ETFs to Play Ford-Toyota News

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- In the last quarter, Ford Motor Company(F) swung to its first quarterly profit in the past five years and there are plenty of indicators that suggest a bright outlook for one of the first automakers in the United States.

From a fundamental perspective, things seem to be heading in the right direction for Ford. The company remains competitive, has indicated positive operating cash flows and has boasted a 22% increase in revenue from a year ago. Additionally, Ford was the only large U.S. automaker to make it through the global financial meltdown without reorganizing under a government-managed bankruptcy.

Ford is destined to gain market share at the expense of Toyota's (TM) problems. Toyota has suspended sales of eight of its top sellers and Ford produces several vehicles that are direct competitors to the recalled and suspended Toyotas.

To further add appeal to Ford's vehicles, the company has been focusing on fuel efficiency, compressed natural gas, electric vehicles and cars that utilize bioethanol-gasoline blends. The company currently sells 13 different bioethanol-gasoline types, such as E85, that power vehicles in North America and Europe. It has also recently teamed up with Southern California Edison (SCE) to examine the future of plug-in hybrids in terms of how home and vehicle energy systems will work with electrical grids. These measures have paid off for the Detroit-based firm as its Ford Focus, which is deemed as a "green car" has been a hit among automobile consumer.

From a technologically innovative perspective, Ford is the first automaker to offer HD radio on iTunes in select models, which is likely to bolster its appeal to the consumer in the age range of 18 to 35.