ice-capades

No problem as there's no bubble to burst. Back in the day you had to trade every three or four years for the simple reason that cars didn't last any longer! The early imports may have been better quality than the domestics at the time but I wouldn't say it was absolute, that's just my opinion. The engineering improvements have developed at different cycles for many manufacturers. The early Hyundai's were horrible and used to catch fire just sitting on the lots but they've come a long way since then. As for fit and finish, Ford's Mustangs are typically poor.

Plus the longstanding Flat Rock shipping delays.

Keep us posted!

I'll reserve judgement but tend to think that all Ford's references to "white space silhouette" vehicles is code for them not having any idea what they're going to do!

There will continue to be a market for sedans. The question is the size of the market for future sedan sales and how the sales pie will be split up. Sure, there will continue to be sedan sales erosion as buyers switch to CUV's, SUV's, etc. but there's also a good number of customers that won't make that switch and continue to demand sedans. With Ford's announcement along with FCA's remaining cars which are basically vehicles targeting a specific niche, should GM follow and start discontinuing at least some sedans... the Detroit 3 will surrender another market segment to the imports. The imports will share a larger portion of the smaller sedan market and be able to sell enough volume in order to justify continued sedan development. And the imports will continue to improve their designs to attract buyers. Maybe Ford will succeed with introducing and reinventing the sedans of the future with their so called "white space silhouette" vehicles. Only time will tell. And there's little question now that there's going to be a mass transition to hybrid and BEV powertrains from all the manufacturers. Anyone remember the days 40 and more years ago when there were few imports sold in the USA and the "Big 3" literally dominated the market? Domestic models were redesigned every three years like clockwork and models had their own design characteristics that established their identity. The imports continued to improve their quality, made inroads and learned from mistakes that the domestic manufacturers made. Along the way, more customers started to believe that the imports were better quality vehicles and the growing perception became reality.

Do you have a copy of the original agreement for the 2018 Mustang GT in writing? If so, there shouldn't be much to discuss as the base price of a 2019 Mustang GT Fastback is only $165 more than the 2018MY. The #301A package and options are the same price for both models years from what I just saw comparing the Ford price lists. If they're decent about it, the right thing for them to do is to honor the original agreement and sell you the 2019MY at the same price. My only other advice is to go to the dealership armed with whatever documentation you have and go straight to the Sales Manager. If there's any problem, then go to the General Manager or Dealer Principal if necessary. If at any point you're not getting satisfcation, take your business to another Dealer!

How would Ford show a Fusion Active concept after killing the next generation Fusion development months ago?

The 2019 Fusion USOB (Unscheduled Order Bank) is due to open today. The order guide has not yet been released but will be uploaded to the Order Guide Section as soon as it becomes available.

The 2019 Lincoln MKZ USOB (Unscheduled Order Bank) is due to open today. The order guide has not yet been released but will be uploaded to the Order Guide Section as soon as it becomes available.

Ford doesn't get paid for the vehicle until it's delivered to the dealership and the dealership has no expenses or liability for the vehicle until it's received from Ford and they sign the Bill of Lading. Most dealerships finance their inventory through what's called a floorplan credit line but the vehicle expense again doesn't go on the floorplan line until the vehicle is delivered to the dealership and the Bill of Lading signed. Vehicle was built in January and still not shipped? If so, something else is going on and the matter should have been escalated further up the chain at Ford long ago. And your Dealer should have re-ordered the truck!

Well that explains it! With all the talk about the next Focus coming from China I wasn't even thinking about Germany! Thanks!

Spare parts!

Couldn't help but notice in the video but I didn't see any Chinese workers in the plant. Interesting.

2019 Mustangs scheduled next week will be scheduled for production the week of July 16th.

At the current Focus sales rate we've got enough inventory to last until we see the NG Focus from China.

All this talk about 4-door Mustangs reminds me of the time years ago when Mercury bastardized the Cougar with 4-door and station wagon models and alienated all of us that were loyal Cougar owners and enthusiasts.

FYI... GT350's and other specialty models (Raptor, etc.) are NOT available at X Plan prices.

Yes... per attached.

Agreed that it needs to look more retro.

Yes, but the body proportions look like a Bronco. It definitely needs something less F-150 for the front end yet distinctive enough for the Bronco name. I do like the wheel lip moldings.

Saw this from Motor1.com last night with the reference to the possible Mustang inspired Mach 1 BEV. https://www.motor1.com/features/178144/trucks-suvs-worth-waiting-for/2999783/

Saw this online last night from Motor1.com. It's was online a while ago but found it interesting and related to the Bronco discussion. https://www.motor1.com/news/133270/new-ford-bronco-facts/

Saw this online last night at Motor1... https://www.motor1.com/features/130564/cars-worth-waiting-for-list/ Includes photo of the Continental with suicide doors.

Agreed. Parts go to production first and dealers have to deal with a "Back Ordered" situation if they can't be located at another dealership. Our Body Shop is dealing with the same situation now.

Per yesterday's FDNB (Fleet Distribution News Bulletin) here's the updated production timetable for the 2018/2019MY Ford Transit. 05/04/2018 - 2018MY Fleet Final Order Due Date 05/24/2018 - 2018MY Last Day to Spec Change 08/31/2018 - 2018MY Job Last Date 05/15/2018 - 2019MY Order Bank Open Date 06/14/2018 - 2019MY Scheduling Begins 09/04/2018 - 2019MY Job #1 Date