Bill Malone is famous for card tricks told to the tune of a story, as such he's been hired to shill for Ford, extolling the virtues the 2010 Ford Taurus as well as the 2010 Ford Fusion as he delights onlookers with displays of slight of hand. Even we couldn't stomach the sugar coated love fest on his script, but we were amused as he performed for Ford big wigs. Among the onlookers is Mark Fields, President of the Americas for Ford and Derrick Kuzak, Vice President of Global Product Development for Ford.

The scene almost seems like it was deliberately set up as bait for a round of "Caption This."

Fields claims, by way of PUTC, that

"we've made a significant investment in it (the Boss engine). The program is moving forward but with lower volumes and only one displacement (engine)."

That said, we commend the Washington Conference on Plug-Ins for bringing together the top automotive, utility and technology companies to discuss the challenges facing plug-in hybrid vehicles. There's a real need for some kind of governmental help on making them a reality. However, we'd disagree with Fields in his assessment of what form that help should take. What we really need is not the development of domestic production, but the development of domestic R&D. The auto industry needs monies centralized in a Manhattan Project-like plan to develop real battery technology for the entire industry. But the chances of that happening can be summed up in the words of Jalopnik Understatement award-winner Tom Kuhn, president of the Edison Electric Institute, who said "people in this country are mad." [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

Two weeks ago, we announced that rapidly deteriorating business conditions - and a dramatic acceleration in consumer shifts away from large pickups and SUVs to smaller cars and crossovers - have made it necessary for us to accelerate our North America transformation plan.

While the fundamentals of our North American business are stronger than they were when we started our recovery effort more than two years ago, we're facing new and greater challenges as an industry. Lower industry volumes and segment shifts, together with the cost of steel and other commodities, directly affect our bottom line. As we previously announced, we no longer expect Ford North America to return to profitability in 2009.

Clearly as we've seen business conditions deteriorate in North America, it's important for us to act. In addition to realigning production, we need to bring costs in line. As one element of that, we've had to examine salaried-related costs. In keeping with our commitment to communicate decisions first with employees, today I'd like to share the actions that we will need to take.

Our plan is to reduce salaried-related costs in North America by 15 percent by Aug. 1. This unfortunately will result in involuntary separations of Ford employees and agency personnel, as well as cost savings through attrition and consolidation of open positions. We won't know the exact number of job reductions until each function examines its business needs and determines how best to meet their specific cost-reduction targets.

We also are making some employee compensation and benefit changes to further reduce costs.

These include:

• A further delay of merit increase payments for employees in the U.S. and Canada from July 1to Oct. 1;

• An immediate suspension of the U.S. Salaried Tuition Assistance Program;

• An immediate suspension of the U.S. Salaried Dependent Scholarship Program; and

• A $25,000 cap on company-paid Retiree Basic Life Insurance for previously eligible existing and future U.S. salaried retirees, effective Aug. 1. ...

Health care benefits, 401(k) matching funds and other benefits remain unchanged, along with our commitment to keep you informed of the latest challenges.

We realize the effect these actions will have on you and your families. While this has been a difficult period for all of us, it's important to remember our hard work in recent years has positioned the company to better withstand these challenges.

The new products we've launched during the past two years have been successful in the marketplace, and we are on plan with our commitment for 70 percent of our Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup to be new or significantly upgraded by the end of this year - and 100 percent by the end of 2010. We have not announced new products beyond that time frame - but we absolutely remain committed to the second part of our plan, which is to accelerate the development of new products that customers want and value.

In the near-term, we already have announced expanding the use of our fuel efficient six-speed transmissions, adding new fuel-saving EcoBoost engine technology in 2009, bringing a new European-engineered Transit Connect in 2009 and the new Ford Fiesta small car in 2010.

We've also shown tremendous progress and resolve in cost reductions and are on track to meet our goal of taking $5 billion in cost out of the system by year-end, while delivering quality products on par with the best in the business. Going forward, we will begin to fully realize the benefits of our more competitive contracts with the UAW and CAW as well.

Ultimately, we believe we have the best plan for facing these industry challenges. And we know that companies that deal with these market realities with the greatest sense of urgency and the best executions of their plans will succeed. We've already seen this as we transformed Ford in Europe and South America. With even greater resolve, we can do the same in North America.

As managers, you will receive cascade materials later this morning to help you in conducting discussions with employees about these actions. Thank you for all your hard work.

