Ford November 2011 Sales up 13%, Retail up 20%

[timmm55]

The 6F is available in Australia on the 2.0 DI alongside the Powershift,

so the engineering is done, if not the emissions certification...

 

I can't believe the US went with no auto, the Powershift is not really an auto substitute,

I'm thinking it's a big turn off to people used to a nice auto transmission..

 

 

IMHO it's absurd NOT to switch. ASAP before it become a major deterrent.

[timmm55]

More like run out prices and perhaps one of the reasons Focus isn't selling as well as most expect?

it was Ford's assertion that most people buy the Ranger because it was cheap transportation....

 

Good point, I hadn't thought to include that in the Fusion/Focus/Fiesta mix of small vehicles.

A lot of these owners are single and young.......and still move around a lot! LOL

[jpd80]

Escape could also be drawing quite a few young buyers too, they're pretty good on gas and great value....

 

 

I just think people are zoning in on the Focus and sedans too much when the market is much more diversified...

166,000 sales and we're still seeing the bulk in Trucks and Utilities.

Edited December 2, 2011 by jpd80

[Biker16]

Neither the Fiesta or Focus are cracking into the top 3 on the sales charts in their respective categories. The Focus is actually one of the poorest sellers in the segment, outsold even by the VW Jetta. And what's more worrisome is the steady decline month to month. Anybody know what the inventory levels are on the Focus? I know the lots around me are crammed to the gills with them (of course I'm near Wayne assembly). The Focus is definitely a good seller in Michigan, lots of them on the roads.

 

I think Ford just needs time to re-tune this product. Unfortunately their quality troubles have botched the initial enthusiasm of critics which means this car has gotten buried behind too many mixed messages (it's a great car, but...).

I think its Way too early to tell. what is true is that Ford will have to wor harder to put those import buyer s in play. the only thing that can overcome brand loyalty is cold hard facts and even then only a minority will be willing to switch brands, especially to a domestic brand. Its just not good enough to be best you have to be above and beyond better than the rest.

 

I love my car there is ntohing better than it in it's class. it aslo has the highest ASP in it's class, that alone is a testament to the type of buyer the car is attracting.

I do agree ford will need to repackage the trimlevels to enhance perceived value, the car is a steal on SELs, titatniums models, but the entry level SEs the car can appear less of a value. If ford gets rid of the SEL They can repackage the existing Trims to increase value on the lower trim levels.

 

BTW this is my car.

 

 

If it's true that Ford is adding a third shift as promised to UAW at MAP, they better sell more than 10,000-12,000/month and another 2,000 or so to Canadians. One shift could produce what Ford is selling now. I know the lease rates for new Focus are getting good in this region. With inventory levels growing substantially, I'm sure Ford will really start pushing Focus sales big time. With higher gas prices coming in spring, I'm sure Focus sales will start rising significantly. If $3.20/gallon is as cheap as gas gets this winter, watch out once spring comes. Pump prices will grow faster than the grass.

 

I don't how that will work, the truth may be they will slow down the line speed to improve quality. 15k per month is 2 shifts at a reasonable line speed. compared to the monthly production of the fusion and escape on 3 shift the MAP is only 1000 (5800 vs 6800) behind per week in production on 2 shifts.

 

now that the incoln C car is kaput, only the C-max energi is slot to be added to the plant. this is a far cry form the expect addition of the C-max ,Lincoln sedan, C-max 7, Focus coupe, to be added to the plant. If sales don't pick up they will cancel the 3rd shift.

 

Well...major wasn't the right term. I should have said important. Ford had a lot riding on the Focus. The (awkward) kinetic styling, the whole "One Ford" thing, etc. The Focus (if I'm correct) is the first vehicle under "One Ford". It's a hugely important model.

 

And it seems that Cruze owners are experiencing much less issues with their car as compared to the Focus:

 

 

 

My link

 

I'm sure more than just a few people are turned off by the Focus because of the buggy launch. That is probably affecting sales along with other things.

 

the cruze's launch was much less complex than the focus's launch.

