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ice-capades

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Everything posted by ice-capades

  1. Hamden Electric Bus Fire Caused by Moisture in Battery System, NTSB Says https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/hamden-electric-bus-fire-cause-moisture-battery-19372839.php HAMDEN — A fire that erupted from a CTtransit electric bus while it was parked at a maintenance facility nearly two years ago likely was sparked by moisture inside the vehicle's battery, authorities concluded. The resulting fire sent two CTtransit maintenance workers to the hospital for smoke inhalation, and required firefighters to respond three times before it was fully extinguished, according to the findings of the National Transportation Safety Board. NTSB investigators found that the probable cause of the bus fire "was moisture in the high voltage lithium-ion battery system, which led to battery damage resulting in the fire," the report said. The fire began on July 23, 2022, while the "battery electric transit bus" was parked inside the transit system's maintenance facility in Hamden, the NTSB said. Officials had taken the bus out of service two days prior because of an "error in the bus charging system," the report said. Around 3:40 a.m., the bus began emitting smoke inside the facility, the report said. Firefighters responded and did not see any "visible flames," the report said. So crews pushed the vehicle outside to an isolated parking spot. "In the process, two CTtransit maintenance workers suffered smoke inhalation and were treated at an area hospital," the report said. Later that morning, the bus started emitting smoke again, along with fire from the rear of the bus. Firefighters came back to the scene, where the incident commander decided to let the bus burn. "The fire remained active for several hours and fully consumed the vehicle. Following the departure of fire personnel, the bus continued to smolder while remaining isolated in the parking lot," the report said. Two days later, smoke and an "orange glow" were seen in the wreckage of the bus, the NTSB report said. Firefighters once again came out and doused the battery compartment, the NTSB said. There were no other injuries reported in connection with the incident, according to the agency. The report notes that after the fire in Hamden, the Federal Transit Administration issued new guidance about using electric transit buses in a handbook. The new guidance dealt with handling the risk of high voltage fires, including storing buses outdoors and having an isolation area in the event a bus were to catch fire. "As transit agencies continue to electrify their bus fleets, the NTSB will continue to monitor issues related to BETB fires and ongoing research in the area to understand the safety impacts of these alternative-fueled vehicles," the report said.
  2. A big part of the Windows Phone demise was that Google/Alphabet didn't create Android, they purchased it and then gave it away to any manufacturer that wanted it. Microsoft charged a licensing fee that, although small per unit, added up to an expense that the manufacturers didn't want to pay and went the cheapest route with the free Android platform.
  3. Being so close to the plant it's most likely that your vehicle will be shipped carrier direct from the plant to your dealership. They need to be able to fill a complete carrier load going to the same general area before the vehicle is shipped. Your Dealer can advise you as to the shipping method and updated status.
  4. Yeah, the market is pretty much split between iPhone and Android. I used Microsoft Windows Phones for years and they were incredible. The phone market was another major blunder on Microsoft's part.
  5. The vast majority of vehicles are shipped via rail, based on distance from the plant to the final rail destination. Vehicles within 300-400 miles of the dealership destination, on average, can ship either via rail or carrier depending on the contracts in place, type of vehicles, rail capacity and other factors at a plant. It's not unusual for the final rail destination to change to a location further away due to contract changes and other factors which sometimes don't make sense. FYI... Dealers are not allowed to pick up vehicles at either the plants or final rail destination. There was only one time a number of years ago when Dealers could make arrangements to pick up new Transits at the plant due to a huge shipping backlog and logistics involved with the Transit roof heights for many of them.
  6. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues, the average shipping time was about 2 weeks within the 48 states. With what's become routine shipping delays, labor and equipment shortages, the delivery to dealerships can take longer. Your Dealer has access to the most recent status and location of your vehicle and can supply you with the rail carrier and rail car information if you wish to track your vehicle's progress. In addition, if your Dealer has a good relationship with the firm that will haul your vehicle from the final rail ramp destination, they can contact the firm's dispatch department and request expedited delivery to the dealership.
