Can global automakers learn from their mistakes? Jun 16, 2008
So, in an industry that has given the world such paradigms of disaster as the Edsel and the Pinto, the near-sightedness of the decision to ignore fuel-efficiency ranks at the top ... While there has never been another Edsel, the same problems that bedeviled Detroit during the gas crisis of the 1970s are revisiting us in a slightly more serious manner today. (India Times)
Grant and Lee take the stage Jun 10, 2008
Bob Kirby, superintendent of the park, likened the refreshed auditorium to trading in a sputtering 58 Edsel for a brand new car. I was very unhappy with this pit that was in here, he said of the old map exhibit. (Petersburg Progress Index, VA)
Edsel turns 50 May 29, 2008
The Edsel at 50 Considered a failure, vehicle has its fans ... The Edsel, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer, was a marketing flop in its day, but you'd never guess it by driving through the Quail Hollow subdivision between Griffin and Orchard Hills ... At any one time there are at least a dozen Edsels in garages there, thanks to Frank Harris and Steve Durham, who share a passion for the chrome-laden cars that have become cherished by collectors despite their initial... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
End of the Road for Family Road Trip? May 18, 2008
People who study the oil industry say that classic summer road trips could be going the way of the extinct Ford Edsel. That's because the demand for oil is increasing all over the world. (ABC News)
'Year of the Car' kicks off with dinner dance Apr 11, 2008
Cynthia and Edsel B. Ford II will serve as the event's honorary chairpersons as they have since its inception 20 years ago. Alan Mulally, president and chief executive Officer of Ford Motor Co., is the event chairman. (The News-Herald)
Clunkers, junkers and 'man, that car stunk'-ers? Or unfairly victimized vehicles? Tell us what you think! Apr 5, 2008
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1958 Edsel, Time magazine released its list of 50 worst cars of all time. Hagerty Insurance caused an Internet sensation when it polled 2,500 customers on the worst-designed cars. (The Palm Beach Post)
Biggest business blunders ever Mar 22, 2008
Ford's solution: the Edsel, named for founder Henry Ford's son. The blunder ultimately cost the automaker $2. (MSNBC -- Business)
At the end of the day, we're here to help Feb 24, 2008
We attended Edison Junior High and eventually Edsel Ford High School together, and played a load of boyhood sports together. In the summer, Hood was our baseball team's shortstop and I was the catcher. (The News-Herald)
Mark ZeskeINSIDE NASCAR Feb 21, 2008
Before Daytona, when the media went on its annual tour of shops in North Carolina, Edsel Ford II showed up for a news conference at Roush Fendway Racing. Roush is the Ford standard carrier with five teams, while Edsel Ford is a member of the manufacturer's board of directors and the great-grandson of Henry Ford ... "People have wanted to write us off, to say we couldn't compete in the marketplace or on the race track," said Edsel. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. had 17 Cup and 21 Busch wins with DEI before leaving for Hendrick. Jan 29, 2008
" 2. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has "disappeared" -- like a Sopranos victim -- from his former team Dale Earnhardt Inc. There was conspicuously little evidence of Junior's 11-year history with Dale Earnhardt Inc., when the media tour paid a visit to the race team founded by his late father Dale and stepmother Teresa. Junior recorded 17 Cup and 21 Nationwide (formerly Busch) victories with DEI including the 2004 Daytona 500 win. While most teams would revel openly in past glories, you couldn't find a... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Racing)
Notebook: Ford committed to NASCAR Jan 25, 2008
Edsel Ford II, a member of Ford's board of directors and the great-grandson of Henry Ford, visited Roush Fenway Racing's shop Thursday during the final day of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Media Tour. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Ford, Roush vow to improve in '08 Jan 25, 2008
Edsel Ford II, a member of Ford's board of directors and the great-grandson of Henry Ford, visited Roush Fenway Racing's shop Thursday during the final day of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Media Tour"There's been a lot of talk in the Ford Motor Company in the media in the past year, much of it negative," Ford said. "People have wanted to write us off, to say we couldn't compete in the marketplace or on the race track."I'm here to tell you one thing today: Don't underestimate our resolve. (News & Observer -- Sports)
Barrett-Jackson: First 2008 Shelby GT500KR Goes For $550000 Jan 21, 2008
This despite a custom Fender Stratocaster with a pretty matte black case and all the money going to Edsel Ford's juvenile diabetes charity. We're a wee bit underwhelmed -- despite Dr. McDreamy driving it up to the auction block. (Jalopnik)
Find adventure with free museum passes Jan 20, 2008
