Ford's strategy is centered around the Ford+ plan, which combines existing strengths, new capabilities, and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences and deepen their loyalty. The company is focused on developing EV and digital vehicle technologies.

Ford Model e's wholesales increased 20% from a year ago, primarily reflecting higher production of F-150 Lightning. However, the company faces challenges in securing raw materials, batteries, and other components necessary for the production of electric vehicles.

Ford has invested in and formed strategic alliances and joint ventures with a number of companies. These initiatives involve significant complexity and may require a significant amount of capital.

Ford implemented a new operating model and reporting structure in 2023, analyzing results through five segments: Ford Blue, Ford Model e, Ford Pro, Ford Next, and Ford Credit.

Ford continues to review and evaluate its business to find opportunities to make operations more efficient and reduce costs, which may include strategic divestitures or ceasing operations in certain markets.

Ford is evolving its talent attraction strategy with the transformation of its business, sourcing candidates from multiple industries and regions. The company is also focused on developing its current talent and future pipeline.

Ford is highly dependent on its suppliers, and a shortage or inability to acquire key components or raw materials can disrupt production. This includes raw materials for batteries, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and manganese.

Ford has entered into multi-year commitments to raw material and other suppliers, which subject the company to risks associated with lower future demand for such items as well as costs that fluctuate and are difficult to accurately forecast.

Ford is at risk for cybersecurity incidents, ransomware attacks, and other disruptions that could materially disrupt operations, lead to loss of sensitive information, and impact the safety of vehicles.

The worldwide automotive industry is highly competitive, with a wide variety of product and service offerings from a growing number of manufacturers. Ford faces competition from both traditional and new entrants.

The industry has historically had a very competitive pricing environment, driven in part by excess capacity. Manufacturers typically offer price discounts and other marketing incentives to maintain market share.

Ford's market share varies significantly across different regions. For example, in the United States, Ford's market share was 12.4% in 2023, while in China it was 1.8%.

Ford is continually reviewing and evaluating its business to find opportunities to make operations more efficient and reduce costs. This includes strategic divestitures or ceasing operations in certain markets.

Ford manages its vehicle production schedule based on factors such as retail sales and dealer stock levels, with production tending to be higher in the first half of the year to meet demand in the spring and summer.

The company has experienced intermittent interruptions in its supply chain and an inconsistent production schedule at its facilities due to component shortages, labor shortages, and supplier operating issues.

Ford is making substantial investments in developing EV and digital vehicle technologies, as well as software development. The company is also focused on developing connected vehicle technologies.

Ford owns or holds licenses to use numerous patents, trade secrets, copyrights, and trademarks on a global basis. The company expects to continue building this portfolio as it actively pursues innovation.

Sophisticated software integration may have issues that can unexpectedly interfere with the intended operation of hardware or other software products and services. The services offered can also experience outages, service slowdowns, or errors.

Maintaining discipline in capital allocation continues to be important, as a strong core business and a balance sheet that provides the flexibility to invest in new growth opportunities is critical to the success of Ford's plan.

Ford has implemented a modest anti-dilutive share repurchase program to offset the dilutive effect of share-based compensation granted during 2023. The company also authorized a new program to offset dilution expected in 2024.

Ford has announced its intent to continue making multi-billion dollar investments in electrification and software services. The company's plans include offering electrified versions of many of its vehicles.

Ford has an Integrated Sustainability and Financial Report, which details the company's performance and progress toward its sustainability and corporate responsibility goals.

Ford is addressing its impact on climate change aligned with the Paris Agreement by working to reduce its carbon footprint over time across its vehicles, operations, and supply chain.

Ford is focused on creating and sustaining a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all employees. The company has 10 global Employee Resource Groups that represent various dimensions of its employee population.

The worldwide automotive industry is affected significantly by general economic and political conditions over which Ford has little control. Factors like economic growth, geopolitical events, and the cost of purchasing and operating vehicles can impact consumer decisions.

Ford is subject to numerous governmental standards and regulations relating to safety, emissions, fuel economy, and other areas. The regulatory landscape is complex and can change on short notice.

There is an increasing trend of city access restrictions for internal combustion engine powered vehicles, which may influence customer vehicle residual values and choice of next purchase.