Ford's Road to Recovery: An Exclusive Interview with Alan Mulally

Ford Motor Company's dramatic turnaround began in 2006, under the leadership of President and CEO Alan Mulally. In a January 28, 2010, CNN interview with Ali Velshi, Mulally discussed his vision for the company's future and the lessons he has learned along the way. As Ford celebrates its first full-year profits since 2005, Mulally emphasized the importance of staying focused on their plan for profitable growth, improving quality and productivity, and providing opportunities for American autoworkers.

Key Takeaways:

• Ford's plan for profitable growth involves focusing on the Ford brand, offering a complete family of vehicles, and continually improving quality and productivity.
• The company has picked up market share for 14 of the last 15 months, with a 25% improvement in the Explorer's miles per gallon.
• Mulally believes that American autoworkers who were laid off will have a chance to return to the workforce as the company continues to grow and hire.
• The key to Ford's success is to keep growing the company profitably and making the best cars and trucks in the world.
• Mulally learned the importance of having a compelling vision, a robust strategy, and pulling everybody together to achieve a common goal.
• Consumers are looking for a complete family of vehicles with the best quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design, and value.
• Ford's recall situation in China with a commercial light bus was similar to Toyota's issue, but Ford took decisive action to address the problem.

Statistics:

• 14 of the last 15 months, Ford has picked up market share.
• 25% improvement in the Explorer's miles per gallon.
• Less than 2,000 vehicles affected by the recall situation in China.

Sources:

• CNN interview with Alan Mulally, President and CEO of Ford, January 28, 2010.
• CNN.com. "Transcript: Alan Mulally's Interview with Ali Velshi." 2010.