mksg

Hugh, Live in Bellingham and moved from MI. The RS was traditionally front wheel drive and given my experiences with torque steer on other FWD sports cars (210 HP), would prefer AWD. Maybe the torque vecotriIn our areas, AWD would be preferred anyway as you are essentially 'on your own' in the winters. The STI/ former EVO are in a class by themselves and would be great to have a competitor from a manufacturer whose 'volume purchasing' could produce a great performing car at a decent price. Early reviews look good though... http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2013-ford-focus-st-first-ride-feature

Needs AWD and 300 horse and you will then have your Halo small car. I would buy that in a second to replace my STi. A base focus AWD could also become a legitimate alternative in the Pacific Northwest, but only if it matches the 27/36 MPG the new Impreza gets.

I have a few general questions about Ford operations I was unable to find on the internet. How many Ford engineeers does Ford directly employ in the US? How many total white collar employees (direct)? Factory workers (direct)? What is the average investment needed to develop a new car/truck? I have seen figures between 2 to 6 billion but wanted to know is this is accurate. In the case of Ford, is this investment made locally at your R and D facilites primarily in Michigan? I apologize for these questions, but I unable to find this info for an accurate comaprison to Toyota and Honda (US operations). I emailed this issue to cust service. It is difficult to make an intelligent argument about the impact a domestic car purchase can have on our economy without accurate data. Unfortunately, from what I have seen on the websites below, the transplants (esp Toyota) have done an excellent job quantifying what has been spent and accomplished in the US. This data was very easy to find. http://www.toyotainaction.com/ http://corporate.honda.com/america/overview.aspx http://corporate.honda.com/america/2011%20HIA%20Brochure%20Map_FINAL.pdf I love Ford and love my 2011 Explorer and want to see more in the Pacific Northwest, but I feel there is such a presence here for transplants that wthout a strong concerted effort from the domestics, little will change. Also, please come out with a Focus AWD STi competitor!.

Bump re status. Should be last one. Also in addition to photo we will post, do you have a supervisor email that I could send my comments to. Again, I really appreciate your efforts.

VIN 1fmhk8f84bga35672 Thanks for your time.. I hope you get compensated for this.

I should have clarified better. What he suggested was that only 3% of early requests would get the seatbelt. I'm sure later builds would get it immediately as inventory improved. Again, I'm reiterating what the dealer mentioned, which may or may not be accurate! I hope you get yours as soon as possible. I really wanted the belts, but three kids in a row in a 2008 Saturn Vue is driving us crazy!

I mentioned this to my dealer and he mentioned only 3% of Explorers with a seatbelt order will get the seat belt installed pending parts. This is based off a portion of a memo he received today. I hope this is not the case, but I didn't want to take a chance and further delay my delivery date (ETA 3.21). Other option was to reorder which is not an option at this time. Us know how things go for you.

GaryG- What is the ave fuel economy increase you are seeing with a 51 psi? I know you mentioned 28 (In a 2+ ton vehicle-wow!) but mostly City or Highway? Sg1411- Also what fuel economy with your 40-42psi? Also, do you feel fairly confident with the stock tires, or may want to get the snow tires sooner given this weather?

This really pisses me off. I was told by dealership, who contacted Ford that the seatbelts would not be in production until May. How can you tell when the build date is on the window sticker? I was only able to print my Window Sticker today, and it mentions a 2.23 date just as yours does.

What is considered an 'early order' to qualify for the $500 rebate? I ordered 1.15.11. Also my dealer doesnt want to discuss rebates until the car comes in. I received a VIN last week but no ETA's and I cannot pull up the VIN using the websites rec by the forums. Is this normal?

I would do both. I have a FWD SUV and have been less than impressed with its ability to go up an incline in inclement weather. Saftey first, esp if you have kids! The lack of sun for us makes a sunroof a must here! You don't have the same prob, but I'm sure you will miss if if you don't have it. I know I do !!!

Anyone know if production has resumes? I would assume so, but just wanted confirmation. Also did they add the third shift yet and will that speed up custom orders or just make more 'dealer demo/ sales units' Explorers?

Here is the link and video. http://www.nextbase-europe.com/click-and-go/ipad-mount/ipad-car-mount.html <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VJEOkyoAvjk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Any info as to how your DVDs are attached to a powerpoint? Be interesting to see how I can convert it to something more tech friendly.

Sgt1411, Sorry for the delay in replying, but Im on vacation at the in-laws in SF and may be at the only house in the Bay with no internet! I also saw that u went the headrest DVD route. Was going to tell you that there was one Ipad mount I saw that allowed one to slide in an Ipad, and had the charger built in along with a USB, but the power cord would still need to be wired in somehow. I'm assuming your DVDs are hardwired in throug the seat into the car. Does it go into the center console or into the floor? I'm wondering if it might be worth finding the wire and getting a few usb ports wired out. Are u going to entertain an ipad holder for the third row? Im wary of Ipads record of changing thier propriatary sizing and ports and may get a 'holder' only. Also saw the posts on the sync issues and hope all gets resovled.

Sg1411, Interesting that the Canadians get 1000 off on accessories and STANDARD HID's on the Limited. Thirty miles south of you, we have to pay 4 thousand more to get HIDs! Also, was thinking of the same Ipad setup with gen 2 Ipads. Did you decide on a mount, or is that option out with the DVD headrests? Also, how is the power cord handled? I would prefer a cleaner set up through the seat if possible but that may be asking for too much!