[Mustang Looking Like Old Gray Mare]

The tapering off of Mustang sales is a predictable event. Sporty cars have a limited shelf life. There is a tremendous surge in demand for the first year as the people that buy these things based on emotion rather than rationality get theirs. Then, sales taper off once everyone that had to have one buys one.

 

+1

[The Ford Interceptor]

Overall....I like the concept. It could do with a couple of tweeks here and there, but (to me) its design DNA clearly says "Ford sedan" which is long overdue! IMHO that is critically important right now...something that is recognizable and sustainable in the longer term. Now, lets make sure the driving dynamics work. Ford has several more engine choices than it had a couple of years ago and lets not ignore fuel efficiency. If Ford is going to stem the market share slide, it has to build a version that is competitive with Toyota and Honda in the long run, not DCL. In upcoming years the market will likely continue to shift away from light trucks due to fuel efficiency concerns and consumers need fuel efficient North American options. It is going to take a lot more than just styling cues to regain the publics confidence in Fomoco. Its going to take quality engineering and tons of consumer input. The market is getting tougher and more competitive each year. Ford needs to get ahead of the curve, not just catch up.

[Bill steps down from CEO post]

This is nothing but good news. I do not think there is a better person to head up Ford right now.

After the turn around Alan generated at Boeing and the lessons and the took from the Peterson Days at Ford.

This can only be good news.

 

Glad to see Bill was smart ehough to realize that he alone did not have the stuff to move Ford in the direction it needs to go. Takes a big man to realize he does not have the skills to do it, and requires out side help. Obviuosly Ford's prosperity is important enough to Bill that he will do what it takes to achieve it, even if it means stepping down from being the top dog and turning the reins over to some one else. I see nothign but good times ahead after the transition period.

 

We seen what you could do at Boeing Allan, lets see the same or better performance at Ford.

 

Now maybe we can see some more of Billy on the tube to counter some of those goofy Dr Z ads.

Matthew

 

100pct agree!

[LATimes Slams New Lexus LS460]

For the record my last LS430 had the transmission and fuel pump replaced before the vehicle was one month old. (factory recalls) My first one had zero problems. Needless to say, the car was an awesome car but after less than a year with the second one I sold it. It did everything well but it never inspired passionate driving. My SC430 was the same. It was a nice car (and even kind of cool to look at when it first came out) but neither car compared with the "barn burners" that Mercedes and BMW and Porsche put out. It always felt kind if heavy and was not very fast with only 300hp. Every time i drove it i wished it had more ponies.

 

And while Mercedes, BMW etc market low volume, high performance versions, they still sell a bunch of cars. They use these versions to build brand image/prestige/passion/excitement/loyalty. Many of the technologies they use on these cars eventually trickle down to the cheaper versions. The person who drives a 3 series dreams of driving an M3 some day. Its excitement, its passion, its a little in your face...but thats what "prestige" car companies are looking to create. If Lexus wants to compete head to head with the German car companies, they are going to have to create a preformance division. Having said that, I dont think they need to. They build an awesome car that does very well at a very good price in comparison. Let the BMWs, Mercs and Audis compete with themselves. There is more than enough business to go around and Lexus has a large number of very satisfied owners who have no interest in owning a race inspired automobile.

[LATimes Slams New Lexus LS460]

Lexus build a great car (I have owned 2 Lexus LS430s, an SC430 and my wife currently drives an 06 GS350) BUT it doesnt compete with Mercedes, BMW and Porsche for passion because it doesn't build high performance versions. Simple as that. I belong to a big name private golf course where at any point in time you can spot upwards of a dozen high end luxo-boats, AMG SLs, Continental GTs, M5s and M6s, Cayennes, A8s, Maybachs, etc and you hardly ever see a Lexus...period! Simply put, its the reason I got out of the LS...awesome car but a little too boring. People who can afford these kind of cars want excitement when they step on the gas, not just a smooth ride and a nice interior.

[First look: The D3 Lincoln]

I think it looks Great! They are going to have to have decent technology if they want me to buy one however.