Good news for Michigan and U.S. manufacturing. An indication that Ford's management has been successful and that the American economy has improved.
April 24, 2012, 9:05 a.m. EDT
Fitch lifts Ford rating to investment grade
On Tuesday, Fitch said Ford's management has heavily focused on increasing profitability, growing liquidity, lowering debt and reducing the company's pension obligations since the last recession.
The firm said Ford is "in a solid position to withstand the significant cyclical and secular pressures faced by the global auto industry" and said it expects the company's liquidity, cost structure and free cash flow potential to provide Ford with sufficient financial flexibility to maintain an investment-grade rating in a period of economic stress.