Ford 2011 Annual Report Download - page 4

2 Ford Motor Company | 2011 Annual Report 2 Ford Motor Company | 2011 Annual Report
In 2011 Ford Motor Company completed its third year in a
row of improved annual operating profits and announced
the reinstatement of paying quarterly dividends for the first
time in over five years. In 2012 we will go further to meet
the needs of our customers, the challenges of our industry
and the issues confronting our world.
We believe the result of our efforts will be continuing
profitable growth for all of our stakeholders.
In the coming year we expect overall industry sales
volumes to grow worldwide and we will continue to introduce great products at a rapid pace. At the same
time, we will continue our efforts to improve our cost structure and strengthen our balance sheet.
The automobile industry continues to face a number of challenges, including ongoing economic uncertainty,
rising fuel and commodity costs, and the need to reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, growing worldwide sales
volumes, particularly in developing markets, are raising concerns about traffic congestion in major cities.
We plan to meet these challenges head on, with best-in-class vehicles that lead in quality, fuel efficiency,
safety, smart design and value. We now offer advanced fuel-saving technologies across a full line of vehicles,
as well as a variety of electrified vehicles. By next year our innovative EcoBoost engine, which delivers up to
20 percent better fuel economy without sacrificing performance, will be available in more than 90 percent
of our North America vehicle portfolio and nearly 80 percent of our vehicles globally.
We also are intensifying our efforts to develop vehicles that communicate with each other and the world
around them to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion. Last year we doubled our investment in
the development of wirelessly connected intelligent vehicles and we became the first automaker to build
prototypes for demonstration across the U.S. As we did to address concerns about sustainability, our
“Blueprint for Mobility” plan directs our future efforts and investments in this area, so that we will be
the leader in wireless communication technology.
I am proud of the outstanding job that has been done by our employees around the world. Working together
as a global team has enabled us to reward our shareholders and other stakeholders. But the success we have
achieved so far is just a starting point, not a finish line. In 2012 we will go further to build great products, a
strong business and a better world.
Thank you for your continued support of our efforts.
William Clay Ford, Jr.
Executive Chairman
March 14, 2012
A MESSAGE FROM THE
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
“We believe the result of
our efforts will be continuing
profitable growth for all of
our stakeholders.”