Automobile industry

Ford Seeks Alliances with Rivals and Outsiders Amid Growing Fears

Strategic Insights

Aug 25, 2006 — 1 min read

Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford, has indicated a desire for alliances with other companies, including potential links with Renault-Nissan and General Motors. This move comes as Ford accelerates its turnaround plan, 'The Way Forward', amidst concerns about the future of the US carmaker. Ford has approached Renault-Nissan about a potential alliance, and teams from General Motors and Renault-Nissan are evaluating the feasibility of a major joint venture.

Key Takeaways:

Ford's executive chairman, Bill Ford, has expressed interest in forming alliances with other companies, including Renault-Nissan and General Motors.
Ford has approached Renault-Nissan about a potential link, with Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of Renault-Nissan, being considered for the role of CEO at Ford.
Renault-Nissan was also approached by Kirk Kerkorian, the largest shareholder of General Motors, to explore an alliance with GM.
Rick Wagoner, the CEO of General Motors, resisted the idea of an alliance with Renault-Nissan.
Teams from GM and Renault-Nissan are evaluating the scope for a major alliance and are expected to decide by mid-October whether to pursue a full joint venture.
Ford has given Jacques Nasser, the former CEO of Ford, the opportunity to buy Jaguar, apart from Sir Anthony Bamford, chairman of JCB, who has expressed interest in buying Jaguar on its own.

Statistics:

By mid-October, GM and Renault-Nissan are expected to decide whether to pursue a full joint venture.
Kenneth Leet, a former Goldman Sachs banker, was brought in as principal adviser at Ford last month.
Ford's turnaround plan, 'The Way Forward', has been accelerated.

Sources:

The Times, 2006
Bill Ford's statement on alliances
Renault-Nissan's consideration of Carlos Ghosn for the CEO role at Ford
Kirk Kerkorian's approach to Renault-Nissan for an alliance with GM
Rick Wagoner's resistance to the idea of an alliance with Renault-Nissan
Jacques Nasser's opportunity to buy Jaguar
Sir Anthony Bamford's interest in buying Jaguar on its own

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