[Perian]

Link: http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-planning-to-sell-mazda-stake.html


10/11/2008, 2:02 AM

Ford is in the process of finding potential buyers for its 33.4 percent stake in Mazda, sources told Reuters late Friday.

Ford, often viewed as the parent company of Mazda, recently sold its Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover brands in an effort to raise capital. Ford’s stake in Mazda is said to be worth around $1.36 billion.

Earlier, Japan’s NHK reported the automaker was considering selling at least a 20 percent stake in the company, but it appears a complete sale of all 33.4 percent is on the table. The debt-laden company is in talks with several Japanese firms about the sale.

Many of Ford’s products are tightly linked with Mazda’s — the companies share platforms for a number of vehicles, and development on a number of projects has been joint. Another Ford subsidiary possibly for sale, Volvo, also shares platforms with Mazda and Ford, making de-integration of next-generation vehicles projects a challenge.

Full article at link.

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Link: http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081011/as_japan_mazda_ford.html

Saturday October 11, 3:41 am ET
By Yuri Kageyama, AP Business Writer

Mazda says no decision on sale of Ford's stake, but it is being considered

TOKYO (AP) -- Mazda denied Saturday that a decision had been made by troubled Ford Motor Co. to sell its stake in the Japanese automaker but it didn't rule out a possible deal.

Japanese media reported Saturday that Ford was considering selling its one-third stake in Hiroshima-based Mazda Motor Corp. Public broadcaster NHK TV, without citing sources, reported that Ford would maintain some of its stake in Mazda and management ties.

"Nothing has been decided," Mazda said in a statement received Saturday by The Associated Press. "Any important decision will be disclosed."

 

[Perian]

Re: Report: Ford Seeks To Sell Mazda Stake

Wow. The automotive world has sure changed in the past 24 hours.

Looking forward to using my GM points on a new Chrysler P.T. Cruiser.

 

[Stéphane Dumas]

who could be interested to Mazda actually?

On the other hand, I suggest to not sell completely the 33.4%, they should try to retain a small stake (5-10%) of Mazda

 

[kenman923]

who could be interested to Mazda actually?

On the other hand, I suggest to not sell completely the 33.4%, they should try to retain a small stake (5-10%) of Mazda

Maybe Daimler is interested and they can be Daimler-Mazda. Renault-Nissan could even buy it up since it looks like the Chrysler deal may not happen. I wouldn't be surprised if Tata didn't try to get their hands on Mazda.

 

[zabolots]

Wow, they must really be panicking and in need of cash. They get a lot out of their cooperation with Mazda and it's likely the only thing of value that they have left to sell.

I'm quite concerned about the future of the domestic auto manufacturers.

 

[boblutzfan]

Wow, they must really be panicking and in need of cash. They get a lot out of their cooperation with Mazda and it's likely the only thing of value that they have left to sell.

I'm quite concerned about the future of the domestic auto manufacturers.

No kidding. Of the current Ford product offering, the best midsize sedan they have is the Mazda6, best CUV is the CX-9 and of course the Miata is iconic. Ford has used the Mazda6 platform for so many products - and the Mazda engineers have infused many rather dull products with a little life through their partnership.

Without Mazda - Ford is just trucks and SUVs. As you said, Mazda is probably the only think they have worth selling at this point.

 

[GM-Joe]

That's a mistake. Mazda has value, not only because of profits, but also because of product sharing and a Japanese name. If Ford is that hard up, they need to consider bankruptcy.

 

[CamaroCrazy]

The automotive apocalypse is nigh.

 

[hunchman]

Re: Report: Ford Seeks To Sell Mazda Stake

Wow. The automotive world has sure changed in the past 24 hours.

Looking forward to using my GM points on a new Chrysler P.T. Cruiser.

:fall: thank you I needed that, it really made my day

 

[genjy]

It's not that surprising coming form the company that wants to sell Volvo and revive Mercury.

 

[steve333]

This would be a huge mistake, and bad for both companies. As stated, Mazda offers Ford car platforms that have transformed their products into class leading or very competitive cars.
For Mazda it would be bad also because those who want a Japanese car but not feel bad about it went with a Mazda because they knew Ford would benefit.
Ford should keep both Mazda and Volvo, IMO.

 

[BrickTamland]

In the name of all things holy, do not sell Mazda! Ford, sell your collective souls to the devil before you sell Mazda.

 

[Ttple]

The smartest thing Ford has done was buy a stake in Mazda.

 

[sepi]

Ya'll are so funny. Lectures coming from GM koolaid drinkers who invest so much time in a company which can't figure out what any of its brands stand for, is unable to offload its duds, unwilling to offload its duds, and uncommitted to excellence. Unlike GM, Ford has decided what it wants to be and is concentrating on its core company, Ford.

Ford has made it clear that all options are open for non-Ford brands and whether it is Volvo or Mazda or both, this does not make Ford weaker as some might suggest. And while there is some commonality in platforms, Ford will be developing new platforms anyway in the next iterations of its products, so selling the other companies doesn't preclude Ford from utilizing what it has learned from both Mazda and Volvo in subsequent product launches.

