FORD'S FUTURE - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1551

EV Channels Review

This Autoline This Week episode features Mark Fields, then President of the Americas for Ford Motor Company, discussing the company's outlook for 2012 amidst economic uncertainties in Europe. Fields expresses optimism, citing strong replacement demand and steady retail growth, while acknowledging the need to balance fleet and retail sales. A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Ford's response to quality criticisms, particularly regarding the MyFord Touch system and dual-clutch transmissions. Fields highlights Ford's commitment to customer feedback, detailing software upgrades for MyFord Touch and calibration changes for transmissions, emphasizing a shift towards learning and adapting at a software company's pace. The conversation also touches upon the increasing importance of design and fuel efficiency in a market where vehicles are lasting longer, and the strategic shift towards global product development under the 'One Ford' strategy. Fields reiterates Ford's commitment to its 'no bailout' stance and its role in maintaining manufacturing in Detroit, underscoring a culture of teamwork, transparency, and continuous improvement fostered by CEO Alan Mulally.