I need a magazine article to use in an english paper. I'd prefer for it to be about trucks, but anything good about Ford will work. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Uh, maybe head to the news stand and peruse the selection there?

There are whole magazines dedicated to Mustangs for example.

 

I know. I kinda procrastinated a lil too much and it's due tomorrow. I found my "paper" source. Now I just need to find more info justifying that Ford is the greatest auto manufacturer ever...

 

"Greatest...ever".

Two tips:

--start earlier

--don't base your theory on emotional feelings about your dad's farm tractor or whateverthehell you were thinking when you made that the basis for a paper.

Mustang and other "fan" magazines have a high pro-Ford or at least pro-Mustang bias.

Business mags will tell about the recent tough times and how Ford selected the right CEO at the right time and how his gamble paid off.

Not sure this is the same as the printed magazine article, or if it was printed in a conventional magazine at all. IF YOU HAD COME TO ME WHEN THIS WAS ASSIGNED, I COULD BE MORE HELP!

Ford Leads Automaker Profits; GM Tops Toyota Amid Record Sales - BusinessWeek

Note this thread:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ican-icon.html

He says the CNBC program rebroadcasts today at 10PM eastern, a time when you will still be working on this...

From their site (which confirms the broadcast time above) a preview etc:

News Headlines

Consumer Reports has had positive things to say about Ford vehicles, ratings and quality. (other than the F250, but that's another peeing contest) You can subscribe on line and get access to the actual magazine articles. Might take some searching.

Not sure this link will work, but their recent Mustang write up is one of the best you'll see on a Ford:

Car Model Review - Consumer Reports


Use google to search for more.

IMO Ford is a great company overall. Greatest ever? Well, here's some more. WHY AM I HELPING YOU WHEN I SHOULD BE OUT MOUNTING TIRES?

--General Motors--a conglomeration of several companies, one in particular, Cadillac, that was once the standard of the world. No longer greatest due to brand homogenization and bankruptcy

--Chrysler--great moments, some great cars, but never close to overall greatness. Quality, design, sales issues.

--Honda--line too limited

--Toyota--recent troubles a low point and would be for any company

--Lexus DQ'd, see above but really might have the greatest cars ever.

--Nissan--almost out of the car biz 20 years ago, Infinity goes down also, too limited.

--Korean brands, too new as car companies despite long histories in some cases

--Mazda--a small part of Fords greatness

--Mercedes, BMW, other similar: See WWII, being on the wrong side DQs greatness, besides BMW too limited, Mercedes eclipsed for quality by Lexus.

--English brands--could have been great if they didn't all go broke because they were crappy.

--Chinese brands, too new.

That about does it, Ford's the best.

Don't forget they built tanks, airplanes & jeeps, had (have?) and aerospace sub, etc etc, you gotta look that up on their site.

You're probably done by now.

What grade are you in and REPORT BACK ON WHAT GRADE YOU GOT, YOU HEAR ME! D O Y O U H E A R M E ?????

 

Thanks so much for the help. I'm a senior. Balancing a ton of calc homework and an english paper got the best of me.

 

Well, here's the finished project. I won't swear to the accuracy of all of it because I found some errors on my sources, but my teacher don't know any better.

The Sheer Awesomeness of the Ford Motor Company


Henry Ford and his genius revolutionized the world's way of traveling. He was born on a farm near Dearborn, Michigan on July 30, 1863. He began his mechanical career as a machinist apprentice at the age of 16. Then from 1888 to 1899 he was a mechanical engineer and later chief engineer with Edison Illuminating Company (Britannica Student Library). Henry Ford was pretty much a self-taught, self-made man who took advantage of every opportunity to educate himself about machinery. In 1893, after experimenting for several years in his free time, he completed the construction of his first automobile, the Quadracycle. In 1903 he founded the Ford Motor Company (Britannica Student Library).

Mass production was Henry Ford's main idea. He is credited with creating the assembly line (Love To Know, Henry Ford). He replaced men with machines wherever possible. Conveyors brought the job to the man instead of having the man waste time going to the job (Britannica Student Library). With the development of the assembly line and mass production manufacturing was much more efficient. Chassis assembly time was reduced from twelve and half hours to two hours and forty minutes (Histroymania, Ford Motor Company). In order to cut shipping costs, Ford had parts shipped from the main plants in the Detroit area and assembled the automobiles at branch plants in other places (Britannica Student Library). By 1920, Ford Motor Company was producing over a million automobiles a year. The assembly line exponentially changed automobile production. Competing companies had no choice but to adopt the practice or they were unable to keep up and be competitive in the industry (Love to Know, Henry Ford). Thus, Ford Motor Company became a power player in the world of automobile production.

During the time of mass production and the assembly line, Henry Ford also doubled his workers pay. In addition to the pay increase, he also cut shifts from nine hours to eight hours (Historymania, Ford Motor Company,). Actions such as these greatly increased morale in Ford Motor Company employees. However, these moves were not popular with rival companies. Once the other companies saw the increase in the Ford plants productivity, most of them soon followed suit in their company policies (HistoryMania, Ford Motor Company).

