ice-capades

Next-Wave EV Buyers Want 350-Mile Range, 20 Minute Charging https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/next-wave-ev-buyers-want-350-mile-range-20-minute-charging/ Over the past few years, the automotive industry – not to mention governments around the world – have been trying to figure out how to convince consumers that all-electric vehicles are the future, as well as superior options to ICE models. However, several barriers remain when it comes to more widespread EV adoption, including pricing disparities, charging infrastructure, range, and charging speeds, to name just a few. A recent study from BCG sought to determine what, exactly, the next wave of EV buyers want from those types of vehicles now that early adopters have already purchased them, and came away with some pretty interesting insights. To figure this out, BCG surveyed 3,000 potential next-wave EV buyers, asking them a variety of questions, including what they expect from EVs before taking the plunge and actually buying one. What they found was undoubtedly interesting, as those customers indicated that – on average – they expect to see at least 350 miles of range, coupled with 20-25 minute charging times, and price points at or below $50,000. This obviously presents automotive manufacturers with a bit of a dilemma – in fact, right now, only one EV currently on the market meets all of these thresholds – the Hyundai Ioniq 6. However, as BCG points out, these marks are certainly achievable in the near future given advancements in technology – the more difficult component is making vehicles that hit these marks while also turning a profit for the companies making them. This study also helps shed some light on why Ford recently decided to revamp its EV strategy and focus on smaller, lower-cost models, even pushing back other planned models – such as, potentially, the North American Ford Explorer EV, which was expected to have a range of around 350 miles. Instead, The Blue Oval is working on a low-cost EV platform set to underpin multiple future models, including a $25k crossover slated to launch in late 2026 that will reportedly be built at the Louisville Assembly plant.

The Dealer assigns the priority code as part of the ordering process. Orders cannot be submitted without a priority code.

REPORT: $25K Ford EV Will Be Built at Louisville Assembly https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/25k-ford-ev-will-be-built-at-louisville-assembly-report/ As Ford Authority reported back in February, The Blue Oval is shifting its focus away from pricier, more luxurious EVs and instead focusing on developing smaller, cheaper all-electric models. In fact, the automaker has secretly been working on a low-cost Ford EV for a couple of years now via a skunkworks project spearheaded by a former Tesla executive, which may use the Ford Escape as something of a template. Details regarding this new, cheap Ford EV have recently begun to emerge, helping to shed some light on what we can expect from it. Now, yet another interesting footnote has surfaced via Automotive News – where this future Ford EV may be built. According to an unnamed source, the future low-cost Ford EV will be built at the Louisville Assembly plant, which currently produces the Ford Escape and Lincoln Corsair. Notably, as part of its new master contract agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union inked last year, this same plant is slated to add an all-electric vehicle to its assembly line at some point before its expiration in 2028, too. With FoMoCo shifting its electrification focus and reportedly delaying plans to build a three-row Ford Explorer EV for North America, it’s unclear if this new low-cost Ford EV – which is slated to cost around $25k and launch in late 2026 – will indeed be based on the Escape. However, multiple reports and comments from CEO Jim Farley over the past couple of years seem to indicate that it’s a possibility, at least. As Ford Authority reported in late 2022, a product roadmap from a third-party company noted that the Escape was set to be replaced by an EV crossover in early 2026, and roughly one year later, the UAW’s new contract with the automaker noted that production of both the Escape and Lincoln Corsair were set to continue through 2028, though the aforementioned new EV product would be joining them at some point – all before Farley noted that “if you have anything larger than Escape, it better be really functional or a work vehicle as an EV,” while speaking at the recent 2024 Wolfe Conference.

Low-Cost Ford EV Platform Will Be Used for Small Pickup https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/low-cost-ford-ev-platform-will-be-used-for-small-pickup/ As Ford Authority reported early last month, The Blue Oval has shifted its focus away from larger, more expensive EVs, and will instead center its electrification strategy around smaller, more affordable models, which is precisely what the market is asking for at the moment. In fact, the automaker has been working on a low-cost Ford EV platform for two years now, a project led by a skunkworks team. The first fruit of that effort will be a crossover that’s expected to cost around $25k and launch in late 2026, but this new Ford EV platform won’t just be limited to one model, according to a recent report from Bloomberg. A team of around 100 people are currently working to develop this low-cost Ford EV platform, which is expected to underpin not only the aforementioned crossover, but also, a ride-sharing model and even a small pickup. It’s unclear when these additional models may launch or what sort of price tag they’ll arrive with, though CEO Jim Farley previously said that he’s targeting “hybrid premium” pricing. As Ford Authority previously reported, these cheap EVs will reportedly utilize a lithium-iron phosphate battery due to the fact that this chemistry is around 30 percent cheaper than a lithium-ion unit, but Ford is reportedly looking at other types of battery tech in an effort to further reduce costs. Ford also reportedly plans on pushing back some planned EVs as part of this effort, which could include the delay of the Ford Explorer EV for North America, which was previously expected to enter production next year. The same was also expected to be true of all-electric versions of the Ford Bronco and Ford Maverick, though this new news could indicate that an EV version of the latter may now be back in play, or perhaps FoMoCo could go with a different nameplate altogether for its future all-electric compact pickup. Either way, Farley has made it quite clear as of late that the automaker is focused on making cheaper all-electric vehicles, and this shift in strategy is happening for a couple of very good reasons. For starters, pricing disparities between EVs and ICE vehicles remain one of the biggest barriers standing in the way of widespread adoption, and cheap Chinese EVs remain a real potential threat to the automaker’s business, too, as one – the BYD Seagull – was recently highlighted by Farley as a bigger problem for the company than government mandates, in fact.

