Ford to reinstate raises, 401(k) matches next year

[BeatleBoot]

Source: The Detroit Free Press

Ford Motor Co. told employees on Thursday that it plans to reinstate raises, 401(k) matching contributions and tuition assistance next year, a sign that the Dearborn automaker’s reorganization plan is making progress.

A note from Mark Fields, Ford’s president of the Americas, said Ford would:

• Reinstate 401(k) matches starting Jan. 1, for up to 5% of base pay.

• Reinstate salaried tuition assistance for classes on or after March 1.

• Funding also has also been approved for merit increases, but no details were provided.




Read more: http://www.freep.com/article/20091214/BUSINESS0102/91214050/1319/Ford-to-reinstate-raises-401(k)-matches-next-year

[Dinger]

1. Why Has Ford Done So Well?

What's their secret?

[Faygo Kid]

2. I think Quality as Job 1 became more than a slogan.

They are beating Honda and Toyota in quality and reliability ratings. I think they finally Got It. We can and always could compete. Good for them, but NEVER go back to the old ways of thinking. (Glad to see the 401k match reinstated. Very glad.)

[justabob]

15. cars vs trucks also

I am no expert, but the thing that stands out to me about Ford vs GM in particular is that Ford didn't totally neglect cars in favor of trucks and SUVs generally. I can't even think of a GM brand car comparable to a Taurus... or a Thunderbird (pre-fancypants redo).... GM even made the blessed Corvette unattainable for years.... you used to see those things everywhere. Meanwhile, Mustangs are fairly common. Obviously, that is just my observation. I have no link or statistics to back it up, only what I have seen on the road (and advertised) over the last decade.

I am glad Ford is doing better, very good news for their employees.

[tinrobot]

4. They're still family controlled, for one.

As such, they're not so driven by quarterly profits as other companies and can do longer term planning.

[high density]

5. I think it's fairly simple and obvious...

Ford gave people a good product that people deem a decent value.

Chrysler thought they could build the same car for 15 years and people would just keep buying more of them. GM got caught up with a bunch of poorly-executed vehicles in all these niche markets that could not sustain themselves.

Chrysler is going to be a sorry sight for a few years to come until Fiat refreshes their lineup in a few years. Even then it seems like a steep hill to climb. GM shows some glimmers of hope but one wonders if their corporate management really gets it or not.

[Lucky Luciano]

7. They sold a huge amount of debt with very low rates

at the peak of the credit boom - around late 2006 - so, they got a bunch of cash before the shit hit the fan.

[Festivito]

16. Because Ford did not and does not make home loans.

So, instead of dealing with economic downturn AND foreclosure losses, Ford just had to ride out the not-buying-a-new-car-yet national economy downturn until either the economy improves or people really need a new car that badly.

GM and Chrysler through their GMAC(home loan lender) are at the mercy of Federal bailouts to themselves and those insurance companies.

[Best_man23]

3. I want to know when they're going to resume dividend payments

I own shares of Ford's preferred stock and it paid a pretty good dividend prior to last spring.

[rwheeler31]

6. They encouraged good people.

[customerserviceguy]

8. Not openly taking federal bailout funds

helped them with right wingers who refuse to buy foreign or from bailouts. They are the last remaining choice in the minds of many of our fellow citizens right now.

[earcandle]

9. CSR kicking in! GO FORD!

(corporate social responsibility) in case you were wondering. 

[JCMach1]

10. They hav a CEO who SINCERELY wants to go green

and has charted a course to keep them profitable while they do this.

[doc03]

11. Our stupid ass union would turn down the 401K

match.

[PM Martin]

12. The family still has great influence.

Also, they learned much from their competition too.
I like Fords very much so and I own one, even though I don't drive often.
The North American auto industry must flourish! Should it every falter, then we are in big trouble.

[AzNick]

13. I hope my employer can do that too...

And restore merit upgrades this year.

Note we've been hiring temps to permanent.

[katkat]

14. deleted

oops