— Mark

Related:
Ad Watch: Ford Taurus, Brought To You By Mark Fields?; A Bold Move To Stop Making Bold Moves: Ford To Pinch-Hit With Pepsi Challenge Ads Later Today?; more Bold Moves [internal]

We swear — the dad in the new commercial for the all-new Ford Taurus looks exactly like Mark Fields, mullet and all. Take a look at the commercial above and the gallery below for reference and then you tell us. What do you think — uncanny, isn't it? – Ray Wert

Related:
Bold Mullets: Still Happening Every Day; It's Sort Of Official: Introducing The Ford Taurus, Taurus X And Mercury Sable; Bold Mullets: They Happen Every Day?; The Ford Taurus Is Back...Online; Jalopnik Music Videos: Five Hundred , I Hate Your Name... [internal]

Ford give execs huge bonuses despite record losses [therawstory.com]

Related:
Breaking! Ford To Offer Bonuses To All Employees [internal]

2009 FORD FLEX: AN ALL-NEW FULL-SIZE CROSSOVER REDEFINES THE JOURNEY FOR THE AMERICAN FAMILY

* Bold Design Inside and Out: New Ford Flex full-size crossover is the first vehicle of its kind with a bold design, striking interior and seven-passenger seating for families.
* Cool Features: Interior refrigerator, second-row footrests, Ford Sync in-car communications and entertainment system, capless fueling, a 2,300-song personal juke box, programmable ambient interior "mood lighting" and a Multi-Panel Vista Roof are among the many customer-inspired innovations.
* Safe and Secure: An available rear back-up camera, s tandard f ront-and-side-seat mounted air bags, three-row Safety Canopy side curtain and AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) offer the safety and security customers demand for their families.
* Powerful and Confident: An award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine, fuel-efficient 6-speed transmission and available intelligent all-wheel-drive provide powerful and confident road manners.
* On Sale Next Year: The 2009 Ford Flex goes on sale in the summer of 2008, joining the Edge and Taurus X in Ford's popular crossover lineup.

NEW YORK, April 4, 2007 - Ford Motor Company redefines the modern American family journey with the introduction of the 2009 Ford Flex, a full-size crossover that sets a new standard for style, features, functionality and comfort in the U.S. industry's hottest segment.

"The new Ford Flex crossover is a game-changer. It's the first vehicle of its kind that combines seating for seven, interior spaciousness and surprising features with a striking design that looks great on the road and at home for today's modern American families," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas, as he revealed the new vehicle at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. "The Flex builds on Ford's leadership in crossover vehicles, which is the fastest-growing part of the auto market today."

On sale in the summer of 2008, the Flex is arriving as crossovers continue to outpace even the remarkable growth of SUVs during the 1990s and minivans of the 1980s.

Last year, crossovers surpassed traditional SUV sales for the first time, and they are trending toward annual crossover sales of 3 million units by the end of the decade. Such growth likely will make crossovers the first or second largest vehicle segment in the U.S.

"Flex is another example of Ford creating more of the products that our customers really want," Fields said. "Ford intends to define crossover vehicles this decade just as we did SUVs in the 1990s."

The Flex joins the Edge and Taurus X in Ford's expanding crossover lineup. Ford's success with crossover utility vehicles is substantial. In March alone, the company's U.S. crossover
sales were up more than 40 percent over last year - led by the success of the new Edge.

Redefining the Family Journey

Bold, expressive design and exclusive innovations define the new Flex.

"The Ford Flex has the power to move people emotionally as well as physically," said J Mays, Ford's group vice president of Design and chief creative officer.

"This crossover has been created for people who know it's the journey - not the destination - that matters most," Mays added. "Its upright, upscale design, versatility and clever touches allow Ford Flex to stand out in an increasingly crowded sea of crossovers."

The Ford Flex brings to production the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle that turned heads at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

"Flex is following in the tire tracks, so to speak, of Ford vehicles like the Taurus, Explorer and Mustang. It's the next iconic Ford," said Peter Horbury, Ford's executive director of Design for The Americas. "It shatters today's image of people movers."

Flex's signature exterior design includes:

* Ford's signature chrome horizontal three-bar grille, which builds on the family "face" that defines the Ford Edge and Taurus X crossovers, as well as the Ford Fusion sedan.
* A unique, all black "greenhouse" - defined as the windshield, rear and side windows,
and the pillars separating and connecting them to the roof. The design brings together seamlessly the body with the available multi-panel roof. Customers can pair a White Suede or Silver roof option with one of Flex's 10 available exterior colors or choose a body-color roof.
* Standard 18-inch or available 19-inch bright aluminum wheels, which plant the new crossover firmly on the road.
* Flex's integrated rocker panel design, which eliminates the need for customers to step over the rocker panel when getting in and out of the vehicle.
* Edge-inspired taillamps, which are outlined in chrome. Flex Limited models have LED taillamps and a brushed satin finish metal appliqu spanning the center of the liftgate.

Interior Quality

Inside, Ford Flex delivers textures, features and functionality - including segment exclusives - that create an ideal atmosphere for discerning customers and their families.

