Have You Driven A Ford Lately?

So, Ford is announcing that they will lose $5.8 BILLION dollars because of restructuring. Now, I don't know much about running a multi-billion dollar company, but isn't restructuring supposed to SAVE you money??

I have a suggestion for Ford. I've owned a Ford in the past (89 Mustang), and I'll give these thoughts on my ownership of that car. First off, get quality people who answer the phones. These people are the front lines between yourself and your customers. I called up one time with a question about my car and got several rude, inconsiderate people. Now, one person I can forgive, but multiple people I cannot. If the person didn't know the answer to my question, find someone who does or point me in the likely direction of my answer. Simple, fair, honesty will go a LONG way in customer relations. A good experience means I will more than likely become a repeat customer. A vehicle purchase is the second most expensive thing most people will buy in their lifetimes. This means that repeat business is crucial.

Second suggestion. PLEASE HIRE BETTER ENGINEERS! If your current engineers are swamped, higher more. If you have more than enough, higher better ones. I cannot tell you how many times my old car would break down. I had 56,000 miles on the car and had to replace the clutch, starter, water pump, and other assorted parts over it's short lifetime. I drive a Honda. I've owned 3 Honda's in the past. My first car was an 89 CRX. I put 189,000 miles on it without a problem. Oil changes and such were regular just as they were on my Mustang. When I spoke with Honda service, I got fair, honest people who were helpful. This speaks volumes. When my timing belt broke on my CRX, I was met with very helpful people who pointed me to the right place on getting it replaced and back on the road in a hurry. So, when it came time for a new vehicle, who do you think I chose? I chose a car company that offered me a nice, inexpensive, RELIABLE car with a service department that was helpful when needed.

Ford, if you read this, take my constructive criticism to heart. Don't cut corners on cars that cost $25,000. Don't try a "me too" attitude when trying to compete with the Japanese tuner market, it makes you look lame. Innovative ideas and ingenuity will help pull you into profitability quickly, I promise.

Travis
travis@rightwinglunatic.com