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Why expect more style changes? These days, its adding features and tech that matters more in "refreshes".

 

Toyota was talking of doing away with "MCE's".

 

Mainly so what?

 

 

Then why go through the trouble and expense of changing every part only to look the same? That is the question.

Edited by Anthony
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Perhaps you can answer why Ford went through the trouble of redesigning the entire front fascia all while retaining the same look.

 

...and why they did the same thing with the Fusion?

 

...and why they did the same thing with the CMax?

 

You are missing out on the entire point behind the topic....all the changes they made resulted in it looking basically the same. It isn't a matter of changing for changes sake, they actually spent money on these fascia redesigns for what amounts to a minor trim change. We are trying to figure out why.

The simple answer is that the job of these final MCE models is both a get through

and also a styling transition to the next product cycle without giving too much away.

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I used to be so good at identifying MCEs since I was a kid but not anymore. I can see all of this generation Explorers all together and not even know which one came first. Different is not always fresh. It's like the old days when all that might get changed is a grille pattern.

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The simple answer is that the job of these final MCE models is both a get through

and also a styling transition to the next product cycle without giving too much away.

If these MCEs are indicators of the next Explorer, Focus and Fusion, that's an even worse prospect.

Edited by Anthony
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I'm not a fan constant MCE visual changes... Just keep everything the same for 5 years, and you make it so much easier for the part suppliers and buyers to replace stuff

 

Yes but you run the risk of losing repeat sales for folks on 3 year leases who may want something a little different than what they just turned in. That's the dilemma.

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Yes but you run the risk of losing repeat sales for folks on 3 year leases who may want something a little different than what they just turned in. That's the dilemma.

 

how different does it need to be though?

 

Seems like part of the reason they didn't go further with the Fusion was because of the success it had with its looks.

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Like I said I think the current design looks fine. But if you want maximum sales you need enough difference to get repeat buyers. I don't know exactly where to draw the line and quite frankly I think Ford is actually looking to cut Fusion and focus sales a bit to help with plant consolidation.

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I think Ford is actually looking to cut Fusion and focus sales a bit to help with plant consolidation.

 

I think the primary driving factor is market leaning towards utilities vs sedans.

 

Given the fact that the mid-sized car has been the best selling product in North America for the past 25-30 years or so and has been eclipsed by the small CUV as of late is very telling.

 

But at the same time, even with Plant consolidation, where does Ford find headroom to build more Escapes or Edges? Seems like the Escape is maxed out and combining the Fusion and Focus would limit options there. The Model E is moving to Flat Rock, but appears to be limited in production till we see what Ford is exactly planning on doing/expanding there.

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I wonder if Ford could replace the Focus and Fusion with a single model.

The coupe and hatch could be slightly smaller than the current Fusion, and the sedan could be a little larger on a longer wheelbase.

 

The Fiesta would then have room to grow a few inches.

 

That is really all Ford needs for cars.

 

I am hoping the Model-E is more CUV/hatchback than sedan.

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I wonder if Ford could replace the Focus and Fusion with a single model.

The coupe and hatch could be slightly smaller than the current Fusion, and the sedan could be a little larger on a longer wheelbase.

 

The Fiesta would then have room to grow a few inches.

 

That is really all Ford needs for cars.

 

I am hoping the Model-E is more CUV/hatchback than sedan.

 

I think it's too big of a size gap to try to replace both with one model.

 

Ford has already said the Model E (well, not in name, they've just said electric crossover) will be a crossover.

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just-imho, it's more helpful to think of the new lineup by which architecture they will use.

Seems most U.S vehicles shy of the F-150 will supposedly be some sort of cD6**;

so dealing them out to factories could be very diff

(Chicago & Oakville are 2 of my main issues > both becoming All cD6).

 

** afaik no official word on what things like EcoSport & ModelE will use

& dunno if Mustang could be as separate as the Ranger/Bronco might be

Edited by 2b2
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And more evidence recently on the transformation of production away from sedans to Utilities.

Last month at Chicago AP, Ford built 30,038 "Explorer" and 5,508 "Taurus".

