Ford to Re-Evaluate Plans for Volvo
Ford said the decision to re-evaluate strategic options for Volvo comes in response to the significant decline in the global auto industry, particularly in the past three months, and the severe economic instability worldwide.
Ford Hopes to Strengthen Global Manufacturing Operations with Two Senior Management Changes
James Tetreault, 52, vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe, will return to the United States and become vice president, North America Manufacturing and will be replaced as vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe by Ken Macfarlane, 58.
Ford Expects Small Car to Bolster Profits; Establishes New Vehicle Connectivity Team
Ford Motor Co. said it is expecting double-digit percentage profit improvement based on the fuel efficiency, smart technologies and shared global nature of its upcoming new Focus small car in North America and new global offshoots. Ford announced that it is forming a new customer connectivity team to accelerate its leadership in vehicle smart technology solutions that are increasingly important to small car customers, including Ford SYNC, SIRIUS Travel Link and Ford Work Solutions and HD radio.
Ford to Speed Up Production of Fuel Efficient Vehicles and Realign Plants
Ford Motor Co. this week announced the details of a "significant acceleration" of its transformation plan, which will include the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and the realignment of its North American manufacturing plants. In addition to bringing six small vehicles to North America from the company’s European lineup, Ford is speeding up the introduction of fuel-efficient EcoBoost and all-new four-cylinder engines, boosting hybrid production and converting three existing truck and SUV plants for small car production, beginning this December.
Ford Motor Co. Returns to Black in First Quarter
From Deutsche Presse-Agentur DETROIT – Ford Motor Co. reported Thursday that it returned to the black in the first quarter of 2008, thanks to rigorous cost-cutting and restructuring. The Dearborn, Mich.-based carmaker posted net earnings of $100 million in the first quarter of 2008, compared with losses of $282 million in the first quarter of
Ford Plans to Park Jaguar, Land Rover with Tata Motors
In what could be one of the most significant shifts of clout in the auto industry, Ford Motor will hand over the keys to its high-class Jaguar and Land Rover brands to a relatively unknown Indian conglomerate that wants to be a high-end player. The sale is expected to be announced today, according to a source briefed on the negotiations who did not want to be named because the deal had not yet been made public. Tata is to pay about $2 billion for the two brands, which cost Ford $5.3 billion, and continue building the British vehicles in the U.K.
India’s Tata Picked as Potential Buyer of Ford’s Jaguar
Ford Motor Co. said Thursday that India’s Tata Motors Ltd. is the preferred buyer for its luxury Jaguar and Land Rover brands. The deal, if struck, is expected to reach around $2 billion, reports said.
Permatex Presents 2007 International Partner Award to America Europe International, Timken Australia
Permatex announced the recipients of its 2007 International Distinguished Partner Award at this year’s AAPEX show in Las Vegas. America Europe International and Timken Australia were named co-recipients of the award for their dedication and contribution to Permatex’s sales growth internationally. According to Tony Battaglia, director of marketing for Permatex, the award recognizes a commitment to profitability, consistent sales growth and long term results.
European Commission Says Car Manufacturers Must Now Share Info with Independent Garages
From Tire Review/Tyres & Accessories Staffordshire, U.K. — The European Commission has moved to ensure that car manufacturers will provide technical information about car repairs to all independent garages in the European Union. According to a Dow Jones report, the decision will legally bind DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, General Motors and Fiat to change their business practices
Ford to Build Subcompact Car in Brazil
Ford Motor Co. will build its forthcoming subcompact sedan for the North American market in Brazil, in what is considered by some to be a risky attempt to generate profits in that segment of the U.S. market. Ford has chosen its Sao Bernardo Assembly plant in the state of Sao Paulo as the source for the critical small car, according to officials at Ford and two automotive consulting firms — Global Insight and CSM Worldwide – briefed on the issue. The vehicle is set to launch in the 2009 to 2010 timeframe, said the officials who requested anonymity because Ford hasn’t publicly disclosed the plan.