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Showing content with the highest reputation on 06/18/2022 in Posts

  1. Unfortunately, there are very few Dealers that are pro-active when it comes to anticipating a retail order customer's needs or requirements when it comes to communication, updates, etc. Traditionally, retail orders comprised only a very small part of a Dealer's USOB (Unscheduled Order Bank) and the OTD (Order to Delivery) time averaged 6-8 weeks. The Dealer would submit the order and have little if any contact with the customer until the vehicle arrived at the dealership. And the average customer would rarely contact the dealership for updates. I never accepted that business model and often met with customers to answer any questions that had regarding vehicle specifications and offer suggestions. For 35 years, I managed my dealership's USOB and submitted every Stock, Retail and Fleet order. Every customer knew that they were welcome to contact me at any time should they have questions, etc. And every morning, I prepared a Vehicle Visibility report for every Retail and Fleet order that was distributed to every sales representative, sales manager, general manager and business manager so that they all had the latest status information for every retail and fleet order. Since the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the market has changed dramatically, and retail orders now comprise 50% or more of a Dealer's USOB. In addition, there's the tremendous impact of commodity constraints, supplier issues, plant constraints, transportation delays, etc. Unfortunately, very few dealerships have qualified staff to properly manage their USOB's, bother to take the time or are simply incompetent. It starts with proper assignment of priority codes, attaching the customer's e-mail address to the order and registering the order with the COVP (Customer Order Verification Program) so that the order qualifies for priority scheduling and incremental allocation. The Dealer needs to continuously monitor order priority codes and adjust them when necessary or appropriate, and request that the Ford regional office assign 01 or 02 priority codes when appropriate. Dealers have 24/7 access to the Vehicle Visibility reporting system which provides that latest order status, the complete order history, and every scheduling, production and transportation status update through delivery to the dealership. In addition, the AM Preview Scheduling Report provides information on orders selected to be scheduled and commodity restraint information for orders not selected for scheduling that week. Representatives at Ford's Central Field Scheduling offices also send out e-mails with commodity restraint information each week. The whole process is more complex and time consuming in today's market conditions but it's the Dealer's responsibility to manage their business ethically and professionally in providing accurate, truthful and timely information to provide customers with the service that will ensure their customers' satisfaction. Ford's been making changes on option and feature availability on a lot of models and when they do so, the notices are prominently posted on the FMCDealer.com portal site. As such, there's no excuse for a Dealer pleading ignorance. Many dealerships are operating with fewer sales representatives these days and most of these representatives are not familiar with the retail order process and are not aware of, or have access to, the resources that are available. Retail order customers should never hesitate to contact the sales manager directly and let them know what information they require and expect. Ford's e-mail notifications to customers are not always sent out on a timely basis and may not contain the most recent or accurate information. Retail customers should have complete documentation for their order, including vehicle specifications and pricing and have a Buyer's Order, signed by both parties, specifying the complete terms. In addition, the customer should know what their priority code is, how many order are ahead of them at the dealership, etc. Too many Dealers tell customers what they think they want to hear, plead ignorance, or simply lie. Don't accept excuses, incomplete or inaccurate information!
    4 points
  2. https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2022/06/16/ford-heritage-vault.html Ford is making more than 5,000 curated Ford and Lincoln photographs and product brochures from the first century of the company’s history available to the public online for the first time – and will continue to grow the site as new items are added The searchable collection – at https://fordheritagevault.com – spans Ford’s production history from the company’s founding in 1903 to its centennial in 2003 Historical assets are available to Ford enthusiasts as free downloads for personal use from the American-based auto industry’s most comprehensive online database, which will continue to be updated and expanded
    2 points
  3. OK quick math before we lose that cost line, if Mach E entry price is ~$44,000 and is break even, then that would be the approximate build cost…kinda sorta….so take $25,000 off that and a base Edge build cost would be ~$19,000……..kinda sorta. Maybe based on a more popular mid trim level price point? Sometimes, Ford inadvertently tips it hand on things we mere mortals are never supposed to know….