  7. I posted the teaser photos from Ford with the fender and rear badges in a separate post. 60th Rear Badge Teaser 60th Fender Badge Teaser
  8. Six-Pack of Identical Ford Pinto Wagons for Sale, In Case You Were Looking All Manuals, All Wagons, All Yellow https://www.autoblog.com/2024/03/26/six-pack-of-identical-ford-pinto-wagons-for-sale-in-case-you-were-looking/ If the so-called "Toys for Boys" six-Porsche collection from a U.K. climate-controlled garage is too boring for you, may we offer something from the other end of the automotive spectrum. Toys for Men, if you will, because it's going to take some elbow grease to get this six-Pinto collection from Hacienda Heights, California up and running. All six cars are 2-door wagons — shooting brakes if you want to be cool — and all of them wear the same shade of 1970s pale yellow. Since the ad was posted to Facebook Marketplace it naturally comes with minimal description, leaving the reason for the hoarding a mystery. There's not even that many photos considering it's a half-dozen cars being offered. The seller states that the Pintos "all different years" and that they "just got half of them running." So really you'd be buying three operable Pinto Wagons and three project cars. Unlike the Porsches we told you about, all of the Pintos for sale have manual transmissions, and the seller goes on to state that they each have clean interiors as well. Mileage ranges from 23,000 to 70,000. From the one interior photo posted, the black vinyl appears to have survived the Southern California sun pretty well for the past 50 years. According to Barn Finds, which believes they're 1973-74 models, these cars would've come with a 2.0- or 2.3-liter inline-four making around 86 horsepower. In 1974, a Pinto Wagon would have sold for around $2,775 new. In 2024 the seller wants $16,000 or best offer on each car. The Ford Pinto is perhaps best known for being the subject of a recall and nationwide scare about its fuel tank being prone to leaks, and thus the fiery deaths of its occupants, during rear impacts. A leaked "Pinto Memo" shocked the nation when it showed Ford knowingly calculated the costs of issuing a recall versus how much human lives would be worth if they let crash statistics play out. The families of two separate Pinto drivers took Ford to court in high-profile cases after their loved ones perished in rear-ending collisions. The jury in one case awarded the plaintiffs what was at the time the largest punitive damages sum in a product liability case. The other found Ford was not liable. The NHTSA eventually forced Ford to issue a recall. Nevertheless, the public awareness and furor over the cases irreparably damaged the Pinto's reputation. It was commonly used in popular culture as an object of derision. Which brings us to at least one use we can think of for the six Pintos for sale. Since they're located near Los Angeles, perhaps a Hollywood production company could buy the lot. Stunt coordinators often need multiple identical copies of the same car to destroy or modify. These cars would be perfect for the next 1970s period piece.