 

 

Global product launches are hard and Ford has a very poor track-record with them, in-fact they have no successful example of one in their recent history. This really is Ford's most ambitious product launch since the Contour and Focus 1G...and none of those were successful launches. In fact, Ford has NO example of a successful global product launch in their recent history, all of them have been well-documented failures fraught with recalls and reputation killing quality problems. This launch has been handled FAR better, but certainly not nearly good enough.

 

the Escape will be ford's first bug free global launch, simply because all the bugs were worked out on the Focus.

[jpd80]

Global product launches are hard and Ford has a very poor track-record with them' date=' in-fact they have no successful example of one in their recent history. This really is Ford's most ambitious product launch since the Contour and Focus 1G...and none of those were successful launches. In fact, Ford has NO example of a successful global product launch in their recent history, all of them have been well-documented failures fraught with recalls and reputation killing quality problems. This launch has been handled FAR better, but certainly not nearly good enough. [/quote']

Fusion, being FNA based development will be even better.

Edge concerns me, it's being handled by FoE.

 

I would have sooner had FoA look after that one, at least they discuss and listen to FNA,

FoE are down right difficult to deal with and refuse to change their designs,

it very much a case of do it yourself and if we agree we will make the changes.

Edited December 3, 2011 by jpd80

[silvrsvt]

IMHO it's absurd NOT to switch. ASAP before it become a major deterrent.

 

gas mileage is a big one...there has been issues with the Powershift, but they seem to be have been addressed with the latest software reflash. Guess we'll see in a year or two...

[Biker16]

Fusion, being FNA based development will be even better.

Edge concerns me, it's being handled by FoE.

 

I would have sooner had FoA look after that one, at least they discuss and listen to FNA,

FoE are down right difficult to deal with and refuse to change their designs,

it very much a case of do it yourself and if we agree we will make the changes.

 

the shit is done no use crying over it now. the castle has already been sacked. One Ford means One Ford, I find it ubsurd that we place blame based upon the region we think developed it.

 

these are global products, The issues with the Focus are not due to it's lineage but due to the unique position of establishing an all new supplier network in North America, and an all new plant, with an all new product. as the network becomes more mature quality and cost will improve, as We become more familiar with building ROW Ford vehicles, quality will improve.

[jpd80]

One Ford means One Ford, I find it ubsurd that we place blame based upon the region we think developed it.

Lead engineers do the development, Fiesta, Focus and Kuga- Escape are all FoE developed products.

Fusion will be US development and Foe will do final regional development on Mondeo...

 

 

Suggest you PM Austin and theoldwizzard for an education on FoE and their attitude.

And behind the scenes, One Ford is more like five Ford...with a lot of regional latitude.

Edited December 3, 2011 by jpd80

[MKII]

Edge concerns me, it's being handled by FoE.

 

Can you share a article or document stating that FordEu is the lead for the next Edge?

thanks

 

Regarding One Ford and its use of designers, is it not the case that the person responsible for the rear end of the new Focus sedan design is from your neighbourhood - Todd Willing. I have read Austins reports on how things used to be, but I have a sense that this internal friction has been tempered somewhat since Austins time.

 

Re the new Focus issues, my feeling is Ford MAP quality check protocol program was thrown out the window in the early going just to get cars to the dealerships and it is biting them in the ass.

Edited December 3, 2011 by MKII

[jpd80]

Can you share a article or document stating that FordEu is the lead for the next Edge?

thanks

Not in the public domain yet...

[MKII]

Not in the public domain yet...

 

Where did you hear about this?

