Carr, acknowledges it will be an uphill battle but he says he hasn't lost hope that Ford will reverse its decision.

NPR: Workers at Missouri Ford Plant Face Shutdown

So given that these things aren't entirely scientific, if they don't make progress we won't be sure how much David Ford's honesty will be to blame.

BBC: NI Assembly election campaigning - state of play so far

Mr. WEBSTER: It's hard to see if the economy doesn't turn around next year how they will be able to - Ford, GM or Chrysler - be able to not lay off more workers.

NPR: Detroit Feels Pain Of Big Three's Troubles

They will have big but relatively fuel-efficient engines that can shut off cylinders when not needed. (Ford and Toyota engines don't do this.) They will also have lavish new interiors and safety features not normally found in pickup trucks, like side curtain air bags.

FORBES: Magazine Article

"I will build a car for the multitude, " Henry Ford said of his famous Model T.

FORBES: Back To The Future

Ford won't confirm that, saying only that the Freestyle name will continue, though perhaps not on the current vehicle.

NPR: Auto Watchers Underwhelmed by U.S. Designs

Ford and Chrysler aren't as bad off now, but their turn in the box will come.

FORBES: Detroit's Pension

Even though Fields tells his camera crew that Ford will "continue to get battered in the marketplace for its financial performance, " he didn't know then how right he would be.

FORBES: Magazine Article