  9. Mustang Is America's Best-Selling Sports Car; Tops Globally For 10+ Years https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/03/27/mustang-is-americas-best-selling-sports-car--tops-globally-for-1.html 60th Rear Badge Teaser 60th Fender Badge Teaser NEW YORK, New York, March 27, 2024 – Ford Mustang starts its seventh decade in pole position as America’s best-selling sports car based on 2023 U.S. registrations1 – and as the best-selling sports car globally for more than 10 years2. More than 59,000 customers took delivery of a Mustang in 2023, contributing to the nearly 1 million pony cars Ford has delivered in the past decade. While 2023’s success was driven by the rollout of the all-new seventh-generation Mustang in North America, customers in China, Europe, Australia, and South America will be able to get behind the wheel of the latest Mustang in 2024.  “We’ve sold more Mustangs in our history than the population of major cities like Chicago, London, or Seoul,” said Jeff Marentic, General Manager, North America/Global Truck, Family, and Enthusiast Vehicles. “As we get set to celebrate Mustang’s 60th anniversary, that same passion and excitement continues with our seventh-generation Mustang, now headed to customers in 85 markets around the world.”  As part of Mustang’s 60th anniversary, Ford this week debuts a special Vermillion Red and Ebony Black logo, inspired by the badging and wheel center caps on the Mustang that debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair, at the New York Auto Show. Seventh-generation Mustang owners can celebrate the 60th anniversary with an exclusive new feature coming to their cars around April 17. Owners will need to turn on ‘Automatic Software Updates’ in the ‘Settings’ menu through their vehicle’s SYNC 4 touchscreen to receive this special feature.   The all-new, seventh-generation Mustang is the latest chapter for the icon, delivering the looks, sound and appeal. Whether convertible or coupe, V8 or turbocharged 4-cylinder, manual or automatic, Mustang has options at multiple price points and performance levels. The new Mustang can also be seen racing circuits and series all over the world with Dark Horse R, Mustang GT3 and Mustang GT4.  1Based on S&P Global Mobility total U.S. new vehicle registrations across all sports car segments CYE 2023. 2S&P Global Mobility global vehicle registrations are compiled from government and other sources and capture 95 per cent of global new vehicle volumes in more than 80 countries. Sports car as defined by S&P Global Mobility, includes two-door coupe and convertible models CY 2004-CY 2023.
  10. Mustang Celebrates 60 With Can't Miss Owner Event April 17th https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/03/27/mustang-celebrates-60-with-cant-miss-owner-event-april-17.html Ford Mustang, America's best-selling sports coupe in 20231, celebrates its 60th anniversary with an owner and fan event at Charlotte Motor Speedway on April 17 Attendees will get a first look at the limited-edition Mustang 60th Anniversary Appearance Package – and hear about new experiences for Mustang owners Mustang owners can register for the April 17 event now and secure their spot for a day of track and drift ride-alongs, the latest Mustang news, and a first-hand look at the world’s racing Mustangs NEW YORK, March 27, 2024 – Nearly sixty years ago, Ford unveiled the original Mustang at the World’s Fair in New York. This April, the next chapter of Mustang begins with an epic Mustang fan event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Owners and fans in attendance will get a first look at a limited edition 60th Anniversary Appearance Package and try new, exclusive Mustang ownership experiences rolling out over the next year. They’ll meet Ford Performance racing drivers, get up close and personal with monster Mustangs, including the Mustang Mach-E 1400, and see the entire array of racing Mustangs in one place. Ride-alongs in Mustangs on a drift track and around Charlotte’s famed Roval will give a first-hand taste of not just Mustang performance, but some of the skills they can learn through Mustang’s new ownership experiences. Owners can also learn about Mustang in the aftermarket through the Pony Personalization Corner, which will include exhibits from RTR and others. "The popularity of Mustang is rooted in its ability to evoke emotion – whether it's the roar of the engine or the sight of its iconic silhouette, it sparks a visceral connection,” said Joe Bellino, Mustang brand manager, North America. “This year, we’ll start to connect with Mustang customers in exciting new ways.” Customers, clubs, and dealers are invited to celebrate the spirit of freedom, passion, and innovation at this event. The event will also be livestreamed starting at 5 p.m. EDT. 1According to data from S&P Global Mobility.