Ford Dealers Can List EVs Below MSRP After Policy Change https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/ford-dealers-can-list-evs-below-msrp-after-policy-change/ As Ford Authority originally reported years ago, Blue Oval dealers were told not to list the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Mustang Mach-E below MSRP when the EVs originally launched, though those same dealers were permitted to sell those vehicles at less than sticker price. At the time, this request was a bit moot given the fact that both models were in high demand and short supply for some time, which meant that most weren’t just selling at MSRP, but in many cases, with markups attached. That changed in early December as The Blue Oval decided to abandon its Minimum Allowable Advertised Price (MAAP) policy for the Mach-E, but not the F-150 Lightning. Now, that has changed, according to a dealer bulletin recently seen by CarsDirect. According to this bulletin, Ford has completely done away with its MAAP policy for EVs, and in fact, this change took effect on the first day of 2024, according to Ford spokesman Marty Günsberg. Dealers have been able to sell EVs for less than sticker price since the beginning, but the automaker didn’t want the same models to be advertised below MSRP for a few reasons, largely as a way to build or preserve a brand/model’s image, as advertising ultra-cheap deals can signal trouble in the proverbial water. Regardless, this policy did make things difficult for those who like to shop around online before visiting a dealership, and it also made it harder for dealers to entice those same customers to do precisely that. With demand for EVs, in general, waning a bit as of late, this change should help dealers attract more customers to lots, if nothing else. Rather than take a fixed pricing approach as many of its rivals do, Ford EVs are now being treated more like traditional ICE models, which – when coupled with a number of new discounts – should make them more attractive to potential buyers as well.

Ford does not release phone numbers for contacts at the Ford regional offices. If it were me and the dealership wasn't communicating or responding with information, I'd call Ford Customer Service and file a complaint against the dealership for being unresponsive. The dealership will be notified and have to take action. Frustrating and inexcusable that everyone seems to be passing the buck.

But we all know that if it's on the Internet it must be true!

REPORT: Ford Mustang Mach-E Demand Jumped After Price Cuts https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/ford-mustang-mach-e-demand-jumped-after-price-cuts-report/ Aside from launching a new EV referral program in select markets recently, The Blue Oval also slashed Ford Mustang Mach-E prices dramatically back in February as inventory piled up. The EV crossover is also available with a variety of other incentives, including discounts of up to $3,000, special financing rates, and lease deals that make it as cheap to procure as its chief rival, the Tesla Model Y. It seems as if all of these incentives have paid off as well, as they helped spur a surge in customer demand for the Ford Mustang Mach-E over the past few weeks, according to a new report from Cloud Theory. Following Ford’s decision to slash Mach-E prices in late February, weekly sales increased dramatically, going from around 300 units per week up to 1,000 and even as high as 1,800, in fact, as of last week. Over the past 30 days, Ford Mustang Mach-E share in the EV segment nearly tripled as well, going from 5.2 percent all the way up to 13.3 percent. This sharp uptick in Mach-E sales proves a generally held notion that many consumers aren’t necessarily opposed to owning an all-electric vehicle – at the right price, anyway. Historically speaking, the price disparity between traditional ICE vehicles and EVs has proven to be one of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of EV adoption, and this change proves that consumers are willing to buy them if they’re cheap enough for it to make sense. Of course, there’s just one problem with this trend – Ford, and many other automakers, are still working to make EVs profitable at lower costs. The Blue Oval expects its second-generation models to turn a profit within 12 months of launch, but for now at least, its all-electric Model e division continues to post losses in that regard.

Agreed. Those with 3-4 year old vehicles most likely were lease customers, although the best lease deals are usually for 24, 36 or 39-month terms. The market situation over the past 4 years with the substantial price increases, reduced inventory, finance rates, dealership ADM's and the elimination of anything considered an entry level model can only increase the average length of ownership which will have its own impact over the years. Customers shopping for vehicles at around $25K or less are now priced out of the market for new vehicles, unless they buy can buy a new vehicle from one of the imports and forced to buy a used vehicle. The OEM's and their dealerships have made short term decisions that will cost them future business. It'll be interesting to see the market share numbers in the future as there's more competition and a decline in overall industry sales in the US.

