Ford 2011 Annual Report Download - page 181

Notes to the Financial Statements
Ford Motor Company | 2011 Annual Report 179
NOTE 30. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
In evaluating for accrual and disclosure purposes matters filed against us, we take into consideration factors such as
our historical experience with matters of a similar nature, the specific facts and circumstances asserted, the likelihood of
our prevailing, and the severity of any potential loss. We reevaluate and update our accruals as matters progress over
time.
For the majority of matters, which generally arise out of alleged defects in our products, we establish an accrual based
on our extensive historical experience with similar matters, and we do not believe that there is a reasonably possible
outcome materially in excess of our accrual.
For the remaining matters, where our historical experience with similar matters is of more limited value (i.e., "non-
pattern matters"), we evaluate matters primarily based on the individual facts and circumstances. For non-pattern
matters, we evaluate whether there is a reasonable possibility of material loss in excess of any accrual. Our current
estimate of this reasonably possible loss in excess of our accruals for all material matters currently includes items of the
following nature: (i) a civil matter in which we are appealing an adverse judgment, and (ii) non-U.S. indirect tax matters.
We currently estimate the aggregate risk of this reasonably possible loss in excess of our accruals for all material matters
to be a range of up to about $3.4 billion. Our estimate includes matters in which an adverse judgment has been entered
against the Company that we believe is unlikely to be upheld on appeal.
As noted, the litigation process is subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of individual litigated matters is not
predictable with assurance. Our assessments are based on our knowledge and experience, but the ultimate outcome of
any matter could require payment substantially in excess of the amount that we have accrued and/or disclosed.
Warranty
Included in warranty cost accruals are the costs for basic warranty coverages and product recalls on products sold.
These costs are estimates based primarily on historical warranty claim experience. Warranty accruals accounted for in
Accrued liabilities and deferred revenue were as follows (in millions):
Beginning balance
Payments made during the period
Changes in accrual related to warranties issued during the period
Changes in accrual related to pre-existing warranties
Foreign currency translation and other
Ending balance
2011
$3,855
(2,799)
2,215
690
(46)
$3,915
2010
$ 4,204
(2,475)
1,801
387
(62)
$ 3,855
Excluded from the table above are costs accrued for customer satisfaction actions.