Not bad for a platform that's supposed to be on the skids.........

 

Kentucky Truck AP is on fire

Super Duty....31,430

Expedition.......7,180

Navigator..... ...1.288

Total...............39,898

 

Also F150:

Dearborn........35,092

KCAP..............31,998

Det Chassis......2,228

 

And also Louisville

Escape.......34,251

MKC.............5,870

Total............40,121

 

 

Keep in mind that these production levels are for March, so Ford must be

expecting strong sales in trucks and utilities to continue or increase going into summer..

Hermosillo was fairly strong

Fusion....30,927

MKZ.........4,752

Total.......35,679

 

While Michigan AP is a little subdued

Focus....14,832

C-Max.....1,543

Total......16,375

Edited by jpd80
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Seems most U.S vehicles shy of the F-150 will supposedly be some sort of cD6**;

so dealing them out to factories could be very diff

(Chicago & Oakville are 2 of my main issues > both becoming All cD6).

 

 

No regular poster on any of these message boards knows anything about CD6 or Ford's plans for the next generation Explorer, Edge, Fusion, Mustang, and their Lincoln counterparts. No one even knows whether the next generation Fiesta will be sold in North America or even very much about the Focus that will debut next year. I am sure some Ford employees who know may lurk here, but they won't post and risk their jobs. So I don't know what issue anyone has about the Chicago and Oakville plants.

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No regular poster on any of these message boards knows anything about CD6 or Ford's plans for the next generation Explorer, Edge, Fusion, Mustang, and their Lincoln counterparts. No one even knows whether the next generation Fiesta will be sold in North America or even very much about the Focus that will debut next year. I am sure some Ford employees who know may lurk here, but they won't post and risk their jobs. So I don't know what issue anyone has about the Chicago and Oakville plants.

For better or worse I've posted pretty much everything I know and what I haven't it's either because it's too vague to be noteworthy, or I feel it's too sensitive because of its source, and usually in that case is when I get cryptic or vague myself
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Like for example, the Bronco is going to be [REDACTED] with [REDACTED], [REDACTED], 4x4 and definitely going to compete with Wrangler

 

Oh yeah, the goal is to be able to navigate [REDACTED] with [REDACTED] which the current Aussie Ranger is able to do, minus the [REDACTED] part.

Edited by fuzzymoomoo
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No regular poster on any of these message boards knows anything about CD6 or Ford's plans for the next generation Explorer, Edge, Fusion, Mustang, and their Lincoln counterparts. No one even knows whether the next generation Fiesta will be sold in North America or even very much about the Focus that will debut next year. I am sure some Ford employees who know may lurk here, but they won't post and risk their jobs. So I don't know what issue anyone has about the Chicago and Oakville plants.

We were informed about nine months ago by an insider that full financial review was being carried out on all product cycles going

forward and that projects like CD6 (NG Explorer) had been delayed indefinitely and that most platforms would continue with evolution

or variations on existing platforms.

 

Most of that seems to be confirmed from what is coming through in Spy shots and the cancellation of San Louis Potosi.

and since Cuautitlan is continuing production, it's logical that Fiesta is continuing, the truth is out there but most times

it not in a direct quote that exposes the source...

 

Since Focus is going into hermosillo with Fusion, it's possible that Ford will end production of MAP Fusion

inside 12 months and start building the new ones in Mexico down shared facilities much like Valencia.

Edited by jpd80
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No one even knows whether the next generation Fiesta will be sold in North America or even very much about the Focus that will debut next year.

 

That would make no sense since the Fiesta is sold in South America along with the Focus. It would be foolish to pull out of a segment if its development $ is getting covered by other regions like the EU/UK. Isn't that the point of One Ford? it would be extremely foolish to stop improving a product just because the sales numbers are down for the time being. If the Ecosport is that big of a success (which is an unknown right now), maybe you can, but that won't be known for at least 3 years from now.

 

Its far easier to Ford to continue on in the short term (3-5 years) with its current line up and replacements since its been already planned out and paid for.

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