Ford Announces Plant Shutdowns

(AP)  Ford Motor Co. on Friday announced sharp cuts in its North American production that would force it to partially shut down plants in the U.S. and Canada in the fourth quarter.

The company said fourth-quarter production would be down 21 percent, or 168,000 units, from last year. Third-quarter production will be 20,000 units below what was previously announced.

For the full year, Ford plans to produce about 9 percent fewer vehicles than last year.

"We know this decision will have a dramatic impact on our employees, as well as our suppliers," chairman and chief executive Bill Ford said in a note to employees. "This is, however, the right call for our customers, our dealers and our long-term future."

Dearborn-based Ford, which lost $254 million in the second quarter, vowed last month to speed up its North American restructuring.

Bill Ford told employees the cuts are part of that acceleration and said full details of more actions will be announced in September.

The nation's second-largest automaker said the cuts are an effort to match inventories to demand and avoid costly incentives. The plan also reflects reduced expectations for big trucks and sport utility vehicles considering high gas prices, the company said.

The new production plan will result in downtime this year at assembly plants in St. Thomas, Ontario; Chicago; Wixom, Mich.; Louisville, Ky.; Wayne, Mich.; St. Paul, Minn.; Kansas City, Mo.; Norfolk, Va.; and Dearborn, Mich.; Ford said

[ozymandius2-2009]

I am SURE that it is a christian value to throw someone out of gainful employment to suit a perceived personal agenda...To take food from the mouths of men and women and children..To force people to homelessness...Im sure that what God wants...Judge not and ye shall not be judged..Thats in the book somewhere isn't it?
If that is a christian value... thanks i want no part of it!!!

[twj1231]

Ford's reasons for its sales slowdown did not include the AFA boycott. As a Christian, I choose to patronize companies who I believe reflect my values. The homosexual agenda is wrong for America. Some want to label us as the far right or radical Christians, but we are not. We reflect real family values and moral principles. Ford can continue in its support of the homosexual agenda, but will suffer great finacial loss by pandering to less than 15% of Americans.

[naturalctx]

Thank God that a company like Ford has the common sense to stand by its beliefs and not bow down to the will of a radical religious fanatic culture(no, not Radical Islam, Radical American Christianity.) I'll make sure to buy two Ford cars the next time I'm shopping, and I WILL be telling everyone I know to do the same. In the famous words of your immortal leader..."Bring It On!"

[pilgrimsway-2009]

If I remember my history Ford contributed to Hitler,
and now they are contributing to ***. People are waking up!

[pixelslinger]

I sincerely hope that most of you below don't vote.
<br>
So 'a' big corporation in the United States supports a more left-wing agenda? That's a good enough reason to boycott and encourage other Americans into this single issue tracked mind?
<br>
So, the conservative agenda is about supporting American goods, American intellect, American resources and American companies - but we should not but products or services from Americans who support homosexuality, anti-gun positions, or conservative organizations. <br>

Paint my F350 Hypocrite, please.

[bluegirl176]

I'm not surprised Ford is shutting down plants. Corporations are going to get a nasty wake up call when Americans stop buying anything except basic necessities.

I may not be a rocket scientist but I do know that people who have no jobs or who are undermployed aren't going to be able to support the American economy. Hey, Corporate America - if you expect me to buy your goods I've got to have a decent job.

[redbearore]

The biggest mistake by Fords CEO is his outspoken anti gun comments. Okay for an individual, but for a CEO? Who does Ford think is its customer base for pick ups and large trucks? I personally know at least 10 people who quite buying Fords for there fleets when Ford's anti gun positen was made public. I suspect nationally this could equate to hauge loss in national truck sales.

In spite of Ford's comments I still buy and drive Ford heavy duty trucks. Because of there gun conmtrol postion and would buy something else except they are the beat *** trucks out there.

[akrecord]

If Ford would quit supporting homos, sales would go back up.

[rconross]

American cars are all *** anyways...maybe someday the US will start building energy efficient green cars worthy of their foreign competitors. But then...maybe I'm just dreaming...

[old300d]

I bought a new 99 Ford Ranger that runs on gas or ethanol. I still can't buy ethanol. My 99 Ford Ranger was way ahead of its time. It never has had a recall or problem. They make great trucks and cars.