Morgan Stanley has identified Ford Motor (F.US) as the preferred stock in the American auto industry. Analyst Adam Jonas and his team believe that Ford is increasingly aware that its current electric vehicle strategy needs substantial changes. Ford may also shift from vertical integration to partnerships and collaborations, including working with Chinese companies. Notably, Ford's recent move to cooperate with major Chinese firms is similar to Tesla's (TSLA.US) recent actions. Morgan Stanley has given Ford a "shareholding" rating with a target price of $17.00.

Jonas also emphasized that recent discussions with Ford management show that this Detroit automaker recognizes the need to change its investment focus and business model.

Morgan Stanley points out that the stock has multiple potential catalysts, such as growing market share in the pickup segment, further cooperation with strategic partners such as Volkswagen (VLKAF.US) and Google (GOOGL.US), and successful implementation of connected services and the Ford+ strategy in Ford's professional version.

On Seeking Alpha, analyst Juxtaposed Ideas is also bullish on Ford Motor, stating: "During a period of slowing growth in the electric vehicle industry, Ford has high-margin traditional businesses as a backup. We believe Ford may continue to deliver stable revenue and profits in the future."