Many of these Japanese and Korean cars at dealers in my area are closer to $30k, particularly Honda Civic.  Basic Nissan Versa with steel wheels and 5-speed manual start at $17,190 MSRP.  That’s a different level of affordability. 😀

I dunno, going by social media I've seen of them, it seems like they appealed to the lower end of the credit market or stolen more often then not. 

A transport broker is a company that finds carriers for clients who want to transport a load from point A to point B. They have access to a wide network of carriers and connect the clients to the one nearest them.   Asset-based carriers are transportation companies that own and operate the equipment and facilities used to move goods   So take that as you will and I don't think Destination charges are going to change anytime soon-its expensive for everything now.   

Was curious what these brackets may look like; assuming of course they are the ones in question.  Do not see reference to 88 pounds (40 kg) but find mention of off-road use interesting in document below.  It’s a reinforcement but not sure under what conditions it’s needed based solely on this description.    

Kinda sounds like Elon Musk...

Interesting situation here.  I’m curious to know the details behind the termination of this contract. Can it mean that we’ll see a reduction on the Destination Charge on the vehicles, which has gotten out of control?   https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ford-drops-auto-hauler-jack-175022540.html

It didn’t need any reinforcement on the 2019-2023 models. Why would they go backwards on bed strength?

Totally agree with your last point. A new Falcon or whatever would be a much more practical offering than a Mustang fastback sedan.

Just bought this truck (2024 F-250 Lariat with all the bells and whistles) and I am trying to determine what kits i need to order. I have been to three different dealers trying to get part numbers without any real luck. It looks like 2022 and back used a kit that included everything but now it is all split up. My truck came with the 5th wheel package and had the yaw cable with it. As best i can tell it only gets used with 5th wheels and i am pulling a bumper pull trailer, correct me if I am wrong. Any help would be appreciated.

It is a stretch because the sedan market is shrinking and has lots of competition with rebates, removing pretty much any way of making a profit.    The Maverick has one other product to compete with and in some trims sells for $40k+ which isn't "affordable" and has little to no incentives on it. That is how it is profitable. Ford isn't flooding the market with 23K entry level Mavericks, going by what I see at different dealerships in my area-they are all over 30k+