George Pipas
George Pipas
economy ford good half june key kicks optimistic report sales second several summer year
We feel pretty optimistic about the second half of the year and where the economy is heading. And this June sales report kicks off a good summer for Ford in several key areas.
affects consumers interest months rates sitting six wondering year
There is a lag factor. A year ago, even six months ago, we were sitting here wondering when consumers would sense that interest rates were going up. I don't think this significantly affects the first quarter.
achieved car category holds increase market share since year
If our market share in this category holds up, it would be the first year since 1993 that we have achieved an increase in car market share.
best close generating industry last level month october offers post program similar today volumes year
The level of offers out there today are very similar to the offers out there in October of last year, post 9/11. Last year it generated the best month in industry history. That same level of program will not come close to generating the same volumes this October.
discount employee might month plans september tend
When the employee discount plans are removed there will be a lull. Things tend to even out. September might be an interesting month to look at.
next plan production quarter third
We've put out our production plan for the third quarter that is something we feel like we can live with for the next three-month period.
pace production sales
but the sales pace may outstrip our production for the foreseeable future.
area boomers cars looking
Next-generation mid-size cars are an area where boomers will be looking very closely,
cars wish
Right now I wish I had more cars in inventory. I think we'll have a big April.
environment external handle position
We've never been in a better position to handle this external environment than we are now.
buying cars feedback less people
Some of the feedback we got was there was less traffic, but people who were there were people there buying cars and trucks.
financing impact perceived percent program strong swept wave zero
I think that impact of that program is not as strong as when it was first announced, ... Zero percent financing was like a tidal wave and you had to get on the wave or you'd be swept under. But I think the program is still perceived as having a lot of value.
beginning expected january sales
January sales were better than we expected at the beginning of the month. We expected them to be down 15 to 20 percent.
ahead easily inventory january month selling situation
January is easily the slowest selling month of the year. We don't want the inventory situation to get ahead of us.