This article was published in the Seattle Times this past Sunday.
The answer is simple: Ford Motor Company has separated itself from other automakers.
While others in the industry have struggled and required government bailout money to continue operations, Ford has continued to operate without taking any government bailout funds. One needs to look no further than your local Ford dealer, Evergreen Ford, to see why this is true. Evergreen’s owner, Dan Rowe explained, “The reason we’ve been so successful is our community. We’ve supported them and, in turn, they’ve stepped up and supported us, even in today’s rough market.” When asked to elaborate on what he meant he stated, “We’ve been very active in the local community ever since we opened up 20 years ago. We’ve gone so far as to hire an employee whose entire job is dedicated to giving back to the community. They participate on local boards, foundations and functions that benefit everything from service clubs to underprivileged kids in our neighborhoods. Not only that, but our entire staff really understands that giving back to the community creates a healthy environment both personally and for business. We provide more than just monetary funding – our entire staff actually participates in these community activities.”
While giving back to the community is admirable, it obviously won’t keep a business going for twenty years. What is it that makes the Ford product sustainable when everything about the automotive market is constantly changing? Rowe responded, “Today, not even Honda or Toyota can beat Ford quality. Ford has more 5-star safety ratings than any other automaker. The new Ford Fusion is the most fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan in America and the Fusion Hybrid gets 41 mpg in the city (1). That’s 8 mpg better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid. And, the Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet with 34 mpg in the city (2). Our success really reflects the insight our company has at the corporate level in understanding that business needs to change with the times.”
Ford has shown innovation in the fuel efficiency category, as well as providing American’s best-selling line of trucks for 43 years running with the F-Series. It was named the 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year™. They’re also an industry leader in technology, providing the only voice activated SYNC® system in their vehicles, which is something that neither Honda or Toyota has available.
Rowe summarized by saying, “So there are plenty of reasons to buy a new Ford – and not simply because we’re American. Ford has great, innovative new products and even more on the way. Just as Ford has great vision at the corporate level, so does your neighborhood Ford dealer. Under great leadership Evergreen Ford has sustained its operation and even maintained success in these tough economic times. We are proud to be a part of the Ford Motor Company.”
