Correct but also, the reason that head office is taking a more active role in European operations is exactly because
Ford Europe has mismanaged itself into a corner with vehicles that are now perceived as over priced by
many former buyers.
Exactly this. Ford struggled to turn a profit with the previous gen fusion. But this new EV platform is being engineered to be profitable at 25-30 grand. A shape like that on CE1 would be very desirable, build it at flat rock so it doesn't come at the direct expense of crossovers and trucks.
And priced in the 30's, they'd lose money on every one they sold. Or, if they did make money, it wouldn't be worth the small amount of profit compared to what they could make on other things. That's why the Fusion was discontinued.
If ford offered a sedan that looked something like this and priced it in the 30’s, I have no doubt it would be a huge seller. It doesn’t cost any more to design a good looking car vs a generic car. Sure, some things cost more like the giant wheels, but lower models don’t have to have those.
So on average every vehicle requires one dealer visit to fix 1-3 problems.
Outside of a few specific models and teething pains like the new Nautilus there isn’t much difference.
Here's the actual JD power numbers rather than Ford's release:
2024 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) | J.D. Power (jdpower.com)
Somehow Ram topped the list.
All 2025 Explorers ordered by Capitol City Ford in Indianapolis are in-transit, not yet on the dealer lot. Here is the window sticker for one of those in case you want to review:
https://www.windowsticker.forddirect.com/windowsticker.pdf?token=vJpyTU6%2Fr4Y6mddtEqDoDzpgk33QpmH4d21mIcQQPlqDmMqs%2FPkHpoE%2BrIM44OhaQEetciJWty7Cp2DyO2Hiwr7sMlPU6DT28zXBKebW%2FIbzPmkSdyyItul098myHPl7d1JfB4sDGHB%2BgT3OpA1NWkwQOwlNXOxNgcAtBPBgowQ%3D
Come on, Jim. If you make a sedan or hatch as revolutionary and good as the 1st Gen Taurus or Focus, you will have and excellent car to make an excellent (and profitable) EV.
Ford did it in the past, can do it again.
P.S.: that picture of the Probe concept car is amazing. Something like that can do it very well today…
I recall @ice-capades posted an article shortly before the contract vote outlining Fain's ties to Socialist movers and shakers. In it, he was shown in accompanying photos with them. It was as alarming as it was enlightening.