if they dont have to take they hand-out they shouldn't.

there is news around the globe about car companies needing help, and us automakers are the poster children. if ford can find a way to gracefully promote the fact they don't need bailout money, link to the promotion of their new vehicles, it may spur the growth of the one thing many foreign automakers have; consumer confidence.
(and they should bring over the euro focus product line)

— DROOPYSAKK (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 10:13:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Of course they can because they don't have to pay the piper. As long as they can make it work.

— 993Turbo (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 11:53:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Yes. Ford is likely to emerge out in front with technology and sales.

If Ford goes forward with Dual Clutch gearboxes, this will be the next big move in the Auto Industry.

— mercuryguy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 12:12:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

in simple words...Ford will stay on top for quite sometime....GM and Chrysler are "screwwed"...the bailout is just comounding their slow death of business failure...

— BigShow50 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 12:24:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

It's a smart move buy them and a good marketing tool.

— mini22 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 12:25:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Many don't realize that even if you drive a Lincoln, Motorcraft parts are inexpensive and widely available.

Ford has great distribution with the Motorcraft Parts division. I've even seen Motorcraft Filters at big box retailers.

— mercuryguy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 1:02:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I'm a big Ford supporter, but lets be real. Ford is in relatively good shape now, because things were so bad last year, they borrowed every cent they could before the credit crisis, giving them a cushion. They just got screwed to the wall, first.

Toyota and GM are each down about 40%. Ford and Honda are down in the 30% range. Could we stop the nonsense that this is about product? I don't care if your selling diamonds or dung, it isn't moving off the showroom floor.

Unless the government makes some sensible energy policy, all we're going to find out is that Americans like big cars, all over again.

The Camry outsells the Corolla 4 to 1. The US Accord is a North America only car for Plus sized people, just like the Avalon.

I want a new Focus convertible, like the one in Europe.........but unless we have sensible energy policy, the F-150 is going to remain the center of Ford's playbook.

— LauderdaleDriver (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 9:11:10 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Ford may have an advantage because of not receiving government financing, but won't Washington feel compelled to favor the ones that did get the money so it can protect its investment. I think that's why GM and GMAC are getting so deep into debt there, because there would be no way that Washington would let them fail after forking over so much money.

— kornholio (View Profile)

Posted on 12/31/2008 9:19:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Ford has been fairly intelligent in the marketplace. Due to the fact that the Mercury Grand Marquis competes with the Crown Vic, they no longer offer the Crown Vic at the dealer level. Crown Vics are strictly fleet vehicles for rental car agencies, taxi companies, and govt/law enforcement.
The new Fiesta will be a huge plus for Ford in 2010 and it should sell exceedingly well regardless of gas prices.

— Veeracer (View Profile)

Posted on 1/2/2009 5:19:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

First i must say great job Ford for sucking it up and making it through this mess without asking for a goverment handoout obviously you guys are doing something right. We as americans should support you, how great would it be for us americans to buy Ford stock and help them succeed so when they come out on top we all get the benefit. Instead of someone taking our money with out asking and giving it to the failing automakers with no return on our investment. I hope people start trading in there gm and chryslers and start buying fords just to prove the point to the goverment.

— qracer83 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/2/2009 10:17:02 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1