Whats really interesting about that list - to me- is that two of those guys used to run Mazda

Mark Fields was President and CEO of Mazda from 2000-2002 and moved on to become VP of Ford at PAG and Europe and then he moved to his current job in 2005 as Executive VP of the Americas for Ford which covers the entire operations for basically the western Hemisphere.

Lewis Booth took over as President and CEO of Mazda when Mark Fields left for PAG. Before Mazda he was in Charge of Ford operations in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and India. When Fields took over the Americas for Ford Lewis Booth replaced him as VP in charge of PAG and Europe. Hes currently also the Chariman at Volvo


These 2 guys are most directly responsible for Mazda's turn around. Mark Fields laid out the Millenium plan and started the programs that led to the Mazda6 Mazda3 Mazda5 RX-8and MX5.

Lewis Booth carried out the Millenium plan, made the decision to actually build the RX-8 you're Driving today and started the programs that became the CX-7 and CX-9.


Seriously how can they not choose one of these guys?!! Both have made incredible advances at Mazda. Both have made European Fords the cars we want to have here. Everything that is right at their company has been accomplished under these guys' watch.

 

interesting, i hope they can take ford in new directions. but whoever it is, he or she will face very bad situations with the labor union and the perception of american brands's relability issues. its a very difficult job

 

Ford wont' do it Zoom.. its to much of a "Bold Move". Though it would be nice to see one of these two take it over and do a turn around like they did at Mazda. Before the Zoom-Zoom campaign, I'm sure half of us never really thought of Mazda, hell I didnt to be honest. Well I hope one of them gets it

 

there were a few (such as those who loved the RX-7's when they originally were out and such) who probably were looking forward to some of the mazda cars before the zoom-zoom campaign but I would agree with clavious. I of course knew of mazda, but wasnt huge into cars when the zoom-zoom campaign started. That being said, I cant remember mazda before the campaign and I do remember the start of it, so it was quite successful. I do believe ford needs a new direction... I cant think of any cars they make that really impress me. While the ford GT is nice, there's probably a different car I'd consider in that price range.

I'll admit I've never really been a ford (more recent ford that is), but if they were to make a comeback with some better cars, they could probably change my mind.

 

Then again Maniac your under the age of 22 ..........oh ya never saw you again on campus after the chance encounter =P

 

zoom: I'm hoping they pick one of the Mazda guys, would be nice to spicen things up at Ford

 

Does that mean we are going to see new Ford comercials that say.............

Go Go !

 

The mid to late '90s was a low point for Mazda. Their transformation since the launch of the Mazda 3 has been quite remarkable and I hold both men in high regard as to their automotive management skills.

 

Maybe Ford can start styling cars that actually look good, and start bringing over some of the Euro models.

 

If either of this men end up at Ford, i think they will have there job cut out for them. IMO one of the biggest problems Ford (and GM) have is their very bureaucratic management. It is just hard to get anything done and get everybody on board. It is hard for them to get projects out that the market wants when you are trying to meet all of the managements demands.

Both ford and GM are very top heavy companies and need to get rid of allot of there excess management.

 

But GM has pumped out quite a few nice cars lately.

Cobalt SS Turbo, HHR SS Turbo, Solstice, Solstice GXP, Solstice Coupe, Sky, Sky Redline, CTS, CTS-V, CTS Coupe, Trailblazer SS, Corvette ZR1, G6 GXP, G8 GT, G8 GXP, Pontiac Sport Truck, and the new Camaro. Plus, the new Malibu, Aura, and CTS have won a bunch of awards already.

 

This is the main problem. Both companies have management who still operate like Ford and GM have the majority of market share. Both Ford and GM have cluttered product lines and divisions with no real definition.

Example, what is the role of Mercury and Lincoln? Who is Lincoln's prime competitor? They have two cars, one is front wheel drive, the other hasn't been redesigned since 1998 and still rides on a platform from the Carter years. Their replacement for the Town car is the MKS which is lousy.

Ford has the Expedition, Explorer, Taurus X, Edge, Escape and soon the Flex as SUVs. I can only imagine how confusing this must be to the average person. Why can't this be narrowed down to small, medium, and large? The new focus is garbage, no one knows the Taurus exists. The only thing going for them is the Mustang.

GM has lately made a few cars that are competitive. The CTS and Malibu come to mind. But they have way too many divisions and I am not confident in their fit and finish. Friends of mine have an '07 Escalade they bought new last year. A month after they bought it, the cup holders broke, the dash rattled, and now there is a light rattling in the headliner. The latest problem is the chrome 22 inch wheels. The chrome is blistering around the edges. Inexcusable for a $65k car. What is the role of Buick? Why keep Saab? Lately, what is the role of Pontiac? Any way to get ouf of the Hummer division?