Looking back: Ford F-150 rescue, VW talks, job cuts, John Cena apology

Dec. 27--Well, no one can say things haven't been exciting.

Ford Motor Co. made headlines in 2018 for its Hollywood-worthy response to a plant explosion; a massive but still unclear redesign that trims jobs and eliminates sedans; serious partnership talks with Volkswagen; big sales losses in China and Europe; unveiling the once-lost "Bullitt" Mustang made famous by Steve McQueen; the purchase of the iconic Detroit train station along with the launch of high-tech offices in Corktown; the debut of top Lincoln SUVs; hiring the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to create sound for the new Lincoln Aviator; and actor John Cena settling his lawsuit over a GT supercar. All the while, the stock tumbled toward a post-recession low.

Any snapshot of Ford's year must include the following:

F-150 shutdown amid crisis

Ford Motor suspended production of its profit-driving F-150 pickup, the nation's best selling vehicle, after a May 9 fire at a parts supplier in small-town Michigan that shook the North American auto industry. Production at General Motors, Fiat Chrysler and Mercedes also was disrupted. The incident at Meridian Magnesium Products in Eaton Rapids idled thousands of factory workers because of the parts shortage that alarmed investors. With billions of dollars at stake, the company used a Russian cargo jet and other extreme measures to conduct an international rescue operation in a little bit more than a week.

Shedding fat, getting 'fit'

Ford CEO Jim Hackett affirmed plans to reorganize the company and tighten up low-performing areas. Wall Street observers noted that Ford had grown fatter than necessary in recent years and investors said they wanted more detail about plans to get leaner and more competitive. The effort included a desire to focus on trucks and SUVs while scaling back on lower-profit traditional passenger cars. Analysts forecast the loss of 25,000 full-time jobs globally, while investors remained wary, pushing company stock below $8 a share for the first time since 2009.

Not marriage, but flirting for sure

During the summer, Ford signed an agreement with Volkswagen to confidentially explore several joint projects, including (but not limited to) development of a range of commercial vehicles. Both companies said they want to strengthen global competitiveness. An announcement is expected in January.

Hot products, truck war

Ford sees strong demand for its Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs. Customers clamoring for the Navigator, which can top $100,000, stew over a waiting list and a supply shortage made worse by a national rail car shipping problem. In addition, the Ford F-Series fends off competition from Ram and Chevrolet as America's insatiable appetite for bigger silhouettes continues to grow. Ranger makes a return to the U.S., winning critical praise and consumer interest. Company reveals plans to unveil Explorer for sale in 2019.

Lincoln makes a play

After years of disappointing car critics and designers, Lincoln in 2018 unleashed the Aviator to complement the Navigator. Just as longtime Lincoln Continental fans voiced concern about the future of the iconic passenger car, the company announced plans for a limited edition of the center-door classic commonly associated with the 1960s. Like the 1961 version, it will come with "coach doors," known among car aficionados as "suicide doors," which open from the center of the vehicle to allow rear-seat passengers to enter and exit gracefully. The era of the great space race, superpowers and Camelot is back.

Young talent moves to Corktown

In May, some 200 Ford tech workers moved into an old pantyhose factory on Michigan Avenue known as The Factory. It's part of a grand plan to transform the area into a tech talent zone for Ford, which has said that young workers from around the United States and the globe want to work in downtown Detroit. The long-term plan is for Ford to renovate the Michigan Central Station and bring thousands of jobs to the area named for County Cork, Ireland. The carmaker spent $90 million to buy the train station, which became a symbol of Detroit's ruin, and plans to have it renovated by 2022. It is a community that holds proud its association with the Ford family.

Actor John Cena resolves conflict

Ford hit former pro wrestler John Cena with a federal lawsuit for selling his 2017 Ford GT supercar soon after taking possession, in violation of his purchase agreement signed in January. The limited edition vehicle has a waiting list and buyers are screened carefully, then agree to maintain ownership for 24 months after purchase.

Cena paid $463,376 for the car.

Mike Levine, Ford spokesman, said in December, "We are pleased to resolve this matter. While the amount of the settlement is confidential, Ford is going to donate the proceeds from the sale to charity so even more people will benefit from the iconic Ford GT."

Cena said, "I love the Ford GT and apologize to Ford, and encourage others who own the car to respect the contract. I am pleased we could resolve this matter outside of court."

Levine explained, "The Ford GT is one of the world's most iconic cars with a limited production. That is why we created a selection process and two-year ownership agreement."

Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: [email protected] or 313-222-6512. Follow her on Twitter @phoebesaid

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