Ford to Expand China Operations

Auto manufacturers are always looking for ways to increase their presence in the global auto market. Increasing profit involves venturing to other markets aside from one’s very own. That is why car manufacturers such as the Ford Motor Company are steadily increasing their coverage by expanding their global market.

Recently, the member of the U.S. auto market’s Big Three announced that they will be expanding their operation at the world’s second largest auto market. China, the giant of a country, is now steadily increasing its demand for vehicles as the country becomes more and more progressive.

Mei-Wei Cheng, the vice-president of the Ford Motor Company and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Ford Motor China, officially announced their expansion in a news conference. Among other concerns that Cheng reported is the official start of production of engines at the Ford Mazda Engine Company. Cheng announced that the production will start “very soon”. The engines to be produced at the said facility will be used to meet the demand for Ford and Mazda vehicles in the country.

Cheng also announced that the newly opened Ford Mazda Automobile Company will begin production of vehicles to be released in the China auto market will begin before the end of 2007. The automobiles to be assembled at the said facility will be suited to the needs of Chinese motorists. The Ford Motor China also announced that the newest generation of the Ford Mondeo will roll out of their production facility within this year. Cheng announced that the Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Company in Nanjing will be producing small cars.

During his talk, Cheng also announced that the Ford Motor Research & Engineering was recently given approval by the Chinese government. He said that the facility will give the Ford Motor China significant boost in engineering. The institution will also help Ford Motor in the global scale as Ford China will be in a position to help its parent company in designing future models.

“These collective announcements underscore Ford Motor’s commitment to the China market and China’s growing importance to our overall global strategy,” says Cheng. “Ford Motor China now encompasses one of the most comprehensive and competitive operations in the Chinese market, including full-scale vehicle and engine production; research, development and engineering; sales; after sales services; and auto financing. Our local partnerships and the smooth implementation of our China strategy have greatly contributed to Ford becoming a leader of China’s automobile market,” he added further.

As part of the press conference, Cheng announced that the lineup of Ford China will include different vehicle body types such as “premiere and mid-size vehicles, small cars, SAVs, SUVs, and commercial vehicles,” according to Cheng. He also pointed out that the company is offering Ford models which have and is currently popular in the European market. “Our hugely successful European products have also proven to be very popular among Chinese consumers,” Cheng said. “From the hot selling Focus to the eye-catching S-MAX, and now the sleek Mondeo, Ford will continue to introduce our latest auto design engineering concepts to the China market. This will be supported by our renowned professional sales and after sales services, as well as our creative ‘Make Every Day Exciting’ brand campaign,” added Cheng further.

Ford’s business operation in China dates back to 1913 when the most popular car in the world is the Model T. Eighty-eight years later, Ford entered into a partnership with the Chinese company Changan Automotive Corporation. The joint venture was then called the Changan Ford Automobile Corporation. Then, in 2006, Mazda joined the venture and its name was then changed to the Changan Ford Mazda Automobile. With the expansion of this operation more and more Chinese will have access to Ford vehicles which can be equipped with ford cold air intake systems.

Ford is in Troubled US Operations

Ford is currently facing some troubles in its operations. It might be doing fairly well overseas but is having very poor operations in the United States.

Latest reports say that Ford’s Volvo vehicle may be bought by German automaker BMW. According to Merrill Lynch, Ford could sell its premium brands, which also include Jaguar and Land Rover, at an estimated cost of $9 billion.

With $18.2 billion as the cost of US operations for the first three months this year, ford lost almost $3 billion. Revenue of $12 billion for the first quarter was achieved on its overseas units which include South America, Europe, and Asia. Operating income of $251 million was also achieved. And if the operations of the premium group are added, their revenue would rise to $20 billion and operating income could reach $400 million.

Part of the US arm of the company is many of Ford’s legacy problems with its units. Majority are on retirement, pension, and health-care costs. And most of the company’s debt is in its financial services operation. Ford’s balance sheet depicted $137 billion of the $167 billion.

DaimlerChrysler (DCX) has just halted its US operations. There is really no other way to look at the sale of Chrysler to minimize Cerberus fund operation.

It is about time that Ford should do the same. According to an article in Business Week, Alan Mulally, the company’s new CEO, is having some difficulty at present as regards to Ford’s fixed management structure. Restructuring the company may solve some of that.

