Good Job, Ford!

Here's an interesting article - "Ford to Stay its Course: No Loans."  It talks about how Ford is still not taking any government loans - and doesn't have any plans to at this time.  Refreshing - considering the billions GM and Chrysler have received - and will receive, no doubt, in the coming months. 

I certainly hope they can hold out.  Not only because I think all these loans to automakers are bad, but because it's nice to see a company resist the ominous trend of nationalizing American industry.  I haven't felt any particular loyalty to American automakers for a long time - primarily because of extortionist union thugs - but if Ford can turn things around - without the government - that changes the equation for me. 

From a marketing/public relations perspective, I think there's a nugget of opportunity here for them.  Out in "average" America (that tiny, insignificant sliver of geography between New York/Washington, D.C. and California), there's a backlash coming.  It will be interesting to see its extent, but it's coming.  People are getting tired of bailing out banks, insurance companies, automakers, irresponsible homeowners and other "stimulus" recipients.  People are getting tired of paying their taxes, playing by the rules and working hard - only to watch those who have made poor decisions get bailed out - with their tax dollars. 

A company like Ford, bucking the corporate trend by NOT taking a bailout, could really tap into this mentality and find a nice niche to leverage their brand.  I hope they do it.  I'd like to trade in both my cars right now for Fords. 

So ends your Iowa Blog Cabin marketing lesson for today.  Class adjourned.