Ford Motor Company reported a $284 million loss in the third quarter. Ford is in a tough spot, with sales on the decline, high operating costs, and high fuel prices that push buyers away from profitable mid-size and large SUVs. Ford's U.S. vehicle sales are down 1.3 percent even with the successful employee discount pricing promotion offered during the summer months. Ford is arguably in a better position than GM, with Ford investing heavily in new car launches and several more fuel efficient people-moving crossovers. Sure, GM has new product in the pipeline, but after investing heavily in a product with declining market appeal and many of its critical new vehicles still in development, there isn't much hope of a major sales turn around any time soon.