Ford Motor Company Future Opportunities

Ford Motor Company

Future Opportunities

Photo taken and edited by Danial Hinshaw, 2012

March 28, 2012

Is it necessary for the government to stick its nose into the automobile industry? Would the industry make better or worse cars than it does now if there were no government regulations? Would the push for greener energy emerge from the automobile industry on its own, or is the government involvement justified because these questions have been already addressed from past mistakes? What is the political goal of meddling with the private sale of motorized vehicles? Some might say that votes and money are the only motivators that move the U.S. government. Other, more optimistic people might say that public safety is the front runner.

Ford Motor Company has made huge strides in the automotive industry in the last few years. The company is ranked number one in the United States and fifth globally. Ford has reached this status from hard work, great management and superb cars and trucks that buyers love and feel safe in. The newer cars and trucks are getting better gas mileage, releasing fewer air pollutants and greenhouse gases than ever before. Much of this is due to State and Federal regulations placed upon automakers in recent years. Ford Motor Company has not always been on the top of its game however. The 1970’s and early 1980’s were a time of poor workmanship, bad management and not-so-great cars and trucks. Even the small vehicles were gas guzzlers. Vehicles like 1984 Ford Bronco, the 1983 Ford Taurus, the 1974 Ford Mustang II and the best of the worst, the 1971-1980 Ford Pintos, were all black eyes for Ford during this time. The Ford Pinto has earned its place in in nearly every list of worst cars ever (Huffman, 2011).

Most of us over 30 have seen or at least heard of the Ford Pinto. Most likely, what was heard was that the Pinto was a death trap on wheels. Back in 1970, Ford President, Lee Iacocca wanted to create a subcompact car for a...