"More than 90 percent of crossover customers make their vehicle purchases based in part on
the overall quality of interiors," said Kate Pearce, Flex marketing manager. "When they see
the Flex's exterior, they'll be intrigued. When they see its interior, they'll fall in love."

Flex's interior provides a level of craftsmanship inspired by fashion and furniture design,
with modern materials and soft touch points.

Details include tweed-like fabric for the base-level Flex SE's seats, with inserts in a miniature houndstooth. Meanwhile, the Flex SEL features a soft insert with a more pronounced grain on the seat bolsters, while the Flex Limited features unique diamond-pattern perforations on the leather seat inserts. Contrast stitching also is available on leather seats and the center console.

Cool Features Built Right In

Flex is set apart from other vehicles thanks to a long list of surprising features. They include:

* Class-exclusive refrigerator, mounted between the second-row captain's chairs. Unlike competitors' systems that merely keep cold beverages cool, the Flex's available compressor-driven refrigerator can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles from room temperature to 41 degrees in just more than two-and-one-half hours. That's 40 percent faster than a standard home refrigerator.
* Multi-Panel Vista Roof . It not only brightens the interior, it gives Flex occupants seated in each row their own special skylight.
* Second-row, best-in-class legroom, including class-exclusive adjustable and removable footrests. The Flex's second-row seats fold and tumble to provide access to the third-row and fold flat into the floor for added cargo space. An available one-touch system folds and tumbles the second row.
* Seven-color programmable ambient lighting. Flex owners can choose interior lighting to fit their mood. With this feature - which also is being introduced on the 2008 Ford Focus - customers use a dashboard switch to change the lighting on two LEDs mounted on the front console, two on the footwells and two around the cupholders.
* Capless fuel filler system. This exclusive feature eliminates the likelihood of forgetting to put the gas cap back on after fueling. It also saves time by doing away with unscrewing and replacing a fuel-filler cap and provides a better seal, cutting down
the emissions of smog-forming vapors.
* Ford Sync , Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system. This available system fully integrates mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle. The Sync in-car communications system was developed in collaboration with Microsoft and will be offered exclusively on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles later this year.
* Ford's next-generation navigation system, featuring voice recognition technology and more than 150 hours of music storage. Users can browse the music jukebox via touch-screen or by using voice recognition. They can also create custom play lists and burn CDs for storage on the system's hard drive. The system also integrates the climate control and SIRIUS Satellite Radio into one easy-to-use, smudge-resistant, 8-inch touch-screen display. Premium AM/FM/MP3 audio systems also are available with a six-CD changer, auxiliary jack to accommodate MP3 players and the latest generation DVD entertainment system with a large 8-inch, drop-down screen.
* Ford's exclusive second-generation door-entry keypad . Housed within the vehicle's black B pillars, the flat-panel, backlit keypad eliminates the need for door-mounted buttons and gives customers the ability to unlock doors, disarm the alarm system and disable the auto-lock function by entering a five-digit code.

Quiet, Confident Ride

The Ford Flex's chassis was designed to be capable, including more than 4,000 pounds of towing capacity, while still delivering the quiet, confident ride that crossover customers demand.

"A quiet ride is no longer a luxury," said Gary Boes, Flex chief engineer. "It's something
that customers have come to expect from their vehicles and equate with quality. Flex has
been engineered from the onset with reduced noise, vibration and harshness in mind."

Engineering advancements include a new independent rear suspension system (IRS) with
unique geometry that allows for better tuning to deliver a broad range of capabilities without compromising the interior package. Interior noise was minimized by using sound-deadening materials in the dash panel, headliner and under the carpeting.

In addition, a 6-millimeter thick windshield helps reduce wind and powertrain noise, while specially selected tires make road noise nearly unnoticeable.

Powerful V-6 with AWD

Flex is powered by Ford's award-winning 3.5-liter V-6 engine and is mated to a fuel-efficient
6-speed transmission. The powertrain is expected to deliver more than 260 horsepower,
245 lb.-ft. of torque and good fuel economy.

Flex's available intelligent all-wheel-drive system is tuned to provide confident driving in all weather conditions. Intelligent AWD uses an active, on-demand electronic center coupler to allocate a precise amount of torque from front to rear - up to 100 percent to either axle. The system also can anticipate wheel slip before it happens.

Safety Families Demand

Flex comes equipped with features that reflect Ford's commitment to keeping customers and their families safe and secure. The new crossover's body structure has been optimized with side intrusion beams in the doors, strategic use of high-strength boron steel and specially designed, energy-absorbing interior door trims.