The major auto shows have always been done by Ford corporate due to the expenses involved. And yes, the smaller shows were always done by the local dealers with little if any support from Ford.

Ford EV Fleet Discounts Are More Substantial Than Ever https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/ford-ev-fleet-discounts-are-more-substantial-then-ever/ As inventory has grown to substantial levels over the past few months, FoMoCo has been slowly introducing a host of incentives aimed at reducing those numbers and making room for newer models on dealer lots. In the Ford EV world, that means the first-ever zero-percent financing deal for the E-Transit, along with price cuts, lease specials, and fleet discounts for the Ford Mustang Mach-E, coupled with a new Ford EV referral program in select markets. Now, Ford EV fleet discounts – specifically – are more robust than ever before, according to CarsDirect. Earlier this month, FoMoCo sent a national incentive bulletin to dealers outlining these new Ford EV fleet deals, which pertain to all three of its all-electric models. The Ford F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E are eligible for what the automaker calls “Fleet Customer Cash” worth $2,500, an offer that began last week and is set to continue through April 2nd. The Blue Oval’s EV crossover was previously eligible for what’s known as the Mach-E Early Order Off-Invoice Credit that offered a $7,500 incentive, so this isn’t quite as attractive for fleet customers, notably. However, the F-150 Lightning might just be the best deal of the bunch, given the presence of this new discount, plus the fact that it’s the only one of the trio that’s still eligible or the full $7,500 federal clean energy tax credit as well – meaning customers can potentially save up to $10,000 on the EV pickup. However, the E-Transit is eligible for a pretty substantial deal of its own – customers can get up to $7,500 off the EV van, which is significantly higher than the previous $5,000 discount. That makes the segment-topping model an even more enticing buy for fleet customers, who have thus far shown considerable interest in it.

Ford Will Reveal Something at the 2024 NY Auto Show https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/ford-will-reveal-something-new-at-the-2024-ny-auto-show/ Though auto shows, in general, aren’t quite what they used to be as attendance dwindles and many brands have pulled out of them altogether, there are still quite a few good reasons to attend some of the more major events of that type. Aside from checking out the latest vehicles in person, automakers still reveal new products at auto shows from time to time, and that includes Ford. With the 2024 New York Auto Show set to take place later this month, it seems as if that will once again be the case, as Ford has a press conference scheduled for this annual event, too. It’s unclear what this potential new vehicle reveal may be, but we can make a few educated guesses, at least. The Blue Oval has a handful of refreshed models in the pipeline that are likely slated to debut very soon, a list that starts with the 2025 Ford Expedition. Ford Authority first spotted a refreshed Expedition prototype out testing almost a year ago, and it’s expected to receive a handful of notable updates in terms of exterior and interior styling, plus the potential addition of a hybrid powertrain. Then there’s the upcoming 2025 Ford Maverick refresh, which will also likely usher in some exterior styling updates, as well as the addition of a larger 13.2-inch Sync 4 touchscreen, as Ford Authority reported just last week. It’s possible that the 2025 Maverick lineup may add a “street performance” model, too. The Maverick’s platform-mate – the Ford Bronco Sport – is also slated to receive a refresh for the 2025 model year, one that will bring forth the same type of styling and interior updates, as well as the potential addition of a more capable off-road variant. Of course, given the fact that the Ford Mustang was unveiled at the 1964 New York Auto Show, it’s also possible that FoMoCo has something special planned for its pony car, given the fact that this happened six decades ago. In any case, Ford Authority will be on hand to report on Ford’s surprise for the 2024 New York Auto Show, no matter what it might be.

