DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) — Alan Mulally said Wednesday that he canceled his order for a Lexus after taking over as Ford Motor Co. CEO, but he nevertheless respects Toyota Motor Corp. and its luxury brand, though he has no intention of bringing the companies any closer.

Mulally, who took over at the nation's No. 2 automaker last year, said he deeply admires the Japanese automaker for its manufacturing processes and product development strategy. He said that was the reason for his trip to Japan last month to meet with Toyota executives.

Mulally called Toyota "the finest machine in the world, the finest production system in the world. So we went to study with the master. I really wanted to connect with each of the manufacturers in the industry and to do it quickly," said Mulally, who was hired away from aircraft maker Boeing Co. by Ford.

 

IS he driving a Fusion instead? Is he designing cars that people want to buy?

 

You would think he would at least drive something Ford owns or has an interest in like maybe a Jaguar or Volvo if he can't lower himself to drive an American made car.

 

Lexus vs Fusion? I'd almost positively take the Lexus. With his bank account, it's probably one of the nicer ones.

Now Lexus vs F350 King Ranch, King Ranch hands down.

Mike

 

Aston Martin baby!!!!



I very much appreciate his candor about devolpment and production.

Wondering if some people at FTE will accept it coming from the CEO of Ford???...............................Nah, what's wrong with me??



BTW Os, good find.

 

I still remember when Jacques used to drive a Focus...

 

If he regularly drives a car, instead of riding in the backseat of a limo, it will be a big step for an auto company CEO. I think it would be very educational to drive the competition's products, as well as your own.

Boeing has very close relationships with Japanese airlines and suppliers. Dont expect Alan to wave the US flag in your face and try to sell product that way. It's not in his background.

Jim

 

So what happened to Bill Ford?

 

Hi is still Chairman - but Mulally is now CEO (Bill Ford became the CEO while still remainging Chairman when Jacques left)

 

So Bill Ford is now a figurehead, and Mulally (this is the first I've ever heard of this guy) is taking over as commander. Everybody seems to be pretty happy with this switch of power. Is Mulally going to look into creating more exciting cars do you think?

 

Mulally is a bean counter, and has no previous automotive experience.

His job with Boeing was to cut the fat.

________________________

It's been a standard practice in the Automotive Industry since the 1920's for top ranked managers and engineers to drive the products made by the competition.

 

Let's hope he hires good help that can tell him the difference between fat and muscle.