  11. The Ford ordering, scheduling and production process has been in place for decades, with some modifications to address specific market conditions such as the pandemic impact, customer retail orders that overwhelmed the USOB (Unscheduled Order Bank) during the COVID-19 impact and the related supply chain issues, etc. There have been a lot of complaints over the years along with a lot of suggestions that primarily served only the specific retail customer and most often didn't provide an improvement to the Ford ordering and scheduling process. I managed the USOB for my former dealership for nearly 35 years and ordered every Stock, Demo, Retail and Fleet vehicle over those years. I'll try to give you an overview of the process without going into too much detail. Dealers place retail orders and assign a priority code which can range from 03-19. Stock orders priority codes are 20-80 and a 99 code flags the order as "do Not Schedule". The default priority code for customer retail orders is 10, requiring Dealers to manually assign a different code. Orders usually require allocation for scheduling which is generally earned based on the dealership's sales history for that vehicle line. Each dealership's USOB is totally independent from that of any other dealership. A larger dealership may earn more allocation based on higher sales, but also has more orders to manage effectively. Dealers earn allocation on a monthly basis which is then spread out evenly for the upcoming monthly scheduling period. All unscheduled orders are subject to applicable commodity and plant restraints that can change daily. Dealers have multiple resources regarding restraints, with specific retail order restraint information. In most cases, the biggest problem with retail orders not getting scheduled is the lack of proper order management at the dealership level, either through ignorance, lack of qualified personnel or other factors. Yes, the biggest factor in retail orders not getting scheduled is Dealer mismanagement of their own USOB (Unscheduled Order Bank). Dealers have multiple resources available to provide commodity and plant constraint information, but many if not most don't know, bother to check or act on the information available. Unfortunately, many either make up excuses or simply tell the retail customer what they think the customer wants to hear. In addition, customers tend to communicate only with their sales representative not knowing that few are knowledgeable with the ordering and scheduling process or have access to the resources available. If a Dealer is monitoring their USOB effectively, they should be changing the retail order priority code as their USOB changes and other factors. If a retail order is unscheduled for an extended time, they should be contacting their Ford Zone Manager to have it reassigned a priority code at either 01 or 02 to expedite scheduling. Ford will make every effort possible to make exceptions to commodity restraints with orders at 01 or 02 priority codes. It appears that Ford is finally addressing quality issues and procedures that have existed for years and decades by holding vehicles at the plants to be repaired prior to a shipping release. Hope this information helps!
  12. All-Electric Explorer Completes Record-Setting Drive Around The World https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/03/26/New-All-Electric-Ford-Explorer-Completes-a-Record-Setting-30000-km-Drive-Around-the-World0.html# NICE, France, March 26, 2024 – Adventurer Lexie Alford (@LexieLimitless) today set the official record of being the first person to circumnavigate the globe in an electric vehicle1 using the new all-electric Ford Explorer designed for European customers. To celebrate their Charge Around The Globe, Ford has confirmed the price and specifications of the new Ford Explorer range, officially making the EV that drove around the world available to customers who are ready to make their own adventures, whether large or small. Crossing the finish line in Nice, France, Lexie and the new Ford Explorer led a convoy of iconic Ford vehicles, flanked by current models that are shaping the visionary future direction of the company. This Ford Explorer joins other electric models in the Ford lineup, including Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning and the E-Transit. “Ford wants to bring passion and emotion to electric vehicles in Europe. There are enough boring cars and SUVs out there. The new Explorer represents Ford’s unique character, which is stamped on every car in this fantastic convoy,” said Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, who attended the celebration. “We’re proud to launch this new all-electric passenger car designed specifically for Europe’s roads and customers, and obviously capable of taking you anywhere in the world.” The Explorer’s incredible journey crossed six continents, drove through 27 countries and covered more than 30,000 kilometres, all on electric power alone. Battling power outages in Africa, a lack of charging infrastructure in the Atacama desert of Chile, unmade roads, mountain passes and freezing conditions, the achievement proved just what is possible in an