Scott Monty - Latest Comments in How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Roman — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:03:25 -0000

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Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

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Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

modular homes — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:25:57 -0000

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Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Coach Training — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:17:51 -0000

The key to our auto industry or any industry is to become added accomplished and able of change. Your advertence that these plants could be afflicted a back and alternating in hours from trucks to car is relieving. I anticipate activity affairs accept been hamstringing you all into abeyance. But actually Ford administration has some alive account that they are absolutely implementing.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

ALRADY — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:40:46 -0000

Great article thanks so much

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

DG in KY — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 17:38:21 -0000

While these multi national companies like to call themselves US car makers, I wonder if they have considered applying for bailout funds any where other than the US. It seems the countries that reap the benefits of jobs that used to be good US jobs could step up to the table and help with a bail out. If Mexico-Japan-China-Canada and all the other countries that do the farmed out work that used to be done in the US chipped in to save the very industry that they too benefit from it would be a much more fair deal for the US taxpayer.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

David Murray — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:56:23 -0000

Having moved back to Michigan after a 10 year absence I have to admit I am shocked as to what has happened to the city and state I once called home.

Thank you for providing this wealth of information - I was recently thinking what I could do to offer my services - looks like I found a way.

Thank you

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Scott Monty — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:13:05 -0000

Thanks for your suggestions, Mike. Just a couple of clarifications:

We were there at the behest of Congress as well as to support the industry, as it’s a very interdependent one. We share about 80% of the same suppliers (which incidentally are also shared by foreign automakers who manufacture cars in the U.S.).

And when we were asking for funds, we specifically did not ask for cash; we asked for access to an emergency line of credit, only if something catastrophic should happen to our U.S. competition or if the economy worsened. I’m sure you’ll appreciate that we can’t categorically rule out a business decision without knowing what the market conditions will be in the future.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Dividist — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 03:37:20 -0000

Scott,
I appreciate your leaving a comment on my post at Donklephant.Not sure if you were going to make it back there, looks like you've got a full plate here, so I'm copying a variation on my response here.

First, - You thanked me for taking the time to separate Ford from the “big 3″ in my post. You are welcome. Clearly Ford is head and shoulders above the other two now, because of the actions that the company has been taking in the last three years. However, I can't help but think you and Ford are taking a bit of a schizophrenic approach to your PR problem.

You can represent that Ford is doing the right things now, is on the right track, and is worthy of a closer look by Americans as a company and a purveyor of great cars.

-or-

You can represent that Ford is just one of three failing Detroit car companies that, through no fault of their own, must now be supported by American Taxpayers because.... it is strategic or we should convert the automobile companies into giant wasteful public works projects to keep employment up or we need car companies based in Detroit because they have always been there or they are a victim of a "perfect" economic storm or... whatever.

As a marketing guy, I’m sure you appreciate that Ford is sleeping in a bed of its own making. When your CEO goes up to Capitol Hill, tin-cup in hand, shoulder to shoulder with two other Detroit based car companies in trouble… well… when you sleep with dogs, you wake up with fleas. You are inviting - no - you are insisting that everyone put all three companies in the same basket. If you want to fix that perception, you have to undo the significant damage done by that performance before Congress.

Ford took a step in the right direction when Bill and Alan said they would not take bridge loans this round. But it was a small step, and an inadequate step because of the equivocation in the statement and leaving the door open for taking taxpayer money later. Ford needs to clearly and publicly cut itself loose from the dead weight that is GM and Chrysler or get dragged down in the mind of public perception along with them. There is an opportunity for Ford to do this.

Here, let me help.

