Don't Expect Us to Backpedal on Mexico Plans: Ford CEO

There’s something about billions of dollars in investment and carefully planned long-term product strategies that make it hard for an automaker to turn on a dime in the face of a threat.

Ford Motor Company CEO Mark Fields says his company has no plans to reverse course on its goal of boosting production of cars and components in Mexico, even after President-elect Trump’s promise of a 35-percent tariff on vehicles crossing the Rio Grande.

It’s a game of chicken Ford intents to win.

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Chicken Tax Ready For The Fryer, Hilux Et Al Not Ready For US Market

As key free trade agreements near signing, the chicken tax may soon become a bucket of Kentucky fried goodness. Just don’t hold your breath for a Hilux.

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Republican Hopeful Donald Trump Threatens Ford With Tariffs Over Mexico

Republican presidential hopeful and billionaire Donald Trump wants to bring the pain via punitive tariffs to Ford for manufacturing vehicles in Mexico.

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Trade War Watch 8: China Probes US Bailout

As U.S. President Barack Obama landed in Shanghai for a weeklong visit to his largest creditor, China, the news awaited him that China’s Ministry of Commerce will investigate the U.S. government’s financing and rescue plans for the American auto industry, Shanghai Daily reports.

The move is part of China’s probe into possible dumping and subsidies on U.S.-made vehicles imported to China, the ministry said. Trade officials will be looking for dumping practices and for unfair government subsidies.

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  • SilverCoupe My wife had wanted one of these, but I influenced her to get a "big" car instead, a Mini Cooper S. I found the Abarth too rough riding, though the one we test drove had had its suspension modified by its owner.
  • SPPPP I am not thrilled for the inevitable false positives. Though that's certainly better than false negatives in the abstract - but people are supposed to be paying attention anyway. Seems like one more step toward a robotic, commoditized future. Bleh.
  • SPPPP I like it, though price seems a bit high, especially for an automatic. But it's in CA, so it's probably par for the course.
  • Arthur Dailey Incredibly we have 2 employees who own Fiats. A 500 and a 500L and they both have had positive ownership experiences. However they are also both skilled maintenance mechanics, trained in Europe, and perform much of the maintenance on their vehicles themselves.Perhaps that is the key?
  • 28-Cars-Later I'll bid $600 but that's my final offer.