" She said the DIA and the Ford Rouge Factory tour are among the most requested passes. The DIA admits up to four people on one pass. Other museums admitting four per pass are the Arab American National Museum, the Automotive Hall of Fame, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Children's Museum. Others are the Detroit Historical Museum, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Grosse Pointe Historical Society, the Howell Nature... (The News-Herald)
Sports letters: Shocking! Dec 17, 2007
As poor decisions go, this ranks right up there with, Hey, let's launch New Coke, Sitting Bull won't expect an offensive at the Little Big Horn and Honey, I'm going to name our new car after our boy, Edsel. ALEX KASEBERG, San Diego. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Boo Ferriss a Delta legend and good guy Dec 8, 2007
The vehicle was previously owned by Eleanor Ford, wife of Edsel Ford. The trip down baseball's memory lane was not only a look at the contrast between baseball then and baseball now, but also a look at the man. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
Focused on Ferriss Dec 8, 2007
They found this car out of Detroit that belonged to Mrs. Edsel Ford, Ferriss said. They wanted to do something for me. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
Harbor Tunnel marks 50th anniversary Nov 22, 2007
With the tunnel, for the price of 40 cents, the weary traveler could drive his shiny new Edsel from U.S. 1 in Elkridge to U.S. 40 and Erdman Avenue in a mere 17 minutes. Big trucks paid a princely 85 cents. (Sunspot.net -- Sports)
NASCAR must fix lemon that is Car of Tomorrow Nov 11, 2007
But the COT is a lemon, a dud, an Edsel-like flop taking the place of something that's worked for a very long time and was fairly easy for everyone to identify with, including fans who know that even the current Monte Carlos and non-COT Fusions are nothing like a stock car -- but are much easier to accept than the COT. ... However, get it wrong in February by trotting out the same lousy car in the Budweiser Shootout -- say, with an Edsel actually turning better through the high banks of Daytona... (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Rare find catalogs art stolen by Nazis Nov 3, 2007
Robert Edsel, a philanthropist who researches how works of art survived the theft and conflict of World War II, donated the catalog after heirs to a U.S. soldier contacted him ... Eventually, the family discovered Edsel's organization, Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art (CQ), and contacted him ... Edsel, the author of "Rescuing Da Vinci," a book about Nazi-looted art, describes the discovery as part of one of the "greatest treasure hunts in history" and handed over book No. 8... (Scripps Howard News Wire)
7 Things To Know About the Clintons Oct 19, 2007
Oct 18, 2007 @ 10:46 AMHopefully, Hitlery Klinton will turn out to be to politics what the Edsel was to the automobile industry and what Katie Couric is to the news media. All seriously over sold and flops. (Human Events Online)
Baseball: Colorado Rockies stormed into this year's World Series Oct 17, 2007
Imagine if one company had produced the Apple Newton, the Ford Edsel and New Coke in the span of four years, and you have the early 2000s Colorado Rockies. The architect of the 15-year-old franchise, General Manager Dan O'Dowd, said in a telephone interview: "In almost every other circumstance, I would have been fired two or three years ago. I just have ownership and a president that believed in what we were trying to do here.". (International Herald Tribune -- Sports)
JERRY LANSON: No more spin rooms? Say it ain't so! Oct 2, 2007
I wondered: Is it possible that more than 25 years after Michael Deaver brought the modern era of spin to the Reagan White House, that this postdebate dance could soon join the steam engine, the Edsel, and the electric typewriter on the ash heap of American history. And would anyone but Washington politicos much care. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Taxpayers foot the bill Sep 22, 2007
Florida Keys Mosquito Control District Superintendent Michael Spoto has been suspended by Director Edsel Fussell for two weeks without pay and ordered to pay restitution of 1,658. 51 after it was discovered he accumulated 5,253. (Florida Keys Keynoter)
Struggling to locate a Toyota to replace the Edsel administration Sep 19, 2007
Sept. 4 marked E-day plus 50, the 50th anniversary of the unveiling of the Edsel ... The coincidence was appropriate in these waning months of this Edsel of a presidency ... Folks who chose to believe the advertising that led up to E-day imagined that those drop cloths in the brand-new Edsel dealership showrooms concealed a cross between a Ferrari and a Rolls with a little bit of Sputnik thrown in for style. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Edsel: Ford's Fabulous '57 Failure Sep 13, 2007
With some of the heaviest promotion ever witnessed to that date, the Ford Motor Company advertised September 4, 1957 as "E-Day," the day it would finally introduce its mysterious Edsel cars. Even while it was creating a star-studded new television show to promote the new model, Ford kept the Edsel itself covered in 1945 D-Day type secrecy ... Even the Edsel Show couldn't sell the Edsel. (Suite101.com)
