Pitt Business: Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business & College of Business Administration

Press Release

January 17, 2007

Ford HR Executive Addressed Challenges Facing the U.S. Auto Industry in January 17 Visit to the Katz School

PITTSBURGH—On Jan. 17, Karen Horan, Ford Motor Company's manager of human resources business operations–North American vehicle operations, addressed students and faculty at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. In her remarks, Horan discussed the challenges facing the U.S. auto industry today and Ford's aggressive plan to compete and succeed in this evolving marketplace.

Horan also explained Ford's commitment to their strategic business model that is customer focused.

"The focus is on what our customers want," Horan said. "We lost our way for awhile; we were building vehicles for our factories, not for our customers."

In response to customer demands for smaller more fuel-efficient vehicles, the automotive giant is planning a significant redesign, with an entirely new model lineup in 2010. According to Horan, later this year Ford also plans to introduce a voice-activated communications and entertainment system, called Sync, in 12 different Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Developed with Microsoft Corp., this integrated system will enable drivers to operate cellular phones, mobile music, and almost any digital media player all from voice commands or steering wheel controls.

Following her remarks, Horan answered students' questions and then met informally with several students after her presentation.

Horan visited Katz as part of the school’s Executive Spotlight Program, an ongoing lecture series that invites nationally recognized business leaders to address and meet with its students.