He said U.S. corporate executives have various interests and priorities may vary. "So we need to start within our industry to come up with some ideas and we're doing that," Ford said.

In his speech to business leaders, Ford also said corporate heads must aggressively confront the broad public distrust of big business that has been fueled by high-profile corporate scandals in recent years.

"Americans are ready for business leaders to step up and work together for the greater good of the country," Ford said. He called for outspokenness on priorities and a shared agenda to strengthen U.S. manufacturing.

"Business leaders cannot be silent. Even in an era when CEOs are under fire."

On his industry's priorities, Ford said soaring health care premiums cannot be sustained. In 2003, Ford Motor paid $3.2 billion in health care benefits to 500,000 workers and retirees.

"That adds about $1,000 to the price of every car and truck that we build in America. As a company we spend more on health care than we do on steel," Ford said.

While Ford said the auto giant was trying to lower health care costs itself, he said there is a crucial role for government. He cited the need for medical liability reform and catastrophic health insurance reform.

On technology, Ford said the federal government can improve the popularity of energy-saving hybrid vehicles and make hydrogen-fueled vehicles "a reality" in the coming decades with more business friendly environmental, energy and tax policies.

For instance, Ford said his company still supports a tax credit of between $2,500 and $3,500 per hybrid vehicle, which has been proposed before but has failed to clear Congress.

"That would be very helpful," Ford said.