DETROIT – When Ford's darkest days loomed.  When the stock price was accelerating downhill faster than a Mustang.

The darkest days for the Ford Family

According to a new book by Detroit News reporter Bryce Hoffman, some members of the Ford family were considering cutting their losses, selling their Class B stock and protecting what was left of their considerable nest egg.  Hoffman's book, "American Icon" tells how Ford heiress and executive Elena Ford bluntly told her cousins in a tense meeting,  those not working in the company must trust those who are working inside it.  She made it clear, any talk of cutting losses and running, were not to be entertained.

The exclusive interview

In an exclusive interview, the daughter of Charlotte Ford and Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos was just as direct when I spoke with her about those difficult days.  Ford's Global Marketing and Sales director downplays the reported discord in the family, but shows the bluntness that made her such a force in that important meeting.

I spoke with her as she joined other members of Ford's Volunteer Corps. For a project at the Salvation Army's Denby Center.