Ford CEO cancels order for new Lexus
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Ford CEO cancels order for new Lexus
At least he left the doors open to go work for Toyota in case the "Ford" thing doesn't pan out 
- http://www.businessweek.com/ap/finan.../D8ME9S4G0.htm
- http://www.businessweek.com/ap/finan.../D8ME9S4G0.htm
Ford CEO Alan Mulally said he respects Toyota and its luxury brand, but that he canceled his order for a Lexus after taking the top job at the U.S. automaker. He said traveled to Japan last month to meet with Toyota executives just to show his appreciation, and not in an effort to bring the companies any closer.
Mulally, who took over at the nation's No. 2 automaker last year, said Wednesday he deeply admires the Japanese automaker for its manufacturing processes and product development strategy.
Mulally called Toyota "the finest machine in the world, the finest production system in the world. So we went to study with the master. I really wanted to connect with each of the manufacturers in the industry and to do it quickly," said Mulally, who was hired away from aircraft maker Boeing Co. by Ford Motor Co.
Mulally, who took over at the nation's No. 2 automaker last year, said Wednesday he deeply admires the Japanese automaker for its manufacturing processes and product development strategy.
Mulally called Toyota "the finest machine in the world, the finest production system in the world. So we went to study with the master. I really wanted to connect with each of the manufacturers in the industry and to do it quickly," said Mulally, who was hired away from aircraft maker Boeing Co. by Ford Motor Co.
Last edited by johnsocal; Jan 4, 2007 at 10:32 AM.
Mark LT would make a nice winter vehicle.
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From: Memphis
I don't know if it's sad that Ford's should-be #1 fan is openly admitting that Lexus is a superior quality/built car to what Ford is producing through any of their lineups.... or if it's a good thing that he's openly admitting it and thus, obviously, publically stating that he's set his mark on them.
I mean, granted, decades ago that's how the Japanese got so great at manufacturing cars - they openly admitted the american auto industry had superior designs and methods of manufacturing, they befriended us, studied us, emulated/imitated us, and next thing you know they bested us.
I say doing the same thing in return is smart.
I mean, granted, decades ago that's how the Japanese got so great at manufacturing cars - they openly admitted the american auto industry had superior designs and methods of manufacturing, they befriended us, studied us, emulated/imitated us, and next thing you know they bested us.
I say doing the same thing in return is smart.
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Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,887
From: northeast Miss.
I don't know if it's sad that Ford's should-be #1 fan is openly admitting that Lexus is a superior quality/built car to what Ford is producing through any of their lineups.... or if it's a good thing that he's openly admitting it and thus, obviously, publically stating that he's set his mark on them.
I mean, granted, decades ago that's how the Japanese got so great at manufacturing cars - they openly admitted the american auto industry had superior designs and methods of manufacturing, they befriended us, studied us, emulated/imitated us, and next thing you know they bested us.
I say doing the same thing in return is smart.
I mean, granted, decades ago that's how the Japanese got so great at manufacturing cars - they openly admitted the american auto industry had superior designs and methods of manufacturing, they befriended us, studied us, emulated/imitated us, and next thing you know they bested us.
I say doing the same thing in return is smart.
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If I'm not mistaken, the UAW doesn't allow anyone to park in the main parking lots of their plants unless they are driving a Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicle; even the "import" brands Ford owns are not welcome...although I'm sure the CEO could get away with one of the more exotic Ford owned brands if he reallly wanted one.
Some of you might remember that issue got some news coverage about a year or so ago.
Some of you might remember that issue got some news coverage about a year or so ago.
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Posts: 3,597
From: oshawa,ontario,canada
If I'm not mistaken, the UAW doesn't allow anyone to park in the main parking lots of their plants unless they are driving a Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicle; even the "import" brands Ford owns are not welcome...although I'm sure the CEO could get away with one of the more exotic Ford owned brands if he reallly wanted one.
Some of you might remember that issue got some news coverage about a year or so ago.
Some of you might remember that issue got some news coverage about a year or so ago.
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Posts: 3,376
From: Sarasota FL
If I worked for Ford even as a clerical worker, I'd at least want to support my company and buy from them. Although, I get crap from my co-workers for being a DCX dealer's GSM, yet I have 3 GMs in the driveway 
Granted, I have purchased 2 of the 3 GM cars from the dealership, so at least I still supported them (granted, I don't make much money on myself )
Granted, I have purchased 2 of the 3 GM cars from the dealership, so at least I still supported them (granted, I don't make much money on myself )
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From: New England
I really hope he means this:
And as much as I hate it I agree. Japan learned from us and took it past us. Now we have to pearn how to do what they are doing. If we are to survive.
Mulally called Toyota "the finest machine in the world, the finest production system in the world. So we went to study with the master. I really wanted to connect with each of the manufacturers in the industry and to do it quickly,"
Or one helluva tricked out Shelby GT500.