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ice-capades

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Posts posted by ice-capades

  1. Cyber Stuck: First Tesla CyberTruck on Nantucket Has a Rough Day

    https://nantucketcurrent.com/news/cyber-stuck-first-tesla-cybertruck-on-nantucket-has-a-rough-day

    NantucketCurrent.com_2024-05-02_Tesla CyberTruck First Day_Photo 01.jpg

     

    The first Tesla Cybertruck to visit Nantucket rolled off the Steamship Authority ferry Thursday afternoon. It didn't take long to make an impression.

     

    The vehicle with Connecticut plates was first spotted by people on Main Street, where it was parked directly on a crosswalk in front of Congdon & Coleman. But that was just the beginning.

     

    A few hours later the truck reappeared, and this time it was stuck in the sand at Eel Point. The spectacle drew a small crowd before the $80,000 (starting price) vehicle was pulled out by the new "I Pull Out Beach Towing" service.

     

    The operator - whose identity is unknown - was described as "super nice...Just a first-timer who made the standard mistakes."

     

    Tesla was recently forced to recall nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks this week due to a defect with the accelerator causing it to get stuck when pressed, increasing the risk of crash. That covered all the Tesla Cybertrucks sold since the model went on sale last year, according to USA Today.

     

    Could the truck's bizarre appearance Thursday on Nantucket been a planned stunt of some kind? Time will tell, and the Current plans to investigate. Stay tuned...

     

    NantucketCurrent.com_2024-05-02_Tesla CyberTruck First Day_Photo 02.jpg

     

    NantucketCurrent.com_2024-05-02_Tesla CyberTruck First Day_Photo 03.jpg

     

    NantucketCurrent.com_2024-05-02_Tesla CyberTruck First Day_Photo 04.jpg

     

    NantucketCurrent.com_2024-05-02_Tesla CyberTruck First Day_Photo 05.jpg

  2. 18 minutes ago, Czar of the North said:

    I'm still waiting for more information on my truck, now that I have the window sticker it seems like progress is being made.  I just have a couple concerns - will the truck be built minus options due to parts shortage or is that all over now?

    Also, the navigation directions missing from the HUD, I've been reading about that on the '24s and it appears it can be corrected thru FORSCAN.  I don't understand why Ford doesn't correct this or if they have a reason, out with it, please.

    i have also read about the blank passenger side hub, I am planning on replacing it with a "real" hub, but I am a bit concerned that they will stop running the vacuum line over to the passenger side at some point in production.  I guess if that happens I can just install full manual / lock Warn hubs for not too much more money.  

    cheers

    Creek

     

    Your vehicle is being produced with the specifications noted on the Window Sticker, which represents the final specifications for production. 

  3. 7 minutes ago, dmcfan said:

    Thanks.  I agree and in further review of the Carfax the entire drivers seat was replaced at some point too.  I’ll pass I’m guessing this one has electronic gremlins. 

     

    Most state and/or federal laws applicable to lemon law buyback situations require a complete disclosure of any applicable vehicle repairs. In addition, there are disclosure requirements to the potential retail customer that will provide information beyond that included in a CarFax report.  

  4. 17 hours ago, dmcfan said:

    Hi,

     

    We are looking for a very specific 2022 Yacht Club Navigator and one about 100 miles away popped up at a Ford dealer.  Only issue is it’s a buyback lemon for issues with the running boards and side mirrors.  Resolution was some setting had to be reset to auto and it’s fixed.  Part of me wants to think I’d take that chance because it’s not a major mechanical issue but also not sure why they would buy back a car for just that.  Although it was originally in CA so maybe their lemon laws are very pro-consumer.

     

    It’s in great shape and low miles.  Price is about 12% lower than a non-lemon.  They have financing that gets me 4.9% so I’m happy with that as well.  All things seem like it should be safe but looking for opinions on this.  Thanks! 

     

    My gut reaction is wondering how what appears to be such a minor repair issue would qualify this vehicle for a Ford buyback. The solution was a reset to restore the automatic function? There has to be more to this story including documentation. I'm not buying it.  

    • Like 1
  5. 4 hours ago, MJohnN said:

    Here is the situation:

    On February 13, 2024 I submitted an order for a 2024 F350 Super Duty XL 4x4 crew cab 6 3/4' bed, carbonized grey, w/6.7 powerstroke engine, XL off-road package, platform running boards and splash guards, that's it. I do not want a Cadillac dressed up as a pickup. At the time of the order I was assigned a priority code 10. That same day a received an email from Ford confirming my order and they would be in contact w/in 45days.