electric vehicle. “Lexie’s journey has been the ultimate test drive for our new Ford Explorer, taking on every kind of weather and road condition, and dealing with just about every charging scenario,” said Martin Sander, general manager, Ford Model e Europe. “It embodies the true ‘can do’ spirit of this company, seizing this great opportunity to not only test ourselves but also the world’s charging infrastructure. Today’s crossing of the finish line proves just what you can do in the new all-electric Ford Explorer, and we’re delighted that customers will soon be able to find out for themselves.” The vehicle Lexie used for the challenge was a pre-production version of the Ford Explorer that is now available to order. Over the course of the journey it used a variety of charging solutions from 2.2 kw AC wall outlets to DC fast chargers and a portable battery pack. Throughout the journey Lexie relied on MegaConsole cabin storage that can hold three 1.5-litre drinks bottles with room to spare, heated and massaging driver’s seat and voice-activated SYNC Move infotainment 2 with an adjustable touchscreen – features that come as standard on both Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Premium models. “On this epic adventure, I met incredible people from many corners of the world and experienced 27 beautiful countries while behind the wheel. But this journey came with a unique set of challenges,” said Lexie, who also holds the world record for being the youngest person to visit every country in the world. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to be trusted by Ford to circumnavigate the globe in the electric Explorer, which has been like home for the last six months. I had the goal of pushing the limits of what’s possible to do in an EV and I’m proud to say I have!” Equipped for any adventure The new all-electric Explorer is Ford’s first passenger EV to be developed and built in Europe, combining German engineering, American style and superior standard specification that includes battery electric powertrains for zero-tailpipe emissions while driving – and up to 602 km driving range on a single charge. 3 Explorer is introduced with a choice of single motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) or dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains. Both use an extended-range, lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery chosen for its energy density, power and performance in European climates from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. A single motor RWD powertrain 4 with standard-range NMC battery will be available too, at a later date. Charging from 10-80 per cent takes approximately 26 minutes 5 using up to 185 kW DC fast charging for the AWD model. Explorer drivers across Europe will be able to easily access and pay for charging at more than 600,000 charging points 6 within the BlueOval Charge Network using the FordPass app 7 or innovative Plug & Charge technology. These include high power charging stations from IONITY – a consortium of which Ford is a founder member, and Allego – with whom Ford today also announced a partnership to introduce ultra-fast chargers at Ford dealerships. It's not just charging that’s quick and simple. Explorer can accelerate faster than a Ford Performance Focus ST, with 340 PS meaning 100 km/h can be reached in 5.3 seconds by the AWD model. Explorer AWD can also tow up to 1,200 kg. 8 And all this is achieved using seamless electric propulsion for ultimate refinement – made even more enjoyable with luxurious standard specification. In addition to approximately 470 litres of combined storage 9 including the 17-litre MegaConsole and the secure My Private Locker in the cabin, every Explorer features SYNC Move 2 connected infotainment with an adjustable 14.6-inch centre touchscreen that can be raised and lowered through an arc of more than 30 degrees. Also standard are a heated steering wheel and front seats, massaging driver’s seat and wireless phone charging. 10 Cutting-edge interior design includes sports seats with integrated headrests, and a stylish soundbar to enjoy audio played through wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connected devices. 11 Explorer Premium specification adds a 10-speaker B&O sound system and ambient interior lighting to keep spirits high even on road trips to rival Lexie’s, as well as upgrading Explorer’s signature headlamps from LED with auto highbeam to Dynamic Matrix LED with Glare-Free Highbeam. To make the purchase process as effortless as possible, ensure a luxury specification and deliver compelling value for every Explorer customer, optional extras are limited to a panorama roof 12 with more than 1 square metre of glass surface, and a Driver Assist Pack. 13 Its highlights include hands-free tailgate for accessing up to 450 litres of boot space 9 with arms full of shopping or toddlers, a head-up display, 360-degree camera 13 and new Assisted Lane Change 13 technology. These features are in addition to more than 15 standard driver assist technologies with highlights including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go 13,14 as well as Clear Exit Warning 13 that is designed to help prevent “dooring” accidents with cyclists. The new all-electric Explorer is the first vehicle to be assembled at the Ford Cologne EV Centre following a $2 billion dollar investment. Customers can learn more about the five-seat crossover at www.ford.eu
