[oldeguy]

Frost__2001,Dec 18 2006, 09:09 AM Wrote:Exec Shuffle: Kuzak Named Ford's New Global Car Czar
Date posted: 17-12-2006


DEARBORN, Mich. — In an effort to speed product development times, reduce cost and improve quality, Ford has expanded group vice-president Derrick Kuzak's product development duties from the Americas to the company's entire global operations.

The move is a significant part of a major realignment of the company's management structure along global rather than regional lines. It is among several executive shifts on Thursday at the Dearborn automaker that are widely seen as a consolidation of power by new CEO Alan Mulally.

Kuzak's new job is similar to Bob Lutz's job at General Motors. The hope is that Kuzak, 55, will accelerate the use of common vehicle platforms and shared components. Kuzak will continue to be in charge of the Americas in his newly created role as worldwide product development chief.

What this means to you: What car guy Bob Lutz has done for GM, car guy Kuzak may do for Ford…if it's not too late.
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Let's hope he's smart enough to bring a lot of Europe to Canada