ptsweeper

Wow - strong sales all around. Even the Taurus and Flex had nice months. The Fusion and Escape have incredible staying power - unbelievable.

The Freestyle/Taurus X provides perhaps the best combination of space, fuel efficiency, and great handling available on the market. I get 20 mpg with mostly city driving and 25 - 28 mph on longer trips. That being said, it really never carved a spot in the marketplace. Kind of cult following.

I have a 07 Freestyle FWD. Average about 21 mpg with mostly city driving, with about 27 - 29 mpg on longer trips. This is flat out the best mileage you can get in a 7 passenger vehicle. (with limited research on my part) The vehicle drives great, much better than a minivan. It just needs a better marketing plan.

My last three rentals have been a Taurus, a Taurus X, and a Fusion. Fleet sales will still be a major portion of sales.

Anyone with 15 years or less on the job or under the age of 40 years old needs to prepare for retirement assuming that paid health care and Social Security will not exist. Any help from those two sources will be a bonus.

Normally I would say this is a bad idea, but with the state of Ford (and GM) I would take the money now and set up the VEBA. It will have to be professionally managed. If Ford goes bankrupt, heathcare for retirees is gone.

I have an '07 Freestlye and the fit and finish are fantastic. The only real beef I have is with the air circulation, and that was my fault for not gettting the optional rear comfort package (I got the car in Feb. when it was cold). The car is solid as a rock. I seriously doubt the new Taurus will be any different. I should know soon if it is rental fleets. I was a little disappointed in the style, though. I really wish they would have taken another year and come out with Best of Class in every catagory. Seems like that is the case with the engine.

Good post. Paying high interest on your credit cards is bad, but putting them on a home equity line of credit is a worse idea. The only thing that I can see putting on a home equity line of credit are items that will add value to your house or will severely subtract from the house value if not done (roof, windows, etc.). Paying for your vacation, car, or steak dinner over 20 years is never a good idea.

I have a hard time feeling sorry for people that took out interest only loans or 125% LTV second mortgages. I don't have any sympathy for the people who lent them the money. That's why you justified charging the high interest rates. As for the housing market, it is a temporary drop in pricing, either due to regional economic circumstances (MI, OH) or due to irrational exuberence (CA, NV, FLA, any coastline) and overbuilding. The population of this country continues to increase by 3 million or so each year, so demand will catch up with supply some day. I would expect 3-5 years for pricing to return to last years levels. It will take 5-10 years for MI and OH to return. If you don't need to move or are moving to another house in the same community, it won't hurt you one bit. If you are forced to move, you are stuck.

"All of these diversions keep angry workers from wrapping their fingers tighter around the throat of the company." I actually attempted to read one of these dissertations, but after this comment I don't need to read any further.

Ford Sales Article from the Detroit News Ford Sales Press Release I can understand the drop in F-Series and SUVs. I'm just surprised that Fusion sales are dropping off significantly already.

I think Wixommm is right. The issue is not with Ford, it is with Fidelity and it has more to due to with Tax laws than money owed. Quote from the salaried retirement handbook: "If you do not pay off your loans in full at the time of your retirement, you will be sent a coupon book for your use in making monthly payments directly to Fidelity." Also: "If you do not comply with the Plan's loan repayment provisions, the outstanding loan balance will be treated as a distribution of assests and will be subject to federal, state, and local income taxes, and possible early withdrawl penalties." Basically, any gains you have would be treated as ordinary income+ 10% penalty. If you own Ford stock, you won't have to pay much.

I wish they would have done more changes to the sheetmetal for the Taurus and Taurus X. I don't think it has changed enough. Hopefully marketing can overcome it. I have a Freestyle and it drives great!

Under most circumstances, I would say this is a bad idea. In a normal situation, the subject company can use regular profits to fund the health care system when needed. The UAW doesn't have that option. But basd on Ford's current health, I think it is an advantage for some of the health care money to set aside. If Ford remains solvent, then they will continue to help fund it through contributions. If they are not solvent, all will be lost anyway. This doesn't affect me directly, so maybe that changes my opinion, but I think the best bet is to move what money exists now in to an independent fund.

Ex-Ford employee with a Taurus and a Freestyle. I really like the Edge but need the extra seats. My last (and first) 11 cars have been Ford products.