2 best in show awards at the North American International Auto Show 2010 show Fords resurgence is no accident

At this year’s North American International Auto Show, Ford took home top honors for best Car (2012 Fusion) and Truck (2012 Cross Transit). While Ford’s recent spike in popularity and sales is welcome change, it did not happen by accident. As many may be aware, the amount of time for most American automakers to change strategic course is 4-5 years. The 2012 Ford Fusion is the flagship for the company’s change in strategy. It is the first model to use the “One Ford” concept. Instead of creating multiple model types for specific regions which is common among many automakers, Ford is now developing one model for multiple markets. The downside to this strategy is the inability to satisfy the specific needs and requirements of different regional markets. The upside that Ford is banking on is that all developmental resources can be put into one superior model design. With the amount of time, resources, and money required to develop each model Ford’s streamlined strategy seems to show some payoff. How this strategy will fare in the global market, time will tell.