  13. 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Prices Increase Across The Board https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/2024-ford-mustang-mach-e-prices-increase-across-the-board/ Following multiple rounds of price increases tied to the skyrocketing cost of raw materials, Ford Mustang Mach-E prices actually received some incentives and a significant cut back in February – at least for 2023 models, due to a substantial amount of leftover inventory sitting on dealer lots. These price cuts certainly did the trick, as Ford Mustang Mach-E weekly sales increased dramatically, going from around 300 units per week up to 1,000 and even as high as 1,800, nearly tripling the EV crossover’s market share, from 5.2 percent all the way up to 13.3 percent. However, it seems as if those discounts were short lived, as 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E prices have increased across the board, according to a dealer bulletin seen by CarsDirect. It is worth noting that the 2023 pricing figures provided by CarsDirect are incorrect, though they’ve been updated here to provide an accurate look at how they’ve changed compared to the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E. In that regard, we can see that most trim levels have gotten more expensive, with increases ranging from $100 all the way up to $1,600. These prices don’t include destination and delivery charges, however, as it’s currently unclear if 2023’s figure of $1,800 has changed year-over-year. The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E lineup is receiving some changes compared to the outgoing 2023 model to accompany these pricing updates, too. For starters, the Premium trim no longer comes with the Panoramic Fixed-Glass Roof as standard, since that feature is now an option. The EV crossover is getting bronze wheels and other features in that finish via the new Bronze Appearance Package, and is gaining the new Rally trim, though it’s also losing the California Route 1 model. As Ford Authority previously reported, order banks for select 2024 Mach-E trims opened up back in November, though that didn’t include the GT or Rally.
  14. Ford Ranked Below Average In 2024 EV Home Charging Study https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/ford-ranked-below-average-in-2024-ev-home-charging-study/ Last year, Ford ranked below the industry average in the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. EV Home Charging Study with a score of 699 out of 1,000 possible points, which placed it near the very bottom of that list, in fact, which is a bit concerning given the fact that charging, in general, remains one of the biggest sticking points among prospective EV shoppers. Now that the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Home Charging Study has arrived, it reveals that Ford actually managed to improve its score versus last year, but it still remains below the industry average, regardless. This year, Ford managed to improve its score by nine points, finishing with 708 – good enough to rank ahead of Siemens, JuiceBox, Electrify America, and Blink. However, it still remains behind the segment average of 744, as well as rivals including Tesla, Emporia, GRIZZL-E, ClipperCreek, Wallbox, Autel, Rivian, Nissan, and ChargePoint. The EVX Study aims to measure customer satisfaction with the EV home charging experience via a variety of factors – fairness of retail price, cord length, size of charger, ease of winding/storing cable, cost of charging, charging speed, ease of use, and reliability. This year’s study included the responses of 15,617 owners of 2018-2024 model year BEVs and PHEVs, and found that while concerns remain regarding public charging infrastructure, charging at home remains a superior option. “In contrast to public charging, home charging is the ultimate convenience for owners to charge their EV,” said Brent Gruber, executive director of the EV practice at J.D. Power. “Home charging is the most satisfying aspect of owning an EV, which is why all parties in the EV ecosystem need to take the necessary steps to ensure that residential charging is available for current and potential EV owners alike. Incentives and programs are also available to offset the cost of charger installations, upgrades and management of ongoing charging costs, but too few EV shoppers are taking advantage of these offerings. The industry needs to do a much better job with consumer education and awareness, and dealers are certainly in the best position to fill that role at a local level.”
  15. No problem! I understand completely about the Mustang's 60th anniversary and the historical connection to New York with the Mustang's original introduction. I just don't know what they'd present at the New York Auto Show, regarding Mustang, that would be of any significance at this point. A new Shelby? Big deal, not! Time will tell and we'll see what Ford does.