[BlackHorse]

The Focus is arguably one of the best looking cars in the compact segment and it has great feature content. The problem with the Focus is not the price tag and its not that gas is "cheap" (still over $3.00 a gallon most places is not "cheap" by the way) or any of the other excuses offered on here. The problem is that the car has issues. It has issues with the dual crap tranny and the MFT and a host of other fit an finish problems and word is out on the car already. I know because I owned one. When the trade in value on a car drops over 40% of its sticker price in just six months, you know there's a problem. Even the Ford dealer here wouldn't offer more than 13K on a 22K car. It doesn't take long for a car to be branded as a loser in this day and age with the internet being what it is. Pay a visit to just about any Ford Focus dedicated forum and you're going to find a lot of threads about owners having problems with their car. Some owners are already reporting that their cars are burning oil. And this excuse you see a lot about "Well its the first year and any first year model is going to have problems, blah blah blah". BS. The Fusion was a solid and reliable car right out of the gate because Ford took the time to make sure the car was right before they released it. They didn't do that with the Focus and it has come back to haunt them. It certainly doesn't help matters when you have owners going to dealerships complaining about the spastic behavior of the transmission and Ford tells them "It's normal, too bad." The notion that the issues were minor and isolated is also just an excuse. When you have Ford releasing a transmission software TSB to be applied to all Focus' made before 8-12 that is not a minor isolated issue. That's tens of thousands of affected cars. Ford blew it by rushing the car to market and sales may never recover because of it. Once a car has been branded a dud in the mind of the buying public it is very difficult to overcome that stigma.

Edited December 3, 2011 by BlackHorse

[jpd80]

In hindsight, would you have chosen a Fusion instead?

[ibinubu12]

IMHO it's absurd NOT to switch. ASAP before it become a major deterrent.

 

There is NOTHING wrong with the PowerShift. Period.

 

I love my car there is ntohing better than it in it's class. it aslo has the highest ASP in it's class, that alone is a testament to the type of buyer the car is attracting.

I do agree ford will need to repackage the trimlevels to enhance perceived value, the car is a steal on SELs, titatniums models, but the entry level SEs the car can appear less of a value. If ford gets rid of the SEL They can repackage the existing Trims to increase value on the lower trim levels.

 

That.

 

The SE shouldn't need over $1,000 in options for aluminium wheels and cruise control. That's unacceptable.

 

In 2002, my Escort was standard with aluminium wheels - crank windows, but 15" alloys. There's no reason we can't have alloys standard on Focus 10 years later. None. That is more unacceptable to me than anything someone could say about the transmission. The PowerShift is minor in comparison to the option packaging.

 

My Focus was over $22,000. I could have gotten an Fusion SEL for more than my single-CD, non-moonroof Focus.

 

On a $100,000 budget, I would still choose my $22,375 Focus. There is nothing at any price that can compare.

[FordBuyer]

The Focus is arguably one of the best looking cars in the compact segment and it has great feature content. The problem with the Focus is not the price tag and its not that gas is "cheap" (still over $3.00 a gallon most places is not "cheap" by the way) or any of the other excuses offered on here. The problem is that the car has issues. It has issues with the dual crap tranny and the MFT and a host of other fit an finish problems and word is out on the car already. I know because I owned one. When the trade in value on a car drops over 40% of its sticker price in just six months, you know there's a problem. Even the Ford dealer here wouldn't offer more than 13K on a 22K car. It doesn't take long for a car to be branded as a loser in this day and age with the internet being what it is. Pay a visit to just about any Ford Focus dedicated forum and you're going to find a lot of threads about owners having problems with their car. Some owners are already reporting that their cars are burning oil. And this excuse you see a lot about "Well its the first year and any first year model is going to have problems, blah blah blah". BS. The Fusion was a solid and reliable car right out of the gate because Ford took the time to make sure the car was right before they released it. They didn't do that with the Focus and it has come back to haunt them. It certainly doesn't help matters when you have owners going to dealerships complaining about the spastic behavior of the transmission and Ford tells them "It's normal, too bad." The notion that the issues were minor and isolated is also just an excuse. When you have Ford releasing a transmission software TSB to be applied to all Focus' made before 8-12 that is not a minor isolated issue. That's tens of thousands of affected cars. Ford blew it by rushing the car to market and sales may never recover because of it. Once a car has been branded a dud in the mind of the buying public it is very difficult to overcome that stigma.

 

 

Blackhorse, I remember when you first bought that Focus and gushed on here about how much you liked it. Other than having problems with Powershift a few months later, you didn't seem to have complaints. Now all of a sudden you are urinating all over it like its a complete piece of crap. Your credibility is taking a beating with this bipolar attitude. Not sure why you couldn't get new trans installed in your Focus. And if you traded it in as you seem to be stating as in "I owned one," I sure hope you didn't accept $13,000 offer. Now that would be really stupid move.

