ice-capades

I'm at a loss for how to appropriately respond to your experience with the Dealer that you purchased the vehicle from. No reputable Dealer posts inventory online before the vehicle is in stock. The fact that you've had so much difficulty getting vehicle status updates and had to get the information yourself is another concern. Most Dealerships are very concerned with customer satisfaction and will do everything possible to meet or exceed customer expectations. It sounds like your Dealership is doing everything possible to protect itself from the pressure many Ford dealerships are under to give up their franchises. From what you've wriiten, I'd suggest contacting Ford directly and filing an official complaint and consider contacting your local Better Business Bureau office regarding the purchase experience.

For years the rule of thumb was that the average transit time within the U.S., after a vehicle was gate released for shipping, was approxinmately 2 weeks depending on the distance from the plant to the Dealer's location. Unfortunately, there have been numerous shipping delays this year for a variety of reasons, with all being beyond the control by any Dealer. I wish I could tell you differently but it has not been uncommon this year for vehicles to sit at the plants for several weeks before actually being shipped. In some cases there have been additional shipping delays from Ford's plants in Mexico due to severe weather conditions in the past few months that damaged rail lines. Although my job description is listed as Advertising Manager, for the past 24 years I've managed the new vehicle inventory for my Ford store. The two are related as it allows me to plan inventory for advertising purposes, etc. Our store has received about a dozen 2011 Fusion vehicles in the past 7-10 days but we have another 8 that have been confirmed to have arrived at the final rail ramp over a week ago. We're about to launch a new Fusion specific advertising campaign and need the remaining Fusions to support the advertising that started today. Not all Dealers monitor their in-transit inventory as closely as I do or pay attention to the vehicle status information available. I'm not making excuses for your Dealer but can't say that they've been misleading you as they just might not be checking the current status information available, etc. Regarding your question about the financing incentive, there are bonus incentives/rebates that require financing through Ford Credit. I won't go into details here about Ford Credit purchases rebates but they are available and applicable to many vehicle lines. Again, I hope that this information helps answer your questions further. If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know.

Dealers receive "Daily Status Reports" that show every ordered vehicle's status changes. Anytime a vehicle's status has changed it appears on the report for 3 days and then shows back up on the report when the status changes again. This process covers the entire history of a vehicle order from the time a vehicle order is submitted until the vehicle is delivered to the Dealer. In addition, Dealers have the online "Vehicle Visibility" tool that can be used to get the most up-to-date information. Unfortunately, the Vehicle Visibility application is not always accurate or updated frequently enough but it's the only resource available. Unfortunately there have been substantial increases in vehicle transit times over the past 6 months which has meant that vehicles are getting delivered much later than usual. Ford is shipping vehicles to a lot of different/new ramps where the vehicles are offloaded from rail cars and then loaded onto traditional car carriers. The car carrier contracts have gone to a lot of independent haulers and there aren't always enough carriers available to handle the volume. For years, Ford's policy was that vehicles had to be delivered to Dealers within 72 hours after arrival at the ramps. Dealers could also contact their Ford Rep's who could contact the ramps to expedite delivery of retail/sold vehicles. Unfortunately this is no longer the case as we're all now pretty much at the mercy of the ramps and dispatchers. I couldn't begin to count the number of conversations I've had with my Ford Rep about transportation and delivery problems this year! Dealers can call the ramp dispatchers directly for assistance in expediting a vehicle's delivery. It takes a bit of work initially to track down who the right person is to contact but that depends in part on the Dealer's approach, attitude, etc. This is just a quick summary which I hope will be of some help. I fully understand the frustration in waiting weeks beyond an expected delivery date but the wait will be worth it.

Yes, according to yesterday's Distribution News Bulletin, the Job #1 date for the 2012 Focus is listed as 01/31/2011. As such, I wouldn't expect the new Focus to arrive at dealerships until at least March with April arrivals being more realistic.

As "akirby" correctly stated, you'd have to take delivery by September 30th and the 2011 F-150 doesn't even go into production until mid-November.

The 2012 Focus Order Bank opens on 11/08/2010 with scheduling starting a few days later according to the latest information available from Ford via yesterday's Distribution News Bulletin. The Job #1 Date for production is 01/31/2011. As such, I'd expect the 2012 Focus to start arriving at dealerships sometime in March. The 2012 Focus Order Guide will be released close to the opening of the order bank on November 8th.

Years ago (1974-1980) I owned a 1974 Mercury Cougar XR-7 and then a 1976 Mercury Cougar XR-7 that I kept until 1980. Back then the standard interiors were a "super soft" vinyl with leather trim being the factory option. Even then, you'd have trouble telling the difference between the two other than the price. I trust that much the same is true today. Depending on the vehicle owner's preferences today and their use or abuse, whether it's vinyl or leather actual trim it'll probably outlast the cloth trim by a wide margin and add to the vehicle's resale value. In addition, once a new vehicle's MSRP gets past $30,000 it gets harder for dealers to not order the leather trim option as at that price point it's pretty much expected.