This is what Bill Ford needs to say immediately before or after the pending Paulson/Bush announcement to open up the TARP funds to automobile manufacturers:

“The board of Directors have met and we have directed our CEO to withdraw any requests to the Federal government for bailout funds. We regret that we permitted Alan to go to Washington and request federal support. We apologize to the American people for that unfortunate display. It was a mistake. Those actions were not consistent with our culture or our history. My great-grandfather built this company on the American values of innovation, value, quality and hard work. We will grow this company on those same values. This Ford Company chooses to take the right path and grow and succeed by building great cars, with great quality, at a great value, and with outstanding support to our valued clients. We will trust our future to our ability to delight our customers. That is the only way Henry Ford would have it.” - Bill Ford

Also, regarding your link to the Ford site. There I found highlighted a slide presentation that is apparently designed to make the case that Ford is the same as the other two Detroit car manufacturers, and making the case why Ford is deserving of public funds. That presentation has got to go or be changed.

Ford should proudly stand up and promote their considerable progress over the last three years. You are doing an admirable job of helping Ford do just that. However, it is a wasted effort, if you are just going to get in line with GM and Chrysler for a bailout loan that Ford does not even need, and the majority of American taxpayers resent being asked to provide.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Scott Monty — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:45:34 -0000

Tim,

Thanks for your comment. What I mean is that simply saying "we need a blog" is not a coherent way to build an online communications strategy. Strategy first, tactics second.

On The Ford Story, we had a video of Alan Mulally on the home page for the first week and a half or so, talking about our plan and why we were in Washington; we added Bill Ford to share a high-level vision for the company. You'll still find Alan on the

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Tim Rosa — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:27:56 -0000

What do you mean by the phrase "blogging is not a strategy"? I interpret this to mean that blogging is not an end in itself but an element of an overall social media strategy. Is that your intent?

As for The Ford Story, I watched the video of Bill Ford. While it is clear that he has a genuine commitment to the concept of One Ford, he did not inspire or convince me, either as a businessperson, environmentalist, entrepreneur, or driver. The questions seemed canned and prosaic, and the answers were far too general to instill confidence in the Ford mission. IMHO, you might be better served by leading with a video of Alan Mulaly and perhaps creating a short 1-2 page Executive Summary of the Ford Business Plan delivered to the Sentate. These two pieces would have more impact than the Bill Ford video.

Of course, these are just my $.02. I'm sure you're getting many, many dollars worth of opinion on this blog, on the FordStory website, and in your speaking engagements.

Tim

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Scott Monty — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:54:31 -0000

Then you'll be pleased to know that Ford isn't taking any of the $15 billion that's in the proposed bill. Our statement on that can be found here.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Derek Clark — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:35:30 -0000

Scott,
While I agree that Ford has been changing and they are the best of the three, I do not agree that any of these companies deserve taxpayer money. These companies have been around for a long time and have made billions and billions of dollars. Why on earth do they have any debt at all? If they aren't smart enough to have some cash set aside for a rainy day, that is their problem. The small company I work for would certainly not get any sympathy from Ford or Uncle Sam if we were in the same position. Thankfully, we operate debt free as an intelligent business should.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Scott Monty — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:12:55 -0000

As long as you're keeping an open mind about things...

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Thomas — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:45:06 -0000

Another commenter wrote: "You fail to address the continued opposition of Ford (as well as the others of the Big Three) to higher fuel economy standards."

Damn right. I personally won't mind seeing factories shuttered simply as painful retribution for this single stupid strategic blunder. For many people, this wasn't just an economic or even morally stupid thing to do, but almost an unpatriotic decision.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Thomas — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:41:11 -0000

This is an awfully long post. You suggest "Some time, in the near future, get out there, visit a local Ford | Lincoln | Mercury dealership".

Blech. No thanks. Frankly dealerships are one of your worst problems--they're full of "car guys" with jittery, agressive attitudes and sneaky eyes. The friggin' "Let me talk to my manager" game makes me hate your company and plot ways to cheat you. The dealerships are usually sort of gross and dingy. No thanks.