Shareholders, including the Ford family, could earn something. This could be another benefit of Ford’s breaking off international operations. In the first three months in the current year, BMW has reached the revenue of an estimated $16 billion. The company, however, was good in terms of profit as well as its stock.

The UAW would have very little bargaining power this Fall Season due to the very little left for Ford in America beyond union contracts, debt, and continuously declining revenue.

Ford has to be strong or else they will not be able to make it. Both the management and its employees need to focus in immediately solving this problem.

About Ford Motor Company

An American multinational corporation, Ford Motor Company, based on the worldwide vehicle sales, is the third largest automaker in the world. Maker of quality Ford oxygen sensor, Ford ranked seventh as an American-based company in the 2007 Fortune 500 list. This was based on the company’s global revenues of $160.1 billion. Ford produced about 6.6 million automobiles and employed about 280,000 employees to its nearly 100 plants and facilities around the world in 2006.

Founded by Henry Ford in June 16, 1903, the company now has several global brands. These include Lincoln and Mercury of the US, Jaguar and Land Rover of the UK, and Volvo of Sweden. The company also owns Mazda’s one-third controlling interest.

About BMW

BMW is the abbreviation for Bayerische Motoren Werke or Bavarian Motor Works, in English. This German company is an independent manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles. With the English company slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine”, BMW is from where the MINI and Rolls-Royce car brands came. It was also the owner of the Rover.

About DaimlerChrysler

DaimlerChrysler AG is a German car corporation and the fifth largest car manufacturer all over the world. It manufactures trucks and automobiles. It also provides financial services through its DaimlerChrysler Financial Services arm. The major stake in aerospace group EADS is also owned by the company.

Established in 1998, DaimlerChrysler was formed when Mercedes-Benz manufacturer Daimler-Benz of Baden-Württemberg merged with Chrysler, a US-based corporation. Unfortunately, the fuser was not able to produce the trans-Atlantic automotive powerhouse dealmakers had anticipated for. On May 14, 2007, DaimlerChrysler made an announcement that it would sell Chrysler to a private equity firm in New York, the Cerberus Capital Management. It specializes in restructuring troubled companies and effectively unwinding the original transaction.

The failed German merger company will use the name Daimler AG, with pending shareholder approval. Chrysler Holdings, a US company will be owned by a private firm.

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Maybach, and GEM are the cars and truck brands that DaimlerChrysler manufactures. Moreover, it also provides parts and accessories in the market under the brand name Mopar.

About Merrill Lynch

Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., provides global capital markets services, investment banking and advisory services, wealth management, asset management, insurance, banking and related products and services. With headquarters located in New York City, the firm is one of the well known and recognizable names in financial services. It has a 34-storey building at the Four World Financial Center in Manhattan.

Ford Chairman Bill Ford Jr. Calls for National Energy Policy

Ford Motor’s Chairman Bill Ford Jr. has recently called for a national energy policy saying that the auto industry together with the energy companies, government and other industries should cooperate in developing a comprehensive plan.

Chairman Ford Jr., addressing the Detroit Regional Chamber said that the auto industry is not looking for handouts nor it is trying to evade its responsibilities. On the other hand he said that he would like to move beyond the “patchwork” of current fuel-economy rules and “arbitrarily set standards.”

The executive said that all of the stakeholders should help to create a more comprehensive plan for cutting carbon emissions. He also stressed that Ford is continuing to invest in cleaner, more fuel-efficient technology in spite of its restructuring program.

Chairman Ford Jr. said, “Environmental sustainability is a critical issue for our future growth and prosperity.”

He further added that although the company has been able to develop the first hybrid SUV which is the Ford Escape and redeveloped its Rouge plant in Dearborn, Mich., in what he termed as “environmentally friendly way”, the Chairman wishes that the company would have done more.

Chairman Ford Jr., also said during a question-and-answer session that the company “didn’t stretch far enough in the past few years” on design but the new vehicles such as the Edge crossover utility and the Ford Flex are “really indicative of the kind of design we want to have in the end.”

Despite the fact that Ford did well at truck and SUV design, Chairman Ford said, “I think as we started getting back to the car business, we weren’t perhaps bold enough.” He also said that he was “Very disappointed” by the comments made by Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-III., at his recent speech in Detroit wherein Obama has criticized the US automakers and calling them to do more to build furl-efficient vehicles.

