Topic: Should Ford sell cars?

[The Mighty Duck]

This is a thought that's been kicking around for a while, and it may well have been discussed here in the past (if so, I've missed it).  The question is: should Ford bother to sell cars?  It's clear that it is their F-series trucks are SUVs that constitute the bulk of their sales.  The F-series if the only vehicle in their lineup that can be considered a market leader in anything - their passenger cars (to a large degree) sell based on price.

Would it be a viable option for Ford to simply stop producing cars, and focus its energy on the production of trucks (and perhaps SUVs)?  On the surface, I would say it makes sense, but I don't have nearly enough understanding of the industry as a whole or of Ford to comment on whether it would make sense financially.

So, thoughts?

[PJungnitsch]

The full sized pickup and SUV market was very profitable because of cheap gas prices and lack of competition. Now gas prices are going up and the Japanese are starting to seriously target that segment...the time of easy money there could be limited.

[RunsinLight]

Absolutely they should sell cars. A company that made successful cars like the Mustang, and the Taurus, must have some potential. They just need to get back on track.

I think both ford and gm need to take an approach similar to honda. They both make to many cars. They need 1 car to compete with the accord, 1 with the civic, 1 with the Fit. Not 5 in each category.

[Snowman]

Yes, and they will continue to do so. Ford may be having difficulties but still have 3 cars in the top ten in US sales.

[Wolfe]

They have to sell cars.

Ford has many legal/contractual obligations that cannot be dumped unilaterally unless they file for chapter 11 bankruptcy. Only a judge can cut this Gordian knot so this isn't a question that anyone inside Ford could seriously contemplate.


I read somewhere (I don't remember where ) recently that GM is still dealing with some of the consequences (probably lawsuits from former dealers) of shutting down Oldsmobile. I don't know if this is true but it wouldn't surprise me if it were.

[mdxtasy]

Ford the automaker will need a nicely diversified portfolio to deal with the entire car buying market.  They don't need multiple versions of the same car, but they should have something competitive in each segment they see as being desirable.  Whether or not that have this ideal setup is debatable.  Dumping all their efforts into one lineup or segment is far too risky.  GM did that when they focused on the big trucks and let the car market slide.  Great when the buyers flocked but the tides turned and GM was left scrambling.  It could happen to any automaker if they don't position themselves to deal with market swings.

[G0dspd]

They should dump those "Made in the USA" Focus, Fusion, etc. ... and bring some of those sweet Euro models.  Ford Focus ST ... mmmmmm!

[Mitlov]

Mustang's not a class leader?  With the demise of the GTO and the delayed release of the Challenger and Camaro, it is the only true muscle-car out there!  It also sells like hotcakes, at least around here.

Also, Focus was pretty darned close to class leader for best-handling compact car before it got ultra-long in the tooth.

Fusion certainly out-handles the Camry, and at least so far is just as reliable as a Camry.  It also offers AWD, unlike every Japanese competitor save the Legacy.

Freestyle is the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road with seating for six adults.