  16. Mustang Unleashed Is New Nationwide Tour for Current, Future Fans https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/03/25/mustang-unleashed-is-new-nationwide-tour-for-current--future-fan.html Posted the topic from Ford Media in the Ford Discussion Forum earlier today. Nothing about it indicates anything related to the NY Auto Show. https://blueovalforums.com/forums/index.php?/topic/76122-mustang-unleashed-is-new-nationwide-tour-for-current-future-fans/#comment-1221662
  17. This morning's gas prices in Hamden, CT (New Haven)  $3.39 Regular (Cash) @ Gulf  $3.49 Regular (Cash) @ Citgo
  18. Mustang Unleashed Is New Nationwide Tour for Current, Future Fans https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/03/25/mustang-unleashed-is-new-nationwide-tour-for-current--future-fan.html DEARBORN, Mich., March 25, 2024 – Hot laps, line lock demos, and vehicle walkarounds await Ford Mustang fans across America as part of the new Mustang Unleashed tour. The 12-stop tour with a festival-like atmosphere starts next month in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Mustang. It includes appearances at major events like Formula Drift in Long Beach, California, and ComplexCon in Las Vegas. “For six decades, Mustang has been associated with freedom, road trips, and its place in American history,” said Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino. “But as Mustang kicks off its next 60 years, it needs to be more accessible. Mustang Unleashed will show customers what makes Mustang great, rather than merely telling them. And by pairing with events and festivals across the country, it will bring Mustang to new customers and grow one of the auto industry’s most passionate fan bases.” Owners can learn about opportunities to customize Mustang to fit their personalities via the Mustang Garage. Select events will also put fans and owners in the passenger’s seat to experience Mustang’s advanced performance technology with hot laps from professional drivers and demonstrations of the standard line lock system. Static walkarounds will also feature the industry-first Remote Rev system. Mustang merchandise will also be available for purchase. The tour starts April 12 and registration opens today for 2024 Mustang owners. Registration for the public is available at the events. Mustang Unleashed will visit six cities to start, with six additional cities to be announced later this year: April 12-13: Formula Drift, Long Beach, California April 21: Fabulous Fords, Irwindale, California April 26-28: Psych Fest, Austin, Texas May 10-11: Formula Drift, Braselton, Georgia May 17-19: HyperFest, Alton, Virginia June 7-9: Backwoods, Ozark, Arkansas Not all activities will be available at all events, and activities and dates are subject to change.
  19. The dealership I worked for, for nearly 35 years, became a dealer for the Mustang ASC McLaren in the Spring of 1987. I flew out to Chicago first, to visit a former skating partner from Ice Capades, then flew to Detroit the following morning and was picked up at the airport by a representative from ASC. No one at the dealership knew where I was other than the Dealer Principal and my wife at the time that also worked for the dealership. This first 1987 Mustang ASC McLaren was to be a surprise birthday present for the Dealer Principal’s fiancé that also worked for the dealership and lived with. As such, it was critical that no one knew the true nature of my trip, location, etc. for being out of the office. The ASC representative picked me up and took me to several ASC plants in the area to see their work in person, including power moonroof installations in Lincoln and Ford models. The ASC plant where the Mustang ASC McLaren model was produced, was also the facility involved with production of the Buick Grand National where the very first GNX was under wraps and reserved for the GM CEO (Roger Smith?). The ASC McLaren Mustang was produced on a separate assembly line. The Mustang chassis was originally produced by Ford as a LX 5.0L Coupe and then converted to the ASC McLaren Convertible model after modifications including windshield rake, ground effects, chassis reinforcement, manual cloth convertible top, rear seat removal, Mercedes style hard convertible boot, etc. I was literally able to walk the length of the assembly line and see every stage of the production status. At the end of the line, my dealership’s vehicle was waiting for me to take delivery. I took delivery and rode into the proverbial sunset to drive it back to Connecticut (about 750 miles) so that the Dealer Principal would have it in time to present to his fiancée for her birthday. I drove off with the top down as the weather was beautiful and every time I stopped for gas, other drivers asked me about the new “Mercedes” which was both interesting and amusing. And there were numerous times