Other safety advancements include:

* Rear back-up camera. Mounted in the bottom of Flex's liftgate badge, the available camera is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a view of what's behind the vehicle. The system works in conjunction with the vehicle's reverse sensing system and uses the navigation screen as a display.
* AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control). This system can predict a vehicle's path, using a sensor to measure oversteer and yaw by monitoring the vehicle's speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When the system senses wheel slip or the loss of traction, it applies braking where needed to keep the vehicle safely on its intended path.
* Ford's Personal Safety System. This suite of safety features includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, thorax side air bags for front seat occupants, safety belt pretensioners, seat weight sensing system for the passenger seat and crash severity sensing.
* Ford's exclusive Safety Canopy side curtain air bag. Designed for all three rows, this feature utilizes roll-fold technology to efficiently deploy the air bag when an occupant's head is resting against the side glass. In the event of a crash, the roll-fold bag will deploy between the occupant's head and the side of the vehicle.
* Ford's BeltMinder safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger. Flex also comes equipped with such standard features as child safety locks on the rear doors, the trunk LATCH system and Ford's tire pressure monitoring system.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

We're assuming at least 10,000 FoMoCo employees will be taking the long route home today, with the remainder of employees "left behind" wondering why they didn't take advantage of those early buyouts. But if this is a true "exodus" from Dearborn as the headline from the Freep this morning suggests, we're wondering who plays who in this turnaround story of biblical proportions on stage today in Dearborn? Our guesses on the playbill after the jump.

Mount Horeb burning bush:

This would have to be FoMoCo's spokesman Ray Day or his boss Charlie Holleran. Considering that at any given moment, one of them thinks they speak as the "voice of G-d" for the automaker — this seems to make sense.

Perhaps the successor to Moses and son of Nun just won't be appearing in this particular rendition of the Exodus. Mostly it's because the cupboard's looking rather bare in terms of leadership at FoMoCo at the moment. Perhaps there's a Boeing exec out there that could be brought in to pinch-hit or understudy for the part?

This one's easy. For the role of Moses' big brother, the elder son (and second child) of Amram and Jochebed of the tribe of Levi, we'd clearly choose a golden boy mishpacha who built a turnaround plan that seemed so ready for idolation, all shiny-like-gold from the beginning. But then in reality, once a real leader shows up (Moses), you end up realizing that plan wasn't anything but a false way forward. That's right, this role's perfect for the president of the Americas, Mark Fields.

You'd have to choose the main-man at the top of the food chart for this one — Alan Mulally. True, the CEO of the boldly not moving product automaker from Dearborn doesn't strike us as much of a Charlton Heston type, he's the guy who's got to lead these particular Israelites through the wilderness.

This one's going to be a difficult one to cast. At first we thought maybe Toyota could play the role as a Prius dressed up in a Pharaoh costume, or perhaps it could be Ford Motor Company whipping itself like a slave. But then we realized there's one player still left on the bench who's just begging to be centerfield. For this role you need a man who's been raised as royalty since his youth. You'd need someone who's going to be easily manipulated by G-d. You know, someone whose mind can be changed at a moment's notice. There's only one man we know who could pull off this role — "Big Bill Boss" himself — Bill Ford.

Mass exodus from Ford today [Freep]

Related:
Bold Mullets: Still Happening Every Day; Mark Fields Urges Ford Managers To Be "Supportive" [internal]

Mullet or not, Fields' hair is talk of the auto industry [Freep]

Related:
Bold Mullets: They Happen Every Day? [internal]

According to the Freep, managers in the glass house in Dearborn just got a memo from Mark "Movie Star" Fields, chieftain of all the Americas, giving them the skinny on how to best deal with employees during FoMoCo's current trials and tribulations. Fields told company leaders:

"it is especially important to be accessible and supportive"

Ford memo urges execs to be 'supportive' [Freep]

Related:
You Know Ford Is FUBARMoCo When Even CAR Is Calling It A "Company Meltdown" [internal]

Apparently, according to an internal report card Ray Day spirited over to that made it's way into the hands of Mark Truby Bryce Hoffman at The Detroit News, FoMoCo ain't quite hitting the metrics it's set out for itself. This despite a request from new CEO Alan Mulally for "unblushing honesty" and "realistic goals for 2007." Apparently even reality isn't "realistic" enough as the plan points out FoMoCo's missed its retail sales market share goal in the United States by 10,600 vehicles and doesn't expect to make the goals set for February and March. The automaker's also expected to miss the material cost reduction goals the company laid out for the remainder of the year's first calendar quarter. In addition:

"Employee confidence in its turnaround plan has fallen. Fewer than half of employees say they believe Ford's Way Forward plan will help it achieve sustainable business success. Only 38 percent of employees said they were confident Ford has the right products to compete."

...totally believes in them.

"Fields went over the report with employees Wednesday as part of his regular weekly Webcast, but acknowledged that he is having a hard time convincing them to keep the faith."