And yes yes I know that dealerships are locally owned, not run by Ford, yadda yadda. It's still the same logo outside on the sign, right? That's all that matters.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Scott Monty — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:30:04 -0000

Tim, thanks for your great comments. I'm lucky to have readers that are respectful not only of me, but of each other. I suppose it's partially because I don't do a lot of snark or offensive material myself.

To answer your questions:
1. I'm in the midst of creating a corporate social media strategy for Ford. That will help us decide how to roll out various tactics.

2. Prior to having a strategy, a blog would not make sense. As I've said many times before, "blogging is not a strategy." I'm lucky enough to have my own community here and on Twitter, but ultimately we need to figure out what is right for Ford. And that may or may not be a blog.

3. Please take a look at The Ford Story to see what is is we've done to differentiate ourselves.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Tim Rosa — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:58:34 -0000

Scott,

I first found out about you when you posted a comment on a post we made on our blog. I appreciate the time you took to respond and to your willingness to keep the conversation going with Jack Rochester.

To learn about the man behind the words I arrived at your blog. I've read the entire post twice, clicked many of the links, and watched the video. My reaction in a word? STUPENDOUS!!! Living and working in the Boston area I feel like one of the East Coast snobs you mentioned. It's been many, many years since I've driven a Ford or gone into a Ford dealership. Your post doesn't make me want to run out and do either one (I'm not in the market for a car) but it did catapult me to do #3 on your list...educate myself. There was so much that I didn't know here and, based on the comments, that seems to be a chorus from the choir. I've sent the permalink to professional colleagues and personal friends with this statement: Read this post; it's important to learn what you don't know. This is just a "view from the other side" piece.

I've also read all the comments top to bottom. I'm awed and humbled to see the thoughtfulness, care, and insights provided by many who've written so far. Even if I don't agree with their opinions, the arguments are well-constructed and carefully reasoned; no name-calling or finger-pointing behaviors. What more could a blogger ask for?

I do have a few questions:
1. You stated in your post that Ford does not have a public forum for social media communication. My question is, do you envision that happening any time soon? If so, what's the rationale behind having one?
2. You say you've resisted the knee-jerk reaction to start a corporate blog. No offense here, but isn't it a more efficient and effective method to get your word out into the social media community in your current venue? If you proceed in this manner, you build a community of dedicated readers who collectively have more clout for your solo endeavor.
3. I'm guessing there are strong political and business reasons for the continued image of the Big 3, but isn't it more like a Big 2 + 1? Based on your post (and I haven't taken the time to do any research on GM and Chyrsler), why hasn't Ford launched a campaign to educate consumers about what they're doing and separate themselves from the other 2 Detroit automakers? What's the old adage about being judged by the company you keep?

Finally, keep up the good work. I've added your RSS feed to my aggregator so I can stay in touch.

Tim

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Scott Monty — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:15:52 -0000

Actually, Uwe, if you look at Ford's plan, we' have three levels of assumption in there: slightly improved rates, current rates, and worse rates. You can read/download/share Ford's entire plan on Scribd at: http://www.scribd.com/doc/8...

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Scott Monty — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:25:14 -0000

Mark, great point. Which is why a whole team of people worked over the Thanksgiving holiday to come up with this: The Ford Story.

I've been meaning to write a blog post on it, but I've been up to my ears in crisis communications mode lately. Most of my updates have been on Twitter.

Thanks for your kind words. We'll be working to continuously improve The Ford Story site - this is just the beginning.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Mark — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:59:30 -0000

Scott,

On the direct originating point of this post, that is there's not a lot of positive word out about any of the 3 and specifically about Ford, I think I've got to agree with you completely. Despite spending plenty of time engaged with the MSM and bloggers, there's not a lot of positive news.

Until the LA show I wouldn't have really thought that Ford was in a better position that GM or Chrysler... but then, Autobloggreen can't stop talking about the new hybrid Fusion and how it's better than Camry. In my curiosity of looking into that, I found their post on Ford's proposal... which I began reading.

