Ford Motor Company (F) Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry Conference summary

Leadership transition and strategic focus

• CFO will remain through year-end, then transition to Vice Chair, focusing on global partnerships and leveraging international experience.

• Strategic initiatives will accelerate, especially in response to industry disruption and technology choices.

• Emphasis on alliances, technology investments, and policy engagement in overseas markets.

Industry challenges and competitive landscape

• Rapid industry transformation driven by electrification and digital vehicle platforms.

• Chinese automakers lead in EV technology, speed of development, and digital integration, posing significant threats in Europe and Asia.

• New competitors with strong digital ecosystems, like Xiaomi and Huawei, are entering the market.

• The pace of change in China is accelerating faster than anticipated.

Innovation and operational response

• Skunkworks team in L.A. develops EVs with agile, integrated processes, aiming for competitive cost structures ($25,000–$30,000 range).

• Full ownership of electrical architecture and software integration to enhance competitiveness.

• Partnerships leveraged for growth in emerging markets, with strong export growth from China to Southeast Asia and South America.

• Overseas operations have shifted from losses to profitability in the last two years.