ABSTRACT
As explained in previous chapters, traditionally Ford’s international operations were a source of strength that allowed the company to maintain its position as the second largest auto maker in the world and to respond to GM’s competitive moves. During the worst years of the industrial recession in 1970s, those operations provided the cash that saved the company from bankruptcy, and gave it key products that were essential to stem its competitors’ moves while it invested in new product development. Today, and even if its US operations still represent the bulk of Ford’s total operations and world assets, its foreign operations still make substantial contributions to the company’s strong performance and leadership in the industry.
