual shareholders’ meeting earlier today and, as expected, the company’s executives were grilled about plans to drop its entire sedan lineup in North America. Automotive News reports Ford CEO Jim Hackett defended the move by saying the company isn’t killing them but rather “reinventing the American car.” He went on to say Ford will give consumers “what they’re telling us they really want.” Ford’s car lineup will soon be reduced to the Mustang and Focus Active. However, the company has previously hinted at the possibility of other crossover-like vehicles as they are exploring “white space” models that “combine the best attributes of cars and utilities, such as higher ride height, space and versatility.” Hackett seemed to expand on that earlier today as he said “We don’t want anyone to think we’re leaving anything. We’re just moving to a modern version.” He went on … [Read more...] about Ford CEO Says They’re Reinventing Cars Not Abandoning Them