Alan mulally's related interview

International Herald Tribune: Among the three major automobile companies in the United States, only Ford did not apply for emergency assistance from the government or bankruptcy protection. Why did Ford survive to this day? Things seem to be getting better?

Alan mulally: I think there are four main reasons. First, before the global financial crisis broke out, Ford made a bold adjustment plan. As part of the plan, we first sold some assets to India's Tata Group, such as wholly-owned subsidiaries Jaguar and Land Rover, and these brands.

Second, in order to cope with the economic recession, adjust the product and product structure, close the North American 17 factory, lay off more than 40,000 people, and cut spending by more than 5 billion dollars. At the same time, it provides global products to major markets.

The third is to borrow some money from the bank in advance to ensure liquidity. The fourth is to make full use of our resources. International Herald Tribune: After several consecutive quarters of losses, Ford Motor Company achieved a profit of $2.3 billion in the second quarter of this year. Has Ford passed the most critical moment?

Alan mulally: Compared with last year, Ford's global sales continued to decline, but the decline rate has obviously narrowed in recent months.

In addition, Ford has made great achievements in reducing costs, reducing debts and increasing market share, and its transformation plan has also made significant progress. With the continuous introduction of new products that consumers need and like, as well as the continuous large-scale reorganization of business and the improvement of financial situation, Ford's global business is steadily strengthening. Although the economic environment is still grim, I am now more convinced than ever that Ford is on the right path and making steady progress towards creating a profitable Ford Motor Company.

We got 20 1 1 to turn losses into profits, and I'm still very confident about it. Ford is the only car company that didn't postpone product development during the financial crisis. We constantly increase investment in new product research and development, and invest in new products for consumers every year. Tribune of International Herald Tribune: Ford entered China relatively late, and its development has been steady and steady in recent years. Where do you think China is in Ford's global strategy?

Alan mulally: I am very satisfied with Ford Motor Company's performance in China and its cooperation with its partners in China. In the first half of this year, Ford's total car sales in China increased by 39%, making it the best market in the world. China market is a very important emerging market in Ford's global strategy. Ford moved its Asia-Pacific headquarters from Thailand to Shanghai, China, which shows that Ford attaches importance to the China market.

The foundation stone laying of the new factory in Chongqing is an important step for Ford to expand its business in China. Ford Motor Company will continue to make use of Ford's latest global technology with its partners to provide wonderful products and services to consumers in China. At least four new models will be launched in the next three years.

Tribune of International Herald Tribune: China automobile market has a good development prospect and has become the most competitive automobile market in the world. With the continuous improvement of China government's requirements for energy conservation and environmental protection standards for automotive products, why can Ford continue to succeed in China market?

Alan mulally: Ford Motor Company has continuously introduced a series of leading Ford brand cars in terms of quality, fuel economy, safety and innovative technology to meet the needs of consumers. Ford will introduce the best products and technology to China. In the next three years, Ford plans to bring at least four latest Ford global products to China consumers.

In 20 10, we will launch a series of other advanced green energy-saving technologies in China, such as Ford EcoBoost new power technology and PowerShift transmission technology. EcoBoost engine combines turbocharging and in-cylinder direct injection technology, which can save at least 20% fuel and greatly reduce emissions. PowerShift dual clutch gearbox, the fuel saving effect is also very obvious. From next year, these green energy-saving technologies will be gradually applied to Ford brand cars produced in China.

The next generation Ford Focus is the best-selling model of the Ford brand in the world and will be the first model put into production in the new factory. This car will be equipped with Ford's newly developed 1.6T advanced engine.