    On February 24, 2024, I visited the dealer, before I discovered your forum, and talked to a Sales Manager and he reviewed the order as said it shouldn't take too long since it was such an limited option order. If I had any questions, I should contact him by phone or email and he gave me his card.

    After my visit I discovered this forum and learned a lot of valuable information.

    On March 19, 2024, I emailed the sales manager from what I learned from your forum and requested that my order be re-prioritized to a Priority Code 01 or 02 with the assistance of the Regional Rep and also asked if there were any supply/commodity issues that could delay my order. The sales manager never responded to my email.

    On March 29, 2024 I received another email from Ford (at the 45 day mark) stating that they are "...working hard to fine tune the scheduled build date..." and that I should hear from then w/in the next 45 days.

    On April 2, 2024 I visited the deal and spoke to the salesman and he would speak to the sales manager and get back to me about my order.

    On April 3, 2024 I heard from the sales manager, who is now no longer a sales manager, he is in the finance department, but he looked into my order and told me my order was "Unscheduled Clear." Also talked to him about the new priority codes dealers can assign in 2024 up to a Priority Code 03, as well as contacting the Regional Rep about re-prioritizing my order to Priority Code 01 or 02 (both of which he was unaware). I told him I wanted to speak to someone management about my order and he seemed to suggest the Fleet manager would get back to me. I never heard from the Fleet manager but the salesmen called back, and reported to my in not so many words that they couldn't do anything and the order is going to 4 to 6 months and "..that's just the way it is." I also asked about cancelling the order. They said and order can't be cancelled.

    So being a little pissed off, I went on the dealership's website and they had a place for comments and I expressed to them, after I learned from reading your answer to my original comments, I demanded that the general manager or other principal of the dealership get back to me to discuss my problem with my order.

    On April 11, 2024 I received an email from the internet sales manager, who turns out to be the original sales manager who submitted my order on February 13, and supposed was now in the finance department, which a fluffy email wanting hope his staff as answered all of my questions. I replied, "Are you kidding me? Didn't you read my comment" as well as stating so now your the internet sales manager when you told me you are in the finance department. I also reiterated my request to contacted by the GM or Principal w/dealership about re-prioritizing my order w/the Regional Rep to Priority Code 01 or 02.

    On April 12, 2024 I received an email from the General Sales Manager requesting my phone number so we could talk. We did, which I discussed in another post how he didn't know about the Priority Code process, etc. But he said he would look into it.

    On April 14, 2024 I received a generic email from the General Manager from dealership and responded with my request about re- prioritizing my order.

    On April 20, 2024 I received and email from the General Sales Manager stating " I finally got a hold of our Rep with Ford and she is looking into re-prioritizing your order. I will follow up with you soon."

    On April 29, 2024, since I had not heard back from the General Sales Manager, I email the General Manager, and cc the General Sales Manager, asking what is the status? Well, later that day the General Sales Manager called and said he has to relay more information about my order to the Regional Rep and he would get back to me tomorrow.

    On April 30, 2024, I was called back by the General Sales Manager and he relayed to me that the Regional Rep was in contact with the Regional Scheduler and the reason for the delay in getting my order scheduled was due to the unavailability of the heavy duty alternator (250 amp) used on that truck. I said what has this got to do with scheduling. This is a production issue. I pointed out during our conversation that the standard alternator on the F series pickup trucks, w/6.7 liter powerstroke diesel, is, in one form or another the 250 amp alternator. (i.e., XL, XLT, Lariat the 250 amp alternator is standard equipment and w/King Ranch, Platinum or Limited packages the 410 dual alternator combination (250 amp and 160 amp alternators for a total of 410 amps)). I told him to relay to the Regional Rep that if the 250 amp alternator is unavailable then the entire production line of the F series pickup trucks with 6.7 liter powerstroke diesel engines is shut down. Finally, I insisted that he request the Regional Rep in conjunction with the Regional Scheduler re-prioritize my order to a Priority Code 01.

    On May 1, 2024, I emailed the General Sales Manager again regarding the cockamamie alternator story and stated "...the persons communicating this information to you, in my opinion is either disingenuous as best or outright lying about this issue." Additionally, I stated: 

    "So, if the Regional Representative in conjunction with the Regional Scheduler cannot or will not re-prioritize my order to a Priority Code 01, then the order should somehow be dropped/cancelled and have me taken off any contact list because I do not want to hear from Ford, or whomever, that this order has somehow been miraculously produced, whether that is in one, two, three or six months, because I will be moving on."

