This is where TMC really shines. While U.S. automakers are wrestling with massive pension problems, health-care
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| Compared to its competitors, Toyota's USD $120 billion plus market capitalization is four times that of Ford Motor. This gives it R&D money to invest into new products and maintain competitiveness. (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
With regards to profitability, TMC netted about USD $7 billion last business year, which is tops in the industry by a long shot. According to Reuters Research, in a survey that took into account the views of 21 major brokerage houses, TMC profits are expected to escalate by 27 percent by March 31.
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| Auto analysts predict a fivefold increase in Ford's earnings for 2004, thanks to a whole host of new products coming to the market. The Freestyle crossover vehicle should boost numbers while increasing the bottom-line in the profitable SUV segment. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada) |
Ford, on the other hand, only earned a net USD $495 million in 2003. But this is not a bad thing, as it is once again in the black for the first time in 3 years. Auto analysts predict a fivefold increase in earnings for 2004.
Why the bullish prospects for Ford Motor? It all comes down to product, with Ford's blue oval brand coming to market shortly with an all-new SUV crossover dubbed Freestyle, an all-new large sedan named simply the 500, as well as an updated Ford Focus expected in the fall. Its new Freestar minivan will have a full year of sales in 2004, as will North America's number one selling F-150 pickup truck, also completely revised for 2004.