STORM2K

Ford to cut up to 30,000 jobs
No. 2 automaker to close 14 North American manufacturing plants in effort to stem losses.
January 23, 2006: 10:49 AM EST

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Ford Motor Co. said Monday it plans to close 14 manufacturing plants in North America and cut between 25,000 to 30,000 jobs in the coming years as tries to stem it losses and adjust to its new, significantly lower market share.

The nation's No. 2 automaker said that it will close three U.S. assembly plants -- in St. Louis, Wixom, Mich., and Atlanta -- as well as two other assembly plants yet to be determined. The other plants to be closed are powertrain and stamping plants. The cuts will trim its North American capacity by more than a quarter.

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That is what happens when you concentrate on big gas guzzling, badly built and boring SUV's and trucks. This is why Toyota will be no. ! in the world within 5 years.

Tstormwatcher wrote:That is what happens when you concentrate on big gas guzzling, badly built and boring SUV's and trucks.

To the contrary, thos ebig gas-guzzling SUV's are the one place that American automakers are kicking butt. That one segment is keeping everything else afloat right now.

gtalum wrote:

Tstormwatcher wrote:That is what happens when you concentrate on big gas guzzling, badly built and boring SUV's and trucks.

To the contrary, thos ebig gas-guzzling SUV's are the one place that American automakers are kicking butt. That one segment is keeping everything else afloat right now.

A short-term winning strategy is not neccesarily a winner in the long run.

gtalum wrote:

Tstormwatcher wrote:That is what happens when you concentrate on big gas guzzling, badly built and boring SUV's and trucks.

To the contrary, thos ebig gas-guzzling SUV's are the one place that American automakers are kicking butt. That one segment is keeping everything else afloat right now.

Wrong my friend, this is why they are going down. With gas prices so high, Ford and Gm are discounting so much to get rid of them that they are now making very little profit. Their sales are down by as much as 70% from last year.

I happen to like my SUV. And it isn't all that gas guzzling.

I think the major issue here is with Ford (and Chevy to some extent) and their marketing strategy (or possibly their lack of it). Why should I buy a Ford or Chevy? I don't know... their commercials don't really clue me in.

All in all though, it is sad news to those who lost their livelihoods. I hope that these people can find decent employment and be able to keep food on their tables and a roof over their heads. It isn't always easy to make ends meet when you have a job... many live on the edge of a proverbial cliff. I feel for them. I really do!

I can't say I'm surprised at the job cuts at Ford. I mean, with all the outsourcing and the foreign car companies cutting into sales...it's surprising it didn't happen sooner. And gas prices are STARTING to stabilize to something of an acceptable level too...

I've been buying foreign cars since 1976. So have my brothers. My dad however was buy American.

I'm sorry Ford has been forced to do this but give me a Honda or VW anyday, over an American made car.

Mary