American Icon
By Bryce G. Hoffman
- Release Date: 2012-03-13
- Genre: Business & Personal Finance
Description
The inside story of the epic turnaround of Ford Motor Company under the leadership of CEO Alan Mulally.
At the end of 2008, Ford Motor Company was just months away from running out of cash. With the auto industry careening toward ruin, Congress offered all three Detroit automakers a bailout. General Motors and Chrysler grabbed the taxpayer lifeline, but Ford decided to save itself.
Under the leadership of charismatic CEO Alan Mulally, Ford had already put together a bold plan to unify its divided global operations, transform its lackluster product lineup, and overcome a dysfunctional culture of infighting, backstabbing, and excuses. It was an extraordinary risk, but it was the only way the Ford family—America’s last great industrial dynasty—could hold on to their company.
Mulally and his team pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in business history. As the rest of Detroit collapsed, Ford went from the brink of bankruptcy to being the most profitable automaker in the world. American Icon is the compelling, behind-the-scenes account of that epic turnaround.
In one of the great management narratives of our time, Hoffman puts the reader inside the boardroom as Mulally uses his celebrated Business Plan Review meetings to drive change and force Ford to deal with the painful realities of the American auto industry.
Hoffman was granted unprecedented access to Ford’s top executives and top-secret company documents. He spent countless hours with Alan Mulally, Bill Ford, the Ford family, former executives, labor leaders, and company directors. In the bestselling tradition of Too Big to Fail and The Big Short, American Icon is narrative nonfiction at its vivid and colorful best.
Reviews
Page turner
5By FlapersonThoroughly enjoyed this book. It read like a well planned novel, but more powerful because it truly happened. The story of how getting past the greed and egos that totally govern business today can totally save a business. Adhering to the same principles of seeing the big picture that created Ford in the first place. It’s the story of how producing a quality product at a fair price actually succeeds with greater results and sustainability than businesses current approach of “selling” the customer then under delivering.Amazing
5By KlipschdudeThis is truly a great American story. A book that is impossible to put down. It illustrates how much it means when people get together to achieve the goals laid out by great leadership. Think I'll go for a ride in my Ford Fusion!A blueprint for turnarounds
5By islalalaA must read for anyone looking to affect positive change in an organization. Thoroughly researched and compellingly presented!A great story....
5By Underdog66...that is a history a business lesson all in one!! Excellent insight on what was going on at that level during a financially scary time in US history. Well written, easy to read, and VERY hard to put down. I expect I will re-read this one...Iconic CEO
5By Bv0312One of the best business books I have ever read. Great detail behind the scenes of the rise and fall of not only Ford, also GM and Chrysler. After reading, I am an even bigger Alan Mullaly fan.Wonderful
5By GM ButlerGreat read. Could not put it down. Very well writtenAmerican Icon
5By Mullaly FanUnbelievable and inspirational!Amazing story!
5By Ian St IanGreat read! I could not put it down. Makes you proud to be an American!One great book on car industry
3By DocawI've never read a non-fiction book with such intensity and focus. I've always wondered what exactly happened to Ford during the Great Recession. This book reads like a history mystery. Simply fantastic. I already own two Ford cars. One of them is the icon of this iconic company, Mustang GT. My future cars may just be all from Ford.American Icon
5By Mr. JCHA a retired businessman and consultant, I read many books, most of them non fiction. For me, American Icon is the best I have read for some time. It is clear and compelling writing. The basics: have a vision, develop the plan to achieve it, focus intensively to execute it using comprehensive metrics through team work applies to any business large or small, products or services. The author did a great job of objective reporting.