while driving back that other drivers on the highways would toot their horns and give me a thumbs up which made the drive back a lot of fun. I got back to CT around 6am the following morning, called the Dealer Principal to let him know, and we put together the plan to deliver the vehicle to his fiancé. I got some sleep, and the Dealer Principal sent our detailer to my condominium so that we could clean and detail the vehicle. I drove the vehicle that afternoon to the Dealer Principal’s house, about 45 minutes from the dealership, and parked the vehicle in an area behind the house where his fiancée usually parked and would see it. The two of us waited inside the house until she arrived, saw the vehicle and realized that there was a card placed under the windshield wiper. By then, the Dealer Principal had gone out to wish her a happy birthday and present the Mustang ASC McLaren as her surprise birthday present. She absolutely loved the car but there was another development about a month or so later. A very, very good customer of the dealership, with a collection of cars, was ready to buy another vehicle and saw the ASC McLaren. He wanted one and wasn’t willing to wait until we got our next Mustang ASC McLaren and let it be known to the Dealer Principal that if he wouldn’t sell him the fiancée’s car that he’d go spend his money elsewhere. As such, the Dealer Principal sold him the car, which his fiancée wasn’t happy about, but understood. She got the next Mustang ASC McLaren that arrived at the dealership a short time later. Overall, the dealership sold and delivered at least 15-20 Mustang ASC McLaren vehicles while the limited-edition vehicle was available.
  20. I'll share a story about my experience with the Mustang ASC McLaren shortly.
  21. 1988 Mustang ASC McLaren Convertible Up for Auction https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/1988-ford-mustang-asc-mclaren-convertible-up-for-auction-2/ As many Blue Oval fans are already well aware, ASC McLaren teamed up with FoMoCo on multiple occasions, churning out some interesting vehicles like the ASC McLaren Ford Mustang and a Capri version as well. These models were produced in very small quantities, however, so we don’t see a ton of them surface for sale on a regular basis. Most recently, a 1988 Ford Mustang ASC McLaren convertible popped up at auction, however, and now, it’s been joined by yet another one of the same model year and configuration via Bring a Trailer. A true rarity by any definition, this 1988 Ford Mustang ASC McLaren convertible is number 940 of just 1,806 built in total between 1987 and 1990, and has just 19k miles showing on the odometer. Like all ASC McLaren convertibles, it began life as a regular old LX coupe before ASC converted it into a two-seat convertible, at which point it was also resprayed metallic blue and fitted with a blue soft top, a hard convertible boot cover, tinted tail lights, front and rear spoilers, revised lower body styling, and 15-inch MSW basketweave wheels. The interior received some upgrades as well, including blue leather front seats with perforated inserts and ASC McLaren seatback embroidery, a rear seat delete, a debossed ASC McLaren logo for the steering wheel, and a numbered plaque on the dash. There are plenty of amenities present in this ASC McLaren Mustang too, including air conditioning, cruise control, carpeted floor mats, a cassette stereo, Kenwood speakers, and power windows and locks. Under the hood, this ASC McLaren Mustang utilizes the naturally-aspirated Ford 5.0L V8 for power, which was originally rated to produce 225 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. That power flows to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission in this particular case. These cars were solid performers for their time, but given their rarity, collectibility, and the low miles this one has traveled, we imagine that the new owner probably won’t be wringing it out too hard.
  22. I'd forgotten about the AWA (After Warranty Adjustment) until your post, and it reminded me of my dealership's experience. Yes, there was a required dealership participation. In addition, there were several instances where good, loyal customers were in a similar situation and AWA didn't exist at the time or wasn't an option. I was fortunate to work for a Dealer Principal that took care of those customers, did the necessary service work and covered the cost 100% as a dealership goodwill expense. He did so because he felt it was simply the right thing to do for a valued customer!
  23. The local Lincoln dealership near me is showing 83 new vehicles in stock plus an additional 23 units in transit. At the same time, my former dealership shows 70 new Ford's in stock, but sells substantially more vehicles on a monthly basis than the Lincoln store.
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