Chapter 821

At this time, the directors of General Motors don't know what to say. Do they really want to cooperate with Ford. You know, from the beginning of GM's founding, Ford didn't like them. Henry Ford said that they are upstarts who only know how to buy but do not know technology, which is a disgrace to the automobile industry.

In fact, it makes sense to say so. After all, Ford was founded earlier. And the founder himself is a talented engineer. Of course, he doesn't look up to mercenary businessmen entering the field of automobile manufacturing.

Ford Motor Company is a multinational enterprise producing automobiles. It was founded by Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, and was incorporated in 1903.

At this stage, heiyun, Ford, GM and Chrysler are considered to be the four major auto manufacturers in Detroit. Ford's trademark comes from the signature font commonly used by founder Henry Ford.

A GM director said, "Mike, Ford really wants to work with us. Today is not April Fool's day."

Unlike general motors, Ford is still in the hands of the founder family. Ford company was listed in 1956 and became an American stock listed enterprise. The Ford family still maintains about 40% of its controlling interest in the company by occupying a large number of class B preferred shares; This is a considerable ratio among publicly listed companies.

The Durant family, the founder of general motors, holds more symbolic shares and is not even a member of the board of directors. This is mainly due to the continuous acquisition of general motors, which makes the founder's family account for less and less shares. It is normal for the Durant family to lose their equity and control of the company, which is fueled by the later capital and the lack of success of future generations.

Compared with Ziyu's Ford, which still maintains the family tradition, it will certainly be weaker.

Now that Ford has taken the initiative to seek cooperation, it will certainly be questioned.

Mike Donald said very seriously, "you don't need to question Ford's sincerity. It was Henry Ford II who called me personally. Ford faced a more severe crisis than GM. "

"Among the four major automobile manufacturing plants in Detroit, black cloud automobile is producing at full power. At present, the market is in short supply and the business is very good. The operating rate of GM is less than 50%, that of Ford is less than 35%, and that of Chrysler is only about 20%. If things go on like this, we can only go bankrupt and close down. "

"Therefore, Ford hopes that the two of us will unite and use administrative means to intervene in the sales of black cloud cars."

After the Ministry of Commerce ended its antitrust investigation into the black cloud group, American carmakers knew that the crisis was inevitable. GM and Ford bear the brunt. Who makes them the largest!

Large volume also means large cost, and the daily loss is more than that of other enterprises.

Although the Ford family has accumulated wealth for nearly a hundred years, they can't hold up when they face losses. There may be no problem in the short term. No one can stand it for a long time.

Now that Ford has stated its position, GM's board of directors immediately authorized CEO Mike Donald as plenipotentiary to carry out negotiations with Ford. At present, there is no good way. Cooperation with former competitors and enemies is also an option.

Just as GM convened its board of directors, Ford was also meeting. Ford meetings are relatively simple, and decisions only need to be passed within the family.

At this time, Henry Ford II, a member of the American population, sat in the living room and looked at the younger generation of the family. Like other rich families, there are many wayward young masters and young ladies. It is estimated that this is a problem that all rich families will face.

Ford II was born in Detroit on September 4, 1917. He was born a leader, coupled with his eldest son status, so he showed a characteristic different from his brother and sister from childhood, firm and decisive, calm and rational. In short, no one challenged or objected to the status of Ford II. So as to avoid the tragedy of father son struggle and brotherhood in the process of power change in other big families in history.

In 1945, Ford II, 28, took over the Ford Motor Company. What he faced was a huge, inefficient and almost bankrupt company. At this time, he showed excellent business ability, reversed Ford and made it profitable again. In more than 30 years after taking over power, the company was modernized and listed in 1956.

Ford's listed shares are divided into two grades, one is common stock and the other is B stock. B shares can only be held by Ford family members, so that Ford family members control 40% of the company.

Henry Ford II looked at the family members and said, "many of you work within the group and know the actual situation of the company. At present, the operating rate is only 30%, and Ford is in a state of serious loss. "

"If this continues, Ford will go bankrupt sooner or later. Ford is related to the rise and fall of the whole family. Needless to say, you know what Ford's bankruptcy means. "

In fact, it is not as serious as Henry Ford II said. At this time, Ford is a listed company; Even if it goes bankrupt, the Ford family won't have to bear too much. After nearly 100 years of inheritance, the Ford family has a lot of details. The family's trust fund, real estate, property and art collection are astronomical.

To put it bluntly, even if Ford goes bankrupt, the Ford family can still live a rich life. This is also the reason why the children of the family have no fear. In their view, even if Ford goes bankrupt, it's no big deal.

But they don't think about what to do in the future. What will the Ford family be like without Ford. It is estimated that in the past few decades, the American people will forget them and become mediocre.

This was a fact that Henry Ford II could not accept, so he decided to cooperate with his previous biggest competitor. Its purpose is to curb the development of heiyun automobile; Everyone knows that Ford alone is no longer the rival of black cloud.

Knowing that the elder brother was angry, Ford II's brother quickly said, "you are the elder brother in charge of everything at home, including Ford. Big brother, if there is any decision, we will implement it unconditionally. "

"Ford is facing great pressure now, so I hope the family children don't waste their hard-earned wealth outside. At this time, I don't expect you to help the family through the difficulties. I just hope you don't make trouble for the family. "

Henry Ford II was very pleased to hear his brother's statement. At the critical moment, his brother could understand his intention.

In fact, as Ford II's brother, sometimes he is very helpless. Having a tough and capable brother is not necessarily a good thing. Although the Ford family is not as bloody and cruel as the palace fight drama, there are many production dramas in the rich family.

If you perform too well, you will be suspected by your brother. But if it is too mediocre, other children of the family will not pay attention to you. This scale is difficult to grasp. Fortunately, Ford II's brother grasped it very well. Know how to safeguard your brother's authority and take into account your personal interests.

It must be an offence to let the young masters and ladies of the family change their way of life. He can't let Ford II come forward. At least this head can't be driven by Ford II.

If we start with him, Ford II will have a lot of success in finishing the work.

Through his brother's statement, Ford II said: "many people in the family really need to change their consumption habits, or their family business will be ruined sooner or later."

"Why Ford is in a passive situation is mainly due to the rise of black cloud. Why does heiyun automobile develop so rapidly because of baozixuan's professionalism and attitude. "

"This young man is about your age, even younger than many of you. But don't you feel ashamed to see what people are doing every day and what you are doing! "

"The family doesn't give you the opportunity to exercise, but there are a few who can do their job well, at least I haven't seen it yet."

"Before, the black cloud group was involved in antitrust investigation, and there was little left to squeeze the Ford and General Motors Markets. Now the anti-monopoly investigation of the Ministry of Commerce on heiyun has been completed. What pressure will Ford face after that? Don't say anything more! "

"I have decided to cooperate with general motors. At this time, I should put aside my prejudices and concentrate on fighting strong enemies."

Hearing the cooperation with general motors, several old men of the Ford family were whispering. I seem to have different opinions, but I dare not say it.

At this time, Henry Ford II had absolute authority in the Ford family, and no one dared to question his decision. At present, it seems that the best way is to remain silent and pray that Ford can defeat its strong enemies and win the market again.