F Jul 2024 6.820 call

Ford vice chair on 'unprecedented' changes in auto industry

Ford Vice Chair John Lawler joins Yahoo Finance's Pras Subramanian at Deutsche Bank's Global Auto Industry Conference to discuss his transition from CFO to vice chair and the opportunities ahead for the automaker. Lawler is set to transition full-time into the vice chair position in early 2025, to be succeeded by former Lucid (LCID) Chief Financial Officer Sherry House. Lawler explains that his new role focuses on strategic initiatives: "The level of change in this industry is unprecedented right now. You have the propulsion changes, moving from gas to electrification, and electrification is going to take many forms as we're starting to see develop." He notes that partnerships in digital technologies will be key moving forward, pointing to the issue of capital efficiency within the industry as a whole. In addition, Lawler explains, "I think I can add a lot of value working with governments and their leaders on the policies and how Ford can help and how Ford's going to interface in those markets around the world." He highlights Ford's joint ventures in China as important partners, explaining that the company is not only profitable in the country, but there are several opportunities that lie ahead in the market. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Melanie Riehl