REDMOND, Wash. -- Alan Mulally used to lead Boeing, but now he's piloting Ford through the recession. He came back to the Puget Sound region Tuesday to deliver a car to Microsoft's Steve Ballmer.

It was media hype for Microsoft's Sync technology, but the president and CEO of Ford had to answer questions about the auto industry.

"We're in a different place than many of our competitors," Mulally said. "We're in really good shape going forward to create a very exciting, viable Ford for all of us."

As the former head of Boeing's commercial airplane division, Mulally is used to the tough sell. Now he's charged with bringing Ford out of the recession.

Sales are down and the automaker has cut 46,000 U.S. workers since 2004. Mulally is banking the future on 2010 models like the Fusion.

Hybrid engines exceed new government mandated fuel standards, and partnerships with Microsoft give hi-tech extras for buyers who think American cars are out of date.

Local dealers won't credit just one Ford model, or even Sync technology. But they do know, Ford is the only American car maker that's not asking for a federal bailout.

Mulally said more than two years ago, he re-focused Ford with a new plan and secured billions in loans.

"We went to the banks when credit was available," Mulally said. "We had a great business case. We feel we have sufficient liquidity to keep our investment going. We're going to be there with the finest family of vehicles when the economy finally starts to turn here for the consumer."

The delivery of Ballmer's new Fusion was just a photo opportunity, but if you believe Mulally, it's not the only reason he's smiling during the recession.

By the way, Steve Ballmer can afford any car he wants, but he said he's buying three Fords because his father worked for the company for 30 years.