Commentary: Can Chrysler turn itself around? Sep 13, 2007
I recently brought up the 50th anniversary of the Edsel to a Ford exec and he started bragging about all the Edsel fan clubs that are still out there. Before the mercy killings of Oldsmobile and Plymouth earlier this decade, GM and Chrysler spent billions keeping those comatose brands on life support long after their vitals had flat-lined. (MSNBC -- Business)
1913 Scripps-Booth Bi-Autogo - The 50 Worst Cars of All Time - TIME Sep 10, 2007
On the 50th anniversary of the Ford Edsel, TIME and Dan Neil, Pulitzer Prize-winning automotive critic and syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times, look at the greatest lemons of the automotive industry. More Stories. (Time.com)
Breaking bad habits (9/9) Sep 9, 2007
More on Randolph's Edsel ... In a letter to the editor last week Anne Gillis Burkart had rhapsodized about the Edsel Randolph once drove, and I asked him about it ... Randolph said he paid 850 for the Edsel, then only a few years old. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
THE EDSEL'S LESSONS FOR DETROIT Sep 6, 2007
THE EDSEL'S LESSONS FOR DETROIT ... Ford instead named the product for Henry Ford's late son Edsel ... The Edsel would live 26 months. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Good Products Matter Most Sep 6, 2007
Ford instead named the product for Henry Ford's late son Edsel. The Edsel would live 26 months ... No industry boomed more in the 1950s than the manufacturing of social criticism excoriating Americans for their bovine "conformity," crass "materialism" and mindless manipulability at the hands of advertising's "hidden persuaders." Vance Packard's "The Hidden Persuaders" was atop The New York Times best-seller list as Edsels arrived in showrooms. (Townhall.com)
Where's the excrement? Sep 2, 2007
Edsel Swanson manages the CB Industries facility. He said the privatization of the waste acceptance caused the price increase. (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
After decades of ridicule, Edsel takes its victory lap Aug 25, 2007
Stefano Paltera / For The TimesThe Edsel came with a push-button transmission mounted in the center of the steering wheel ... Stefano Paltera / For The TimesThe Edsel came with a push-button transmission mounted in the center of the steering wheel ... "A lot of people like the Edsel because of the underdog thing," said 57-year-old Kris Trexler of Los Angeles, who lived across the street from an Edsel dealer while growing up in Wichita, Kan. (Los Angeles Times)
The 'kooky' Edsel still synonymous with failure Aug 21, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007 12:24 PM CDT The 'kooky' Edsel still synonymous with failure By MARSHALL BRAIN, HowStuffWorks. com On Sept. 4, 2007, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the most famous disasters in automotive history: the Edsel ... Even 50 years later people still recognize the name Edsel and associate it with failure. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Drawn to NEON: Team of artists, electricians and craftsmen undertake restoring the old Smith Hotel sign that graced Missoula years ago Aug 20, 2007
She has designs for signs from Stoick Drug and Kramis Hardware, and from Hudson, Nash and (yes) Edsel automobile dealerships. There's the Bud Lake Husky truck stop on West Broadway and the big ir-conditioned sign on top of the old Florence Hotel. (Missoulian, MT)
Regional planning group discusses options Aug 8, 2007
One D is led by Edsel Ford II and focused on rebuilding and improving life in and the image of southeastern Michigan. Six regional civic organizations The Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan, Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Renais-sance, New Detroit, Detroit Metro Convention ors Bureau and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan are on the One D leadership team, leading the charge to think regionally and ultimately help all of southeastern Michigan. (The News-Herald)
* Power to the people and motors for the masses Aug 2, 2007
The 1932 Ford was the most fruitful collaboration between Henry Ford, the homespun industrialist who put the world on wheels, and his son, Edsel, who was president of the Ford Motor Co from 1919 until his death in 1943 ... Edsel Ford brought an eye for design to the project. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
After 50 years, the Edsel is no longer regarded as an ugly car but is cherished by its (few) owners Aug 2, 2007
Lennox's car is a 1958 Edsel. To business-school types and drivers old enough to remember, the Edsel was such a disaster that it became synonymous with failure ... But not to Lennox, who once gave a pair of Edsel earrings to his wife, Sharon. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Not all high-tech gadgets find favor Aug 1, 2007
The Segway appears headed for that way station where technology washouts such as the Edsel and the eight-track tape player were exiled. Likewise, the Segway is another product that hasn t quite found its market. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Ford's Model B became a legend Jul 30, 2007
