I've been at Ford for previous layoffs (e.g., Way Forward), but I sense a big difference this time. In those previous layoffs, it was tough, but those of us who remained generally agreed it was usually the low performers, deadwood, hard to get along with, etc., who got the axe.
This time though, it's not the low performers who got axed. If anything, it's those who overachieved, and had the bad luck to get promoted to positions which were eliminated.
I wonder how HR will recruit (if/when we hire again). Will we boast "Ford offers great opportunities, such as a management track. If you work hard & excel, you'll get promoted into positions of greater responsibility"*
- Note: you may do so well that you get promoted into a job that someone in the Glass House may decide on a whim to get rid of, just because they can...evil laughter"