By the end of 1913, Ford Motor Company was producing fifty percent of all the automobiles in the United States. By 1918, half of all the automobiles in the country were Model Ts. In reference to the Model T, Henry Ford is reported to have said that “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” Black paint was used because it dried the quickest (Historymania, Ford Motor Company,).

Henry Ford was before his time with the production of many of his vehicles. He used one of his early automobiles to set a new land speed record of 91.3 miles per hour (Love to Know, Henry Ford). Another of his creations that was before its time was the 1958 Edsel. Even though it was discontinued because of lack in popularity, many of its features were very cutting-edge innovations at the time. Some of these innovations were the “rolling dome” speedometer and its “teletouch” transmission shifting system on the center of the steering wheel (Historymania, Edsel). Perhaps the greatest factor in the Edsel's failure was that the United States was entering into a period of recession when the Edsel was introduced. Sales for all automobile manufacturing companies were down at this time (Historymania, Edsel). Even though the Edsel has been viewed as a failure, even to the point of the word Edsel being used as a synonym for failure, with its innovations, it was actually light years ahead of its time.

Another great innovation from the Ford Motor Company was the F-Series Pickup Truck. The first generation F-Series debuted after World War II in 1948. F-Series innovations included the customer's choice of three new, more powerful, and more fuel efficient engines. Other features included Ford's new “Million Dollar” cab, which had a more comfortable seat, and a larger, one piece windshield (Ford F-Series First Generation Trucks).

Second Generation 1953-56 F-Series. The Second Generation trucks had longer wheelbases and new exteriors. The cab received a larger curved windshield, and larger back glass. The interior got larger, more comfortable seats with more adjustment, and the dash was redesigned with a single, grouped instrument cluster. The drive-train options included either a overhead-valve inline six cylinder, or a flathead V8 engine and a choice between a manual, or a new automatic transmission. Most did not trust the automatic transmission, even though Ford's testing showed it to be superior to a manual transmission in many situations (Ford F-Series Second Generation Trucks).

Third Generation 1957-60 F-Series. The Third Generation trucks were once again redesigned and were now available with the Styleside bed in addtion to the traditional Flareside. The Flareside kept the traditional wood bed floor, while the Styleside had a modern steel floor. In 1958, the F-Series received a power-train upgrade in the 292 V8 with 186 horsepower. Perhaps the greatest vicissitude Ford has ever made it producing four-wheel-drive trucks in house. In 1959, Ford started manufacturing their own four-wheel-drive trucks instead of sending them out to Marmon-Harrington for conversion (Ford F-Series Third Generation Trucks).

Fourth Generation 1961-66 F-Series. The Fourth Generation trucks were redesigned yet again, and this redesign included the introduction of a Unibody. The unibody was introduced to lessen the corrosion that occurred between the cab and bed due to dirt, snow, and other materials getting trapped there. The unibody was said to be subjected to excessive body flex and was discontinued as an option after a few years. The unibody was the only Styleside body style available in 1961. In 1962, a two-piece Styleside truck was an option, originally only in the four-wheel-drive models, but was available in two-wheel-drive by the end of the model year. In 1965, the two-wheel-drive F-Series received the upgrade of Ford's innovative Twin I-Beam front suspension that allowed a smoother ride and more traction while retaining the load carrying capabilities of the truck (Ford F-Series Fourth Generation Trucks).

Fifth Generation 1967-72 F-Series. The Fifth Generation trucks were more dramatically redesigned with flatter, more squared bodies. The interiors were upgraded with a padded dash and sun visors, and three-point seatbelts. Engine options were upgraded in 1968 to the option of either a 360ci or a 390ci, both FE Series V8 engines (big blocks). 1969 received the option of a 302 Windsor Series V8 (small block) in two-wheel-drive models. 1972 models received emissions control systems, four-wheel-drive models received a 3,300 pound rated front axle, and a cold weather package was available (Ford F-Series Fifth Generation Trucks).

Sixth Generation 1973-79 F-Series. The Sixth Generation trucks were once again, as is the recurring theme here, redesigned all the way around. The gas tank was finally relocated from behind the seat to under the bed, making the truck safer and providing storage space behind the seat. Mid-year 1974 saw the introduction of the SuperCab (extended cab) in two-wheel-drive F-100s. The F-150 was introduced in 1974 as a heavier version of the F-100. The F-150 was only available in two wheel-drive. 1978 models saw a new grill with rectangular headlights and a four-wheel-drive F-150 SuperCab. 1979 saw power-steering available on four-wheel-drive F-150s, and all F-150s supposedly got catalytic converters (Ford F-Series Sixth Generation Trucks). Although it is listed that the 1979 model F-150's had catalytic converters, it is generally accepted that non-California trucks did not get them until the early-to-mid 1980s.

