Posted on 09/05/2006 5:09:24 PM PDT by djf
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co. (F.N: Quote, Profile, Research) is betting that new chief Alan Mulally can sell cars as well as he sells airplanes.
On top of being a highly qualified engineer, the sandy-haired, boyish-looking Mulally, 61, is a consummate salesman with an easy rapport with customers.
He has been credited with leading Boeing Co.'s (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) recent turnaround -- winning back ground it lost to European rival Airbus (EAD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research). He did it chiefly by building airplanes that customers want.
"What you get in Mulally is a manager who understands the connection between new technology and customer desires," said analyst Loren Thompson of the Virginia-based Lexington Institute. "He beat Airbus by listening better to the market."
Boeing is on track to beat Airbus in terms of new orders this year for the first time since 2000, helped by hot sales of its new lightweight, carbon composite 787 Dreamliner.
The Chicago-based planemaker already has orders for 368 787s, in what it has called its most successful plane launch ever.
Mulally has basked in the glow of customer praise for the fuel-efficient, modern-looking jet, while his opposite numbers at Airbus have been publicly rebuked by high-profile customers for their rival A350 design.
He dominated the stage at several events at this year's Farnborough air show, displaying an infectious camaraderie with top executives from big customers such as Dubai-based airline Emirates (EMAIR.UL: Quote, Profile, Research) and plane-leasing firm ILFC. Continued...
(Excerpt) Read more at today.reuters.com ...
Ford could not have done better IMHO, Look for Shake Up's
I'll not buy Ford until:
1. They stop being the major offender in supporting groups working for gay marriage in America.
2. They get realistic with their prices and quality.
First thing, if they want to gain back some customers, they need to stop actively advertising to active homosexuals.
What I have seen over and over is companies trying to make the market do what they want it to do, rather than doing and responding to what the market wants and needs.
He's the man for the job!
I really don't even like Fords,Never owned one. This move should be great for them,Boeing should have made this guy CEO.
So, with him gone, will Boeing lose to Airbus again?
Bold Moves.
Sometimes it takes an outsider to bring new perspective to a sleepy industry.
Iacocca did wonders for Chrysler.
"Iacocca did wonders for Chrysler."
After decades working for Ford. Iacocca's entire experience was with cars. Mulally's is with commercial airliners.
Is that why Iacocca took a little trip down to Cuba to kiss Fidel Castro when Lee retired? Perhaps his plan to open gambling casinos was a big flop because he only knew about cars.
I doubt it. They have the biggest backlog ever. And I personally think Airbus is gonna lose it's shirt over the superjumbo deal.
Costs alot of money for an airport to put it the facilities needed for a non-standard airliner. Bigger runways. Bigger everything.
Alan Mulally will be paid a salary of $576,687,983,757,562,672,293,294.03
I've got one word for Ford....
SPIRIT.
Re: 1) - Toyota already outspends Ford on the advertising you find offensive. So Ford already is not the major offender....
Ford is the major offender in a variety of categories. You'll have to get with the AFA to see their score sheet.
Therefore, the issue is not just money.
However, I don't buy Toyotas, either.
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