[FordBuyer]

There is NOTHING wrong with the PowerShift. Period.

 

 

 

That.

 

The SE shouldn't need over $1,000 in options for aluminium wheels and cruise control. That's unacceptable.

 

In 2002, my Escort was standard with aluminium wheels - crank windows, but 15" alloys. There's no reason we can't have alloys standard on Focus 10 years later. None. That is more unacceptable to me than anything someone could say about the transmission. The PowerShift is minor in comparison to the option packaging.

 

My Focus was over $22,000. I could have gotten an Fusion SEL for more than my single-CD, non-moonroof Focus.

 

On a $100,000 budget, I would still choose my $22,375 Focus. There is nothing at any price that can compare.

 

Yes, you shouldn't have to option new Focus SE up to $22,000 to get it to look nice. Alloy wheels should be standard on SE model just as they are on 2012 Fusion SE. Looking at inventories of Focus, I've noticed that you do have to spend at least $22,000 to get a decent one without crappy hubcaps. Ford needs to correct this with Job 2 and not wait until 2013MY. The scores of SE's I seen on dealer lots with hub caps deserve to sit for a long time. Never was a fan of the standard chrome covers on 2011 Fusion SE. I see so many of them with cracked plastic and curb rash. Looks horrible.

[jpd80]

Yes, you shouldn't have to option new Focus SE up to $22,000 to get it to look nice. Alloy wheels should be standard on SE model just as they are on 2012 Fusion SE. Looking at inventories of Focus, I've noticed that you do have to spend at least $22,000 to get a decent one without crappy hubcaps. Ford needs to correct this with Job 2 and not wait until 2013MY. The scores of SE's I seen on dealer lots with hub caps deserve to sit for a long time. Never was a fan of the standard chrome covers on 2011 Fusion SE. I see so many of them with cracked plastic and curb rash. Looks horrible.

I thought Ford was now in the business of selling better equipped cars, steel wheels and hub caps in 2011 doesn't fly.

Ive heard that ther is a software fix or reflash for the Powershift glitch but haven't hears if it's been a success or not...

Edited December 3, 2011 by jpd80

[FordBuyer]

The Focus is arguably one of the best looking cars in the compact segment and it has great feature content. The problem with the Focus is not the price tag and its not that gas is "cheap" (still over $3.00 a gallon most places is not "cheap" by the way) or any of the other excuses offered on here. The problem is that the car has issues. It has issues with the dual crap tranny and the MFT and a host of other fit an finish problems and word is out on the car already. I know because I owned one. When the trade in value on a car drops over 40% of its sticker price in just six months, you know there's a problem. Even the Ford dealer here wouldn't offer more than 13K on a 22K car. It doesn't take long for a car to be branded as a loser in this day and age with the internet being what it is. Pay a visit to just about any Ford Focus dedicated forum and you're going to find a lot of threads about owners having problems with their car. Some owners are already reporting that their cars are burning oil. And this excuse you see a lot about "Well its the first year and any first year model is going to have problems, blah blah blah". BS. The Fusion was a solid and reliable car right out of the gate because Ford took the time to make sure the car was right before they released it. They didn't do that with the Focus and it has come back to haunt them. It certainly doesn't help matters when you have owners going to dealerships complaining about the spastic behavior of the transmission and Ford tells them "It's normal, too bad." The notion that the issues were minor and isolated is also just an excuse. When you have Ford releasing a transmission software TSB to be applied to all Focus' made before 8-12 that is not a minor isolated issue. That's tens of thousands of affected cars. Ford blew it by rushing the car to market and sales may never recover because of it. Once a car has been branded a dud in the mind of the buying public it is very difficult to overcome that stigma.