Ford fix-it plan off track [Detroit News]

Photo By: Bill Pugliano / Getty Images News

Related:
Incentives Like To Live On The Edge Too; Alan Mulally Becomes Excited, Engages In Man-Love While At Boeing [internal]

Automotive New is reporting FoMoCo's now offering $500 off on the base model of their new CUV to give it a bit more sales "oomph!" Pardon us for being a bit worried here, but wasn't the turnaround effort at the Dearborn, MI based automaker supposed to be "an Edge-based turnaround." Because you know, the Edge is the automaker's "flagship" and stuff. – Ray Wert

Related:
The Ford Earnings Call: The Way Forward Is Even Better Than The Real Thing [internal]

FORD TAURUS, TAURUS X, MERCURY SABLE RETURN AS UPGRADED 2008-MODELS DEBUT THIS SUMMER

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 - Ford Motor Company today announced it is bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name, introducing a new name - Taurus X - for its three-row crossover and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles go on sale this summer.

"Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas, at the Chicago Auto Show. "Consumer awareness of the Taurus name is double the Five Hundred that it's replacing, and awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego.

"By giving these vehicles the names that consumers recognize at the same time we're making significant upgrades, we're confident that even more people are going to be attracted to these great products in the future," Fields added.

The 2008-model Taurus sedan will go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. The new Taurus features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features - including standard electronic stability control - and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.

The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer - replacing the Ford Freestyle - with the same design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate.

The 2008-model Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer - replacing the Mercury Montego - with extensive design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as unique touches that make it a Mercury. They include Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille, jeweled projector beam headlamps, distinctive LED tail lamps and a two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a technical appearance can opt for Cyber Carbon - a deep, high-gloss accent resembling carbon fiber. More traditional sophistication is available from two modern wood grain accents - Guitar Maple and San Macassar.

Ford Taurus: An Automotive Icon

The Ford Taurus was a milestone in automotive design when it was introduced in 1985. It was the best-selling car in America for five straight years, starting in 1992. At its peak, Taurus posted annual sales of more than 400,000 units. When production of the original Taurus ended after 21 years on Oct. 27, 2006, nearly 7 million cars had been sold - and an estimated 3.5 million Taurus models remain on the road today

The Taurus name remains powerful today. In fact, it is one of top three most recognized Ford nameplates, behind only the F-Series and Mustang. Consumer awareness of the Taurus nameplate remains at an impressive 80 percent.

"The Ford Five Hundred has been a solid product, and it has one of the highest satisfaction rates in our lineup," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "Once people discover the vehicle, nearly 60 percent end up buying a one.

"The Taurus will be even better thanks to significant upgrades - and, now, a name that people know. Going forward, we're going to cherish this iconic name with the same clarity, confidence and intensity as we do with F-Series and Mustang," Codina added.

The new Taurus X crossover builds on the strength of its namesake, while underscoring Ford's commitment to leadership in crossover vehicles. Crossovers already have surpassed SUVs in annual vehicle sales, and Ford predicts they will become the largest or second largest segment in the U.S. by the end of the decade - with sales of 3 million units.

The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover - based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle - which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.

"The Taurus and Taurus X draw design cues from the Fusion sedan and Edge crossover. This family relationship will be a huge asset. The Fusion is an unqualified success, and the Edge is off to an even faster start than we saw for the Fusion," Codina said.

Sable Returns to Mercury

The Sable name today maintains an impressive 60 percent consumer awareness level. With the new 2008-model, Sable will offer the same differentiation that already is proving to be a success in the marketplace with the Mercury Mariner and Mercury Milan.

"Our newest Mercurys are attracting new customers and doing a great job at appealing to women," Codina said.

"The Mercury Mariner attracts more new customers today to Ford and Lincoln Mercury than any other nameplate, except the Ford Mustang. And about half of Mercury Milan customers are women, which is a higher rate than for the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat," Codina added.

Mercury's signature design cues - including satin aluminum accents, high contrast interiors and upscale trim and detailing - will differentiate the new Sable from the Taurus in the same way as the Mariner and Milan.

2008 Sable and 2008 Taurus X [BlueOvalForums]

Related:
You Sort of Called It: Report Says Ford Five Hundred to Be Renamed Taurus [internal]