Chairman Ford Jr., added that he would like to invite Obama to Ford’s plant in Chicago “where we make a vehicle that’s more fuel efficient than the one he’s currently driving.” He further stated that it is not only the stressed on the production of more fuel-efficient vehicles that’s weighing on the US automakers but also the rising cost of health care that leaves US manufacturers at a disadvantage. “Unless, nationally, we get our arms around this, it’s going to be very hard to be a manufacturer in this country of anything,” he said during a question-and-answer session.

However Chairman Ford has also made it clear that he is not at all endorsing a national universal health-care system but he did say that the present system is “broken”. US automakers are facing a growing burden of providing heath care for thousands of retirees and active employees. But he didn’t mention just how Ford will deal with its health-care costs especially since its talks with the United Auto Workers union are getting near.

It can be remembered that Ford the producer of high quality car accessories such as Ford floor mats has taken a big step in changing its management stature when it hired Alan Mulally who is a former Boeing Co. (BA) executive as the new Chief Executive. And just recently, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger while speaking to the same conference has made a call for a national, single-payer health-care system. Gettelfinger said, “Our continued failure to enact serious health-care reform puts U.S. companies at an enormous competitive disadvantage. All of our major trading partners, every one, have national health-care systems which deliver quality care at an affordable price.”

Ford Reacts on Auto Industry Challenges

Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford said last Thursday that the local auto industry is suffering from the result of its responding dully to foreign competitors and the continuously increasing demand for clean-environment vehicles.

In a speech during the Detroit Regional Chamber’s yearly Mackinac Policy Conference, Ford said that the industry is undergoing reorganization that results to the closure of the plants, layoffs, rising unemployment and a falling tax base. The conference was a gathering of 1,700 leaders in the field of business, politics and civic organizations.

In his speech, he said that legal concerns about global warming, energy security and the cost of gasoline have made a rush and pressure that lead to poorly formed solutions. He recalled four years ago when addressing the Detroit chamber, he had warned about the endless attack of foreign-made cars and other problems that pressure U.S. automakers.

In the conference he said that much of what he warned about then is happening now. Good thing is that the industry along with the others who are relying on it is doing their part.

For years of associating with environmental groups and tackling about green issues, many in auto manufacturing considered him as a “crazy radical”. Fortunately, people now understand that maintaining a fine environment is the critical issue for the country’s future evolution and prosperity.

His company’s projects such as the Ford Rouge Center, a brown field reclamation project, and the development of the Escape Hybrid SUV, according to Ford, please him. One thing he regretted was that they did not move further and faster.

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions, local automakers are investing billions in technology. However, according to Ford, the industry produces only 20 percent of U.S. end products. In lieu of this, he suggested that a national energy policy be implemented as well as a forum for bringing together other carbon emitters. He firmly adhered to these in order to come up with sound solutions.

He said that huge economic opportunities for Michigan are research and development of solutions to climate change.

Ford said that his company has the assets to transform themselves into a leading research and development center. And this includes the intellectual capital, a skilled workforce and a best quality of higher education system. He believed utilizing these assets will contribute a lot in the preservation of conventional jobs and creation of next-generation high technology jobs.

When the audience asked about health care, Ford responded that its reformation was critical for automakers and other manufacturers. He added that it is a broken system that if not solved immediately will pave way for the country’s difficulty in producing anything.

Rep. John Dingell, a Dearborn Democrat and the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said that auto mobile makers have been too unconcerned when it comes to health care and trade issues. He said that as if they are too hesitant in seeking action from the government. According to him, instead of simply complaining about their problems, the companies should tandem with specific solutions and obligate progress.

Dingell also said that the companies are doing nothing to help themselves. They just think the problem, but do not care to solve them. He gave the American auto industry a challenge to stand up for the benefit of many.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow said that the Senate Democratic Steering Committee would tackle automakers, other manufacturers and labor unions. Their meeting regarding this will be held in Washington, D.C. next Wednesday.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is an American multinational corporation. Based on the world wide vehicle sales, it is the third largest automaker all over the world after leaders Toyota and General Motors.

Maker of quality Ford Probe performance parts, Ford was the second-ranked automaker in the US with a 17.5 percent market share, after General Motors with 24.6 percent but ahead of Toyota with 15.4 percent and DaimlerChrysler with 14.4 percent. This was according to the 2006 records. In 2007, Ford was the seventh placer among different American-based companies in the Fortune 500 list. This was based on global revenues that amounted to $160.1 billion.

Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, the auto company was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated in June 16, 1903. Its global brands include Lincoln and Mercury of the US, Jaguar and Land Rover of the UK, and Volvo of Sweden. Ford also owns a Mazda controlling interest amounting to one-third controlling.

Aside from producing quality products, Ford has been one of the ten largest corporations around the world in terms of revenue.

Yates Racing Remains Loyal to Ford

Nextel Cup team Robert Yates Racing has confirmed that it will continue to work with Ford the maker of Ford Focus performance parts for the next few years after Ford Racing Technology has assured that it has signed another contract with the team for the next five years.

Yates has been the subject of much speculation this year as it had suggested that they were working on a deal to power the DEI cars next year. Other teams that were working on with the Dodge power were reported to have approached Yates to have their engines built by them.

However Yates despite the fact that they have gone through some difficult period recently has promised to remain loyal to Ford. The team has been working with the Blue Oval Company for the past 19 years, and was able to achieve 57 NASCAR Nextel Cup wins with one championship in 1999 with Dale Jarrett.

At present RYR is handling two Ford Fusions in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series for David Gilliland and Ricky Rudd, while Stephen Leicht pilots the squad’s lone Busch Series entry.

Team founder Robert Yates said, “For Ford to come up and support us when we’re not having our best days is really a great feeling. They’re not turning their back on us. They’re offering us plenty of help to get this deal turned around, certainly with engineering support, so we appreciate everybody at Ford, everybody that works on them and everybody that buys them. I’m very appreciative of having this deal. We’re happy about this being done because there was speculation out there that we didn’t have anything or that we were looking elsewhere. It wasn’t true, but it’s hard to quiet your critics, especially when your competition is trying to shoot you down, so I want to thank Ford for being loyal to us.”

The last race where the team has won a race was at Talladega in the year 2005 with Dale Jarrett and continued to show that their powerful engines by sweeping the front row at the Daytona 500 this year and by putting David Gilliland on the front row at Talladega last April.

About Ford Motors

Ford Motor Company is an American multinational corporation and currently the world’s third largest automaker after Toyota and General Motors based on the worldwide vehicle sales. Last 2006, Ford was the second-ranked automaker in the US with 17.5 percent market share, lagging behind General Motors with 24.6 percent but ahead of Toyota with only 15.4 percent and DaimlerChrysler with 14.4 percent. Ford was also the seventh-ranked American-based company in the 2007 Fortune 500 list based on global revenues of $160.1 billion.

It was also last year that Ford was able to produce about 6.6 million automobiles and employed about 280,000 employees for its 100 plants and facilities worldwide. Ford is based in Dearborn, Michigan, which is a suburb of Detroit; the automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated in June 16, 1903. Ford now includes many global brands that include Lincoln and Mercury of the US, Jaguar and Land Rover of the UK, and Volvo of Sweden. Ford also owns a one-third controlling interest in Mazda.

Enter the 2008 Ford Shelby Gt

The much talked about 2008 Ford Shelby GT is now officially launched by Ford, as Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby once again bring open-air excitement to the road with the return of the Ford Shelby GT this time, coming with a new convertible body style and a new standard color combination.

The 2008 Ford Shelby GT convertible is being formally introduced to Shelby and Ford enthusiasts at the annual Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet, which opens today in Tulsa, Okla.

And like all Shelby Mustang models, production will be limited to assure exclusivity for collectors. The 2008 Shelby GT coupe and convertible will be available from select Ford dealers beginning in August 2007.

In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing collaborated to create a retail version of The Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe called the Ford Shelby GT. Not more than 6,000 2007 models of the vehicle were produced, with every vehicle available only in Performance White or Black.

For 2008, the highly-coveted Shelby GT is available in a new striking paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes and the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible.

Shelby GT models start out as a specially-equipped Mustang GT assembled at the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for transformation before delivery to Ford dealerships nationwide.

Each Shelby GT is built for performance. Extensive development has been made in each model, with aerodynamics as a key factor to the car’s powerful, unique front fascia with an aggressive lower air dam. The hood scoop comes straight from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster while unique side scoops are located just before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames dual exhaust tips, and a Shelby badge graces the trunk lid.

Jamie Allison, Ford Racing Performance Group Manager says that the partnership between Ford Racing and Shelby demonstrates the company’s ability to work together to deliver some of the most exciting Mustang’s ever built, “Ford Racing has a full line of performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts. The Shelby GT convertible is another example of how working together, Shelby and Ford Racing are developing, producing and delivering niche performance Mustangs directly to the customer.”

