Oh, Yeah Something’s Working at Ford
Ford Reports Surprise $1 Billion 3Q Profit
Ford Motor Co. says it made nearly $1 billion in the third quarter, fueled by U.S. market share gains, cost cuts and the government’s Cash for Clunkers rebates.
I would also venture to say some of those “market gains” are thanks to Ford’s bailout refusal, and previous GM loyal Americans responding to that by dumping those old loyalties, and buying themselves a Ford.
As always, however, UAW members are instinctively inclined to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory:
On Friday, two of the UAW’s largest units, which represent an assembly plant in Dearborn and two in Louisville, Ky., followed the lead set by other locals by soundly defeating the proposal that Ford said it needed to be competitive long term with its domestic rivals, General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC.
“It looks like the numbers are heavily against” the deal, said Rocky Comito, president of UAW Local 862 in Louisville. “I see no way of overcoming it.”
What did Ford want? To bring Ford contracts more into line with what the union shops at GM/Chyrsler negotiated. (Which, in fact, has most always happened after contracts are negotiated ~ the other companies’ contracts come into parity.) But, no. Ford workers ain’t playin’ that.
Think it’s a little payback for Ford staying footloose and fancy free, i.e. NOT union/taxpayer owned? Maybe there’s a master plan to attempt to drive Ford into the arms of…you, me and Gettlefinger.
THAT would be a travesty.
Add it to Obama’s “accomplishments” list ~ he’s got a helluva one started.
Biz, Morality, Nanny State, People, Politics | tree hugging sister | 
November 2, 2009 8:36 am
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I know if I were in the market for a car, and planned on buying from a US company, Ford would be the ONLY one I would consider these days. Not just because of the bailout refusal, but that’s a big part of it.
I hope the unions/administration don’t screw up Ford too.
Ditto that, ricki.
[…] Ah, but the good news ends there. Comes now these good ole boys. They have one aim–to bust Ford’s balls. I might rant about it later, but I am a first-hand (meaning it was me) witness to how the union will screw one of its own even faster than it tries to screw businesses. Ford turned a 3rd quarter profit of $997 mill without government or union help. (via The Coalition of the Swilling) […]
Oh–you have it right.
There is a master plan, and it is not pretty.
Good post.
P.S. You giving away the “embed” on that Gorzilla pic?
Beautiful!
If not for the ’79 Fairmont I once owned, I would consider the Ford Motor Company for future purchases. I’m still not fully recovered, however.