Abstract
This paper explains that, while Ford has only one true economy class car the Ford Focus, because economy is a core competency of Honda, it could be argued that the majority of its vehicles could be categorized as economy class based on fuel efficiency alone. The author used structured research observation and a detailed customer survey to collect customer opinion on several factors including fuel efficiency, quality and comfort. The paper concludes that the research indicates that Honda Motors soundly defeats Ford in almost every statistical category and that it understands both the market and its customers far better than its counterpart Ford. The paper includes the questionnaire, data tables and tabulations.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Problem Statement
Purpose of Research
Rationale
Parameters
Limitations
Theoretical Foundation
Vehicle and Company Overview
Honda Overview
Ford Overview
Selection Criteria
Data Gathering Method
Evaluation
Data Presentation
Conclusions
Recommendations

From the Paper
"Honda Motor Company (Honda) is an innovative manufacturer known the world over for its engineering prowess and legendary reliability. Honda is Japan's third largest automotive manufacturer in Japan behind Toyota and Nissan and it is the globe's largest manufacturer of motorcycles. However, Honda is also a major manufacturer and producer of small engines and power plants, as well as small jet powered aircraft as of 2006. Honda's operations span the globe extending into every major region, including: North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Pacific Rim, as well as its home market of Japan."

Tags:competency, respondent, owners, criteria, parameters

Abstract
This research project discusses the relative merits of Ford Motor Company and Honda Motors regarding each company's respective economy class cars. The writer notes that while Ford only has one true economy class car, the Ford Focus, Honda has several: the Civic and the Accord. However, because economy is a core competency of Honda, it could be argued that the majority of its vehicles could be categorized as economy class based on fuel efficiency alone. In order to better understand these two companies and their respective products a detailed review of the existing literature regarding the companies and their products is undertaken. The review of the relevant literature is followed by a detailed customer survey that collects data on direct customer opinion on such factors as fuel efficiency, quality and comfort among others. Additionally, a researcher observation per respondent and vehicle is tallied in order to adequately control for the results. The writer concludes that Honda Motors soundly defeats Ford in almost every statistical category and that it understands both the market and its customers far better than its counterpart, Ford.

Tags:ford, economy

Abstract
In order to better understand these two companies and their respective products, the paper presents a detailed customer survey that collects data on direct customer opinion on such factors as fuel efficiency, quality and comfort among others. Additionally, the paper shows how a researcher observation per respondent and vehicle indicates that Honda Motors soundly defeats Ford in almost every statistical category and that it understands both the market and its customers far better than its counterpart, Ford.

From the Paper
"This research project discusses the relative merits of Ford Motor Company and Honda Motors regarding each company's respective economy class cars. In order better understand these two companies and their respective products a detailed customer survey that collects data on direct customer opinion on such factors as fuel efficiency, quality and comfort among others. Additionally, a researcher observation per respondent and vehicle indicates that Honda Motors soundly defeats Ford in almost every statistical category and that it understands both the market and its customers far better than its counterpart, Ford."

Tags:survey, honda, questionnaire

Abstract
This paper presents an overview of strategic planning and global management at Ford and Honda. It looks at Honda's long-term approach to its strategy of independence, conservative expansion and a dedication to maintaining its core competencies. The paper compares Honda's strategy with that of Ford's and Ford's far-reaching expansion into markets ranging from military tanks to consumer credit.

Tags:Honda, Ford, strategic management, globalization

Abstract
The paper shows how the mission statements of both Ford and Honda reflect both the highly competitive nature of the automobile industry today as well as the fact that these two companies " like any two well-run companies " are trying to define a niche in the marketplace that is both broad enough to supply a sufficiently large customer base for the companies to expand and prosper but is at the same time sufficiently focused to allow the company to have a clearly recognized identity. The paper shows how Ford emphasized corporate citizenship and commitment to environmental issues whereas Honda focused more on its products and less on its corporate philosophy.

From the Paper
"Ford is also planning to add a Hybrid Electric Vehicle to its line of offerings. HEVs are an especially important addition to the Ford line-up (as they would be to the line-up of an manufacturer) because they offer a substantial amount of the environmental benefits of a fully electric car with none of the range-of-driving restrictions that a fully electric vehicle has. Although HEVs are not as "green" as fully electric cars, their presence in the Ford stable of offerings is an important strength for the company. Given that many people want a more environmentally responsible car but are unable or unwilling to change driving habits that make a fully electric car feasible, the HEV may well be the next generation of car that many if not most Americans choose to buy."

Tags:global, warming, EV, Ranger, stockholders, Japan, SEC, regulations

Abstract
This paper analyzes the various causes for the recent decline in sales of Ford automobiles while also examining the business practices of Honda which have resulted in a consistent rise in sales. The writer contends and explains that the present manufacturing procedures at the Ford production plants which were initially implemented in the 1980s are currently outdated and irrelevant and a prime contributing factor to the company's present status. This paper details the innovative and flexible manufacturing practices created by Honda which gives the Japanese car-maker an advantage over its competitors. This paper also presents the results of various published articles and surveys relevant to this particular topic.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Ford vs. Honda
Works Cited

From the Paper
"The current manufacturing status of Ford Plants was devised in the 1980's and although the changes that took place were needed they did not save Ford from the current state of affairs that it finds itself in. According to and case study entitled "Ford's Competitive Advantage Based on Time Driven Change" the current financial state of Ford is due to a rapid attempt to change the production process of the company and the problems that the company has faced with the recall of several of its top selling vehicles due to problems that occurred during the production phases. A huge difference in production processes can be seen in the way that Ford and Honda produce SUV's and Trucks. According to an article entitled " New Manufacturing System Gives Honda Flexibility" The flexible manufacturing process created by Honda gives the company an advantage over competitors. The article explains that close cooperation between Honda's production and R&D departments allowed the company to create the first ever production line in North America upon which SUV's and Trucks could be produced together."

