Moosetang

The USPS is tired of fixing fenders.

Sat in one just in the past few days during aforementioned bad dealer trip. Really like it for what it is, but it's just too small for my needs.

Just had an ABSURDLY BAD experience at a Ford dealership, given that it's one of the largest nearby I'm rather shocked at how many people must be putting up with their nonsense every day. But it was not also a Lincoln, so at least they're not dragging both brands down.

Sexy render

Useful data, but how profitable are the cars they do sell?

If he's smart he'll lie low, and work with a charity for awhile.

I'm going to file a writ of mandamus compelling the judge to drop this solely because I love to say "writ of mandamus."

Don't think it's a Boss 777.

Really? That's a new one on me, good to know.

I did in September, and doc insists it has knocked this down some despite being a different virus than was in the vaccine. Still less than a barrel of fun.

Sure looks like it. Very nice truck. Random thought/question while I'm heavily medicated to fight this flu: will Ranger get a tailgate step?

Was a blue Lariat Sport. I don't know if it was one of the two on the floor at Detroit or one from the photo shoots, but the Bullit and Edge ST also at the show seem to have been NAIAS veterans.

Was pleasantly surprised to see the Ranger at the DC Auto Show today, along with the Bullit Mustang, since I don't usually think of this show having anything not currently in the lots. The truck wasn't open and I didn't jump the guard rail to fondle it, but I got a good look. Have to say I was very pleased by what I saw. It's a really good looking truck in person and left a very favorable impression compared to the competitors elsewhere on the floor. The Tacoma still hides it's Mass well enough to look the most "light" in the segment, which is either good or bad depending upon your preference, but the rest just looked second rate compared to the Ranger. The GM twins in particular where severely "meh," With only the ZR2 really catching the eye at all. If the performance and features match up, this truck is going to be getting a lot of business.

Don't know, but another's language's word for "bull" might make a good nameplate. Lincoln Toro anyone?

I largely agree with your thoughts here, which is one of the reasons I have generally steered clear of the Hatchet threads prior to today. However, what little we have heard of his recent moves has eroded my willingness to give him the benefit. The "get fit to prepare for disruption" slogan in particular has me very put off. While he's been talking about bringing a lot of electric product to market, we've not seen or heard much about how Ford is investing to move the electric football forward. That's what I think of when I'm talking about investment, not just spending the money to crank out product but spending the money to make sure the product isn't a bunch of also-rans.

The phrase "Ford will prepare for disruption by becoming fit" does not fill me with boundless optimizm.

I'm not entirely ready to bring a pitchfork and torch to the guy for his background, but I think you succinctly state the concerns. I'll add that, whatever his track record on how he cut costs, I worry about having a guy chiefly known as a cost-cutter at the helm in a time when it seems that more investment is needed to stay competitive.

I think the ATP comment may be intended differently than you are interpreting it. I think he's saying the F-150's ATP is marching upwards, which is great for that model's profitability less good for the lower end where buyers want a truck with good features that doesn't rise above $40K (and far beyond) so quickly. When Ford killed the old Ranger that segment seemed to be contractors and other "bare truck" buyers more than happy with a cheap and content-light F-150. Now they may be seeing that the segment today would rather have a complete package in a more affordable smaller truck than less goodies in a bigger one.

I don't mean to put down anyone citing the Fusion's current sales numbers to make their argument, but I want to caution that taking those as set in any sort of stone is a bit risky. There's a whole mess of (decently) efficient Crossovers and (decently) capable every-day EVs coming to dealer lots in the next few years, the market's going to adjust a bit as that happens. Ford's internal numbers might indicate a whole bunch of those buyers won't be there for Fusion anymore, or that keeping the majority of them in Fusion is going to be a heck of a lot more expensive than it is today. Yeah this is exactly what I was expecting after the recent news/rumors going around. I'm curious whether "upscale" means they'd aim for just a more luxurious version of the current package, which complicates the Lincoln situation unless it too is about to have some pretty big changes, or if they'll cue off Kia and go for more appeal to enthusiast drivers. I think lower volume, higher-profit vehicles aimed at enthusiasts might do pretty well in an age where the high-volume, "car as appliance" crowd is flocking to EVs and crossovers.

I really like that interior.

Adding supply chain complications just for the fleet sale special version of this truck doesn't make a ton of sense. If Ford is going to bring such a package to market, and I agree it seems likely to happen, they're going do it properly just as they have the rest of this truck.

After digesting some of the info, I'm a little disappointed that the first model year's going to be a bit restrictive with it's offerings. The oil burner we expect to arrive eventually might not make sense for the first year of US production and adding more aluminum probably is more challenging after the hood and tailgate are already done, but it seems strange that at least a couple more cab/bed combinations couldn't be made available with still a year to go before it's on dealer lots. I also would have liked to see the US truck launch in time with a global update rather than getting it a couple years later, but that's essentially just vanity. It's a good looking truck, I have always preferred this current Ranger's look to the rest of the segment. And I quite like what I've seen of our version's interior. Overall it's not earth-shattering or reality-altering, it's a good-looking truck that I think will do pretty well. If Ford does right by it, builds it well and keeps up with the segment, there's gonna be tons of these on the road in no time.

Just wait til the reveal. So many threads to make.

The conventional wisdom agrees with you. On thenother hand, Kia of all brands has a new RWD sedan. I'm wondering if someone at Ford is thinking the day of the conventional midsize sedan is ending, and maybe it's time to add more enthusiast appeal to the segment to give it a reason to continue.

Nice improvement to the Connect, much prefer that to the overly busy current nose.