Blue Oval Guide

Body shop employees at Ford's Flat Rock Assembly plant refused to wear masks yesterday (19 May), which forced Ford to shut down production. It's not clear if production has resumed.

A judge in a Munich court ruled Friday that Ford Motor Company will not be able to sell or manufacture vehicles in Germany if it doesn't settle a dispute over microchips, according to German media. Ford is said to have 4G cellular chips built into its vehicles for which the company has not paid licensing fees, the business magazine Wirtschaftswoche reported. The ruling, which is subject to appeal, could be enforced in two weeks if Ford does not reach a settlement with the plaintiffs. More Here

Oddly enough, I just went over there and saw this topic in a google search. Robert

Welcome back!

Ford 1998-Current Annual Sales Figure Totals FORD LINCOLN 1998 3,302,794 187,121 1999 3,425,086 176,493 2004 2,778,678 139,016 2005 2,648,814 123,207 2006 2,433,086 120,476 2007 2,101,244 131,487 2009 1,445,742 82,847 2010 1,756,439 85,828 2013 2,412,224 81,694 2014 2,386,468 94,474 2018 2,933,731 103,587 2019 2,310,494 112,204

How Long Vehicles Stay On Dealer Lots CLICK HERE

We will make some more changes tomorrow on the server.

Got rid of the inline ads - did this help?

Will look into this tomorrow (Sunday) night.

There's been mention of Ford keeping the Fusion name due to the brand equity, but the same can be said for Focus and Taurus as they had a lot of name recognition too - Ford has dropped name plates without issue for decades. If Maverick and Courier are coming back, not sure where Fusion fits in? Word around Dearborn is that the Edge is on the verge of distinction too, although that might just be a union negotiating tactic.

https://media.ford.com/content/dam/fordmedia/North America/US/2020/07/02/ford-2q-20sales.pdf

With speed, style and a name that embodies both, Ford today announces the Mustang Mach 1 is roaring back to life this year, with its debut coming this spring. The iconic fastback coupe that debuted during the first golden era of muscle cars in the late-1960s now returns for global Mustang enthusiasts looking for the epitome of naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 performance in a new golden age of power as a new choice in the lineup of the world’s best-selling sports car. “Mach 1 has a special place in Mustang history, and it’s time for this special edition to claim the top spot in our 5.0-liter V8 performance lineup and reward our most hardcore Mustang enthusiasts who demand that next level of power, precision and collectability,” said Dave Pericak, director, Ford Icons. “Like the original, the all-new Mustang Mach 1 will be true to its heritage, delivering great looks and as the most track-capable 5.0-liter Mustang ever.” Continuing the legacy of Mach 1 Mach 1 debuted for the 1969 model year and immediately carved out its place in the Mustang lineup, delivering performance and improved dynamics with its GT handling suspension. In the years that followed, Mach 1 saw improved performance versus Mustang GT and was more attainable than Shelby and Boss variants. “Mach 1 has always been that bridge between base Mustangs and the Shelby models,” said Ted Ryan, heritage brand manager, Ford Archives. “From a style and handling perspective, the original Mach 1 managed to stand out as unique, even in the Mustang lineup – and as the name implies, it could really move.” Two years after its debut, Mach 1 with its competition suspension hit the streets in 1971 longer and larger than the original, with an assortment of powerful engine options. In 1974, Mach 1 again saw major changes, reimagined for the first time as a hatchback. This Mach 1 generation enjoyed a five-year run and beefed up its handling capabilities more with an optional Rallye Suspension Package. Mach 1 returned for 2003 and 2004 model years, blending modern power with the nostalgia of 1970s-era Mach 1 design elements. Its unique Mach 1 handling suspension with larger Brembo front-disc brakes improved on-road performance, while its matte black spoiler and hood stripe helped the coupe standout. Seventeen years later, the all-new 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is set to return as the most track-ready 5.0-liter Mustang ever, once again delivering design magic while adding to its performance legacy.

What can Ford E.U. provide VW, which they don't already have? I wouldn't put it past VW taking an equity stake in VW where the Ford family could maintain some sense of interaction with VW's oversight. The Piëch-Porsche family, which essentially controls VW, Skoda, Seat, Man, Porsche, Bugatti, Audi, Ducati, Bentley, Lambo and Scania have maintained and grown a pretty nice automotive empire. As for PDL, he recently worked for Bill Ford Jr. and has some insight on Ford's operations.

To further what @akirby said, STOP the personal attacks - they are not welcomed here.

Late last week, Ford made a surprise announcement when it announced that it was promoting Jim Farley to chief operating officer, and Joe Hinrichs was retiring after 19 years with the company. For many on the outside, the announcement that Hinrichs was retiring was a surprise. There had been no word or rumor before the announcement of him leaving Ford. Read more here: https://fordauthority.com/2020/02/its-looking-like-joe-hinrichs-didnt-retire-after-all/