Trouble is it isn't global, it is NA only which is a much higher risk product as a result. One market can change it's mind whereas more diverse products are less at risk.
“Diversification and Innovations
youre missing the obvious fact here, the United States IS 50% of the global market. its even Toyotas largest market. the US is one of the two countries in the world its worth developing a vehicle specifically for.
But that still leaves a lot of eggs in one basket which in history has always been very risky.
from the eyes of shareholders better all the eggs in one 50 gallon drum than trying to stuff 10 of those gallons into a 5 gallon European bucket
Err because Ford is a global company selling more cars outside the US than inside.
Really? Most shareholders are very nervous of a company selling one big product. Just because it has worked so far doesn't mean it will continue to work. Look at Ford US market share over the last 47 years - doesn't make good reading and pressure is only getting worse with Chinese car makers. Where were Toyota and Honda 47 years ago?
which is why Ford has global operations, the US is 50% of that and the F-series is almost 50% of the US. youre saying Ford should ditch 20% of their global revenue to hunt sales in markets Ford is already in. tell that to any shareholder and youll get laughed out of the room.
I'm not saying anything of the sort. I'm saying Ford is very exposed in it's largest market with one model which can make shareholders nervous, especially when you see a market decline over many years from overseas competition. The F150 cash cow may not be there forever, what happens when a Chinese car maker makes an F150 equivalent for half the price (and if you think that isn't likely then it already exists)? We know from history that money talks and people will buy a cheaper product.
what makes you think Ford is keeping their heads in the sand? the F-series is their best selling product but its not like they havent done anything in the last 47 years. the F-series is the nest egg that lets them invest in their global business because thats not going to bring in enough money to offset the F-series.
Aside from the Mustang, Ford and child brands have not been competitive in the car market _here at home_. Look at their lineup: Trucks, SUV's, vans & cars. Lincoln has all SUV's since 2020.
He's not wrong about Ford needing to compete globally, the other 2 of the big 3 do. Ford is very conservative about F series redesigns, and they can be a little over cautious sometimes. I understand the reticence to tinker with their bread and butter and that is a good thing but Ram has considerably eaten into the truck market shares and Ford would do well to take heed.
why is everyone acting like Ford isnt competing on a global scale? they're the 7th largest global brand. they have trucks for sale around the globe, the Rangers are much smaller trucks that meet the need of smaller roads. while they arent at pre-covid levels, they are experiencing year on year growth, its not like Fords keeping their head in the sand, they just dont need to change the F-series to meet a much smaller demand at the expense of their largest slice of the pie
“Ford Pro has achieved significant success in the European cargo van market, becoming the leading manufacturer for eight consecutive years. In 2022, Ford Pro recorded its highest-ever market share of 15%, surpassing competitors like Renault, which held a 14.4% market share.
