I love brilliant vision...

The bailout (government loan) passed for GM and Chrysler today! Thanks, President Bush!!

This will tremendously help the auto industry as a whole…and therefore, positively help the economy. I read in Kiplinger’s Newsletter today: ‘it is estimated that 1 in 10 people that reside in USA are tied, one way or another, to the automotive industry.’ That is a TON of people!

A few years ago, the USA couldn't grasp why Ford would close plants, etc. I can’t tell you how many negative comments I heard from people...who plainly just didn’t understand…that includes the media, too. Thank goodness for brilliant vision is all I can say! Ford had the foresight to borrow against its property and assets two years ago; risky...yes...but that has helped us in the long run. As mentioned a few years ago- but no one really wanted to hear it…or refused to see the other side of the picture…Ford started early getting back to the basics. If others followed our lead even 2 years ago, they wouldn’t be in as nearly as much trouble as they are now.
Yes, plants were shut down. But did you know that many of them were plants that were only producing one or two vehicles…and couldn’t produce as fast as needed? So, Ford, with great vision, decided to update the outdated plants! Now, plants are greener and more efficient in production. The goal is for plants to be able to produce multiple units-- faster! Also, another reason for restructure is to be able to change models every few years…and not be stuck with the old model. That way, you as a consumer, will always have fresh product to consider. Thank goodness for sound vision of Allan Mullay and the Ford Team.

Another ‘restructure vision’ that Ford started a few years ago- shifting focus from trucks to cars: getting more into the cars market and not just being known for the quality trucks. (By the way: just announced: 2009 Ford F150 was named Motor Trend Truck of the Year yesterday. A prestigious honor!) Ford will be producing a large car line-up in the next 3 years…larger than we have ever seen. Ford has recognized the need for a large, green, and efficient car market…and started acting on that vision years ago. With Ford’s decision to strongly move in the car market, they had to start to restructure the manufacture plants. They closed plants that were no longer going to be of use…and also turned plants over from a truck plants to a car plant.

The restructure and down-sizing that Ford started years ago has greatly impacted our financial state today. Ford is getting back to the basics and is only spending where necessary. One area they are not compromising is product design and development. Ford is ready for the future! (I know firsthand because I work with a Ford Team in MI on several projects.)

Ford, like all other manufactures, has a lot of growth in front of them. Ford is looking for fresh ways to connect to more customers and more ways to create a loyal buyer. We do have a steep hill to climb in 2009…but I can honestly say that I am most grateful for God placing Allan Mullay in Ford. I appreciate his wisdom and leadership and feel confident in Ford’s future…and therefore my families’ future. Jenkins & Wynne have been in business for almost 56 years in Clarksville…and none of the Jenkins clan plan to go anywhere! We are loyal to our community and customers and thrive in helping people. We are well-established and secure. We have the best employees in the area…and our customer satisfaction levels have been recognized with numerous honors and awards.

It’s funny, because I never really thought that I would get into the car business. But now that I am, I honestly couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. Yes, I work in a very, very competitive field…that creates a daily consistency of stress and hard work….that the general public could never truly understand. But at the end of the day, I am blessed with my calling to work here, blessed with my career, and blessed to work with my family in such an incredible line of work.

Have you driven a Ford (Lincoln or Mercury) lately?