The Future of Ford

Abstract

With the declining economy seemingly endless, a drastic restructuring is in the works to improve the quality and efficiency of the vehicles produced by Ford Motor Company. The process will include downsizing of manufacturing plants, discontinuing certain vehicles, improving the quality of our products and ensuring sustainability of the company. The plan is to avoid bankruptcy or Government aid in the process. The history of the company has proved this attainable with the right approach. Understanding the demands of consumers and the need to preserve the environment, Ford began developing vehicles that are more efficient and environmentally cleaner. In May of 2008, Ford became the first automaker to join The Climate Registry, allowing first-hand experience in the tools of the policy and building on their leadership in greenhouse gas (GHG), supporting global harmonization in monitoring and reporting practices. Ford has supported emissions measurement standards of the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council on Sustainability (WBCSD) voluntarily since 2001. Drastic restructuring of the manufacturing of vehicles to satisfy consumer demands while protecting the environment will be the focus of the Ford Corporation.

The competition among automakers has increased with foreign companies offering fuel-efficient vehicles at a much lower cost than American- made models. The restructuring of the company will involve downsizing of the vehicle and the vehicle lines. Unfortunately, it will involve downsizing the workforce that produces these products. As painful as this may be to individuals who are providing for a family, it is necessary. General Motors and Chrysler intend to receive more than 21 billion dollars in emergency loans from the government; however, they face a massive forced restructuring to acquire such support. Their pension fund, which is riddled with gaps, as are many corporate pension funds, will need extra money on top of...