Reputation by Association

The media coverage surrounding the U.S. auto industry (check out the top paid link on the right) is a study in reputation management and will no doubt soon become the stuff of college textbooks. Whether it is bad press surrounding taking private jets to Washington or forced resignations of CEOs, the Big 3 are lumped into one flat busted group. 

If I were Ford I would be super pissed.

The company is inextricably linked to the failures of GM and Chrysler, to unpopular bailouts and broken business plans. But does it really deserve this bad reputation by association if it has the ability to fix its own problems without government help? In today’s WSJ, Ford finally voices its concerns that the shenanigans of its counterparts will have a significant impact on its operations.  One wonders how Ford’s reputation is also being irreversibly impacted by being part of this unholy trinity.

It does seem that Ford has taken the high road on the media front thus far by focusing on solutions rather than blame, and by being open and transparent through the likes of @ScottMonty  - who isn’t just dishing out new make and model BS but is engaging in an honest dialogue.

I sincerely hope they weather this reputation onslaught and succeed in the long run  - I am rooting for you Ford!

About the Author: Carol Klimas

Carol Klimas brings a diverse background in both corporate and agency public relations to her position as director of public relations for Off Madison Ave. With a career emphasis on healthcare, business-to-business and technology, Klimas’ work for her current clients includes national media relations, strategic counsel and crisis communications.

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