DETROIT — It was not long ago that Ford Motor was considered the healthiest of the Detroit automakers.
Unlike General Motors and Chrysler, Ford survived the financial crisis that began in 2007 without the help of bankruptcy or a government bailout, and had appeared well positioned to take advantage of the booming American auto market.
But investors have taken a more pessimistic view, raising questions about the leadership of its chief executive, Mark Fields.
Ford’s stock has declined about 40 percent since Mr. Fields took over three years ago, and 10 percent since Jan. 1, even as the overall market has risen. And with profits slipping, Ford is under pressure to engineer a turnaround — starting with Wednesday’s announcement that it would cut 1,400 salaried jobs in North America and Asia.
