paintguy

True enough. But much of the electronics left with that. Ford believed it was not core to the business, so talent base was not replaced.

How much of this was exacerbated by spin off of Visteon? I'm just a paint guy, but recall being in quality meetings where the electronics folks relied on the vendors even more than paint. And we relied on vendors a bunch in paint.

I was told the same thing. Pretty much had to take a bribe. They were working with career navigator when I retired. Said it was to be a big improvement. Sorry to hear it isn't all that. Think if you had a part time job at Radio Shack when in High School, would list somewhere as "experience in electronics". But seriously, as a Paint Guy, I could realistically have relevant experience in many processes used in battery manufacture. Ford may find difficulty in hiring experienced people in the "new" technologies. For any that desire to continue employment, don't sell yourself short. Anyone who has maintained productivity, particularly since the Great Recession, has that to take pride in accomplishment.

For any salaried employees out there. Good time to look and update your LDEP. If you have any coursework or experience prior to Ford which may have benefit to the new electric world order. Know sometimes management doesn't look too deep when making these decisions. But increase your odds. Interesting enough I know at least 4 former Ford Employees who currently work for Tesla. Amazing how Tesla needs automotive talent, and Ford needs fewer...

Bringing back any of Nasser's policies sounds like a wrong move. Built a "House of Brands" sold off for pennies on the dollar. The new models programs were way behind and uninspired. Also after Nasser's departure during the Great Recession, most Ford Salaried were shocked when General reductions came along. Said they never had that. Only from plants closing or for cause.

Ford has some excellent quality programs. It needs to turn those to a quality culture. There is a difference. Treatment of suppliers matters. What priority is Ford on the list of electronics suppliers? My guess is not too high. Cars being built without all the parts, sitting around or shipped to be repaired later is a recipe for problems. Ford has come close to "world class" a number of times. Time to close the deal.

Another impractical concept that is totally unaligned with product direction shown in the last 10 years. No Lincoln Sedan. No Coupe since the Mark VIII. When you have trouble selling sedans and your customer base is old, a low, door stop shaped vehicle not likely. But it does look like a car the alien from "The Day the Earth Stood Still" might drive.

Look at the bright side, at least he should be getting shift premium.. Avoiding higherups and endless meetings are another benefit.

Edge has had nice clean lines in previous generations. This looks like a Japanese design. Put a sliding door on it, and it could be a minivan. Excuse me while I rush to the eyewash station.

Sure hope your new engineers are getting some OJT. But then who conducts the "Train the Trainer session"?

Whenever I question retiring, I come to BON to confirm my decision. Hang tough.

Know it would add manufacturing complexity and higher models would demand electric powered vent windows. In the old days you could clear the windows on a humid day by opening a vent wing. Smokers loved it, and today without ashtrays, would be a big hit. With retro look vehicles like Bronco and Bronco sport, it would fit right in. Maybe a special run on the next Bullitt Mustang?

Agree. Long ago had cars with a blue interior and the effect was immersive. Was interested in the Midnight blue Mustang Interior. When I saw one, was hard to distinguish from black, were it not for the blue stitching. As a retired Paint engineer hard to believe that one got through to production.

Nice idea. Camera technology has much improved and I use back up camera 95% of the time. Obstacle to implementation is regulatory as US Federal standards require the mirrors. Luxury brands would love to use camera side view mirrors. Wind noise a factor with side view mirror placement. Designers would rejoice.

Not just hourly. Recall talking with the Area Manager (who shall be nameless) discussing his weekend plans, including an out of town trip. He then got a call from the Plant manager, called to the office. I worked the weekend and had to pay the repair hole crew (not my normal job). Sunday morning, gathered names and Global ID for the crew. Saw one guy from behind, looking at a repair job. Called him, he turned around, and it was the Area Manager. Plans changed drastically. And no, could not write him in on the DROT.

Increasing grille sizes when more than half is blanked off doesn't make sense. As Ford and Lincoln electrify, need for a grille will be eliminated.

If word I am hearing is correct, improvements in drivetrain reliability would do more than a "nose job".

Hmm, preserves current generation European metrosexual look and adds in some Chinese "weirdness". Seems to work for Buick, so why not?

Which facility? Ford has a number of AWS (alternative work schedules). Steam Engineer work is usually some form of 24/7 scheduling. Many Ford facilities eliminated steam some time ago. Existing people in the classification were retrained to other roles and retained the pay rate. At CAP, some became HVAC/refrigeration techs. If you really enjoy steam work, might want to ask about the longer term prospect for steam at the facility. In any case to maintain operation, even near term, Ford would have to have someone with the appropriate cert or seal to operate legally.

Quite right. Having worked in vehicle assembly, each company has only so many experienced people to launch a new model platform and powertrain. Electrification can be done. How fast can this be done? Changing to renewable electricity also an interesting proposition with much recharging to be done at night. Also as supply chain is relevant these days, these BEVs require more electronics. It is taking time to sort out our existing ICE electrical supplies. Then on top of all that, many European manufacturers source their wiring harnesses from Ukraine. All of this is solvable. Just how fast can you do it in a fiscally, and environmentally responsible fashion.

But, we were going to make so many jobs by capping oil wells. Unfortunately every time we have experienced "oil shock", the repercussions for the auto industry have been disastrous for domestic automakers. This time, with BEV and PHEV on tap, will we avoid it? The transplants and Tesla have a reputation advantage. Products built at non US facilities (Mach E) helps the corporation, but little for UAW represented facilities.

How many would you sell with the slogan "Shit Happens"? Have a family member that had the engine fail, twice. They now proudly own a RAV4. Doubt they ever will use one of my AZ plans again. If things fail, need to be sure it ends up being fixed. And no BS run around from the dealer or zone office.

I agree that we abandoned low profit vehicles for higher profit ones. This leaves room for competitors who can build those vehicles at a profit. Also recall that MAP was MTP, Michigan Truck Plant. Wayne Assembly, once home to the Focus, seems lost to history.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't see someone looking at a Focus competitor (say Civic or Corolla) looking at Bronco or Ranger. Same with Fusion competitor customers and putting them into Maverick or Bronco Sport. I know of a number of people who have avoided Trucks and SUVs for one reason or another for decades. When they ask me what Ford offers and I explain the options, they say, "Oh, Ford doesn't have anything for me". Granted, this part of the market is smaller, and is shrinking, but the imports offer an alternate. Dodge still has Charger and Chevy still selling Malibu and Impala, albeit they are barely hanging on.

Germany offering free train rides to Ukrainians if they can make it to Poland. Last time that happened, it did not end well.