According to Ford, the Job Last Date for the 2010 F-150 is November 12th with the 2011 F-150 Job #1 date still November 16th. 2011 F-150 scheduling doesn't start until October 14th!

Here's the stand alone version of the 2011 F-150 Order Guide! 2011 F-150 Order Guide.pdf

September 2, 2010 To:All Ford DealersSubject:EFC0202316DC 2012 Boss Mustang Allocation StrategyThe New Boss 302 is back after a 40 year hiatus. This no-nonsense enthusiast track car is built for the street with the race track as its lab. The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is set to become the best-handling Mustang ever offered by Ford. This purpose built vehicle is available in two trims for a limited run --Boss 302 & Boss 302 "Laguna Seca" package featuring a 440 HP Hi-Po 302 V8 Engine. Methods for Earning Allocation All Ford dealers will have the opportunity to earn a 2012 Boss 302 Mustang. There are two methods for earningx allocation: 1) Share of Nation Approximately 75% of the 2012 Boss 302 production will be allocated to the Ford dealers as a Share of Nation Those dealers that sell 75% of the retail Mustangs will participate in the Share of Nation allocation (retail Mustang sales % of Nation) -- through July, this is the Top 794 Mustang dealers 12 months of sales (October '09 - September '10) will be used to determine dealers participating in the Share of Nation. A dealers opportunity to increase share of nation allocation or inclusion in the Top 75% is increased with each Mustang sold through the end of September Each of the dealers participating in the Share of Nation is guaranteed at least one Boss 302 2) Lottery Those Ford dealers not participating in the Share of Nation will be entered into a Lottery for the balance of the allocation Each dealership participating in the Lottery will receive one chip (entry into the lottery) for being a dealer and one chip for each retail sale over the 12-month period (October '09 - September '10) Those dealers with ZERO Mustang sales over the last 12-month period will each receive one chip in the lottery No dealer will earn more then one Boss 302 through the lottery Note: The Laguna Seca Package will be allocated by a second lottery for all dealers earning a Boss 302 through Share of Nation or Lottery. To help manager customer expectations for ordering the 2012 Boss 302 Mustang, all 2011 MY dealer production guides will be communicated in early October. Dealers will be given their full year guide numbers along with the quarter(s) their unit(s) will be scheduled. This will enable dealers to manage customer expectations regarding availability and timing. Production is scheduled to begin in late January and will conclude in December 2011. Since it's unveiling on August 13th, the 2012 Boss Mustang has created a tremendous amount of excitement amongst our dealers and customers. It is our hope that this allocation strategy will support your efforts in providing customers with a clear understanding of this new and exciting best in class product.

September 2, 2010 To:All Ford DealersSubject:EFC0202316DC 2012 Boss Mustang Allocation StrategyThe New Boss 302 is back after a 40 year hiatus. This no-nonsense enthusiast track car is built for the street with the race track as its lab. The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 is set to become the best-handling Mustang ever offered by Ford. This purpose built vehicle is available in two trims for a limited run --Boss 302 & Boss 302 "Laguna Seca" package featuring a 440 HP Hi-Po 302 V8 Engine. Methods for Earning Allocation All Ford dealers will have the opportunity to earn a 2012 Boss 302 Mustang. There are two methods for earningx allocation: 1) Share of Nation Approximately 75% of the 2012 Boss 302 production will be allocated to the Ford dealers as a Share of Nation Those dealers that sell 75% of the retail Mustangs will participate in the Share of Nation allocation (retail Mustang sales % of Nation) -- through July, this is the Top 794 Mustang dealers 12 months of sales (October '09 - September '10) will be used to determine dealers participating in the Share of Nation. A dealers opportunity to increase share of nation allocation or inclusion in the Top 75% is increased with each Mustang sold through the end of September Each of the dealers participating in the Share of Nation is guaranteed at least one Boss 302 2) Lottery Those Ford dealers not participating in the Share of Nation will be entered into a Lottery for the balance of the allocation Each dealership participating in the Lottery will receive one chip (entry into the lottery) for being a dealer and one chip for each retail sale over the 12-month period (October '09 - September '10) Those dealers with ZERO Mustang sales over the last 12-month period will each receive one chip in the lottery No dealer will earn more then one Boss 302 through the lottery Note: The Laguna Seca Package will be allocated by a second lottery for all dealers earning a Boss 302 through Share of Nation or Lottery. To help manager customer expectations for ordering the 2012 Boss 302 Mustang, all 2011 MY dealer production guides will be communicated in early October. Dealers will be given their full year guide numbers along with the quarter(s) their unit(s) will be scheduled. This will enable dealers to manage customer expectations regarding availability and timing. Production is scheduled to begin in late January and will conclude in December 2011. Since it's unveiling on August 13th, the 2012 Boss Mustang has created a tremendous amount of excitement amongst our dealers and customers. It is our hope that this allocation strategy will support your efforts in providing customers with a clear understanding of this new and exciting best in class product.

