Ford Motor CompnayHISTORYHenry Ford was an engineer from Detroit, Michigan who had an idea. By 1902, Ford had made several attempts to produce a gasoline-powered vehicle, but with little capital he found his attempts were in vain. Ford approached a man named Alexander T. Malcomson about the possibility of manufacturing an automobile. Malcomson, a family friend and wealthy coal merchant, was reluctant at first but eventually accepted Ford's advice and decided to help him financially with his business. With Malcomson's investment and Ford's engineering skills, a partnership was formed and in mid-June 1903, the incorporation papers for the Ford Motor Company were filed in Dearborn, Michigan. Despite going bankrupt several times, the company finally took off with the launch of their first car, the Model A, and by 1920, approximately 60% of all automobiles on the road were Fords. Today, Ford is the largest truck maker and second-largest automaker in North America, producing an average of eight cars or trucks per minute. The Ford Motor Company employs 371,702 people in more than 2,400 locations in 33 countries and sells automobiles in more than 200 markets. VISION STATEMENT Our vision is to be the world's leading automobile manufacturer, from the perspective of our customers, shareholders and employees. Customer focus, strong global brands, leading quality and values, agile leadership and teamwork, corporate citizenship and passion for growth are the key elements of the “vision and business pyramid”. strategy” of Ford (see appendix) to become the world leader in the supply of automotive products and services. This pyramid summarizes the ways Ford delivers on its commitment to success. The consumer is the foundation of this pyramid and the root of Ford's vision. It is this consumer-focused focus that has been key to Ford's transformation, growth and success over the years. FORD'S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES Today's automobile industry is very competitive. Ford had to find ways to stay ahead of the following major companies: BANC ONE, Bank America, BMW, Budget Group, Chrysler, Daimler-Benz, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Mack Trucks. , Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Saab, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen and many others. Ford has developed a number of... middle of paper ...... recorded its highest sports car sales in the company's 75-year history. By maintaining these qualities and trends, Ford Motor Company continues to improve, transform and grow, staying ahead of today's automotive market. Ford continues to research audience trends and develop and improve accordingly. The Ford Focus is a great example of how Ford analyzed a customer's needs and manufactured an automobile following all the current trends. (See the appendix for the comparison of the Ford Focus and Honda Civic.) Ford's research led them to expect men to be nearly half an inch taller and women a quarter inches larger in 2000 than they were in 1990. These guidelines helped give the Focus the extra space and comfort that future customers need. "Buying a small car doesn't have to mean making compromises – in terms of comfort, roominess, looks, driving character, safety or value. The Focus combines these elements so that it there is no compromise." (Jim O'Connor, Ford vice president and president of the Ford division.) The Ford Motor Company will continue to be one.