Trader 10

My local dealer (rural) has 8 new Escapes in stock. They’ve been there all spring. Three are three black SE’s that are so bland and drab that whoever buys them will have to check their pulse when getting out of them to see if they’re still alive. I agree that a little effort from Ford in the way of wheels and exterior bright work for the SE models would help a lot. It’s too bad the styling is what it is - apparently the new platform provides a good driving experience and the drivetrains are much improved- complaints about the 1.5 NVH not withstanding.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/06/30/ford-ranger-performance-packages/

I don’t have any data, but I’d bet the failure rate is a very small percentage of total engines. The 2.7 is slightly more fuel efficient than the 3.3 - 1 mpg better according to the EPA ratings.

The maintenance costs of the 3.3 and 2.7 will be virtually the same.

Nice to see that Sync 4 is standard. Did I hear correctly that hands free driving and left turn assist is also standard?

I really want to like it - I just can’t get past that front bumper.

I doubt that there would be many potential customers that would buy something else if the 2.3 was the only engine available. The 2.3 Bronco will be faster than any previous generation. Fuel economy will be light years better also.

I’m confident the reveal will be well done and will generate a huge amount of attention.

https://www.autoblog.com/2020/06/16/2021-ford-mustang-mach-1-revealed-shelby-parts/

I think Ford is right in delaying the intro - the Bronco won’t be in showrooms until spring 2021. I know everyone is anxious to see it but Showing it too far ahead of availability introduces the risk that interest may peak too soon.

The Mach E and Bronco were scheduled for fall launches before the shutdown.

Is NG Edge/Nautilus still CY 2022?

There hasn’t been any indication that the reveal will slip beyond early June. Mike Levine replied to a question on the Bronco reveal today with “Coming soon, stay tuned”. I’m betting next week or the week after is when it will be officially shown.

If that is true (and I’m not doubting it), then it points to Ford’s costs being too high relative to competitors (a terrible place to be) and not product mix.

Mike Levine tweeted that the F-150 reveal is Thursday June 25 at 8 PM EDT.