Late word out of Japan is that Ford’s CEO met with top management at Toyota. The reports says that Ford is intererested in Toyota’s hybrid technology and sourcing of less expensive parts. The only flaw in the report is that there is no explanation of why Toyota would want to help Ford at all. The No.2 US car company is on the ropes, and Toyota has done more than any other company to put them there.
Through the first eleven months of the year, Ford’s share of the US market was 16.2% and Toyota’s was 14.9%. Too close for comfort if you work at Ford.
Ford’s further demise would be good for Toyota, especially in North America. So, why help a flagging competitor? Unless the two companies are talking about a closer relationship than shared technology. Carlos Ghosn could not get Ford into its global Renault and Nissan partnership. But, they aren’t Toyota.
Douglas A. McIntyre can be reached at [email protected]. He does not own securities in companies that he writes about.