Bill Ford will play a critical role in mending relationships with dealers and employees as a painful turnaround plan gets under way. Photographed in his Mustang GT convertible in February in Dearborn, Michigan.

With a $5-a-day wage, founder Henry Ford created a stable workforce and a mass market for his cars.

Henry Ford, circa 1920.

The River Rouge plant, 1927.

Anne and Charlotte, daughters of Henry Ford II, in 1948.

Bill Jr., with his father, William Clay Ford Sr., on his first day on the job in 1979.

Bill's great-grandfather Edsel at a Tigers game with his father, Henry, son William, daughter Josephine, and wife, Eleanor.

25,000 workers outside the Detroit plant, circa 1913.

Bill represents the family at the center of that trademark blue logo, whether appearing at dealerships or on the ice for a hockey game.