What I Learned at Ford Motor Company All in One Day

  If I told you everything I learned at Ford on Tuesday, when Tom and I had the privilege of being part of a big media event in Dearborn, this would turn into a Ford blog...and that just wouldn't be right.

Therefore, I am going to pass along my thoughts in a series of posts, scheduled for Saturdays. You are forewarned.

Let's start with the most important take-away from the day. Here's what I discovered, much to my surprise... Ford isn't about making cars. Ford is about people.

I will admit that I was prepared to be unimpressed. I mean, this is a company that makes cars, and what do I know about cars - except that I want the one I have to get me from place A to place B, all in one piece?  As Mary noted in her post yesterday, the car industry has a way to go if it wants to convince women we matter.

When I met Scott Monty, I got a big hug. When I met Melanie Notkin - well, in typical girl fashion we went crazy over each other. She's a true Savvy Auntie. And, when I met other members of the Ford team, rather than being talked down to (happens at dealerships, doesn't it, ladies?) I was engaged - and eye contact was sincere. It was clear the members of the communications team was interested in my opinion - both as a blogger and as a woman.

What a pleasant surprise!

I don't know what Mary Anne Shreve will write about this trip, in Auto Exec Mag...she and I were pals all day, but I suspect she has a different take on things, since she is a writer for a car magazine. I will tell you, she made the day more fun than it might have been. What a great gal!

I'm still mulling over my experience, so glad to know that a big company like Ford is in the people business first, and the car business second. Oh, make no bones about it - they want to sell cars! But, they want to make sure their products meet certain requirements...

• They should be fun to drive
• Great to sit in
• Remarkably quiet, like a second home on wheels
• And, offer great fuel economy

The term bandied about was, "Aspirational People Carrier!" How kewl is that?

As Mary Anne and I spun around the track, she driving, me sitting in the passenger seat (that's normally where I am, so...it seemed like a better solution than my driving...I hope to drive next time, if we get invited back)...we laughed, and joked about life, and toyed with the idea of driving off in our new car (which would have been impossible - the track was lined with orange cones), and commented on the ease of handling, the comfortable seats, the quietness. 

Our experiences were with the Ford Escape, the new Lincoln MKS, and...yes, we finally wrestled the Mustang away from some young car journalist who didn't want to give it up. (None of the men wanted to give up the Mustang Bullit...and Mary Anne was thrilled with it, also. Me...give me the Lincoln, every time! Or, the Escape. See Tom's post about the Mustang Bullit, here.)

The experience of riding in those new cars, short though our little trips were, gave me new insight and respect for Ford. I came away believing that they do think about us first - you and me, and our families, and our pets, even. They don't just want to manufacture cars...they want to offer people safety, performance, and happiness... while making sure their cars are eco-friendly.

Am I Ford fan now? You bet! Not only because of this great discovery - that the employees at Ford all love what they do (the positive energy in the tents where we learned how the cars are made, was over the top!), and that Ford is committed to providing an outstanding driving experience - but because I truly loved the cars. Every car I sat in was comfortable enough to fall asleep in! Every car was classy and attractive. And, the Escape with SYNC was over the top! I want one, now!

I don't know much about torque (what is it, anyway?) and I don't know much about tires, or stick-shifts, or spark plugs. I have Tom for that, thank goodness. I do know that cup holders matter - as Mary mentioned, not because they're cup holders, but...for ease of use and convenience. I do bring coffee in the car and if the cup holder is hidden or hard to reach...I'm not buying the car. (my VW had HORRIBLE cup holders!!!)

Ok...I'll write more in subsequent posts. The day was hectic, busy and left no time to live-blog, but... I have to admit I learned a lot about cars and I have a high regard for Ford, an American company that has more historical presence than any other car manufacturer you can name.

Ford gave me the attention and respect I deserve - and if they are training their dealers to do that with women, they will win all the way around. (Will be watching for Brandy's take on things, over at Ask Patty! She's way smarter than I am about the 'car details'...)

Comments

[Scott Monty]

Ladies, thank you all for your comments.
@Donna: we'll have to see what we can do about getting you in an American car. :)

@Kelly: we can only do so much as far as the dealers go; they're all independently owned & operated, so Ford has very little say in what they do. I know a lot of women have complained about how they've been treated at dealerships (rightfully so).

@Trish: Thanks!

[Trish Bower]

I have just recently become a Ford brand fan myself and I'm excited to read more about your experience. I think they've got some pretty cool stuff going on around there and I can't wait to read more about it.

Thanks for sharing!

[Kelly Mullaney]

Hi Yvonne! Looks like you had a lot of fun during your trip. I always liked Ford as a brand, even before I learned how to drive (although my current car is not a Ford).
I do hope they pass down their sensibility and awareness about people (especially about women) to their dealers. I don't have to buy a car for a while, but my husband will in the next year or so. He is not really into cars as most guys, nor he likes to negotiate prices, so guess who is going to be researching and making the decision on what or where he should buy...? :-D

[Yvonne DiVita]

Ha, ha! Donna....you would have had such fun, no doubt! Most of the other women were car people... still, I think there is a place for gals like me. We do drive, after all.

I'll mention you to Scott, if he plans another one of these. The more good bloggers (female and male) we can get there, the better!

[Donna DeClemente]

I hate to admit it, but yes I'm really jealous of Yvonne. I'm the one that owns a BMW, the one that loves to drive a 5-speed around the turns, the one that Ford should have invited! I don't believe Yvonne has ever down-shfited in her life! But she does represent the vast majority of women who do own a car as she says "to get them from Place A to Place B".

So, maybe if I start writing more about marketing programs that our auto companies are doing I'll get invited next! Looking forward to reading next Saturday's post!