 

 

Too early to call the new Focus a dud. The 2000 Focus had something like 7 recalls first year and god knows how many TSB's. It was a national story garnering front page. So far with 2012 not even one recall yet. Other than trans and MFT for sure, haven't heard of any other for sure problems. I've personally noticed misaligned hoods, but not much else. I would also call the launch ramp up of Focus this time out cautious and slow. Certainly, Ford needs to tweak its various models and do some price adjustments, and stay on top of Powershift trans problems, real and imagined. My guess is that Powershift trans has slowed both Fiesta and Focus sales. I can see why Ford went to it considering improvement of city and highway mileage, but there are far too many complaints on it. Ford does have an issue there and probably why not as nice Cruze outsells it with inferior fuel mileage compared to Focus. I'm sure Ford is working feverishly on it behind the scenes as it did with MFT. It's either smooth it out or offer same fuel mileage as Cruze with conventional automatic.

[Boss444]

the cruze's launch was much less complex than the focus's launch.

 

Whatever the reason may be, it would be absurd to assume that part of the reason the Focus has disappointing sales numbers is because of the quality issues.

 

Personally, the Focus offers awful value for dollar, specifically because of the Fusion. The Fusion is a much better value right now as it offers more room, great mileage at a low price. I think that is also affecting sales to a point.

[mackinaw]

RE: November Focus Sales. From the Detroit Free Press:

 

"However, sales of the Ford Focus compact car fell 9.9% from November 2010. Merkle attributed the decline to fewer incentives on the new model and Ford's decision to sell fewer Focuses to fleet customers."

 

http://www.freep.com/article/20111202/BUSINESS0104/112020324/November-car-truck-sales-soar-14-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Auto%20news

[papilgee4evaeva]

RE: November Focus Sales. From the Detroit Free Press:

 

"However, sales of the Ford Focus compact car fell 9.9% from November 2010. Merkle attributed the decline to fewer incentives on the new model and Ford's decision to sell fewer Focuses to fleet customers."

 

http://www.freep.com/article/20111202/BUSINESS0104/112020324/November-car-truck-sales-soar-14-?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Auto%20news

I wondered about that. I think you're the first person to mention it.

 

And yes, I could see how the previous Focus would end up a fleet queen at the end of its life.

[NickF1011]

Of all the supposed complaining about MFT and its possible negative effect on Focus sales, it sure isn't damaging Edge or Explorer sales, so....

[MKII]

I read that the new Focus average transaction price is up over $5,000.00 compared to the previous Focus. That tells me Americans are buying very high spec Focus and

that Ford must be very pleased, even at +11,000 unit sales. Its gotta be better then losing -$3,000 which was reported previously on the old Focus, yes/no.

Also read that YTD incentives are way down, average days to turn is substantially below the industry average, and the big one- inventory is being kept in check, hence the

no need for big incentives.

 

For a compact car in the USA to be able to have such a huge increase in average transaction price and $5,000 is huge in this segment

I'd say what the heck is all the fuss about.

 

Even the goofballs at truthaboutcars.com and the like are eating crow and admitting that Americans will pay more for the new Focus.

Edited December 5, 2011 by MKII

[Anthony]

I read that the new Focus average transaction price is up over $5,000.00 compared to the previous Focus. That tells me Americans are buying very high spec Focus and

that Ford must be pretty please even at +11,000 unit sales. Its gotta be better then losing -$3,000 which was reported previously on the old Focus, yes/no.

Also read that YTD incentives are way down, average days to turn is substantially below the industry average, and the big one- inventory is being kept in check, hence the

no need for big incentives.

 

For a compact car in the USA to be able to have such a huge increase in average transaction price and $5,000 is huge in this segment

I'd say what the heck is all the fuss about.

 

Wow! Do you have a link for that? Sounds like a very interesting article. Thanks!

[silvrsvt]

Ford blew it by rushing the car to market and sales may never recover because of it. Once a car has been branded a dud in the mind of the buying public it is very difficult to overcome that stigma.

 

You have to be kidding me! I guess the 13+ RECALLS that the Focus had when it came out 11 years ago should have killed it off?

 

Or how about rear wheels falling off the Escape around the same time frame? I see thats really impacting its sales now :rolleyes: