COVERITLIVE.COM

2:32

Ford Motor Company - Hi - we're getting ready to start the chat with George Pipas. As a reminder, we announced a boost in sales of 17% overall and a 21% increase in retail sales.

More details available at: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=30856

2:35

Ford Motor Company - Hey George - first let's get a little background on you. How long have you been with Ford, and what does a lead sales analyst do?

2:37

George Pipas - Well, this will date me. I have been with Ford almost 33 years -- joined the company in late 1976. I was a teacher -- a biology teacher before that. My job is to analyze U.S. sales and market trends, keep up with the economy and try to help journalists and Wall St. analysts understand what's going on and what might happen in the future.

2:38

Ford Motor Company - Ah, the crystal ball guy, huh?

I would imagine the last 10 months have been a whirlwind in the auto industry, particularly at Ford.

2:40

George Pipas - Well, sort of. I get a lot of help from other Ford employees in other areas of the company, but we look outisde the auto industry too. there are all kinds of social, technology, environmental, economic and political forces that have an impact on our business and the world around us.

2:40	[Comment From Fred (sales manager)] About what is going on right now, can we say that the worst is behind us?

2:42

George Pipas - We believe the worst of the recession is behind us. right now, the economy is like a new born calf (I'm from Illinois originally). It's up, but its wobbly. Still, very fragile, but there are some positive signals that the expanision has started and that a modest recovery is underway. Outcome still uncertain, however, especially about the pace of growth.

2:43	[Comment From Jeff Ercolini] Hi George product question, I have been in Ford sales since 1992 many of our guests/customers ask when are they going to put a bench seat in the Ford Ranger supercab to bring it up to par with the Tacoma rear seating for comfort..thanks

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