From the Hawaii Five-O page at CBS.com... HAWAII FIVE-O: Re-Booting the Theme http://www.cbs.com/primetime/hawaii_five_0/video/?pid=VMMLVsN5GwyvfbLAu1f0jrAqniCr_s0Z&vs=Default&play=true Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the recording of the revamped 'Hawaii Five-0' theme song. HAWAII FIVE-O: Hawaii Five-O Theme Music Video http://www.cbs.com/primetime/hawaii_five_0/video/?pid=R__pDQ0Sf5DgPIjPyYtPvU37djwb2AzI&vs=Default&play=true Check out the revamped version of the Hawaii Five-0 theme song for the series making it's return to television Monday September 20th on CBS!

OK... BlueOvalNews.com F-150 Forum Fans! Here's the 2011 F-150 Order Guide which has been extracted from the 2011 Ford Division Order Guide file. ENJOY! 2011 F-150 Order Guide Extract.pdf

Job #1 for the 2011 Explorer is set for November 1st. I don't expect to see them on the ground at dealers until New Year's.

As of yesterday's FDNB (Fleet Distribution News Bulletin) the 2011 MY F-150 Order Bank is now set to open on September 3rd with a Job #1 date of November 16th. The order guide will be released on or about September 3rd.

As of yesterday's FDNB (Fleet Distribution News Bulletin) the 2011 MY F-150 Order Bank is now set to open on September 3rd with a Job #1 date of November 16th.

Hopefully the flareside option is gone for good. It's not worth it for the very low sales rate.

Others may disagree but I give Ford credit for pulling the plug on Mercury as they did. The final orders have already been scheduled with production of all Mercury models to end on or about October 1st. While some Mercury dealers may already be out of product, Ford's announcement to discontinue the Mercury brand couldn't have been a surprise as it's been an open conversation for several years at least, especially with no new Mercury product being shown at the auto shows, etc. Better to put Mercury to rest quickly so that Ford can put its' focus on expanding and developing the Lincoln brand further. There's no question that there are some Lincoln-Mercury dealers that are going to be in a difficult situation until there's additional Lincoln product available. However, many of these dealers also have other brands at their Lincoln location. Part of this is also Ford's efforts to reduce the number of dealerships in general and to create Ford-Lincoln dealerships in markets that will serve a larger market area. Franchise laws in many states limit what Ford Motor Company can do regarding franchises in their states but believe me, Ford is doing everything they can to either get dealerships to give up their franchise points or negotiate with their competitors to buy one another out in order to consolidate the Ford-Lincoln brands in a market.

Very, very nice! Thank you for sharing!

The question of cloth vs. leather really boils down to personal preference. Both can be durable long term depending on how they're cared for, abused, etc. Fairly basic Explorer XLT's will be stocked at dealers with cloth interiors but the more options on the vehicle and the higher the price, the more likely that the vehicle will have a leather interior.

As "fordmantpw" stated... intitial production is held for thorough quality inspection for the vehicles are released for shipping. The delays can be frustrating at times and seem excessive but you'll be glad in the long run that Ford is so cautious!

The 20" wheels are only available with Rapid Spec #'s 201A & 202A which include the Driver Connect Package. The 20" wheels are not available on an XLT with the 200A Rapid Spec package.

A lot depends on your dealer's Mustang allocation. Our store finally received its 1st 2011 Mustangs (3 Premium GT's) less tahn a month ago. Two of the 2011 GT's were sold and delivered within 2 weeks leaving us with only one 2011 GT Premium Convertible and a 2010 GT Premium Coupe in stock. We have not had a V6 Mustang in stock since last year. Anyway, we did a new "wholesale" alocation agreement with Ford at the beginning of the month which was was allocation for September production. Ford offered us NO Mustangs for September production but we asked for 3 units to replace the 2 GT's that were sold and delivered and a 3rd unit to schedule a retail order for a 2011 GT Premium Coupe that a customer placed on July 29th. We got none of the allocation we asked for and are now forced to wait another month for allocation for October production. The worst part is that our retail customer is going to have his order in the Unscheduled Order Bank (USOB) for at least 6-8 weeks before we can even get the allocation and the vehicle scheduled. It's going to be at least a 12 week wait for the customer. FYI... Dealer allocation for Mustangs is for V6 & GT's as long as there are no commodity issues preventing a particular order from being scheduled. The handling of retail factory orders has been a topic on many message threads here. In the past couple of years Ford set up a "Retail Order Verification System" program for certain vehicle lines and models (Ford Fusion Hybrid, F-150 Raptor, etc) whereby retail orders were verified and the vehicles were scheduled on an expedited basis regardless of whether the dealer had allocation. Ford would solve a lot of customer and dealer frustration by implementing a similar system for ALL retail orders. As far as I'm concerned, they can't do this soon enough!

THe 2011 MY F-150 Order Bank opens on August 27th. I'd expect the order guide to be relased then but not much earlier. Ford is only say that the 2011 MY Order Guide will be released in the "coming weeks".