SWOT ANALYSIS By Mayka Villarreal

FORD MOTOR COMPANY Ford Motor Company is a global company with two core businesses: Automotive and Financial Services.

WHAT IS SWOT Strengths: attributes of the organization that are helpful to achieving the objective. Weaknesses: attributes of the organization that are harmful to achieving the objective. Opportunities: external conditions that are helpful to achieving the objective. Threats: external conditions that are harmful to achieving the objective.

Their vision…. “Our vision for the future is simple: We want to build great products, a strong business, and a better world.” Ford’s vision is, “To become the world's leading consumer company for automotive products and services” (Ford.com).

Ford has been focusing on cutting costs to increase margins more than its competitors. In 1997, Ford cut $1 billion in costs as a result of work suggestions and using standardized parts for different Ford models. As a result of using standardized parts, Ford was able to decrease the number of inventory parts, which decreased the chance of inventory parts not in stock. This meant the assembly plant would be shut down less for out of stock parts, saving Ford money (Stevenson 548).

The Taurus was a milestone design for both Ford and the entire American automotive industry, as well as a very influential vehicle in the marketplace, with Ford selling nearly 7.5 million examples during its 20 years of production.

FORD’S TECHNOLOGY Ford has been an innovator in the auto industry when it comes to technology. Examples are:

videoconferencing and computer-assisted design and manufacturing technologies use an online computer network to share ideas, create the actual designs, integrate the designs for the various parts and components, and build and test prototypes via computer simulations Voice over IP phones

Recommendations Some recommendations are needed for Ford to maximize profits. Ford needs to capitalize on all the new vehicles coming on to the market. Aggressive advertising campaigns might entice consumers to go to a Ford dealer and look at the new products. The only way Ford can make money from theses new vehicles is to sell a lot of them. Costs need to be reasonable for the appropriate class of vehicles.

HONDA MOTOR COMPANY Honda motor company is not your average Japanese car manufacturer. Originally know for motorcycles, Honda has managed to dominate a system in Japan and become one of the dominant automobile manufactures in the world.

Honda has a reputation for producing high quality products from cars to motorcycles to lawn mowers. In fact they are the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world.

FORD MUSTANG…

Honda has won many awards for initial quality and customer satisfaction. Their automobiles are reliable and generally fuel efficient. The cutting edge Asimo robot and a successful motor sports programs provide innovations that are passed to consumers as well as press recognition.

ASIMO ROBOT The New ASIMO has made great leaps forward from its predecessor. In fact, the New ASIMO can walk along with you (holding your hand if you wish), and features advanced mobility, to the extent that ASIMO can now move carts and other objects around at will. And, with a newly developed total control system that controls all of ASIMO's functions, ASIMO can autonomously act as a receptionist, or even deliver drinks on a tray. The New ASIMO is also more agile than before, being able to run at 6km/h, and even turn whilst running.

VOCABULARY Struggling: luchando Entice: tentar Dealer: negociante VoIP phone: voice over internet protocol

CEO: chief executive officer Stance: posición Sizeable: condierable Average: promedio