While Ford reclaimed second place in August, Toyota is bent on growth: it broke ground on Friday on a design and crash-test center in York Township, 30 minutes from Ford headquarters. And the only way for Ford to fight back will be to develop hot-selling vehicles, a task in which the inexperienced Mr. Mulally will be flying blind. Both the labor talks and Ford's battle for market share can make ample use of Mr. Ford's background. Among his first jobs at Ford was a stint on the negotiating team, and he is unsurpassed among Detroit chief executives in his grasp of the city and its automotive roots. Should Mr. Mulally need guidance on either score, Mr. Ford can come to his aid, analysts said. "Bill understands the industry, and has a passion for it," Mr. Hoffecker said. At the same time, Mr. Ford's role as the company's spokesman can provide Mr. Mulally with a shield, allowing him to work unimpeded on transforming the company that Mr. Ford has come to symbolize.