Bill Ford Steps down as CEO

[Thomas Rogers]

Why is it that whenever American companies or workers get their asses handed to them by foreign companies and workers I hear the term "unlevel playing field".



Frankly, I'm sick of it. It's an excuse.



The big three became complacent, bloated, behemoths that ultimately collapsed under their own weight. It happens time and time again with companies.



So the Japanese protect their domestic market moreso than we protect ours? So? Why is that? Probably because Americans wanted imports. And, why did we want imports?



Protectionism is not the answer...not for them (note: Japan is hurting economically), and not for us. The answer is to make the product people want.



Sorry for the rant, rich, it's not directed at you...just the general attitude about the whole "level playing field" arguement. This isn't a game...it's business. And, we make our own rules in this game.



TJR

 

[Rich Stern]

Tom, American companies compete very well with Japanese companies in certain industries. In others, not so well. Sometimes the issues have to do with protectionism, other times, it's just good old fashioned "the other guy does it better."



I've owned a bunch of Japanese made automobiles. They were good quality cars. I have never been a Ford apologist. However, I know from my own reading that the operating environment of some Japanese industries are VERY different from the same American industry. For all kinds of reasons.



Ultimately, it is Ford's problem. I'm not excusing that. I'm simply pointing out that Bill Ford came into a tough situation not of his own making, and that he couldn't fight the battle from a position of strength. Always catch up.

 

[Mike Wilson]

TJR and Rich,

Go back into your "neutral corners", and let me take a punch or two!

(This from a U.A.W. Worker):

I see and agree on both points, let me try to sum it up quickly, making a point for

both sides:



We as Americans, and U.A.W. Workers have been somewhat behind the times and reality of a Global Economy, for several years, now. We rested on the "We Build It, They Have No

Choice But To Buy It" laurel. But there are MANY of us out there willing to see this fact,

and work "Harder AND Smarter" to play (yes) Catch-up!



BUT...



Our Government has thrown us into this foray, along with the Auto Execs, and they

need to realize that the honest hard working American (In this Specific Case, U.A.W.)

need some help from above (as in Government), as they were both a big part in

getting us into this NAFTA/CAFTA mess. Big Profits, for Big Compaines, just

move overseas, and we will help you!

Don't even get me going on currency manipulation!!!:angry:

 

[Travis Munday]

Currency manipulation? Oh man...that's rich.

 

[Ryan Schaecher]

Personally, I think Mr. Mulully will be good for Ford. I was excited to hear about it this morning.



He turned Boeing around, no that the former CEO of Boeing was "bad" he just took the company as far as he could, then new blood was needed. I think that Ford is in the same boat. Bill kept the company afloat, but now it's time for new ideas and new leadership. Not a bad thing.

 

[Tom Schindler]

Heck, I got new ideas.



"Sell vehicles people want and quit building, and investing in, trucks that people don't want."





Tom

 

[Ryan Schaecher]

Couldn't agree more