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Ford idling Michigan Assembly Plant to trim Focus, C-Max supply

Ford will be putting the brakes on production at its Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, MI, idling production during the weeks of October 28 and December 16. Ford is citing the first drop in US sales in 27 months, a 4.2-percent dip in September, as the impetus for trimming their supplies, according to Automotive News.
Ford's deft management of its supplies has been part of its success over the years, and seeing supplies of Focus and C-Max, the two vehicles built at MAP, rise from 58 and 108 days, respectively, to 71 and 122 days over the span of a month was apparently all that was need to justify the trimming. As AN points out, the rule of thumb for many automakers is to maintain a 60-day supply of vehicles.
"Ford has been focused on keeping their pricing in check. Their operating margin is in double digits. Nobody else is there and they're obviously very proud of that," Alan Baum, an auto analyst with Baum & Associates told AN. Keeping the supply chain operating smoothly and not increasing supplies too much is crucial to that healthy profit margin. After all, a large supply lowers prices ,which, in turn, cuts profit. So while this news might not be great for employees at MAP, who now have an extra two weeks of vacation time, it's far from a sign of problems in Dearborn. Quite the opposite, actually.

Ford recalls Explorer, Flex, Taurus for parking brakes

Ford announced a recall of nearly 8,000 vehicles spread across a broad range of models for a faulty parking brake, which might not engage fully. The automaker has not received any reports of accidents or injuries resulting from the issue. The recall affects certain examples of the 2015-16 Ford Explorer, the 2015 Taurus, and the 2015 Flex. The 2015 Lincoln MKS and MKT are also included in the campaign. The vehicles in question were assembled at the company's Chicago and Oakville (Ontario) plants from May 4 to May 23. All told, 7,165 of the affected vehicles are estimated to be in the United States, with another 799 in Canada, and a solitary example in Mexico. In order to address the issue, owners are asked to bring the affected vehicles their local dealership, where technicians will inspect the vehicle and where necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly. Jul 22, 2015 | DEARBORN, Mich. Ford Issues Safety Compliance Recall in North America DEARBORN, Mich., July 22, 2015 – Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall for approximately 8,000 vehicles in North America, including certain 2015-2016 Ford Explorer, and certain 2015 Taurus and Flex, as well as Lincoln MKS and MKT vehicles for an issue with the parking brake. In these vehicles, the parking brake might not engage fully, which is a compliance issue with FMVSS 135 regarding brake systems. Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue. Affected vehicles include certain 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant, May 4, 2015 through May 23, 2015; certain 2015 Ford Taurus vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant, May 4, 2015 through May 23, 2015; certain 2015 Ford Flex vehicles built at Oakville Assembly Plant, May 4, 2015 through May 23, 2015; certain 2015 Lincoln MKS vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant, May 4, 2015 through May 23, 2015; and certain Lincoln MKT vehicles built at Oakville Assembly Plant, May 4, 2015 through May 21, 2015. There are 7,165 vehicles in the United States and federalized territories, 799 in Canada and one in Mexico. Dealers will inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly at no cost to the customer. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 Ford Explorer View 30 Photos News Source: Ford Recalls Ford Lincoln Crossover Sedan ford flex lincoln mks lincoln mkt

Ford GT inspires objects for Milan furniture show [w/videos]

Can't get enough of the lines on the new Ford GT? Then Milan is the place to be this month. That's where Ford will be presenting a series of objects whose designs were penned by the same talents behind (and inspired by) the company's new supercar. Set to be presented at the Salone del Mobile furniture show in the Italian metropolis, the collection ranges from tables, chairs and light fixtures to a sailboat, foosball table and electric guitar. "We have an incredible amount of talent in our global design studios," said Ford's chief designer Moray Callum. "Salone del Mobile is the perfect forum to share some of that creativity, while also offering our designers an opportunity to get exposure to new ideas that will inspire future Ford design." In addition to these seemingly random objects, Ford has also partnered with architect Attilio Stocchi to create a special light exhibition entitled "Favillia, Every Light a Voice," similarly inspired by the new GT. But if your plans won't be taking you to Milan anytime soon, you can check them out in the images above and the videos and press release below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Ford Designers Showcase at Salone del Mobile a Guitar, Sail Boat, and Table Football Inspired by Ford GT Supercar - Ford's global design team at the world's leading furniture design expo, Salone del Mobile, unveils a range of items inspired by the new Ford GT - A boat, guitar, table football and other objects were developed by Ford's global design studios for the show, applying the same interior design philosophy as Ford's upcoming supercar - Also inspired by the all-new Ford GT is "FAVILLA, To Every Light a Voice," an immersive installation curated by architect Attilio Stocchi in partnership with Salone del Mobile - Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy, runs until April 19. Ford today also hosts a discussion on current trends, and how they are influencing design MILAN, Italy, April 14, 2015 – Ford's team of global designers today showcased their innovation and creativity, unveiling a sail boat, guitar and table football at the Salone del Mobile design show, in Milan, Italy.