From Joe - Nov 2012 APA

[JPFS1]

Originally Posted by Joseph Hinrichs

Hello Everyone,

This is my final letter for the APA @Ford magazine before I take on
another exciting new challenge leading Ford’s Americas region.
Let me start by saying it has been an honour and a privilege to
work with all of you in Asia Pacific and Africa.

I have learned more in the last three years than on any assignment
in my career. I have been extremely fortunate to have met so many
of you while visiting all of APA’s markets. I truly wish I would have
had the chance to meet more of the smart, motivated people that
will bring our aggressive growth plans to fruition. I will miss you all.

From our Silverton operation in South Africa, to Broadmeadows
in Australia, to Sanand, India, and from our newest plant in the
world, Ford Thailand Manufacturing, to Chongqing, China, the
breadth of our operations in this part of the world is matched only
by the passion of our team to continue going further across APA.

Thank you all for helping me understand and appreciate the many
unique aspects that make each of our markets and cultures so
special.

I often say that the expansion we are undertaking in APA is a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I firmly believe it. Nine new plants,
50 new products and powertrains, unprecedented dealer, supplier, and PD expansion,
and so many new members of the Ford family. Realising our better plan is an awesome
challenge, and an extraordinary opportunity.

I encourage all of you to make the most of this time. Don’t be
afraid to take some (calculated) risks. Learn from your mistakes.
Support your colleagues and our partners. And, most importantly,
enjoy the ride together.

No matter what function you are in, the APA leadership team and I
encourage you to continue to find ways to make your mark and to
help Ford continue to be successful in your markets for decades
to come. Together we have all helped lay a strong foundation for
the future.

The company is looking to APA and all of you to help us achieve
our global growth plan. I have full faith in confidence in this team,
our partners, and in the plan we developed together. I am so proud
of all of you and our many accomplishments. As you continue to bring
all the great new vehicles our customers in APA want and value, you will have
no greater advocate in Dearborn than me. I am forever a part of
the Asia Pacific and Africa team.

I know that when I retire (a long time from now!) I will continue to
look back on my time in APA as a very special and unique time for
me and my family.

I have you all to thank for that.

Thank you for all you do, and continue to do, every day.

Joe H.

Broadmeadows attracts some limelight!

[pottery beige]

a positive read cheers for posting..

[Buntz]

Ford Australia now showing a bit of this:

I encourage all of you to make the most of this time. Don’t be afraid to take some (calculated) risks. Learn from your mistakes. Support your colleagues and our partners. And, most importantly, enjoy the ride together.

And hopefully we are (I say 'we' like a dedicated supporter of a team) the spearhead of this:

The company is looking to APA and all of you to help us achieve
our global growth plan. I have full faith in confidence in this team,
our partners, and in the plan we developed together.

Thankfully Joe didn't record this speech, coz I would have been giggling like a twit.

[Bossxr8]

I think he's referring to China. Its the key to Fords future fortunes because its now the No 1 global market in terms of sales and expanding at a rapid rate.

India too.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I think he's referring to China. Its the key to Fords future fortunes because its now the No 1 global market in terms of sales and expanding at a rapid rate.

India too.

Yeah but Australia is where APA market cars are being developed.

[Bossxr8]

Yes, our development work is basically one of the only things keeping things going here.