Henry blamed this on his dealers -- his son Edsel knew the real reason. The American public wanted more than Henry's Model A could offer; they were looking for features that included added interior luxury, more power and speed. (Driving.ca)
It’s time to increase efficiency in the American auto fleet Jul 28, 2007
DJ wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:16 AM:" Greed and self indulgence of the american consumer. If no one bought them, they would stop making them. Look at the Studebaker, Edsel, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Crosley, Henry J, Kaiser, Fraser, Diamond T, Reo, the list goes on and on. The same as illegal drugs, if no one bought them, they'd stop selling them. "Warred with Israel"? Is that a euphemism for trying to finish the Holocaust? ". Easily done wrote on Jul 27, 2007 8:00 AM:" All the lawmakers need to do is... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Edsel club to participate in cruise parade tomorrow Jul 27, 2007
As a child growing up in New York, Mike Brogan saw an old television commercial showing an Edsel and thought "it was a neat car." ... He spots an Edsel and decides to buy one ... The 46-year-old from West Falls, N.Y., loves his Edsel, make that Edsels. (The News-Herald)
Cruisin' Telegraph: Annual classic car cruise is tomorrow Jul 27, 2007
Also new this year, the International Edsel Club will join the kick-off parade. About 200 Edsel owners from across the country are in Dearborn to mark the 50th anniversary of the Edsel ... The Edsels will travel en masse along Telegraph Road and head back to Dearborn for their meeting at the Doubletree Hotel, 5801 Southfield. (The News-Herald)
Downwardly Mobile Jul 26, 2007
However, despite some programming successes -- notably , which evolved into a series on Comedy Central -- Amp d may go the way of the Edsel as soon as July 31. A couple of hours later, the word came that. (Multichannel News)
Toyota Anxiety With Defects, Recalls Accompanies Toyoda Drive to President Jul 25, 2007
Henry Ford threw away his family's chance to develop a similar center of gravity by undermining the career of his son Edsel, Shook says ... Henry reduced Edsel to tears by making an ex-prizefighter named Harry Bennett his personal confidant in the 1920s, according to ``Ford: The Men and the Machine'' (Little, Brown, 778 pages, $24. (Bloomberg)
The 2007 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix Kicks Off with Grand Prixmiere at Henry Ford Museum Jul 24, 2007
The Grand Prixmiere, the official kick-off party for the 2007 Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will be held at Henry Ford Museum on Thursday, August 30 at 6 p.m. Hosted by Deb and Dave Boyle, Sarah and Tony Earley, Cynthia and Edsel Ford and Kathy and Roger Penske, this inaugural event offers an exclusive opportunity to meet and mingle with Grand Prix drivers, team owners and top racing sponsors and dine from a delectable menu prepared by The Henry Ford's renowned culinary team. The honorary chairs... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
A new Support Series Jul 16, 2007
Edsel Ford, the TFR President, stated that his company would be very interested in a stock car style muscle car series. He believes that this form of racing would give his company another platform to promote and hopefully sell muscle cars. (Suite101.com)
Smashing good time Jul 9, 2007
Prior to the start of the show, Rick saw a driver cruise past in an Edsel Pacer, and pointed a greasy hand towards it. "I want one of those!" he said. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Do tell me Dr. Floyd: Is the earth 6,000 yrs old? It it flat? Did Noah place 2 of every animal in a humungous ship? How can I prove any of the using your scientific method? More... Jul 7, 2007
On the very week their cardiac department was rated below average by a national ranking service ," June 22) and [with] their CEO being paid over half-a-million dollars annually, the Tri-City hospital board commissions a consultant another over half-a-million dollars to search for ways to further grind down their employees !It is no wonder the board needs an armed guard to watch over their meetings. ...Cliff RocheOceansideBehavior by some is outrageousI agree with Anderson Coppock that it's time... (North County Times)
2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca Road Test Jun 17, 2007
Not since the Edsel has a vehicle's appearance been so maligned by the automotive press as the Subaru B9 Tribeca SUV. After its 2006 debut, one US journalist went so far as to compare its front end to a piece of female anatomy probably never offered on a vehicle, much less needed. Others have likened it to a" pug (so ugly it's cute)" or the "south-bound end of a north-bound moose" (ouch. (Auto123)
Fan of Edsels wins Pennzoil Platinum Prize Jun 12, 2007
Carl, who proclaims he has always been a an of the underdog, is fascinated with the Edsel, a car that became famous for being one of the greatest failures in automotive history ... Bought first Edsel 20 years ago ... His boyhood fascination matured into a ove for orphan cars, which led him to purchase his first Edsel from a local body shop more than 20 years ago. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
