Ford Earns $2.7B in 2009, First Profit in 4 Years

[DriVer]

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford, the only U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy court, clawed its way to a $2.7 billion profit in 2009 and expects to stay in the black in 2010. It was the automaker's first annual profit in four years..... MORE

[LVJ58]

Mike, I believe the man they now have in the Driver's seat helped with their success. I started buying a small amount of Ford stock back in 10/08 primarily because they opted out of taking any bail-out money. Now rather glad I did.

Jim

[hardy1000]

I really think that the American car MFG's are turning out great new product's, especially the new Buicks. I have never cared for Buicks but after a test drive in a new Lucerne at the OC auto show I have done a complete turnaround. I just purchased a new Jeep Rubicon Unlimited in 09 as my car and toad and love it. My wife has an 07 Honda Pilot which has been great, our 5th Honda but, after seeing the quality on all of the new American cars and trucks I will most likley be buying another American product.

Go American car makers

[George Schweikle]

A problem for the American car companies is that "Perception Lags Reality". The common perception is that one must buy an Asian car to get good design and quality. The reality is that there are a lot of American cars that have these same attributes. That said, we have three "foreign" cars but these were purchased because there was no American equivalent (two Alfa Romeo Spiders and a VW Jetta).

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardy1000 I really think that the American car MFG's are turning out great new product's, especially the new Buicks. I have never cared for Buicks but after a test drive in a new Lucerne at the OC auto show I have done a complete turnaround. I just purchased a new Jeep Rubicon Unlimited in 09 as my car and toad and love it. My wife has an 07 Honda Pilot which has been great, our 5th Honda but, after seeing the quality on all of the new American cars and trucks I will most likley be buying another American product. Go American car makers

[RustyJC]

Some (many) of us left the American car makers after we were burned repeatedly by their dismal products in the 1970s and 1980s and their refusal to stand behind them. Although I have no doubt that their quality has improved since then, it's going to be an uphill battle to win us back.

Rusty

[DriVer]

From when I was 25 years and on - I have always purchased used or NEW US built OR from US owned manufacturers. I have purchased 3 new Chrysler products, 4 new Ford products and 6 new GM products. It is unlikely that I will ever buy an off shore product from the Westerm Pacific rim. A long time ago I did buy an Opel GT but that was a hot little 4-Speed ride back then and I bought it at my Buick dealer. It was yellow with black stripes and accents. Younger than that I bought a 1967 MG Midget Mk III in British Racing Green. That was the 1st car that I ever owned back in 1969. It had 30W transmission oil and I seized the gearbox in Atlanta traffic and was unable to shift it .... (I had to pull over and let it cool) BUT I loved that little car (positive earth and all).

The 3 speed, column shifted, vacuum wiper AMC Gremlin I had doesn't count!

[RustyJC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer From when I was 25 years and on - I have always purchased used or NEW US built OR from US owned manufacturers.

That's certainly your right. Each one of us votes with our checkbook, so if you're spending your money, it's your choice.

Rusty

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Schweikle A problem for the American car companies is that "Perception Lags Reality". The common perception is that one must buy an Asian car to get good design and quality. The reality is that there are a lot of American cars that have these same attributes. That said, we have three "foreign" cars but these were purchased because there was no American equivalent (two Alfa Romeo Spiders and a VW Jetta).

I agree, perception has been a major problem for the American auto makers but, they are quickly gaining consumer confidence especially when Toyota, (the giant) is recalling 3 million plus cars SUV's and trucks. I think that this recall has certanily leveled the playing field. When I purchase a new car American made has regained my strong consideration and truthfully is in the lead.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardy1000 ... (the giant) is recalling 3 million plus cars SUV's and trucks..

hardy1000, I'll call your 3 million and raise you another 6 million for a total of 9 million. The number is staggering! This evening a company rep from Toyota stated that it would be impossible to fix that many vehicles in the short term and this is going to take a long time to fix this problem.

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer hardy1000, I'll call your 3 million and raise you another 6 million for a total of 9 million. The number is staggering! This evening a company rep from Toyota stated that it would be impossible to fix that many vehicles in the short term and this is going to take a long time to fix this problem.

Driver, you can take the pot. I saw that interview/apology and could not believe it was 9 million. Three million is staggering, but 9 million? I will let you call this one.