Ford executives have a long and noble history of failing upwards. This seems to be especially true where the company's Premier Automotive Group (Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover, Aston Martin) is concerned. After Premier's premier Premier Wolfgang Reitzle bled billions trying to transform a rag tag army of money-losing foreign car brands into the Louis Vuitton collection of upmarket autos, Bill Ford offered Wolfie the keys to the entire kingdom. When Mark Fields assumed control of Ford's English patient, his efforts failed to staunch the arterial spray of red ink. In fact, Automotive News reports that Jaguar North America CEO Mike O'Driscoll, marketing executives Richard Beattie and George Ayres, sales boss Doug Speck, PR chief Simon Sproule and finance boss Geoff Cousins hatched a plan in '04 to restrict Jag sales to supercharged models. Rather than making a Bold Move, Fields let the brand's British bosses smother it in its crib. Today, supercharged X-Type prototypes are in storage, Jaguar's American sales are in the toilet and Fields has the keys to the executive washroom, as Ford's President of the Americas. Go figure. [FYI: Best quote: "All Ford's 'no' guys came out of the woodwork," says a Jaguar source. "You know, legal, engineering, warranty. It was doomed."] – Robert Farago

Related:
Spy Photos: 2009 Jaguar XF [internal]

8:59:46 AM: Ok, got my coffee and we're ready to go...waiting...nice hold music...very soothing.

