AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

Ford Reports Quarterly Profit

Well, slap me and call me Edsel! Ford Motor Company reported a $100 million dollar profit for the 1st quarter of 2008. Not only that, but Ford reported the profit despite sales that were down 8% from last year. If Ford can keep this up, it looks Like the Blue Oval will be the first of the FB3 to make a comeback.

Unlike Chrysler, and to a lesser extent, GM, Ford has some near term new products that may actually help North American sales. In the Fall, Ford will bring out its redesigned F-150 pick-up, which is still the #1 selling vehicle in the United States. The Fusion and Milan get a freshening that includes a more powerful and efficient 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed transmission. The B-Class Ford Fiesta brings the style and verve of the Verve showcar to the masses. Ford has a new line of fuel-efficient low-displacement turbocharged engines and a new diesel to help its MPG across the board. The touched-up Focus is a hit, both because of its size and the Sync audio system, and the fancy tunes box come to more models for '09. The Flex family truckster will come out as well. That Boeing guy must know what he's doing.