With each passing day, Ford Motor Co.'s determination to forgo federal loans is giving the company a sharper edge over its domestic rivals, who must now answer to the federal government.
Interview with Alan Mullay and Bill Ford
(Click on Right Side)
While GM and Chrysler were scolded Monday by President Barack Obama's auto task force, Ford remains in control of its destiny and aims to keep it that way.
In an exclusive joint interview with the Free Press last week, Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally said they are taking decisive action to profitably grow their business the way they want to.
"Look at the speed with which we are moving," said Mulally, who has made progress with the UAW and bondholders. "We have the resources, and we are implementing our transformational plan. ... When you are owned by the U.S. government, you are in a different situation."
How much is the "Ford is different" message helping the automaker? Said Mulally: "A lot."
In the hour-long interview, the duo exuded confidence in each other, their team, their vehicles and their plan.