And the numbers? First check out what’s under the hood — the engine is improved with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package to increase output of the 4.6-liter V-8 to 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover enables better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter for precise shift action. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Also in the offing is a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. To reduce body roll the overall ride height was dropped while a front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure. The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels with high-performance P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich gForce tires to maximize the upgrades.

Around 2,300 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles are set to be built for model year 2008, available with manual or automatic transmission. Each car will feature an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as a matching tag under the hood for documentation in a forthcoming registry. Shelby Automobiles production is scheduled to begin in August 2007. Pricing will be announced as vehicles arrive at dealerships.

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, and Mazda (with its Mazda parts). The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

About Shelby Automobiles, Inc.

Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby Automobiles, Inc., manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company manufactures authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA and 289 street car component vehicles. The company has partnered with Ford Motor Company to produce the Shelby GT, Shelby GTH and GT500KR, which are based on the Mustang. For more information about Shelby Automobiles, visit www.shelbyautos.com.

Car Enhancement Only With Ford Parts

“The Ford Company purchases a variety of raw materials for use in the production of its vehicles from numerous suppliers around the world. Years have passed, the company represents a leader of corporate strength making it the world’s second finest automaker. Often referred to as Ford and at times, called as Ford’s or FoMoCo, the automotive behemoth embarked its humble beginnings through the passion and vision of Henry Ford in 1903 inside tha shabby assembly lines in Detroit, Michigan.Although the company had been through rough patches before, Ford Company managed to sell cars and trucks throughout the world. It recovered in the 1950s from the negligence of its founder’s later years and struggled in the 1970s and early 1980 to repel the influence of Japanese imports. Shortly, Ford was the producer of almost half of all the cars in the United States. And in 2005, the company sold approximately 6,818,000 vehicles all over the world. They have stretched their long lines of brand names, which also include, Mercury, Lincoln, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and Aston Martin.Ford Motor Company offers a good variety of cars for almost every condition. Every model is manufactured with premium quality materials, leaving approval ratings among other automakers. Only best-in-class parts are fit to these prestigious models. The selection goes from the small and inexpensive ZX2, and goes all the way up to the seven passengers Windstar. Security and strength remains undoubted. And when it comes to fuel economy, one could get full mileage out of these four-wheeled beasts. Standard parts that come with Ford models are made of premium quality materials. Even original, reproduction and restoration parts for antique, classic, street rod, and obsolete Ford models can be purchased to supply the genuine function in which ford parts

are intended for. When Ford makes vehicles along with its parts, its main concern is to make every merchandise coming out of its stables well-scrutinized with great care. Ford is a company whose concern lies not only on consumer demands, but constantly provides excellent products and services for the sake of the name it holds, as well.Once the vehicle is made by Ford, it is trusted that it would include everything that one possibly expects for in a vehicle. This should be applied particularly to the parts that come with it. These raw materials include non-ferrous metals, precious metals, ferrous metals and other material resources. Ford Company ultimately offers to the general looks and achievement a Ford model can get making Fords to give out great performances at all times.

The company makes plenty of great Ford accessories like Ford car covers, Ford floor mats, and Ford cargo liners. It produces primary parts such as engines, transmissions, exhaust systems, brakes, wheels, hoods, seats, doors, windows and steering wheels that guarantee the vital performance of every Ford vehicles. There are many other parts like air intakes, clutch, door handles, cooling system, fuel injection, drive belts, electrical parts, mirrors, driveshaft, suspensions, hubcaps, radiators, spoilers, window regulators, lights, tailgates, etc. that help the vehicle perform flat out on the road while providing comfort to driver and passengers as well. It provides high-performance parts that will make your Ford function faster and work better.

“

Ford Increases European Market Share

The Ford Motor Company is proving to be resilient in the face of difficult times. Though Ford is losing billions in the US and market share at that, the company is holding firm in Europe, even increasing its share of the sales pie.

Through August 2008, Ford saw its market share in Europe increase from 7.6% to 8.0%, fueled by its best August in the UK since 2003 and its best month ever in Germany. Moreover, across its 19 European markets, Ford has sold 5500 more cars year to date than last year, an amazing feat considering the economic times we’re in.

“We are pleased to see our market share growing substantially in many markets despite lower overall volumes because of the general weakness in the industry,” said Ingvar Sviggum, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.

