Ford is pulling back production on most of the products they can't sell. The F-series pickup for example has a 90 day supply built up. [Meaning if 3,000 people a day walked in and purchased a F-series the factory would have enough supply for 90 days.] So essentially the 3 or 4 plants that build the F-series can shut down for a month and the general public wouldn't know it. The switch from pickups to sedans is really hurting Ford. They didn't expect people to dump their trucks so fast.
Their mentality of focusing on 1 car at a time really hurts them in todays market place. First they launched the Ford 500... Well that didn't go well [read Chryslers 300C]. Next year they launched the Fusion and dispite it's decent sales figures the car is missing the "gotta have it factor." So as they continue to put all their eggs in one basket, they will struggle.
I just read today that the Lincoln MKS (2008 towncar replacement) won't even get a V8! It'll be a big car with a underpowered V6 even though Ford promised this new car would be world class.
Right now, the Mustang truely is the only bright spot at any Ford dealer. But with all of the "other" competition coming on in the next 2 years, this area will also be harder for Ford to push.
And don't think this is just a blurb about Ford. Chrysler lacks MPG friendly vehicles and GM lacks cars with any style. In the end though, every OEM has ups and downs. Right now Ford is near the bottom of their downswing, they just need another "winner" model that they can sell 300,000 units of along with the Mustang.
Edit: I thought the Taurus was still be built for rental duty?