9:02:20 AM: Ok, they're announcing names — BORING!
9:03:49 AM: Ooh, Alan's speaking — he sounds VERY confident!
9:03:56 AM: There's slides? WTF?
9:04:00 AM: Damnit, where are they?
9:05:41 AM: Alan says they recognize the position they're in — and he claims the year's finished as a success.
9:06:23 AM: Here are the slides, by the way. They're in PDF, as an FYI.
9:08:03 AM: Hey, good news — PAG reported profits in the fourth quarter. Sounds like a December to remember!
9:08:38 AM: Don's up to bat now and we're on slide six — riveting.
9:09:23 AM: Don sounds exhausted. Poor Don, he's had a lot of counting to do recently.
9:09:51 AM: Seriously though, the man sounds exhausted. Hell, both he and Alan sound tired.
9:13:46 AM: Don makes me sleepy today. We need to start a drinking game where we drink shots of espresso.
9:16:14 AM: Ok, it's kind of bugging me that everyone forgets the folks reading along have an extra slide at the beginning — so when Don says "slide 14," he really means "slide 15." It's the little things, you know?
9:16:27 AM: Ooh, Don sounds so excited talking about product.
9:16:58 AM: 70% of product refreshed by 2008. How will they do that? Kill more product lines? Cause yeah, then you'll have a 70% refresh.
9:17:08 AM: Is there a little kid or some intern on the other line?
9:20:04 AM: Slide 19, Don!
9:20:43 AM: Yay Ford Europe!
9:20:49 AM: Way to have a good year!
9:22:02 AM: 494,000 sales, $8.8 billion in revenue, $232 million in pre-tax profits. That's up from 472,000 sales, $7.9 billion in revenue, $24 million in pre-tax profits in Ford Europe.
9:23:03 AM: P.A.G. had 4,000 more in sales this year, and made another $600 million in revenue and made over $120 million in pre-tax profits.
9:23:24 AM: Asia-Pacific...huh? Why'd they change the slide layout?
9:23:35 AM: Oh wait, here we go:
9:24:09 AM: Asia Pacific, 3,000 more in sales, $400 million lower in revenue and $96 million less than 2005.
9:27:07 AM: Page 27, Don!
9:27:24 AM: Page 28, Don!
9:30:00 AM: Did Don just say $2,100 per vehicle is pension costs?
9:31:54 AM: Oh, good — advertising costs are remaining the same. That means we get all sorts of more Bold Moves (TM) in 2007!
9:33:16 AM: HOLY SHIT! THEY EXPECT AUTOMOTIVE RESULTS TO BE WORSE IN 2007!!
9:34:47 AM: In big bold letters at the bottom of page 37 (and yes, we just realized it also says "slide 36" at the bottom): MARKET SHARE AND MOST EARNINGS COMPARISONS WILL BE TOUGH FOR THE NEXT THREE QUARTERS
9:36:29 AM: Alan's talking again — he's got four key priorities:
9:37:20 AM:
1.) Restructure the Company; be profitable at lower volume and changed mix
Launch new products
Reduce costs
Eliminate excess capacity
2.) Accelerate product development and reduce manufacturing complexity
Leverage global assets
Develop a global product plan
3.) Secure financing — Accomplished; deploy capital wisely
4.) 'Working Together' (Teamwork, Accountability)
9:40:50 AM: We're taking questions from analysts now
9:41:27 AM: Alan is committed to working with the administration
9:41:35 AM: Alan and George, sitting in a tree
9:41:57 AM: e-t-h-a-n-o-l-i-n-g
9:43:20 AM: Couldn't hear the first two because some telemarketer called, but someone's asking "Alan, what are your thoughts on Jaguar and Volvo?"
9:45:35 AM: Alan just dropped Land Rover into the question — "Fordian" slip perhaps?
9:45:49 AM: Jaguar's making good efforts in cost restructuring?
9:45:50 AM: Really?
9:45:54 AM: $715 million loss?
9:45:56 AM: WTF?
9:46:13 AM: "continue to look at our entire portfolio strategically...blah, blah, blah."
9:46:25 AM: Jonathan from Morgan Stanley
9:46:51 AM: "Was $5.something billion in automotive losses...what do you need to see to put out additional cost-cutting?"
9:48:10 AM: "Profitability by 2009 and on...having said that, operating mode ahead...every quarter every year, identifying...opportunities to improve the plan...and over time we'll be able to do that."
9:49:34 AM: Side note: long, long, long...and boring!
9:50:21 AM: JP Morgan wants to know about the union receiving reductions on health care — is it an attainable goal?
9:51:06 AM: Alan: "We've continued to talk on it with the UAW, and over the years we've made some real progress...the UAW is working to improve our profitability."
9:51:32 AM: Don: "We've had a good constructive dialog with the unions...our goal is to improve competitiveness for Ford Motor Company."
9:52:48 AM: More boringness on Ford Credit.
9:54:01 AM: Don says Ford's flexible cause it's got money. Umm...what if it's all been earmarked?
9:54:21 AM: Credit Suisse: "where are we on the Super Duty launch — are you building?"
9:54:59 AM: Credit Suisse: "how do you expect to see market share trends in 2007 — do you expect it to come back up in later years."
9:55:07 AM: Alan: "Mark's here!"
9:55:10 AM: MOVIE STAR!!!
9:55:21 AM: He was actually at the launch! OMFG! Hawt!
9:55:32 AM: The Mullet is back!
9:55:46 AM: Wait, I just missed what he said, I was too busy having a mulletgasm.
9:56:17 AM: Oh, wait he's now talking about market share loss due to fleet sales dropping.
9:56:26 AM: But they want retail sales to increase.
9:57:56 AM: Did Don just say he wants to keep everyone straight there? When did Bill Ford enter the room?
9:58:20 AM: Wait — those are two WHOLLY UNRELATED questions above. We swear. Scout's honor.
10:00:46 AM: More union questions!
10:01:04 AM: I'm lagging and out of red bull. Well, time to just do vodka shots.
10:01:29 AM: Question: "philosophically, how do you feel about a strike?"
10:02:56 AM: Don: "I've always approached by really focusing on the business....the only way for this to work for all of us...is if we have a growing plan for Ford. If not, all the stakeholders...the only way it can work is if we have profitable growth going forward. Either one of us can destroy Ford Motor Company...what do we really need to do to improve the competitiveness of Ford..."
10:04:04 AM: Follow-up: "It seems the unions need to save face with their members. Is there any way to do that without a strike?"
10:04:30 AM: Alan: "I've been impressed...we've all worked to improve our competitiveness...everybody's been working the competitiveness of Ford."
10:07:05 AM: Q: "...move to common platforms. We've seen this for some time. Does this mean we're on a new trajectory? When will we see results? Will it be a couple of years down the road?"
10:08:48 AM: Alan: "I've been impressed with the initial progress made on this around the globe. A few years ago, the leadership decided one of the competitiv. factors would be to use more of our products and leverage our assets across the globe...I'd say our plan now is to accelerate that trend...we can absolutely design or create a more flexible production system every year going forward." Did somebody mention a "blah, blah, blah"? Oh wait, I just did. Oh, there's more — this is Alan's "move forward."
10:10:15 AM: Alan: "steps forward, steps back" — what is this, a Paula Abdul song?
10:11:26 AM: Yay, media time!
10:12:40 AM: Micki Maynard, NYT: "walk through some numbers here...straight time man capacity of 3.0 million...last year, 3.1 million units in NorAm...if the broader market's expected to drop, and market share's going to go down — how do you expect to hit 3.0 million."
10:12:52 AM: Don: "I don't see those numbers here."
10:13:04 AM: MM: "Will you pay bonuses?"
10:13:27 AM: "We haven't made final decisions but we expect to remain competiive....we'll make those decisions in the next couple of months."
10:14:02 AM: Bryce Hoffman, Detroit News gets the cock-block, goes after the bonuses as well: "How will it affect union negotiations?"
10:14:12 AM: Alan: "Our commitment's to working together."
10:15:33 AM: TK, AP: "Of the $33.9 billion in automotive sector cash, you borrowed $12 billion? How much can you tap into?"
10:15:46 AM: A: "We can tap any of that money when we want."
10:15:57 AM: Don wants to answer Micki's capacity question now.
10:16:24 AM: "That's capacity to sell to all of NorAm, and to be shipped overseas.."
10:17:55 AM: Amy Wilson, Automotive News: question about Alan's management team — "is it exactly where you want it to be?"
10:18:22 AM: Alan: "No plans at this time...Jerry...lots of experience in HR and negotiations."
10:19:24 AM: Alan: "On the Ford leadership team, I'm really, really pleased. Mark clearly has been doing a great job in the Americas..."
10:24:35 AM: John Stoll: "Follow up on bonuses...it's sorta surprising you're thinking about bonuses...is this a shift in mentality on how to compensate, uh, workers? And uh, how will it be perceived, uh, by the UAW?"
10:26:02 AM: Alan: "We are paying our employees...all of our employees...we have to be competitive. At the end of the day, all of our going forward will be determined by our employees. The issue on the leadership and the bonuses...pay is tied to the success of the plan...you want to make sure you're paying people for...what they are achieving. We need the best and motivated team..."
10:26:50 AM: Speak up, Harry Potter!
10:30:06 AM: Alan just wants to remind everyone they've led in trucks for 30 years.
10:30:30 AM: He thinks they can create a strong product lineup. Has he seen the fugly Focus?
10:31:30 AM: Sarah Webster, Freep: "your spend is said to be competitive, but the spend on R&D is increasing at GM and Toyota...should you be upping that spend?"
10:31:38 AM: Alan: "Well, good morning to you, Sarah..."
10:33:22 AM: Alan: "We want to get more investment for vehicle...I'd like to say it again...I've looked through the entire product development plan...I think we've got the right amount of money...but for every car we'll have higher flexibility through a production system that'll be higher volume. I feel very good about the investment we've got right now."
10:34:53 AM: SW: "Can I ask about the bonuses...aren't they already properly compensated?"
10:35:30 AM: Alan:"...you want the total compensation to be competitive...and at the higher levels more of your compensation is at risk...you want them compensated for performance..."
10:36:21 AM: Jeff Mc. @ WSJ: "something, something, something...if you're exiting the rental car industry, wouldn't you be seeing pricing become better?"
10:36:33 AM: Don: "We expect pricing overall to go down..."
10:38:07 AM: Yay, we're almost done! Last question coming up!
10:39:27 AM: John Murphy, Merrill Lynch: "sneak two questions in here..."
10:40:03 AM: Fuck, another financial guy. Damn it — I like the media questions better — they're bigger dicks than the financial folks...
10:40:20 AM: Murphy: "let's talk about the new way, way, way forward plan"
10:40:22 AM: Epic.
10:40:43 AM: Murphy: "Do you need to come up with a new plan after the way forward plan?"
10:40:55 AM: Don: "Cash position, blah, blah, blah..."
10:43:40 AM: Alan: "On your other question, on the plan, and the way going forward...we have a solid plan, that's got the investment going forward, near-term — that's even higher quality...clearly, Mark and the NorAm team led this when they looked at the world with really clear glasses in '04 and '05, I think they also took a really good move, as the economic situation deteriorated, making a really good acceleration...focus the rest of the plans...all that's already reflected in the current plan. We have put out really clear metrics to share with you outsside of Ford and people in here..."
10:44:27 AM: Alan: "We'll update as is necessary. All businesses are looking for ways to...keep improving...their plan. We'll be looking for ways to...do the same...and improve the plan as we go forward."
10:44:32 AM: FIN
10:44:48 AM: Thank god, we're done — I'm going to go and vomit a little.

