Political infighting with career Ford executives, notably [[Lee Iacocca]], led to his dismissal from Ford on September 11, 1969.<ref name='chicagotribune'>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67913657/volvo-volkswagen-talking-trucks-not/ |title=Volvo, Volkswagen talking trucks, not mergers |date=1998-07-10 |page=36 |last=Mateja |first=Jim |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=2021-01-18}}</ref> Reportedly, Henry Ford II sent Ford's vice president for public relations, Ted Mecke, to Knudsen's home the previous night to inform him that he would be fired, telling Knudsen that "Henry sent me here to tell you that tomorrow will be a rough day at work."<ref name='knudsen-stories'>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67913059/knudsen-has-a-couple-of-tales-to-tell/ |title=Knudsen has a couple of tales to tell, too |date=1984-10-21 |page=73 |newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] |via==[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=2021-01-18}}</ref> When Ford made the decision official the next day, Bunkie said "I'm shocked" to which Ford replied, "I imagine you would be." Noted for his laconic replies to difficult questions, Mr. Ford told the media "Things just didn't work out", but later reports indicated many career Ford executives allied themselves with Iacocca and were working against Knudsen.<ref name='autonews'>{{Cite web |url=https://www.autonews.com/article/20030616/SUB/306160764/bunkie-knudsen-s-big-gamble-never-paid-off |title=Bunkie Knudsen's big gamble never paid off |last=Crain |first=K.C. |date=2003-06-16 |website=Automotive News |access-date=2021-01-18}}</ref> His dismissal led to a widely circulated witticism in Ford circles as the hallmark phrase of [[Henry Ford]], "History is bunk", was turned around to "Bunkie is history".<ref name='chicagotribune'/>