I actually really liked it. It made a lot of sense to me, seemed to be already in the works, and overall seemed like it was on the right track (especially bits about restructuring globally, and if the US car market is going to start looking like the EU market, it starts to make a lot of sense).

So, here's my point. I had to read the official company proposal to a Congressional Hearing to learn about the cool new stuff and positive changes at Ford. Seriously.

Where's the messaging about how Ford is the only one that can survive? Where's the info about all the new cars? Where's the person shouting about how you can still buy a new car and now's a great time to do so (if you can get financed) because of the incentives and deals? The average consumer is likely not reading through the official presentation... (I'm average, but my NASCAR review hadn't started yet).

Good luck to you. If everything pulls through and your area starts expanding, drop a line... I could move back to Detroit I guess.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Sharon — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:19:49 -0000

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Sharon

http://www.autoloans101.info

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Uwe Hook — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:23:24 -0000

I'm all for giving Ford a bridge loan in case GM and/or Chrysler go bust. This loan should have high interest rates, equity attached to it and should have environmental provisions.
I'm not for giving Chrysler and Gm just money to stay around. 3 weeks ago the Detroit 3 asked for $25 billion, now they want $34 billion. What will they ask for in January and February? Chrysler is totally doomed. Jeep is a brand that will survive by being sold to someone. The rest of the company is not worth a penny. Their balance sheet is so ugly, I can't even fathom anybody touching it.
GM will be able to survive on a much smaller scale: sell/shut down brands, revamp the whole organization, start fresh. Unfortunately, planned bankruptcy is the answer.

The problem with the plans of all Big Three is that they are assuming sales will pick up next year. I highly doubt that. There's no indication people are suddenly flood dealerships - no matter domestic or foreign brands. This recession will be with us until the end of 2009 or even 2010. The current plans for all Big Three ensures that they will come back for more money even before Obama is sworn in. And that's not acceptable. Bridge Loans - yes. Bailout - no.

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Mark McChesney — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:25:04 -0000

Great info, thanks Scott!

Re: How You Can Use Social Media to Help the U.S. Auto Industry

Tom Collins — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:54:32 -0000

Hi Scott,

I've been meaning to get back and congratulate you on several points:

- not only telling Ford's and the industry's side of the story, but providing concrete suggestions for doing somthing to help

- opening up a forum and inviting people to offer their own constructive ideas for digging our way out of this mess

- and for maintaining a calm and constructive atmosphere in the discussion.

I had the privilege of meeting you back in August and seeing first hand some of the remarkable progress Ford is making in the areas of environmentally friendly materials, safety features, and quality.

And I got to drive more than one. The Lincoln MKS and the Mustang were amazing, but that was to be expected. And to your point, the "pleasant surprises" came in the cars for the rest of us: the Focus, Fusion, Flex, and Taurus were all very nice rides.

I'm hopeful that the industry leaders will show up this week with a specific plan that the politicians can get behind. I don't see how we can let the whole industry fail, any more than the financial sector.

I don't quite understand why there seems to be a sink-or-swim-together mentality for the big three, though. Other major industries (like the airlines) have had big players go through Chapter 11 and emerge.

Plus, I get the sense that it isn't as bad at Ford as the others. Isn't there a possibility that if one or the other failed, Ford could find itself much stronger?

Anyway, to offer my own specific suggestion: Ford needs to pay attention to the many comments above from folks who describe themselves (or their spouses) as loyal Ford customers - past or present. Me, too. As I told you, my first car was a '61 Falcon and I've had many Ford cars and vans since then.

Another thing you've done here is help demonstrate how a community of Ford loyalists could be supported and encouraged, if your bosses will let you put your skills to work ... and then pay attention to the feedback.

Does Ford want to know what it's customers really want? Don't just ask a few in a focus group. Ask lots of them using the tools available, engage in a two-way discussion, learn, revise the question, and then act on the collective answers.

Tom