Related:
Breaking The Bank! Ford Leaks Money Like A Sieve In 2006, Reports Net Loss Of $12.7 Billion [internal]

Our insider snapping photos and videos out in Scottsdale at the big BJ auction managed to get themselves up on the stage and take some shots of Ford's newest Mustang derivative, the #001 serial-numbered Shelby Mustang GT. We've got the picture gallery below and according to the description from FoMoCo PR description from Shelby PR shit pulled off of Barrett-Jackson's website from god knows where:

"This car will be the first to be produced, and will carry Shelby authentication plate Number One. The Shelby GT Mustang combines the best in classic Shelby looks and Ford Racing Performance Parts for a well-balanced, corner-carving Mustang that is equally at home on the track or the street. These cars start life as a Mustang GT at the factory in Flat Rock, Michigan and are...

...shipped to Las Vegas for modification by Shelby. Ford Racing power and handling upgrade packages increase performance by approx 25hp, and lower the car 1.5" while tightening the suspension and improving handling. The car is also fitted with a Hurst short throw shifter and X-pipe exhaust. Some key Shelby design components include hood scoop, hood pins, grille insert, sill plate and floor mats, "Shelby GT" side stripe, "Shelby" badging on trunk lid, and a custom authentication plate on the dash. The Shelby GT will be available in white or black only, with silver LeMans stripes. White cars will be built with polished 18" wheels, while black cars will have black 18" wheels. This special edition Mustang will be available in both manual and automatic transmission."

Related:
More Straw, Less Muscle: Media Control Program at Barrett-Jackson; Barrett-Jackson's All About...Drifting? [internal]