BILL FORD JR.: As we said in our "Way Forward" presentation on Monday, we believe small is big in America. That's why we're going to develop a line of small cars that appeal to a growing number of customers. Our Reflex concept car, shown at the auto show in Detroit, shows that you can make a small car stylish and powerful.

Why can't US companies build cars with parts (excluding the drive train) that last as long as those built by the big-2 Japanese firms? My experience with many past Ford cars is that I have had to spend thousands of dollars on a myriad of such parts, while my experience with Honda and Toyota has been quite different.
Stephan Howden
Mandeville, LA

BILL FORD JR.: Have you driven a Ford lately? We've made tremendous improvements in quality over the past five years. One way we measure quality is something called "Things Gone Wrong." I've asked our team to make sure those numbers keep improving while also focusing on "Things Gone Right." Those are the elements of a car that make driving it and owning it an attractive and pleasurable experience.

How does Ford reduce costs by cutting back on plants and/or labor with the union getting $65 per hour, with guaranteed benefits for one year after layoff. Ford and GM need cars the public will buy. Cutbacks alone won't work.
Bob Munger
Plano, TX

BILL FORD JR.: I absolutely agree with you that cuts alone aren't enough. That's why we spent a good deal of our time this week talking about our increased focus on developing vehicles that we anticipate our customers will want in the future. In particular, I want us to focus on making our vehicles different than the competition because of innovation in design, safety and environmental technology.

If Ford's "Way Forward" plan fails, then what? By that time, it will be too late, too little. The stakes are too high this time around and the competition is too brutal. The best and only plan, I believe, is for Ford Motor Company to merge with another auto company. Just remember, Bill, you are the captain of the ship. If the ship goes down, you and the Ford Motor Company will go down in history together. That would be a pity!
Richard E. Krueger
Dearborn, Mich.

BILL FORD JR.: That sort of defeatism isn't in my blood. As we've proven over a century, we're pretty tough competitors ourselves. I'd suggest some of the other guys watch out.

I never really liked Ford (no offense). But if you were to make 100% of the car in the United States, I'd buy one. That means even those tiny dashboard lights; everything made in the U.S.A.
Michael G. Edelen
Campbellsville, KY

BILL FORD JR.: You're just not going to find an automobile today that's made entirely in the USA, but at Ford, you'll find products such as our hybrid Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, the only hybrids designed, engineered and built in America.

Do you believe top management at many American companies give themselves excessive pay and benefits when statistics say many earn as much as 400x what their employees earn? Are they really worth that much?
James Palkki
South Range, Wis.

BILL FORD JR.: What other executives make is up to their boards, so I can only speak for myself. As you may know, our company has been profitable for three years. But I'm foregoing salary, stock and options until we return our automotive operations return to profitability.

Have you considered eliminating the Lincoln and Mercury brands and establishing "Ford" vehicles as the definitive marquee and product? I believe in today's automotive world, where most drivers can easily recite the core products offered by BMW, Toyota and Nissan, Ford simply has too many brands and vehicles, making it hard for the consumer to understand the product line. Mercury and Lincoln are often positioned as better optioned or more luxurious products, giving the impression that the vehicles bearing the company's own name are third tier products. I believe Ford should establish focus on a line-up of core vehicles worldwide. As a Ford performance enthusiast, why should I not have the ability to purchase the types of Ford cars in Australia, for example? While it is hard to see Ford going through tough times, I am confident we have yet to see Ford's best days.
Chirag Asaravala
Hercules, CA

BILL FORD JR.: Thanks for your vote of confidence. Our research suggests that Ford, Lincoln and Mercury work together very effectively and offer something a bit different to our customers. As an example, take a look at our recently introduced new line of mid-size sedans: the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr. All are roughly the same size, but they offer different experiences for different tastes. And they are picking up speed in the marketplace.

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