Ford Competition
In a present day of global warming, environmental issues, labor unions, and other impacts, the automobile industry is in an era of instability and change. Ford Motor Company has been traditionally considered one of the "Big Three" in the auto industry, but they are not adapting as well as hoped to the changing industry, and will have to strategize to survive in a struggling industry.
There are many different risk factors for Ford and its competitors. In this paper we will look at two competitors for Ford that are also considered to be members of the "Big Three" and coincidently, are not adapting to changes in the auto industry as quickly as other competitors. These other companies are General Motors (GM) and Daimler Chrysler. We will also look at the general group of foreign car manufacturers who are steadily acquiring market share from the Big Three.
The first major risk for the auto industry in general is that of global warming and a growing concern for environmental issues among consumers. This is a risk that is spread among the entire auto industry, not just Ford Motor Co. Consumers are becoming more aware of the impact the auto industry has on the environment, and making their purchasing decisions with that on the criteria.
Another factor involved with the auto industry, is a pressure on the companies ability to increase prices. Due to excess capacity and the ability of Japanese and Korean auto manufactures to mass produce and thus lower cost prices, many companies in the auto industry are producing vehicles at little to no profit due to the inability to raise prices.
A major risk or concern for North American auto makers is the employee's health care expenses. For Ford, in 2006 their health care expenses for U.S. employees and dependants was $3.1 billion, and with $1.8 of that in postretirement health care. Ford feels that although steps have been taken to lower their health care...
Please login to view the full essay...