    2 points
  4. Ford Motor Co.’s hot-selling Mustang Mach-E electric SUV and other plug-in models are being rendered unprofitable by rising raw material costs. “We actually had a positive bottom line profit when we launched the Mach-E, commodity costs have wiped that out,” Chief Financial Officer John Lawler said Wednesday at the Deutsche Bank Global Automotive Conference, referring to 2020, when the vehicle went on sale. “You’re going to see pressure on the bottom line when we launch our EVs, they’re not going to be positive.” link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ford-mustang-mach-e-profit-170117652.html
    1 point
  5. Replace them under warranty. Software “fix” will only prevent new cases. The fix limiting DC fast charge current and or time along with the WOT limitations is likely to bring some class action lawsuits out of the woodwork. Ford just doesn’t seem to have much goodwill from the legal community or consumers. Let’s hope this was found and fixed in the lightning.
    1 point
  6. Hell of a thing when the Mach E is around double the price to build versus a corresponding Edge, what must the cost be compared to the build cost of an Escape?
    1 point
  7. My thoughts exactly……..and why I highlighted the last line in the quote. Yes and then, they were blaming regen braking for overheating the comtactors
    1 point
  8. Welp, just finished swapping out all my BAP parts (grill, ovals, fender badges, mirror caps). Also got the mirror lights swapped out for some smoked ones from Recon, got the Leer HF650M bed cover on and Tremor valance. Goes for tint on Tues and gets lift, wheels and tires done Thurs/Friday. Attached a few pics, best I have for now. *Edit* Forgot I threw on front wheel well liners, fender extensions and Marathon rear seat covers last weekend. The exhaust Borla jast released for the 2022 7.3s should be here today, hopefully I have time to get it on tomorrow. Also, a big thanks to @1972Mach1 for the helpful tips on the Lariat grill and rear oval removal. Not sure why the pictures didnt upload in order. ?‍♂️
    1 point
  9. It's a known safety feature (limitation) programmed into the MachE.
    1 point
  10. Priority code 19 doesn't matter, as long as no new retail orders are submitted with a lower priority code. The priority code only matters in relation to other Escape orders at your dealership. Retail orders use 10-19, stock orders use 20-80. The USOB (Unscheduled Order Bank) is exclusive to each dealership and completely independent from the USOB at any other dealership.
    1 point
  11. Last I saw Tesla got it figured out with the Plaid models and there's no overheating/delay on those. Might take some time for the BEV newcomers to figure out everything Tesla has already dealt with.
    1 point
  12. Here is the FAQ. Mustang Mach-E Recall FAQ | Ford Media Center Q. Can I still buy a Mach-E? A. Yes, you can still purchase one from a Ford dealer. The vehicle will be held until it receives the software update. Q. What is the issue tied to this recall?  A. On affected vehicles, Direct Current (“DC”) fast charging and repeated wide open pedal events can cause the high voltage battery main contactors to overheat. This overheating may lead to arcing and deformation of the electrical contact surfaces, which can result in an electric relay switch remaining open or a relay switch that welds close from heat. An overheated relay switch that opens while driving can result in a loss of motive power, which can increase the risk of an accident. Q. What is the cause of the issue?  A. The design and part-to-part variation of the high voltage battery main relay switch is not robust to the heat generated during DC fast charging and multiple wide open pedal events. Q. What is the expected repair?  A. A software update through an Over-The-Air (OTA) update or by visiting a dealer. Software will be available in July. Q. How many vehicles are affected in this recall, and where are they?  A. This action affects 48,924 vehicles in the U.S. Q. Are there any symptoms a customer might notice that could indicate they might have an issue?  A. If the relay switch opens while driving, a powertrain malfunction warning light will be illuminated and the vehicle will display “Stop Safely Now’ in the cluster when the vehicle experiences an immediate loss of motive power. Should the relay switch weld closed while driving, a powertrain malfunction warning light will be illuminated on the next drive cycle, along with a no start condition. Q. Can I still drive my vehicle? A. Yes, Ford has not issued instructions to stop driving vehicles under this safety recall.
