Ford's Alan Mulally: Upgrades Drive Per-Vehicle Profits (F)

Speaking to CNBC this afternoon, Alan Mulally, the CEO of Ford Motor Company F, said that upgrades – such as SYNC, heated seats and other luxury items – are driving the automaker's per-vehicle profit. “Whether they buy a Fiesta or an F-150, [consumers] want the best” in quality, Mulally said. During the interview, Mulally did not speak about the loss of vehicles in Asia, nor did he speak about the rising price of oil, which could hinder the company's growth. He did, however, reaffirm Ford's commitment to increasing production in the second quarter. Mulally also reiterated the company's dedication to improving its operating margins year-over-year.