“Given the difficult economic conditions and changing vehicle mix it is even more important that we offer customers an unbeatable portfolio of products, and the new Fiesta and Ka models will be valuable additions to our range,” Sviggum said. “Also, with our new, class-leading ECOnetic line of low CO2 emission vehicles we are able to meet growing customer demand for more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly cars.”

Ford calculates its sales totals through19 main European markets which includes: Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

In addition, the automaker serves what they call their European Direct Market where the automaker bases their share of the market on non-domestic sales volume. These markets are: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Gibraltar, Kazakhstan, Kyrgysztan, Libya, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan. Finally, Ford includes Turkey and Russia in their non-traditional markets, for a total of 51 markets across Europe and North Africa.

For August 2008, the strongest seller for Ford was its Ford Focus followed by its previous generation Fiesta. Also in that month, Ford began production of its all-new Fiesta selling 800 models which will only increase in the months ahead. The Ford Focus, Fiesta, Transit, Mondeo, and C-Max are the top five vehicles sold by Ford in the European market, with only an Americanized version of the Focus sold stateside.

Good news for Ford of Europe will likely mean good news for Ford of America especially as Ford starts producing some of its popular European models on American, Canadian, and Mexican assembly lines beginning in 2009. Ford says that six European models will be built in North America, radically reshaping the Blue Oval and hopefully spurring sales all across the fruited plains.

(Source: Ford Motor Company)

Hot Stocks: Canadian Ford Dealer Offers Ford Shares to Buyers of Ford Vehicles

[“Hot Stocks” is a new Money Morning feature that analyzes the investment outlook of global companies that are in the news. This is the eighth installment of this ongoing investment series.]

Money Morning Staff Reports

If you like the car, will you love the company?

When it comes to Ford Motor Co. (F), a Canadian car dealer bet a month’s sales on that premise.

Rose City Ford dealership owner John Chisholm offered 100 shares of Ford stock to anyone who bought a new or used vehicle from the dealership during the month of November, the Windsor Star newspaper reported. Chisholm, the president and general manager of Rose City, said he got the idea from a General Motors Co. (GM) dealership in Texas that offered GM shares for each vehicle sold. So Chisholm opted to try it in Windsor, the Ontario, Canada city where Ford has both a long history and deep community roots.

“What a great way to show our confidence in the company,” Chisholm, who employs 80 at a dealership that his father founded nearly 30 years ago, said in an interview late last week. “We believe the company is going to be around for a long, long time.”

Chisholm was planning to actually buy the shares Monday for customers who bought a vehicle last month. He expects to extend the promotion, should its popularity continue.

“We want as many people with ownership in the company as we can,” said Chisholm, who owns Ford shares himself. “They’ll be going up. This is an incentive that is going to grow.”

Just how big a payoff the incentive deal provides the dealership’s customers will depend on whether Ford is able to turn itself around in the coming months.

Thanks to the ongoing global financial crisis – and stung by the worst sales slump in 25 years – Ford lost $3 billion in the third quarter and now the Dearborn, Mich.-based company and its two other “Big Three” cohorts are pressing both U.S. and Canadian lawmakers for emergency aid. All three are to submit turnaround plans to Congress this week – a requirement if General Motors, Ford and Chrysler Corp., are to receive $25 billion in U.S. government bailout loans.

Some details began to emerge yesterday (Tuesday), according to a report that runs elsewhere in today’s (Wednesday’s) issue of Money Morning. Among other things, Ford is considering the sale of its stake in Volvo as it seeks to raise cash.

Anthony J. “Tony” Faria, a marketing expert who is the co-director of the University of Windsor/DaimlerChrysler Canada Automotive Research and Development Center (ARDC), told the Windsor Star that the Ford promotion was “interesting” and “attention-getting,” even though the present value to customers was less than $300, a small inducement compared to other incentives and rebates.

“I presume Detroit Three dealers probably will be looking for a lot of creative things they can do to improve traffic through their dealerships,” Faria said.

Promotional flyers for what the dealership portrayed as “confidence sale” exhorted local customers to “be a part of history,” proclaiming that “100 shares is the way forward.” Public interest has already been piqued by the inexpensive promotion, which customers say they like because of the potential for a big payoff, the newspaper reported.

“The 100 shares are an absolute bonus,” customer Tina Reed said, just before she drove away from the dealership in a brand-new charcoal-gray Ford Focus. “I keep an eye on the stock market but now I’ll pay a little more attention.”

JP Morgan Chase & Co. (JPM) credit analysts had rated GM’s distressed debt as a “Buy,” noting that the company – known for such brands as Chevrolet and Buick – was likely going to survive.

Interestingly, Ford has a market cap of $6.09 billion – making the company known for bringing forth such innovations as mass production, the Model T and the assembly line more than twice as valuable as GM, the market-share leader (of the U.S. carmakers). Ford had $172.5 billion in sales last year, and $160.1 billion in 2006.

GM had $181.2 billion in sales last year and $205.6 billion in 2006, according to statistics provided by Google Finance. The company right now has a market value of only $2.8 billion.

Shares in the embattled automaker hovered near $30 in 2001, but have nose-dived since that time. GM’s shares closed Monday at $4.59 each, a decline of 65 cents each, or 12.4%. They have traded as high as $29.95 in the past 12 months.

Ford shares closed Monday at $2.55 each, down 14 cents, or 5.2% per share. They’ve traded as high as $8.79 in the past year.

Whether the price will tank or skyrocket in these uncertain times is anybody’s guess but many, including Faria, the marketing expert, believe the stock is poised for a rebound – especially if the U.S. and Canadian governments can agree on a multibillion-dollar bailout package.

I’ve seriously thought about buying a lot of Ford shares at this price because one of two things is going to happen,” Faria said. “Either Ford is going to fail and you’re going to lose all of it or, if Ford doesn’t fail, the shares, at some point, are going to be worth a lot more.”

Faria said Ford was in better shape financially than GM and Chrysler, but conceded that the fates of all three are intertwined because they share suppliers dependent on business from all three – and because of the need for government aid.

Not everyone sees a bright future for Ford. Indeed, one Web site wag wrote on the Windsor Star Web site that “I have some Penn Central, WorldCom., Enron, Nortel (NT) and Citibank (C) shares if Mr. Chisholm would like to take them in trade for a new car. They are in certificate form, so he can use them to decorate the showroom. Cheaper than buying new wallpaper.”

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Classic Ford Magazine For A Person Who Enjoys Classical Cars

Real petrol head and classic car buffs look out for Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue and magazine subscription. For those people who enjoy classic cars, Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue is a great choice. The magazine is the definite source of information, news updates product reviews and more. It is one of a kind magazine, specially designed to meet the taste of motor lovers. Once you find the best choice in Classic Ford Magazine, you fall in love with the magazine. It is only the best choice you can make, if you truly love classic cars.

World Wide Coverage

If you are looking for news from the world of Classic Fords, no other magazine comes close to Classic Ford Magazine. Usually the Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue has some features of a specific classic model or new car and you will surely enjoy reading the features. While you think you want the best read on X-Pack RS2000 racer, Harris MkII Escort, Crazy, Rat-look MkI Cortina, EFi’d MkI Escort, Mint MkI Capri 1600GT XLR, Two-tone, two-door, V6 MkIII Cortina, etc, you can very well find the read in a Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue. Enjoy reading the magazine and enjoy your love to four wheelers.

Product Guides

Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue can come with product reviews and introduction to all the latest products, car care kits, renovation and restoration products, etc that will of interest to you. You will always find the great choices at Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue and the product reviews and guides are of great help for anyone looking to buy some new products. With the best of product tests, you stand to gain by making better information purchase decisions. You will also occasionally get guidance on buying cheap insurance for your classic Fords. All in all, Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue offers to serve you the best way possible.

Events Coverage

When you look to keep updated to the upcoming events and about the just concluded events related to classic cars, Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue becomes the best choice. You will get the most comprehensive coverage of rallies, exhibitions, auctions and other events that make sense to classic car lovers.

Classic Ford is a proper monthly car magazine for proper petrolheads. Packed with everything from the best modified feature cars and in depth tech features, to the latest products on the shelves and the best classic Ford shows and events, Classic Ford is ‘the’ magazine for all Ford enthusiasts.It’s not just all engine rebuilds and big bhp though, our readers want to get involved in the scene around their classic Fords and enjoy using and having a laugh in their cars. Classic Ford gives you all this and more in one monthly package

Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue -Pick One When You Need One Badly

When you need an issue so badly, you can pick a Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue. You would pick the one according to your specific preferences like a special issue on restoration guidance or a special issue on 1960s Fords. It is all too easy to find the best selection. You just have to pick Classic Ford Magazine Single Issue.