PREMiERdrum

I also love a good flareside... and completely support what they're doing with the Splash. Here's hoping they fully embrace the early-90's jellybean colors.

They *really* didn't think the leaking issue was common. At all. When I asked my guy in project engineering about it he was confident that "nearly 100%" of leaking complaints were due to mis-installation of the panels by the customer. Interestingly, last night was far from the heaviest rain we've had since I took delivery. BUT it's been the longest stretch of time spent without the roof off. I don't think I've had any panels off for close to 2 weeks as it's been SO hot and now rainy. So if the leak issue happens after longer periods of roof stagnancy, those Dirt Mountain builds could definitely have moisture problems.

🤬🤬🤬 Looks like I now have a "Splash" Edition of my own.

From Jim's Twitter: The Ford Ranger Splash is back.🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊<br><br>The Splash Package will be available on the 2022 model year. Ranger will also be available with Splash Limited Editions— one-time-only colors dropping every few months

So my rig learned a new trick. 🙄🤦‍♂️ This has happened a couple times now. No screen functionality at all and you have to start/stop cycle it a 2 or 3 times to get it to come back.

Maverick, Escape, et al are the exceptions to this strategy, as they're more solution-based vehicles than comprehensive portfolio items. In this segment, I expect modular development across multiple vehicles with each retaining their own identity.

And I'll add... If funding holds for this next round of Lincoln product updates and additions... 😎

Remember that Ford is really hot right now on building distinct vehicle "families," the validation of which is bringing their portfolio in line with customer expectations from other consumer goods markets. Each family will be able to support 3 to 5 models, with maybe an exception or two: F-150 Family SuperDuty Family Transit Family Ranger Family Mustang Family Expedition Family Explorer Family Bronco Family Edge Family / Fusion Family As long as their standards and hallmarks for each brand remain focused and enforced - and they are doing a great job of this so far - it's a great strategy that maximizes consumer outreach efforts and positions the brand better that a broader portfolio of disparate products.

It will look like that.

From what I know, this particular project was more aligned with the final generation Sport Trac.... with some, um, interesting roof packaging options. I was excited about it, but they likely had customer data that sent them in a different direction.

News today from Automotive News that "the Bronco truck" has been canceled. It should be clarified that one truck project under development did in fact get the axe. There are still moves afoot to expand the Bronco brand.

I bet the new Blazer had a flawless launch... 😎🤣

The first set of tooling was provided by Webasto under Ford's licensure. New tooling was acquired by Ford earlier this year with a modified production process of the same design. This new tooling will also be fully funded by Ford with a modified roof design.

There are several examples of water intrusion in early builds. The more widespread issues are material loss on the "open" raw cut edges, "snakeskin" effect of the honeycomb core showing through the outer laminate panel, and ugly forming issues in the interior of the clamshell piece.

The hard top is classified as an "accessory" as all safety testing was completed with the roofs both on and off, so these units are considered "complete" currently, as much as that sucks.