North American integration of Volvo platforms is seemingly already on the ebb as Ford shifts its focus to bringing European Fords over here - some of those Fords didn't use Volvo platforms - rather Volvo used those Ford platforms for their vehicles.

It is striking the directionless nature of GM which is mired in what it was and too ignorant of the business environment to recognize what needs to be done to bring it into the 21st century. I laugh at the idea of GM adding other brands in the Chrysler family when it can't figure out after 100 years of ownership what a Pontiac is versus what a Buick is. GM would benefit from Dodge trucks which are now superior to anything GM has built and Dodge builds real work trucks unlike GM's tarted up light duty platform.

Overall, while I like Mazda, I don't think a complete sale will preclude working with Mazda anyway. The Koolaid drinkers see things as all or nothing ventures, but those of us with our heads outside of our bodies can see the need to streamline operations and if ownership of Mazda isn't the end all of a relationship with it, why not turn the asset into ensuring long-term viability of the parent company?

Don't forget - Ford is better positioned cash and credit wise than GM - GM goes critical in 14 months at its current cash burn rate. Ford is not in any position as bad as GM - plus Ford doesn't have the cement shoes of the lingering effects of GMAC to drag it further under.

 

[RangeRover]

I don't think this is all that bad of an idea.

Ford has already gotten there worth out of Mazda. Ford is moving to global platforms with chassis development in Europe for cars. Did everyone on GMI forget that Ford has excellent platforms in Europe??? Also, Mazda already uses Ford powertrains and other Ford parts when it is convenient for them. Currently, Mazda does not develop engines anymore and Ford - Dearborn is the global lead for powertrains. So...what is Ford losing by selling Mazda?

Also, Mazda is the hardest Ford division to reign in. They are hard to get commonality with and their supply base is inconsistent with Fords. They have been allowed to operate too independently from Ford and this could get them sold.

 

[boblutzfan]

I don't think this is all that bad of an idea.

Ford has already gotten there worth out of Mazda. Ford is moving to global platforms with chassis development in Europe for cars. Did everyone on GMI forget that Ford has excellent platforms in Europe??? Also, Mazda already uses Ford powertrains and other Ford parts when it is convenient for them. Currently, Mazda does not develop engines anymore and Ford - Dearborn is the global lead for powertrains. So...what is Ford losing by selling Mazda?

Also, Mazda is the hardest Ford division to reign in. They are hard to get commonality with and their supply base is inconsistent with Fords. They have been allowed to operate too independently from Ford and this could get them sold.

What are you talking about? Through Mazda Ford has the Fusion, Milan, MKZ, Edge, MKX, Escape, Mariner and Focus. They share engines and transmissions with Mazda (albeit Mazda tweaks the Ford engins for better performance) and they share many other under the skin parts. Over the past year Mazda has had some great sales success with their line up that is not dependent on trucks. The Mazda3 and Mazda5 have been huge sellers for Mazda. Not to mention the Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 which are some of the best CUVs on the market...also sharing Ford parts.

 

[FierySolstice]

Ford should not sell it's stake in Mazda. Instead they should kill the Mercury brand and have Mazda as their sport brand between Ford and Lincoln. That makes more sense. Newer buyers are more likely to buy Mazda than Mercury. If they still consider selling it, if GM could buy it I think they should to have a Japanese brand under their fold. It would be a hell of a lot better than getting Chrysler and Dodge.

 

[boblutzfan]

Ford should not sell it's stake in Mazda. Instead they should kill the Mercury brand and have Mazda as their sport brand between Ford and Lincoln. That makes more sense. Newer buyers are more likely to buy Mazda than Mercury. If they still consider selling it, if GM could buy it I think they should to have a Japanese brand under their fold. It would be a hell of a lot better than getting Chrysler and Dodge.

Agreed.

The problem is that Ford views Mercury as a cash cow. It is a brand solely based on rebadged products...which means more profit. Mazdas are examples of good platform sharing. Most people wouldn't realize that the Fusion and Mazda6 are based on the same platform since they have 100% unique exteriors and interiors. That cost more money to design. Where the Fusion and Milan are clearly cousins.

I see the Fusion/6 as on the same level as the Camry/ES350 in terms of differentiation.

Ford would be crazy to dump the brand and sell it to another company.

 

[Fast1996Impala]

Ford cannot sell Mazda and Volvo. They both have positive reputations (Mazda is well known in motorsport, Volvo for quality and safety). Ford would lose valuble R&D and some Indian or Chinese car maker could possibly run them into the ground (Think about the Chinese MG's and now Tata selling a $2500 car and a $60,000+ Jaguar. The economy is killing the automotive industry and people are making stupid decisions and I hope things pick up quickly or else the automotive world is going to be even worse off than the late 70's/early 80's.

 

[Fusion2.3H]

Every day that goes by I am feeling less interested in the automobile industry.