    So here we are today, May 2, 2024, and why I asked about cancelling my order in this thread. I am almost 67 years of age. I do not need this truck, it is just something that I wanted. I want to use this pickup truck as a truck. I wanted carpet delete and vinyl upholstery to more easily clean the dirt from comes from my muddy boots and dirty clothes deposited in the interior. I don't want a Cadillac!

    My observations/opinions on this situation are these:

    Ford, or whomever, doesn't want to produce low end XL basic trucks. Unless it is all dressed up and cost $85,000 or more they aren't interested in producing it.

    If you are going to a dealer to special order a Super Duty do your research regarding the dealership first.

    In this regard, the dealership I chose, and later found out, is owned by a giant corporate conglomerate whom among other ventures is in a famous clothing business. It is just staffed by a bunch of employees that punch the clock.

    I recommend, going to a dealership that is owned by an single person or family who has a web site and post photographs of their staff, including the owner, and knows and is interested in the car business.

    Regarding what I learned about the Regional Rep and Regional Scheduler, for my area, they don't want to rock the boat. They probably just want to punch to clock too. 

    Unfortunately, by the time someone gets to reading this thread they, like me, have already fell into this rabbit hole!

    Good Luck.

     

    Changing priority codes has nothing to do with commodity restraints. You're doing business with the wrong Dealer!

  6. 2023-2024 Ford Super Duty Black Oval Kit Revealed

    https://fordauthority.com/2024/05/2023-2024-ford-super-duty-black-oval-kit-revealed/

     

    FordAuthority.com_2024-05-02_Black Oval_01.jpg

     

    The Blue Oval is one of the more iconic symbols in the world and has been for a very long time now, which is precisely why Ford continues to use it to this day. The Blue Oval also hasn’t changed much over the years, save for a few small tweaks, but recently, one big shift has begun to take place – consumers are showing a preference for blacked out appearance packages, which has also prompted Ford to begin offering black versions of its famous badge, too. In fact, such a thing debuted as a factory offering for the 2020 Ford Super Duty Lariat Sport Package, and was later added to FoMoCo’s catalog as an accessory for that pickup, as well as the Ford Ranger and Ford F-150, along with a black Ford Performance badge. Now, a new Black Oval kit has debuted for the current-gen Ford Super Duty, too.

    FordAuthority.com_2024-05-02_Black Oval_02.jpg

     

    This new 2023-2024 Ford Super Duty Black Oval kit is available for models without a front camera under part number M-1447-SDB3, or those with a front camera via part number M-1447-SDC3. The latter part features a provision for the camera, though otherwise, the two kits are essentially identical.

    In either case, both kits are designed to fit 2023-2024 Ford Super Duty XL, XLT, and Lariat trimmed pickups, and come with both a smoked front and rear chrome oval. Both kits also retail for exactly the same price, too – $140, and each is available to purchase via the Ford Performance catalog right now.

     

    FordAuthority.com_2024-05-02_Black Oval_03.jpg

     

    Given how popular the new, Black Oval has become over the past few years, it’s easy to forget just how monumental a change this represents. After all, the first oval Ford emblem appeared way back in 1907, and the first Ford Blue Oval emblem surfaced in 1927 before landing on all of the automaker’s vehicles starting in 1979. The familiar Blue Oval has changed quite a bit since then, but it has always remained blue – at least, until very recently.

  7. Ford Europe Hasn't Made Decisions on EVs Beyond VW Variants

    https://fordauthority.com/2024/05/ford-europe-hasnt-made-decisions-on-evs-beyond-vw-variants/

     

    FordAuthority.com_2024-05-02_Explorer EV_Europe.jpg

     

    Ford and Volkswagen entered into a historic partnership agreement years ago, one that has thus far produced multiple vehicles sold by both companies – many of which share platforms, powertrains, and many other things in common. That list includes the Ford Explorer EV and another, as-yet-unveiled all-electric crossover riding on VW’s MEB platform, and soon, The Blue Oval will also build the new VW Transporter van alongside its Transit Connect at the joint-venture Ford Otosan Assembly plant in Turkey, too. However, amid declining global demand for EVs as of late, it’s unclear which direction Ford Europe plans to go in terms of EVs moving forward, as Ford Model e Europe head Martin Sander explained in a recent interview with Autocar.