Tags:business, practices, marketing, production, vehicles, plant, japanese, american

Abstract
This paper presents a discussion about the reliability of Honda vehicles. The author argues that Honda is the most dependable car on the market, looking at how the car became a best-seller, consumer satisfaction, affordability, its proven track record, and low maintenance needs.

From the Paper
"There are many things that make the Honda vehicle the most dependable car on the road. When they first came on the market they were so popular there were waiting lists that could take months to get through and receive a vehicle. Almost three decades later the Honda has held its appeal. One of the reasons the Honda is so popular is the dependability that it offers."

Tags:consumer, vehicle, popular, sedan, family, mileage, engine, gas, price

Abstract
This paper examines Virgin Airlines upper class service and the services and facilities it offers to its customers. The paper describes in detail the original idea for a "First Class" service as envisaged by the company's founder, Sir Richard Branson and its development since the airlines founding in 1982. The paper discusses how the upper class service fits in with the image generated by Virgin Airways and the entire Virgin Group of companies. The writer contends that Virgin's upper class service is the market leader in customer service and satisfaction due to innovative advertising, forward thinking and value for money.

From the Paper
"Virgin Atlantic flies mainly to destinations that are major population center or tourist destination. So by flying high traffic, profitable routes, Virgin Atlantic has been able to maintain a passenger load factor of around 76% in spite of competition and also stay profitable. Also by exclusively flying big aircrafts such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340, Virgin Atlantic is able to balance its high price - low passenger Upper Class, with low price - high passenger economy class. Virgin Atlantic has positioned itself as a unique player in the airline industry by offering the best service, for a very good price. For instance, a roundtrip from London Heathrow to New York's John F Kennedy on May 19th 2009 returning on May 21st 2009 costs $7,616 on Virgin Atlantic Upper Class and $11,762 on British Airways First Class. The same trip on British Airways Business class costs $7,616 but Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class offers much more services for the same price, increasing the price-value relationship."

Tags:transatlantic boeing aircraft economy class flight laker airline, Virgin Airlines, first class, premium passengers

Abstract
This paper discusses the legal implications of SUV rollover with regard to Ford Motor Company. It looks at the 2004 personal injury award and the arguments of the plaintiff and of Ford.

From the Paper
"This was one of the largest personal-injury awards ever against an automaker in U S history. The verdict was Ford Motor Company's first loss in twelve rollover lawsuits concerning the Ford Explorer, the nation's best-selling SUV". The company said that it plans to appeal the verdict. The plaintiff swerved to avoid a metal object in the road and lost control of her Explorer which ..."

Tags:legal issues, Ford, lawsuits, rollover, safety, car safety, firestone, tires, personal injury

Abstract
This paper analyzes the Honda Motor company through a SWOT analysis, an acronym for "strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats." Each of these areas is explored and detailed. The author finds that Honda has many more strengths than weaknesses, which is partly based on the company's outlook. Honda's goal has been to make high efficiency cars at a low cost. The paper further details how Honda has gained advantage over its competitors. The paper also cites some of Honda's weaknesses. The writer also considers future opportunities for Honda and discusses threats to the company's long-term success. Despite these threats, the author considers Honda one of the most lucrative and best managed companies in the world.

From the Paper
"While Honda has much strength to their name, they also suffer from some major weaknesses. The primary weakness of Honda is oftentimes one of their major strengths as well. By sticking to their guns as the technology innovator within their industry, Honda divests much of its resources in exploring new methods to enhance their products. However, they often conduct research and innovation in fields that have no practical application until long into the future (CorporateInfo, npg). Take for example their fuel efficiency research; Honda was the industry leader in fuel efficiency from 1985 to present (InvestorGuide, npg). However, only until recently did gas prices raise high enough to warrant the fuel economy as a significant advantage. Had Honda divested more of their resources to other high end upgrades such as competing within the SUV market, they might have made much more profits. Thus, finding the balance between future research and current profits is one of the major weaknesses with Honda. Another one of its weaknesses is that Honda relies on its "entry first, organizes later" strategy for new market penetration (Wright Report, npg). Its corporate strategy appears to be to enter established markets with their innovative products and develop an infrastructure and organization after they observe how the market reacts. Although this strategy has worked well in some cases such as Honda's entry into the light truck division, where its Ridgeline won Truck of the Year, however in other cases such as the launch of Acura success was met first by years of trial and error. Acura was launched in the mid 1980s, and it was the first Japanese produced luxury car, however it lacked many of the features that customers were looking for in high end vehicles and Acura went through almost five years of net losses before Honda finally figured out their design and distribution methods. Honda depends too much on their ingenuity and ability to adjust once a product enters the market, and as a result, they often make hasty and faulty decisions that they must then spend millions and years to fix."

Tags:Honda, Motor, Company, SWOT, analysis, automotive, industry, cars