ForbesAutos: The top vehicles for road trips Jun 9, 2007
For some, a vintage Edsel is the only car that will do, while for others, whatevers available at the rental company is perfectly fine. . (MSNBC -- Business)
The art and lore of maps Jun 8, 2007
Once I found Skylands, the former home of car designer and tycoon Edsel Ford, I began to immerse myself in the history of the region, reading the books on the area that I discovered at island booksellers, and studying maps on display in antiques shops and hiking shops. I learned a tremendous amount and became fascinated with the many beautiful maps I discovered. (Boston Globe -- Living)
Racing's elite honor leader Jun 8, 2007
Other NASCAR notables included Kyle Petty, Casey Mears, Brian Vickers, Michael Waltrip, Junior Johnson, Donnie Allison, Carl Edwards, Ricky Craven, Robby Gordon, Carl Edwards, Jeremy Mayfield, Edsel Ford, Bruton Smith, Humpy Wheeler, Roger Penske, Ray Evernham and Jack Roush. There were many more, too many to list. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
NASCAR, ISC coping with France's death Jun 6, 2007
" -- Edsel B. Ford II, Ford Motor Co."The world of racing has lost a true innovator in Bill France Jr., who made NASCAR the premier sport it is today. His vision, tenacity and friendship will be missed. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
What they're saying about death of France Jr. Jun 5, 2007
"NASCAR and motor racing worldwide would not have seen the growth and prosperity it has without Bill's vision and determination. He single-handedly made it the reality it is today by understanding what the fans wanted and by creating an environment where on-track competition was king. Bill also understood and encouraged the automobile manufacturers to become a major part of the sport." _ Edsel B. Ford II, Ford Motor Co.. . (MSNBC -- Sports)
Chillin' with Huggy Bear Jun 2, 2007
Special displays mark the anniversaries of several well-known models, including the 40th anniversary of the Mercury Cougar, the 50th anniversary of the Edsel and also of Ford's sedan/pickup hybrid the Ranchero, and the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Ford, the two-door models of which were lovingly known by hot-rodders as the euce Coupe. A reunion of the Mach I, a performance version of the Mustang built by Ford, is being organized for the weekend. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Those Real-Life PC and Mac Guys Jun 1, 2007
Microsoft makes the mistake of putting a BMW body on an Edsel engine, and fills it with Nautica clothes and Sharper Images gifts. Mac s just make Acura s (or whatever analogy you want). (New York Times)
UMR’s ‘Golden Alumni’ honored at 50th reunion May 24, 2007
West Side Story was a hit on Broadway in 1957, and in the automotive world, Ford released the Edsel, an historical highlight that drew laughter from the crowd. Even more shocking, in 1957, a gallon of milk cost about a dollar, a loaf of bread about 20 cents and a gallon of gas averaged about 30 cents. (Rolla Daily News, MO)
MARTY RUSSELL: Just another dreaded day at the (doctor's) office May 2, 2007
After a few minutes of catching up on the news on the single TV set in the room you turn to the stack of magazines only to find as you pick up a copy of Car and Driver that the big buzz in the industry is next year's model of the Edsel. Underneath, Popular Science is predicting that the next big consumer electronics item will be the transistor radio. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Obituaries, May 1, 2007 May 1, 2007
Pallbearers will be Joe Rutledge, Don Miles, Joey Graham, Gary Wallace, Luke Walker, Buster Brown, Edsel Umfress, Billy Perkins and Kenny Scott. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to service time today. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
The Pain Of Second Place Apr 25, 2007
"Beat GM" was the motto, but that grand crusade died with the failure of the Edsel in 1958. From then on Ford was like a mouse in an exercise cage. (Forbes)
April 11, 2007 Sheriff's report Apr 12, 2007
- Rebecca Lynn Gore, 30, 112 Edsel Lane, Rossville, was arrested on March 31, and charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Crime. - Timothy Blake Gore, 32, 112 Edsel Lane, Rossville, was arrested on March 31, and charged with Entering an Auto, three counts of Financial Transaction Card Fraud, Criminal Attempt and Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime. (Catoosa County News, GA)
Ex-Boeing exec collects $28.2M at Ford Apr 6, 2007
Bill Ford and his cousin, Edsel Ford, a former executive at the company, are directors of the automaker. Among other executives listed in the proxy, retired company President James Padilla drew the third-highest compensation, with $8. (Chicago Tribune)
Rising foreclosures flood Detroit home market Apr 5, 2007
Freddie Mac, the second-largest U.S. mortgage buyer, in February foreclosed on a brick home on the street, near the private Detroit Golf Club where Edsel Ford, former head of Ford Motor, once played. The two-story brick house was purchased in 2005 for $275,000. (International Herald Tribune -- Business Asia)