     

    FordAuthority.com_2024-05-02_Explorer EV_Europe_Charging.jpg

     

    Other than the new Explorer EV and its counterpart – which is rumored to bring back the Capri nameplate – Sander said Ford still has “not made a decision on future products after the two MEB products we are launching now,” referring to both of the aforementioned models, each of which are underpinned by Volkswagen’s existing MEB platform.

     

    This is quite the interesting note following Ford’s announcement that it plans to electrify its entire lineup in Europe by 2030 or sooner just a couple of years ago, though Sander also offered some other clues as to what Ford Europe, specifically, may be considering. That includes, interestingly enough, the possibility that the automaker may continue making small cars in that region, even after it recently discontinued the Fiesta and is planning to axe the Focus in 2025.

     

    Of course, Ford Europe has also long been considering the use of its own, next-generation EV platform for future all-electric models, and Sander also revealed that the automaker was still thinking about doing precisely that as well. Regardless, the focus here is clearly on driving down EV prices, which remain a bit high for consumer taste, and using a shared platform is one way to do precisely that.

  8. 4 minutes ago, MJohnN said:

    I have a couple of questions regarding a retail order placed on the unscheduled order bank.

    First I want to preface my question as follows:

    It is my understanding that so long as a retail order has not been scheduled for production the order can be amended in order add or subtract options on the order. However, once an order is scheduled for production it is too late.

    If this is true, then my question is, can dealer who initially assigned a priority code 10 for the retail order amend the order with a priority code 03 prior to being scheduled for production without the assistance of the Regional Rep or the Regional Scheduler?

    If this is true, can retail order be amended with a priority code 19, or whatever the lowest priority code is available?

    Finally, can a retail order be cancelled?

    Thank you in advance for your assistance.

    • The retail order can be altered prior to scheduling with some limitations, particularly the trim (XLT, Lariat, etc.) The order can still be altered after it's scheduled, but prior to the vehicle being "locked in" for production. There are limitations to changing scheduled orders also, such as the number of changes and the type. Commodity constraints change frequently and can affect order changes being approved. 
    • The Dealer can assign priority codes 03-19 for retail orders, without the Regional office. If the order is changed before scheduling, the priority code may revert to the default retail priority code 19. If so, the Dealer must reassign a lower priority code again. 
    • Changing a retail order's specifications is independent from the priority code.
    • A retail order can be cancelled but only prior to the order being scheduled. A Dealer cannot cancel any order (Stock, Retail, Demo AXZD Plan) that has been scheduled. 

    Hope this helps answer your questions!

  9. I would highly recommend visiting your local Ford dealership's parts department. They can access the Ford Parts database which includes every part available and includes illustrations to assist in identifying the correct part, part number and availability.  

    • Like 2
  10. Ford University Launches as All-New Dealer Training Platform

    https://fordauthority.com/2024/05/ford-university-launches-as-all-new-dealer-training-platform/

     

    FordAuthority.com_2024-05-01_Ford University.jpg

     

    Ford has placed a lot of effort into helping ensure that there are enough automotive technicians to fill future needs over the past several years, funding scholarships for aspiring techs and launching a variety of new training programs, to boot – even ones centered around working on all-electric vehicles. However, now, The Blue Oval is taking the proverbial next step in that regard by launching Ford University, which is an all-new dealer training platform that aims to make those workers product experts.

     

    Ford University is a digital and video-based platform that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and contains a personalized data-driven dashboard for each employee, virtual coaching, and a cinematic content library. It stems from a desire to not only make dealer employees product experts, but also, to help dealers keep up with ever-changing technology and the launch of new products as well.

     

    The idea for Ford University stemmed from Abby Vietor, Global Director of Dealer Training & Productivity/Ford University, who came to the automaker from the tech industry with the goal of reinventing the automaker’s customer purchase experience. “We’ve assembled a team of video producers, content creators, and training specialists dedicated to creating engaging content that reinforces complex topics and information,” Vietor said. “This helps with the goal of ensuring  that our dealers are not just salespeople, but trusted advisors equipped with stories, insights, and the knowledge needed to make genuine connections with customers.”

