mackinaw

Read the article.

One of Ford's better CEO's. Responsible for the Taurus. He was 97. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2024/04/25/donald-petersen-ceo-who-turned-around-ford-with-the-taurus-dies-at-97/73459335007/

From the Detroit News: "Meanwhile, Ford Pro, the commercial vehicle business, was the shining star of the report. It posted more than $3 billion in operating income, up 120% from last year, and a 16.7% operating margin. Super Duty sales drove the increase, according to the automaker. Software services also represented 13% of the earnings, nearing the goal of 20%." https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2024/04/24/ford-first-quarter-earnings-profits-fall-ford-blue-f-150-ramp-up-model-e-ford-pro/73418005007/

His bonus declined in 2023. From the Detroit News: “Bill’s (Ford) and Jim’s salaries were flat with 2022 and their bonuses were down — and well below target levels — based on the overall performance of our business," spokesperson T.R. Reid said. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2024/03/29/ford-ceo-jim-farley-bill-ford-2023-compensation/73142609007/

To me, it's telling that the skunkworks team is in California, not Dearborn. Some people on this forum love to bitch about Ford's bureaucracy and "silos." Fewer than 100 engineers working 2,400 miles away from Michigan should address that issue.

They have websites, and I still see hard copies in the newstand of our local market. There was a time when I subscribed to all three of them. I haven't looked at a copy of any in years.

Ugh. Talk about trying too hard.

Not sure they have a tight budget. With less than 100 employees on this team (according to Bloomberg), you would think their overall budget wouldn't be that big. But I'd wager they have strict cost targets.

Well, the Ford GT and Mustang GTD were skunkworks programs and both turned out pretty damn good.

And the fact the contracts the parts suppliers have signed all expire about now. I'm sure they've already signed new contracts with other OEM's to supply parts.

For the guys who work at OAC, this is from the Detroit News: "As a result, launch of the vehicles at Oakville Assembly Plant will begin in 2027 instead of the previously expected 2025. Retooling of the plant from from the gas-powered Edge crossover still is expected to begin in the second quarter. Some skilled trades workers will maintain their position through the updates, but most of the 2,700 employees at the plant will be on layoff until production resume again. The company says it will work with Canadian labor union Unifor to mitigate the effect of the delay on workers." https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/ford/2024/04/04/ford-delays-ev-launches-hybrid-lineup-2030/73201263007/

Worldwide, 2.9 million PHEV's were sold in 2022. 1.9 million in 2021. https://www.statista.com/statistics/442759/global-sales-of-plugin-hybrid-electric-vehicles-as-a-share-of-evs/#:~:text=About 2.9 million new plug,electric vehicle sales in 2022.

Me too.

I remember seeing the GT 90 at the Detroit Auto Show back in 1995. Used Ford's "New Edge" design language.

I had a Pinto in the early 70's back during my college years. 1971 green hatchback, 2.0L four with a 4-speed tranny. It was a good little car. Economical, fun to drive, and reliable. I only have good memories of that car, though Michigan winter road salt did a number on the body.