In 2014, who became the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ford Motor Company, succeeding Alan Mulally?

Introduction / Context:
This question deals with international business leadership. Major automobile companies such as Ford Motor Company often make news when they change chief executive officers. In 2014, Ford announced a leadership transition from one well known CEO to another. Knowing the names involved is a typical exam question in the business and economy section.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The company is Ford Motor Company.
• The change occurred in 2014.
• The new person took over as CEO.
• The outgoing CEO was Alan Mulally.

Concept / Approach:
Alan Mulally, who had led Ford through a major turnaround, retired from the position of CEO in 2014. Mark Fields, then a senior executive within the company, was chosen to succeed him as the new Chief Executive Officer. Other automotive leaders listed, such as Mary Barra, Carlos Ghosn and Sergio Marchionne, held top positions in different firms like General Motors, Renault Nissan and Fiat Chrysler, not Ford. Alan Mulally himself is the outgoing CEO, not the new one.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the year 2014 and the company Ford Motor Company. Step 2: Recall that Ford announced Alan Mulally's retirement and named Mark Fields as his successor. Step 3: Identify Mark Fields as a long time Ford executive who moved into the CEO role. Step 4: Recognise that Mary Barra became CEO of General Motors in 2014, which may cause confusion if the company name is ignored. Step 5: Know that Carlos Ghosn led Renault and Nissan, and Sergio Marchionne led Fiat Chrysler, not Ford. Step 6: Since the question clearly states that Alan Mulally is being succeeded, he cannot be the answer himself. Step 7: Therefore, the only correct option is Mark Fields.

Verification / Alternative check:
Business news archives from 2014 show press releases from Ford and coverage in financial media confirming that Mark Fields was appointed President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, effective mid 2014, as Alan Mulally stepped down. This is widely recorded and can be verified across multiple reputable sources, confirming the accuracy of the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mary Barra did become a CEO in the auto industry in 2014, but she took over at General Motors, not Ford. Alan Mulally was the outgoing CEO of Ford in this scenario, so he is not the new CEO described in the question. Carlos Ghosn held top roles in Renault and Nissan and has no connection to the Ford CEO position in 2014. Sergio Marchionne was the chief of Fiat Chrysler and is not associated with leading Ford Motor Company.

Common Pitfalls:
The main confusion arises from the fact that 2014 was a year of leadership changes in several major car companies. Candidates may remember Mary Barra becoming the first female CEO of a major global carmaker and mistakenly link her to Ford instead of General Motors. Another pitfall is to overlook the company name and focus only on the year. Always match the correct executive with the right company and timing.

Final Answer:
In 2014, the new CEO of Ford Motor Company, succeeding Alan Mulally, was Mark Fields.