[Tom Line]

Unfortunately, I think the biggest hurdle that the U.S. auto companies have to over come isn't one of quality, technology, or product line. Ford's quality is now on par with Acura and Toyota by every important industry measure. Ford's sync, sound systems, gps navigation, smart key etc. are all industry firsts or industry leaders. Ford's 2010 product line is unbelievable - the new Taurus actually got gasps from the plant guys when we saw it. Ford will be the leader in fuel economy in every segment by 2010.

Ford did a bunch of very interesting market research when the new Fusion came out. They took the car, unbranded, to the west coast and east coast and let people drive it. The vast majority of people said they would buy it. Those people were shocked when the found out it was a Ford.

That's what the Big 3 have to contend with. The perception that they can do nothing right: that they can't build a good car no matter how hard they try. The fact that their cars are world class right now doesn't matter - it's the perception that has to change. And that takes time we simply don't have anymore. We let our reputations sink, and it takes a long time to get them back.