Ford's plan for success: Fast track new models

As the Senate is set to vote on a $2 billion expansion for the cash-for-clunkers program, Ford Motor Co. (F) today announced its own plan for the future. Mainly, Ford said it intends "to further accelerate new product introductions across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific enabled by its efficient global product development system, significant structural cost reductions and disciplined cash management."

Ford, the only member of Detroit's Big Three that did not enter bankruptcy protection this year and did not take government restructuring funds has managed so far to withstand the global economic recession and the slump in the car market. The key to its success has been preemptively restructuring its debt and downsizing. Beyond this, it has reaped the benefits of a focus on quality, safety and the shifting of customer demand to more fuel economy and smarter technology vehicles.