It's been a news-making kind of day for Ford (F: sentiment, chart, options) , as the company announced an "aggressive makeover" in hopes of helping its sales. F will ramp up production of hybrid vehicles while it brings many of its more sensible European models across the pond to North America. As for "ramping up" production of hybrids, the output will double in 2009 while it will convert 3 truck plants to small-car factories. In addition, 6 of the European models will be introduced into the American market. This move is not being cheered by all, as 1 analysts told MarketWatch that "This strategic shift in direction will burden Ford with more capital expenditures and lower margin vehicles to fund the North American turnaround."

As for earnings, F reported a loss of $3.88 per share as its SUV and truck inventory continued to build on its lots. These models are crucial to F's bottom line, but a shift to smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles has taken a big chunk out of F's profits. After removing special items from the equation, F lost 62 cents per share, larger than the 21-cent-per-share loss expected by the Street. CEO Alan Mulally noted that "the last quarter has certainly been a challenging one for the entire automobile industry."