     

    Ford University aims to deliver important information to dealers in a way that workers can retain it over the long-term by utilizing methods such as a “teach, show, practice, reinforce” framework. Learning experiences, in many cases, are more game-like than anything else, which should help drive engagement, to boot. Dealers can begin accessing Ford University content today, though the automaker already has plans to expand it moving forward.

  11. 1 hour ago, Andrew L said:

    I filled up the Aviator yesterday for 3.85 using 89 and used the upside app and got 14 cents back per gallon.  I started putting 89 in the Aviator even though it says 91+ on the cap it runs fine with 89.  I may put in a tank of 93 every once and a while to even it out.  I can't seem to find any gas stations around me that have 91.

     

    Around here (CT) the only choices I've ever seen are 87, 89 or 93.

    • Like 1
  12. The Hamden Plaza (CT) has a Tesla Charger station that was installed a number of years ago with the capacity to charge 12 EV's. When I've driven by at different times in the past there were usually only 2 vehicles charging at one time, at best. This morning at 10:30am there were 6 vehicles charging at the same time. FYI... There are 7 restaurants in that shopping plaza and another 6-7 directly across the street.

     

    Hamden Plaza_2024-04-28_Tesla Charger Activity_1026am.jpg

  13. 22 minutes ago, silvrsvt said:

    https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/03/ev-buyers-want-suvs-and-sedans-not-minivans-or-trucks-survey-says/

     

    The article is rather eye opening-with the biggest takeaway is that customers are woefully uninformed or just have no clue

     

    The survey shows that car buyers looking for EVs are, on the whole, not well-informed. Twelve percent said they trust Toyota best when it comes to EVs, despite the fact that the Japanese automaker is years behind its rivals and has but a single, somewhat mediocre EV on sale today in 2024. Another 8 percent named Honda, which similarly is lagging the industry in terms of electrification.

     

    While the Edmunds survey may, repeat, may reflect potential EV buyers' opinions, the survey sample is extremely small statistically with only 300 potential EV buyers counted. As such, the degree of accuracy should be highly suspect, and my gut reaction is to consider this survey more as clickbait than an accurate assessment of potential EV buyers' opinions.   

    • Like 2
  14. 8 hours ago, Flying68 said:

    Funny, we are scheduled to week for May 27th, but don't have a vin yet. I need to check back with my dealer to see if there are any updates.

     

    Vehicles produced in North America have VIN numbers assigned at the same time the order is scheduled. The process is different for vehicles produced outside North America. Your Dealer should be able to give you the information you require regarding your Nautilus order. 

  15. Ford EV Partner CATL Debuts LFP Battery with 621 Mile Range

    https://fordauthority.com/2024/04/ford-ev-partner-catl-debuts-lfp-battery-with-621-mile-range/

     

    FordAuthority.com_2024-04-26_CATL LFP EV Battery_621 Mile Range_01.jpg

     

    CATL is already the world’s largest supplier of EV batteries, but the Chinese-based company isn’t exactly resting on its laurels, even as demand for those types of vehicles has waned as of late. Rather, it continues to develop longer-range batteries and fast-charging lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) units, and will also license its LFP tech to Ford for use at the under-construction BlueOval Battery Park Michigan site, as well as potentially other automakers, too. Now, CATL has debuted a new type of LFP battery that promises a driving range of 1,000 kilometers, or 621 miles per charge, according to Reuters.

     

    FordAuthority.com_2024-04-26_CATL LFP EV Battery_621 Mile Range_02.jpg

     

    Dubbed the Shenxing Plus, this new LFP battery is the first of its kind to boast such a high range figure, which is notable because LFP batteries are known for being less energy dense than comparable lithium-ion units. The current version of this battery already boasts a 700 kilometer (435 mile) range, which is in use in four EVs currently, though 50 more are expected to adopt it by the end of 2024.

     

    For now at least, that list doesn’t include any Ford-branded vehicles, but CATL does supply the LFP battery present in the standard-range Ford Mustang Mach-E that debuted for the 2023 model year. That change added 45 horsepower to eAWD  models while also cutting DC fast charging speeds, enabling those vehicles to charge to 100 percent without battery degradation while adding more range to boot – 250 miles for RWD and 230 miles for eAWD models.

     

    Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 Lightning is also slated to receive an LFP battery option at some point, though that hasn’t happened as of yet. LFP battery packs don’t use nickel or cobalt in their construction and are generally cheaper, safer, and can be charged to 100 percent without worrying about speeding up battery degradation, though they’re also not as energy dense as lithium-ion batteries.

    • Like 3
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