https://www.etrade.wallst.com/v1/stocks/new...|US;NSANY|US;TM It's on eTrade, but you have to use their service to read the article. Here are some highlights (and who would have thought?): Ford's (F) stock bucked the harsh broader market's downturn, scoring a 1.5% gain to finish at $8.09 as the most active issue on the New York Stock Exchange. Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford reported earnings of $750 million, or 31 cents a share, reversing a loss of $317 million, or 17 cents a share, generated in the year-ago second quarter. At the same time, shares of General Motors (GM), DaimlerChrysler (DCX) and Nissan Motors (NSANY) all dropped more than 4% while Honda Motor Co. (HMC) and Toyota Motor Corp. fell 3.1% and 2.5%, respectively. Ford's overall profit from continuing operations, excluding one-time items such as the sale of Aston Martin, would have come in at 13 cents a share, as opposed to a loss of 6 cents a share a year earlier. In the key North America region, Ford still couldn't turn a profit but managed to narrow its losses to $279 million from $789 million a year ago, thanks to cost cutting. Sales fell to $18.8 billion from $19.1 billion. "Overall, our plan is working and is showing clear signs of progress," said Alan Mulally, Ford's chief executive, on a conference call to discuss the quarterly results. "Despite the improved results in the second quarter, however, we have a long way to go. The challenges ahead remain formidable, and we expect the second half to be difficult." The upbeat results may weaken the automaker's bargaining power as it tries to wring out blue-collar labor concessions.
You ought to hear the Detroit 3 chorus around here today. They act like they just won the Super Bowl shouting that the American car haters were WRONG WRONG WRONG! Sheesh. One good quarter and they're happy as hell; back to their poor winner attitude. Their standards aren't real high, poor dears. Anyway, I'm glad that Ford is doing better.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JackDodge @ Jul 26 2007, 05:51 PM) [snapback]485725[/snapback]</div> Hey, they all survived another quarter. In the US that is long term success.
Ford improved their quality to become #1 according to JD Power, they produced the most fuel efficient hybrid SUV on the market (which is still less efficient than some non-hybrid cars), they are partnering with Microsoft to create some of the most sophisticated in-dash interfaces around, and they're hoping to have an electric vehicle by 2009. Really, I think they deserve SOME credit, though I still detest their focus on larger vehicles (trucks, SUVs).
I just read a review of the new Ford Mondeo (which we will not get in the USA, we get stuck with the Fusion), and it soundly trounced the VW Passat (one of Consumers Reports top picks along with Camry and Accord IIRC) and compared favorably with the much more expensive BMW 3 series. They actually said the Mondeo's handling/ride compromise was better than the BMW's. How screwed up is it that the big three cannot compete with Honda and Toyota in mid-size cars in the US, when in fact, they've shown the ability to build competitive cars, just not for sale domestically? The new Ford Mondeo is based on a Volvo-designed platform, upon which many diverse vehicles are based, from the Land Rover Freelander to the Volvo S80. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_EUCD_platform
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusenvy @ Jul 27 2007, 12:59 AM) [snapback]485989[/snapback]</div> Ford refusal to just bring over some of their very good European cars just amazes me. Ford actually makes some very good cars they just don't sell them here. The new Focus that has been on sale in Europe for year is nice but we get a warmed over version of the last generation. It doesn't make sense or cents. Of course you can get that platform but you have to buy a Mazda 3 or a Volvo S40. Ford also makes some pretty nice smaller cars like the Fiesta and Ka. Ford can make some nice cars, they just choose not to sell them in the US.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boulder Bum @ Jul 27 2007, 01:34 AM) [snapback]485985[/snapback]</div> I was just out at the local Toyota dealer today to see only 3 Prius on the lot, but a bunch of SUVs and pickups around. I saw the Tundra Totally Rediculous Dumbarse truck with the 5.7liter, 381hp V8. Totally Rediculous Dumbarse EPA rated 14 and 18mpg! How many of these trucks ride around with pristine beds and hitches? Answer; MOST OF THEM!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jhinton @ Jul 27 2007, 08:37 AM) [snapback]486124[/snapback]</div> On top of that, I've gathered that the Ford minivans that are based on the same platform as the new Mondeo (Galaxy) are so good that Toyota doesn't have anything that can compete with them right now.
