Ford's 2020 Vision: Improved Operating Margin, More Balanced Geographic Profitability, Strong Sales Growth

DEARBORN, MI -- Sept. 30, 2014: Ford Motor Company :

“We remain completely focused on offering customers the freshest lineup of world-class vehicles to meet their needs.”

Ford continues aggressive implementation of its One Ford plan, remaining focused on product excellence and innovation for its customers; Ford expects that by 2020 its annual global sales will increase by 45 to 55 percent to approximately 9.4 million Company plans to grow faster than the industry in both volume and revenue and generate positive automotive operating-related cash flow through 2020 Ford projects automotive operating margin of about 8 percent by 2020 with a long-term target of between 8 percent and 9 percent Automotive pre-tax profits to be more balanced between North America and other regions by 2020; global footprint delivers benefits of scale at all levels Lincoln transformation continues; by 2020, annual global sales expected to triple to approximately 300,000 as brand debuts in China and expands market coverage Ford’s 2014 pre-tax profit now projected at about $6 billion, excluding special items, on higher warranty costs, including recalls, in North America — mainly for prior year models — and lower volume and weakening conditions in South America and Russia Ford’s 2015 pre-tax profit to be in the $8.5 billion to $9.5 billion range, excluding special items; revenue and operating margin projected to be higher than 2014; aggressive product roll-out continues with 16 all-new or refreshed vehicles Company is targeting total shareholder returns that position it in the top quartile of its peer group Ford Motor Company today outlined its 2020 vision, which includes plans to substantially increase its global vehicle sales and automotive operating margin, and achieve more balanced geographic profitability.

By 2020, Ford projects annual global sales to increase 45 to 55 percent to approximately 9.4 million. Its automotive operating margin is projected to improve to about 8 percent during the same period, with a long-term target of 8 percent to 9 percent.

“Our long-term plan underscores the commitment we have to our One Ford plan, while accelerating our pace of progress, delivering product excellence and driving innovation in all areas of our business,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president and CEO. “We remain completely focused on offering customers the freshest lineup of world-class vehicles to meet their needs.”

Ford anticipates that, by 2020, all five automotive business units and Ford Credit will contribute to the company’s profitability. Today, the company’s profits are more than explained by North America and Ford Credit, with growing profits in Asia Pacific, while it continues transforming its Europe, South America and Middle East & Africa operations.

As it continues expanding in new regions, Ford is aggressively moving to match production to growing customer demand and achieve benefits of global scale. In addition, by 2020, the company projects its breakeven volume will be two-thirds of its wholesale volume.

By 2020, Ford Credit expects managed receivables to increase by about 50 percent.

Meeting customer demand

Ford’s 2020 vision is driven by the company’s confidence in its global product plans. Those plans focus on delivering a full family of vehicles that meet and exceed customer expectations in Ford’s four brand pillars — quality, green, safe and smart — across the world.

Ford will continue to be a leader in bringing new features to market and will seize opportunities to differentiate itself from competitors. Those vehicles will target a diverse set of customers, from value buyers in developing regions to luxury customers in the U.S. and China and truck and utility customers globally.

Ford, with the 2015 F-150, is the first automaker to use high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloys in the body of a mass-market vehicle and plans to expand its aluminum use to include the next-generation Super Duty. The use of aluminum allows Ford to maintain its truck leadership, improve capability and durability across its entire lineup, and deliver better gas mileage.

Furthering the company's emphasis on innovation, Ford will continue to grow its presence in Silicon Valley by expanding its Palo Alto Research and Innovation Center with a new focus and expanded talent from different industries and backgrounds. Ford will remain a leader in technology and will continue to focus on the research and development of in-car connectivity and automated driving technologies, key components of Ford’s Blueprint for Mobility.

A shift in customer and regional trends means small vehicles will play a larger role in Ford’s product portfolio. Global models like the Fiesta, Focus and EcoSport, and regional nameplates such as the Figo, Ka and Escort, will comprise a greater percentage of Ford’s sales.

Fuel-efficient and versatile sport-utility vehicles and crossovers, like the Edge and Explorer, will also make up a larger portion of Ford’s overall sales total, especially as those models become available in new regions. All segments will grow volume compared to today’s levels.

The company is on plan to have 99 percent of its global sales volume built on nine platforms by 2016 and is furthering its strategy by consolidating its long-term product plan to eight platforms.

The company will generate positive automotive operating-related cash flow throughout its planning period, and capital spending is expected to increase to about $9 billion annually, up from $6.6 billion in 2013.

The end result: Ford plans to refresh its global product portfolio one-and-a-half times through the end of the decade — an expected industry-leading refresh rate.

Lincoln sales seen tripling as brand expands to China

The reinvention of Lincoln as a world-class luxury brand continues in North America and China and will lead to long-term sales growth and an increase in operating margin.

This year in the U.S., Lincoln is attracting new customers with its MKZ and MKC. Both vehicles’ segment shares are growing, performing above the overall Lincoln brand market share level, and the vehicles are helping to lead the revitalization of the brand.

By 2020, Lincoln targets a tripling of vehicle sales to approximately 300,000 because of the brand’s debut in China and increased market coverage. Lincoln anticipates a long-term operating margin in line with leading luxury brands.

“Our Lincoln sales and profit margin targets are supported by our aggressive product investment strategy and growth plans in China,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “Our opportunity is to attract luxury customers who are looking for new and personalized customer experiences.”

The majority of Lincoln’s growth will come from China, where the brand debuts this year with the MKZ sedan and new MKC luxury utility. The MKZ and MKC are the first of four new vehicles Lincoln plans to introduce globally by the end of 2016. The MKX midsize crossover will launch next year, and an all-new, full-size sedan will follow soon after.

Additionally, Lincoln plans to add two new entries to its lineup by 2020, offering customers a wider range of luxury offerings.

2014 Outlook

This year will continue to serve as a critical building block in the One Ford plan. The company is on plan to launch a record 23 vehicles in preparation for a more profitable 2015.

As a result of higher warranty costs, including recalls, in North America — mainly for prior year models — and lower industry volume and weakening conditions in South America and Russia, Ford now expects its 2014 pre-tax profits to be approximately $6 billion, excluding special items.

Ford expects its North American operating margin at the lower end of its 8 percent to 9 percent guidance range, and better results in Europe, Asia Pacific and Ford Credit, compared to 2013.

2015 Outlook

In 2015, Ford expects to realize the benefits of its global product investment and growth strategies, and will continue its strong product push with 16 global vehicle launches.

The company expects its pre-tax profit, excluding special items, to be significantly higher — in the $8.5 billion to $9.5 billion range — with all five automotive regions improving on 2014 results.

Europe, which Ford previously said would return to profitability in 2015, is now expected to lose about $250 million because of continued volatility in Russia and higher pension expenses as a result of lower interest rates. The company continues to believe it has the right transformation plan for Europe, focused on products, brand and costs.

“In 2015, we’ll take the next step in our long-term plan that calls for all parts of the Ford business to contribute to overall profitability,” said Bob Shanks, Ford executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Although we face a variety of challenges as we approach 2015, we are well positioned for long-term growth in all areas of the business.”

Revenue and operating margin are projected to be higher than 2014, and wholesale volume is expected to grow in all regions. Ford Credit pre-tax profits are expected to be about equal to or higher than 2014.

Ford expects industry sales volumes to grow in 2015. The company projects U.S. industry sales between 16.8 million and 17.5 million. In Europe, sales are expected between 14.8 million and 15.3 million. In China, they are expected to increase to between 24 million and 26 million.