Bending the Third Rail
Because We Should, We Can, We Do
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Fix Or Repair Daily
I haven't spoken much about the Ford debacle (or GM). It sad to see so many workers affected by the paroxysms of the American automakers. This is the money quote from Bill Ford Jr. yesterday:
"Today, we're moving from a culture that discourages innovation back to a company that celebrates it,"
Aren't they a little late to the game?

It's a dramatic contrast in business culture when you look at foreign automakers vs. American. The foreign makers have looked at the writing on the wall (read peak oil, efficient manufacturing, effective marketing) and innovated since the 1970's. Their planning is ten years into the future. The American automakers gambled on two-ton tessie automobiles (SUV's) and are losing. Their planning is based on next quarter.

I suspect GM and Ford will survive and perhaps even thrive eventually. Using crisis as a strategic planning tool is unfortunate. And the American labor force will continue to pay the price for this style until the culture changes.
Written at 9:02 AM by Greyhair.
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