Pers69

I don't see how cost from one trim or model can be applied to another. Nor were my comments inherently limited to hybrid only ... they can be applied across other Ti trim models. If they wanted to limit sales of hybrid Ti's I think they would have just stuck to their initial plan to not offer it. Viola ... very limited. I think Ford's approach to Ti trim is similar across all models (black interior etc). I don't think they do this to limit sales of all Ti trim cars. I think the hybrid Ti and Energi lack of wheel choice is to mitigate the likely mpg hit they fear with folks rolling about with heavier and larger wheels (with more fodder for lawsuits, EPA and CR).

I think their motivation also may have included the ability to squeeze a bit more tiny mpg improvement given the lower weight and a bit more cargo space (given how much they lost already to the battery).

Agreed ... to a point. I think they would sell more HyTi with more options if they kept the price as is. But, my theory is they would have to charge more and with a higher sticker sales may slip. I like the Energi - but consider it and many other 40+K cars too rich for my needs/budget. Not that I think offering interior or wheel choice would raise the price to anything close to 40+. My take is they realize they have to keep the price point low in this highly competitive segment and their calculation is that minimizing available options at this trim level will help to do so. I imagine their calculation is they will sell more this way than if they offered more options and charged a bit more. You seem to operating on the thought they want to minimize HyTi sales ... I think the opposite. I think they opted to add the Titanium trim as they didn't want to cede additional market share in the quasi luxury family sedan arena and have been scrambling since to make this late decision a reality that doesn't blow up in their face (less than stellar quality). My theory is that the more options with interior and wheel choice the more expensive the production chain. It is less streamlined and simple. I could be wrong but it makes the most sense to me. One could plausibly argue they satisfying one customer 'want' (low price) over another (expanded choice).

And the dude who put down those thoughts is getting ~42 mpg average in his, (winter fuel and all.

What version/trim did you order?

All those concerns notwithstanding one can't point to customer demand (ie "giving costumes what they want") for reduced options as Ford's motives for offering no interior or wheel options at this trim level.

I just meant one on the road or in a dealership. There were also pictures of "fusion hybrid titaniums" with lit cup holders and dual exhaust ... Pictures, brochures are one thing ... the real deal off the line, at dealerships or on the roads, another. The marketing writers and the production engineers appear to be in different buildings with nonfunctional email or phones. Wish I could trust Ford/Lincoln advertising ... but they haven't earned that of late.

So, let me get this straight - there is some data saying customers don't want choices in their interior colors? Wasn't aware of that. Put me down as skeptical that is so.

Bail on that car - order another or look elsewhere.

Thanks for the info, ice. Fords difficulties with roll outs continues .... wish I could say I find the continued delays surprising. If they kick the can much further down the road they are gonna start losing orders though. Mine included, my patience isn't infinite.

I think you made the right choice ... got your garage wiring/charger all ready?

Welcome, Element. I'm jealous of the wheels and the dual exhaust - nice ride. Go get 'em, asass!

LED taillights? I had previously seen the 18" wheels were a delayed commodity. Would that they allowed some freedom for the hybrid and Energi Ti trim. At least the hybrid is permitted the 18". I wonder if they are limiting the Energi to 17" given the hubbub that has already erupted with mpg seen with the SE hybrid?

Nice - only 6'1" but I think that a great feature to look foward to - especially after my wife drives it (which won't be too often, I hope).

I wonder when that Ti was produced relative to the other Ti's? Perhaps they caught their error and corrected it. If I had a gas Ti without them lit I would be talking to the dealer ... they advertise them, they make them, they are in Ti's - what gives with mine?

Haven't heard of anyone's that do. Yet they keep advertising they do ... perhaps the after factory accessory set does? Haven't yet heard or seen anyone who bought/installed them. Guess there is no down side for Ford to keep advertising stuff that really doesn't come with their cars.

Yea - at least they haven't taken that say from the hybrid Ti

Love how they are still advertising the dual exhaust for the hybrid Ti.

You and everyone else currently drawing breath.

Has anyone confirmed that they are/will produce them for the MKZ hybrids?

No one knows ... appears to vary by when they allow one to order and when they start production. In the hybrid Ti's case some have had such a designation on their orders for the past 3 months ... there doesn't appear to be any set interval (ie it is generally 14-21 days after that one gets scheduled, etc). Hope to see such designation for these cars changed soon :-)

I only ordered the one :-) I don't expect to be scheduled early in the process - my dealer is small and I carry zero weight. But I'll wait months longer for a well built one.

Right on - hope they and the others voicing the same are correct. But, given past Ford behavior, I'll really believe it when I actually see it. I am happy to hear they aren't supporting the six-nine month rumor. :-)

Join the club. Ford is silent but internet rumor (take it for what it is worth) is scheduling to start 2/14 with production slated to start in HSAP week of 3/4. By the by ... no one has received any titanium hybrids yet that I know of. Gas, yes. Hybrids, no. The Energi plug-in hybrid Ti's are supposedly being scheduled. Let us know what you hear. Good luck.

Odd how Ford is so terrible at communication and coordination. Folks are left to guess as to their motives as Ford won't explain why they advertised dual integrated exhaust ... only to then quietly remove it. I hope for the MKZ folks there isn't a repeat of history.