a) Stockpiles refers to the accumulated (or excess level of) supply Ford motor vehicles, i.e. too much production given the level of demand. The purpose is to prevent possible shortages in supplies which could harm profitability and sales (although in Ford's case stockpiling is the result of poor stock control).
b) Poor stock control can mean either under-stocking or excessive stockpiling (or even a stock-out). There are drawbacks to both, as outline below:
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Over-stocking
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Under-stocking
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Reduces Ford's liquidity position
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Disgruntled and dissatisfied customers
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Likely to hinder working capital since finance is tied up in stockpiles
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Customers might switch to rival manufacturers' brands
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Higher storage costs, e.g. insurance, maintenance and security
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Compensation for failure to meet promised delivery dates
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Possibility of some stock being damaged or even becoming obsolete (unlikely for cars, but their value could still depreciate)
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Higher unit costs due to idle resources (which cost money but do not generate revenue)
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