Ford continues with new product plans

Ford Motor Co. hasn't pushed back any new-model programs, Chris Theodore, vice president-North American product, tells WAW. “We haven't pulled back anything; the other guys (auto makers) have. We got honest with ourselves last July and August, set our (product) cycle plan, and we're sticking with it.” Theodore says the No.2 auto maker will spend slightly more than in 2001, despite its tight cash situation, but declines to give amounts. “There are two ways of looking at things in this business. You can look at it short-term and you can look good if you short yourself on product, but it comes back to bite you in four or five years. Or you can bite the bullet and move ahead with your (long-term) plan.” Ford, he says, is taking the longer-term view.