    1 point
  13. Your 2022 SuperDuty F-350 Platinum has been "Built" and is currently awaiting shipment. Built Your vehicle has been built and we are arranging shipment to your dealer. This step could take a few days to a week. Select the "Learn About Your Vehicle" link for information and videos about your new vehicle. Ford Accessories Order Confirmed 10/12/2021, Step 1 of 5 , Completed Order Confirmed10/12/2021 1 In Production 06/17/2022, Step 2 of 5 , Completed In Production06/17/2022 2 Built 06/17/2022, Step 3 of 5 , In Progress Built06/17/2022 3 Shipped Step 4 of 5 Shipped 4 Final Preparation TBD, Step 5 of 5 Final Preparation 5 Vehicle Details Ordered On 10/12/2021 Order Number 7576 Good Morning, 8 months and 5 days from order. Looks like I should have by the end of July. I have not seen a platinum dually built in awhile. Maybe this will give others some hope.
    1 point
  14. Not meaning to be a whinge bag but I was kind of hoping for more Edge Explorer type front. In fact, lengthen Escape wheelbase by 2” and widen it by 2” and you’d have close to an Edge replacement…. Mind you I am also partial to the Corsair’s styling too…
    1 point
  15. It's definitely an engineering mule but I'm not sure for what. Doubt that it is Transit Connect, which won't have IRS or AWD. The simplest answer is that it is a Maverick PHEV mule - the photo doesn't show if it has a driveshaft so don't know if it is an new AWD PHEV system (with driveshaft) or adopting the system from Corsair that has electric motors driving the rear wheels only.
    1 point
  16. That's supposed to be an existing engine currently built in Spain. Technically Valencia does build the 2.5L hybrid powertrains for European Kuga, they also build the 2.0L EB that is used in some NA factories. Source: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/49c2df/globalassets/documents/msf-board/msf-board-packets/june-special-msf-packet.pdf
    1 point
  17. 1 point
  18. In Ford’s recent plant investment plans, a 2.xL engine was listed. This could be the 2.1l found in the mule.
    1 point
  19. Could it be a mule for the next Gen US Transit connect?
    1 point
  20. Thanks. ice-capades. I called, and sure enough, it's built and ready to ship. Apparently today and they gave me a CSX rail car number too. Things are looking up!!
    1 point
  21. Breaking new: Things cost more, inflation happening. ? What Lawler is saying is that Ford is going to raise prices, probably soon.
    1 point
  22. Finally got the keys. F350 6.7 Lariat w/ Ultimate pkg, LEDs. Ordered 10/27 picked up 6/14.
    1 point
  23. As of 2017, nearly 26 million acres of federal land were under lease to oil and gas developers in the United States. Oil and Gas Companies Gain by Stockpiling America’s Federal Land But why drill at all when they are making huge profits. 2 wild charts show how Big Oil profits are skyrocketing as prices at the pump rise Yea, companies' goal are to make profits, but this much? Since Jan 2019, nearly all have doubled their profit amounts, and you and I are paying for it.
    1 point
  24. Wow, that's a very moderate comment. Why can't you just pick a side and fight like everyone else. Just kidding. Couldn't agree more. ?
    1 point
  25. Extreme right wing reporting is no better then extreme left wing reporting
    1 point
  26. Selling the factory rims is incredibly easy. I sold the black rims with the tires for $3200. They sold within 15 minutes of posting them.
    1 point
  27. Per today's FDNB (Fleet Distribution News Bulletin), Ford has still not released the "Balance Out" information for the 2022MY Super Duty or the 2023MY Super Duty schedule. The 2022/2023MY Super Duty production schedule will be posted as soon as Ford releases the information via the FDNB.
    1 point
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