Seventh Generation 1980-86 F-Series. The Seventh Generation trucks received an extreme redesign. They went from the rounded design of the previous models to a very angular and square body style. Fuel economy became a focus in this generation and the 400ci and 460ci engines were dropped along with plastic inner fenders to reduce weight. 1981 saw optional power locks and windows. The F-100 was dropped in 1984 along with the introduction of the “High Output” 351 Windsor engine with a factory four-barrel carburetor. Electronic Fuel Injection was added to the 302 V8 in 1985 (Ford F-Series Seventh Generation Trucks).

Eighth Generation 1987-91 F-Series. The Eighth Generation trucks got a complete body reworking, but most people usually only notice a difference in the front-end. The 300ci in-line six cylinder engine received Electronic Fuel Injection and the 302 V8 EFI system was upgraded, electronic anti-lock brakes were introduced on the rear brakes, and the Twin I-Beam front-end was redesigned to allow caster and camber adjustment. In 1988, the 351w (5.8l) engine was outfitted with Electronic Fuel Injection and the four-speed manual transmission was replaced by a five-speed overdrive transmission. The 1990 model had the C6 three-speed automatic transmission replaced with the E4OD electronically controlled four-speed automatic (Ford F-Series Eighth and Ninth Generation Trucks).

Ninth Generation 1992-96(and 97 Heavy Duty) F-Series. The Ninth Generation is not always recognized as a redesign because the trucks got more of a facelift in the form of a new front clip than any real modifications to the previous generation's mechanics. In 1993, the “Custom” trim line was replaced with the XL trim line and the XLT Lariat trim line was renamed XLT. 1994 saw the introduction of a keyless entry system (Ford F-Series Eighth and Ninth Generation Trucks).

Production for the military has also attributed to Ford Motor Company's success. Ford was a major producer of war materials during both World War I and World War II (Britannica Student Library). Ford Motor Company produced the majority of the general purpose vehicles, later called the Jeep, during the wars. Wartime production at Ford Motor Company was not just limited to automobiles. Wartime production at Ford also included aircraft construction. Near its Detroit-area headquarters, Ford developed the Willow Run plant and its associated airfield. The Willow Run plant is where the B-24 Liberator aircraft was produced. The Willow Run plant was so incredibly large and at the time held the distinction of being the world's largest enclosed “room”. At its peak, the Willow Run plant was able to produce as many as one B-24 aircraft per hour of production (Historymania, Ford Motor Company). That was due to the efficient means of production in manufacturing that was Henry Ford. Willow Run still operates as an airfield today (Historymania, Ford Motor Company).

In the decades after World War II, Ford Motor Company went on to become a publicly traded company instead of family-owned as it started out. Ford Motor Company has become one of the most successful automobile companies of all time. Models like the Thunderbird, the Falcon and the Mustang have solidified Ford Motor Companies role in American popular culture (Love to Know, Henry Ford). These cars have been used to represent power, youth, class, and speed in many a movie over the years.

The way that Ford Motor Company handles finances has varied over the years. Shortly after World War II ended and the government contracts ran out, the Ford Motor Company began loosing
money at a rate of 10 million dollars a month. This loss may well have been due to Henry Ford I's Financial management techniques, which were made specifically to perplex the Internal Revenue Service and avoid audits (Funding Universe). In 2006, Ford mortgaged many of its assets to a full redesign of the company (Love to Know, Henry Ford). This restructuring continues to today and it has helped the Ford Motor Company from having to take part in the federal bailout. This is just another aspect that sets the Ford Motor Company apart from the other American automobile companies that had to participate in the bailout in order to survive (Love to Know, Henry Ford).

The Ford Motor Company still is a Ford family company. The Ford family still maintains a controlling interest in the company to this day. Henry Ford's great-grandson, Bill Ford is currently chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Company (Historymania, Ford Motor Company).

 

There are a lot of inaccuracies there, I don't have the time to detail them all except to quote Henry Ford, "History is more or less bunk.". Also, when you look into it you will find that Henry himself tried to re-write or had other people re-write certain situations involving him or his company. I recommend: "FORD The Men And The Machine" by Robert Lacey, 692 pages, plus 121 pages of notes, bibliography, and index.

Happy Reading!

 

Quote:

"The Ford Motor Company still is a Ford family company. The Ford family still maintains a controlling interest in the company to this day. Henry Ford's great-grandson, Bill Ford is currently chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Company (Historymania, Ford Motor Company)."

IS NOT:

BIOGRAPHY: ALAN MULALLY | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

WILLIAM CLAY FORD Jr. | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

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What started as a report on the greatness of the Ford Motor Company ended as a history of it's truck line. If I were your teacher, I would say that you have good content in your report, but what you have written does not support your subject or thesis statement.

 

I know alot of this is wrong. I didn't have time to find sources that were right, so I just used what I had to do the paper. I could have personally corrected alotta the information.

 

Mustang, one of the most successful cars ever, gets one word.

Going up against Ferrari and winning Daytona, Le Mans, plus all the other rally, NASCAR, drag racing etc that Ford participates in--nothing.

Well, you gave yourself limited time, good luck on the grade....