Thread regarding Ford layoffs

Low rebates?? Don't know where you are seeing that. There aren't deals like there used to be.
Not that long ago with a plan and incentives you could get $10k off trucks and even higher end Ford cars.

The fact that Ford is still selling without having to resort to giving back big money is saying something good about the company, even given the current faults.

Why is Ford the only company offering rebates when car (sorry truck and suv) inventories are so low. Tells you a lot about the customers opinion of Ford. With GMC and Ram’s increasing volumes, just a matter of time before our one trick pony company falls (again). Henry is spinning in his grave and how (poorly) Ford is run today.

I guess when this chip issue is resolved we will truly know? As far as the Bronco & Maverick go 2-3 years will tell the story.. Ford needs some of the other vehicle lines to step up and make money cannot be a one trick pony as in F-Series as in 90+% for you profits. Focus on quality vs cost cutting (TVM).

Another supplier employee here. I agree with everything posted by @1omx+1bHGU5rZ

The only thing I would add is that my company deals with several OEM customers. And like Ford, all of our customers are concerned with costs. That part of the business model is consistent with every OEM (because it is business, plain and simple).

However, the difference is 100% the arrogance and unprofessional attitude of Ford buyers. The engineers we deal with from Ford are much more professional (and nicer), but many of them (most, but not all) are not up to the same technical level as engineers from other customers. It is like they are being spoon-fed some meaningless gibberish of what to say about the product. A few of the engineers we deal with from Ford are actually very good at what they do though. Of course, I don't know if it is the engineering groups or purchasing that shares our technology with other suppliers, but we know it happens a lot, regardless of NDA's being signed. The buyers from every other OEM are mostly pleasant to do business with. I would call it friendly, but business-like/professional. The Ford buyers/purchasing reps are the exact opposite. The first thing out of their mouths are "How much money are you giving back?" Rarely if ever do they start conversations with "How was your weekend or How is the product testing going or Are we on schedule for delivery".

The one thing I slightly, but respectively disagree with @1omx+1bHGU5rZ, is where he/she writes "Ford got what they deserve with chips". No - Ford deserves much, much worse!! And before all you Ford employees start whining about suppliers wishing you nothing good, you should look in the mirror first for the way your company and employees treats suppliers and actual customers of your own products. I don't think your company could understand the definition of partnership or customer satisfaction if you were hit broadside in the head with the concepts. I guess Ford and its employees decided to be like politicians and believe and practice in the slogan "Do as I say, not as I do".

As a supplier, the relationship is very different with Toyota and you feel like a partner.

Ford Purchasing’s arrogance has continued for years. In fact, many suppliers have adopted an “anybody but Ford” mentality for sharing new technology. Ford has the reputation of sharing so that they can drive costs down.

Ford got what they deserve with chips.

Wait til those parked semi-finished F-150’s find their way to customers. I certainly don’t want a hot rot truck fo $60-$80k.

@yrk+1bHGU5rZ " You are dead on. I had an LL4 who told me last year in May the Oval went in and scaled back on purchasing chips. That was 13 months ago.

@yrk+1bHGU5rZ " If chip and part shortages were the root cause that should be a problem that impacts everyone."

Not all companies were affected in the same magnitude. Toyota was the least affected because they keep track of the suppliers of the suppliers. Hence, Toyota was able to realize the issue before anyone else and stock on parts.

I think Ford was the most affected because management got the wrong reading on the COVID-19 situation and the consequent demand. In the haste to "save" money to the company, management ended cancelling the contracts way too early. Now we are the last ones getting the chips. Again, Ford is penny wise pound foolish.

Thanks

They’re probably scrambling to put a happy spin on the numbers. Shortages are hindering their ability to get vehicles ready for market and I’m sure they’re using that as justification for the decline. There are two Ford/Lincoln dealerships near my home and both have empty lots. Those lots are usually so full that they need to juggle vehicles around to get one out of the lot. What doesn’t make sense is that globally only a few vehicle manufacturers are seeing a decline in sales this year. If chip and part shortages were the root cause that should be a problem that impacts everyone.

Q2 earnings will not be good, and there is only so much that tweaking the residual value numbers at Ford Credit can really help us.

The new Maverick is the answer! With another 1000 units a quarter we will be rolling in dough.

Sad times at Ford, let the tailspin begin!