Ford CEO revisiting company plans

Ford’s chief executive Jim Hackett is reviewing the car maker’s future product programmes, including plans to build a commercial autonomous vehicle by 2021, and its operations in India, according to company officials. Hackett took the reins as Ford CEO in May, and told investors he was working on a 100-day review of operations. Details have been thin, but so far, Hackett has indicated that Ford will look at its luxury vehicle brand Lincoln, the future of its small vehicles and investments in emerging markets. Ford’s chief financial officer, Bob Shanks, told Reuters that the review will cover a range of issues at the car maker, including Ford’s Indian strategy, saying “we have a lot of work to do as we address issues of how to fix India.” “Everything is on the table,” Shanks added. “Some big decisions will be made.” Hackett aims to address the challenges which has seen Ford’s share price decline eight per cent this year. As well as the Lincoln brand and the self-driving commercial ride-sharing fleet, currently scheduled for launch in 2021, Hackett is reviewing other arms of the business. One of these is the production of small cars such as the Ford Fiesta, which are built in multiple factories around the world. With demand beginning to slow, Hackett is assessing whether or not the production lines could be consolidated. Hackett is also said to be questioning current plans to rebuilt at least half a dozen future models, Reuters reports. These include replacements for the Ford Mustang and Explorer on a new flexible platform that is designed to accommodate both front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles.