19.03.2015 Views

PROFITABLE GROWTH FOR ALL

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

A MESSAGE FROM THE<br />

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN<br />

“We believe the result of<br />

our efforts will be continuing<br />

profitable growth for all of<br />

our stakeholders.”<br />

In 2011 Ford Motor Company completed its third year in a<br />

row of improved annual operating profits and announced<br />

the reinstatement of paying quarterly dividends for the first<br />

time in over five years. In 2012 we will go further to meet<br />

the needs of our customers, the challenges of our industry<br />

and the issues confronting our world.<br />

We believe the result of our efforts will be continuing<br />

profitable growth for all of our stakeholders.<br />

In the coming year we expect overall industry sales<br />

volumes to grow worldwide and we will continue to introduce great products at a rapid pace. At the same<br />

time, we will continue our efforts to improve our cost structure and strengthen our balance sheet.<br />

The automobile industry continues to face a number of challenges, including ongoing economic uncertainty,<br />

rising fuel and commodity costs, and the need to reduce CO 2<br />

emissions. In addition, growing worldwide sales<br />

volumes, particularly in developing markets, are raising concerns about traffic congestion in major cities.<br />

We plan to meet these challenges head on, with best-in-class vehicles that lead in quality, fuel efficiency,<br />

safety, smart design and value. We now offer advanced fuel-saving technologies across a full line of vehicles,<br />

as well as a variety of electrified vehicles. By next year our innovative EcoBoost engine, which delivers up to<br />

20 percent better fuel economy without sacrificing performance, will be available in more than 90 percent<br />

of our North America vehicle portfolio and nearly 80 percent of our vehicles globally.<br />

We also are intensifying our efforts to develop vehicles that communicate with each other and the world<br />

around them to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. Last year we doubled our investment in<br />

the development of wirelessly connected intelligent vehicles and we became the first automaker to build<br />

prototypes for demonstration across the U.S. As we did to address concerns about sustainability, our<br />

“Blueprint for Mobility” plan directs our future efforts and investments in this area, so that we will be<br />

the leader in wireless communication technology.<br />

I am proud of the outstanding job that has been done by our employees around the world. Working together<br />

as a global team has enabled us to reward our shareholders and other stakeholders. But the success we have<br />

achieved so far is just a starting point, not a finish line. In 2012 we will go further to build great products, a<br />

strong business and a better world.<br />

Thank you for your continued support of our efforts.<br />

William Clay Ford, Jr.<br />

Executive Chairman<br />

March 14, 2012<br />

2 Ford Motor Company | 2011 Annual Report

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!