Americans Increasingly Upside Down on Auto Loans as Used Car Values Fall Edmunds warns a 'storm is brewing' in the used car market as prices fall, pushing negative-equity to an all-time high. https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/americans-increasingly-upside-down-on-auto-loans-as-used-car-values-fall Used car prices are starting to edge down after soaring for years after the pandemic hit, and while the trend is a much-welcomed relief for buyers, it is also causing trouble for some consumers who purchased their vehicles at higher prices. Edmunds' latest used vehicle report found a growing number of Americans are upside down on their auto loans as used prices decline, and the average amount consumers are underwater is at an all-time high. The report found the average transaction price (ATP) for all used vehicles declined to $28,371 in the fourth quarter of 2023, a 4.4% decrease from the same quarter the year before, when the ATP sat at $29,690. At the same time, the percentage of new vehicle sales that had a trade-in with negative equity jumped to 20.4%, up from 17.7% in 2022 and 14.9% in 2021. Now, the average amount consumers owe on upside down loans is at a record high of $6,064, up from $5,347 in fourth-quarter 2023 and $4,143 in 2021, the data found. "A storm is brewing in the used market as incentives and inventory continue to trickle back into the new vehicle market," said Ivan Drury, Edmunds' director of insights. "With demand for near-new vehicles on the decline, used car values are depreciating similarly to the way they did before the pandemic, and negative equity is rearing its ugly head," he added. Edmunds analysts found the consumers most vulnerable to falling underwater on their auto loans are those who purchased new vehicles for above sticker price, because those newer trade-ins are seeing the steepest decreases in value. The data shows that compared to the third quarter of 2022, when used vehicle values were at their peak, the ATP for 1-year-old vehicles last quarter was down $6,763 to $38,720. Two-year-old trade-ins fell to $32,583, a $3,294 decline. For comparison, the ATP for a decade-old trade-in fell to $12,477, a $1,304 decrease. "During the last few years, consumers could jump into new car loans and their trade-ins were shielded from negative equity because some dealers, desperate for used inventory, were willing to pay near original purchase prices," Drury said. He added, "These days, consumers need to be more careful — especially if they're trading in newer vehicles — because near-new cars are being hit the hardest by depreciation."

In addition to akirby's response... If the "Buy Back" office at Ford didn't have the ability or wasn't able to have your order expedited, the dealership should have immediately contacted the Regional Scheduler, usually through the Ford Zone Manager, to have your order reprioritized to "01" status. In cases such as yours, Ford will make every effort to make exceptions to any applicable commodity restraints to expedite scheduling and production. In a "Buy Back" situation, expedited scheduling should override dealership allocation or that of any other unscheduled retail orders. I don't know how much communication there was from the dealership but it's difficult to think that they monitored your order status closely or provided much or any assistance.

Reducing EV Charging Costs in CT the Focus of UI Pilot Program https://www.nhregister.com/business/article/ct-ui-eversource-ev-costs-pilot-programs-18965151.php New Haven Register_2024-03-19_Reducing EV Charging Costs in CT the Focus of UI Pilot Program.pdf

It's Never Been Cheaper to Buy an E.V. - Here's Why https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/2024/03/18/its-never-been-cheaper-to-buy-an-ev-heres-why/73019302007/ The price of electric cars is plummeting so fast that they’re now almost as cheap as gas-powered cars. Since EVs first hit the market, car buyers have had to pay a steep premium if they wanted a car that ran on batteries instead of a gas engine. Two years ago, they would have paid about $17,000 more on average for a new electric car than for a new gas-powered car. But that gap has been rapidly closing, shrinking to $5,000 last month, according to data from Cox Automotive. That’s an 11% markup over the average new car price last month — roughly similar to the price difference between picking the base model of some cars vs. the performance model that comes with all the bells and whistles. Tesla is setting electric vehicle prices so low, they’re almost even with gas-powered cars. Of course, part of the reason EV prices are plunging is that consumers are not buying them as fast as dealers and automakers expected. As the industry moves beyond enthusiastic early adopters, it now faces car buyers who are concerned about charging infrastructure and high upfront costs. Socar dealerships are discounting electric cars on their lots. Average EV prices dropped $2,000 last month. “We’re going to continue to see price cuts or discounts just because there’s inventory and (dealers are) really trying to get these sold,” said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of Industry Insights at Cox Automotive. That’s good news for Americans in the market for a new car who might be considering going electric. “Price is always one of the top barriers for adoption, so I think getting down to price parity is key,” she said. Which EVs are getting cheaper? Tesla, which sells more electric cars in the U.S. than all other automakers combined, has been the driving force behind the EV price plunge. The automaker started slashing the price for its popular Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan in January 2023, dragging down the average for all electric cars. For instance, the base Model 3 sedan, which cost $47,000 at the beginning of 2023, now sells for $39,000. The premium Model Y dropped from $70,000 to $52,500 in that same period. Tesla is probably cutting prices to maintain its market share as rival automakers start selling electric cars, Valdez Streaty said. There are now 57 EV models for sale in the U.S., according to Car and Driver magazine. While Tesla once commanded roughly 80% of the U.S. market, it’s now clinging to a bare majority — and most of its top competitors are also cutting prices. “Tesla still dominates, but … there’s so much more competition now,” Valdez Streaty said. EV prices are set to keep dropping Last month’s drop in EV prices is part of a long-term trend toward cheaper electric cars, mainly due to falling battery prices. Batteries are nearly 90% cheaper today than they were in 2008, according to the U.S. Energy Department. “Batteries can make up as much as 40% of the cost of the vehicle,” Valdez Streaty said. “We’re going to see battery prices continue to drop … so I think we’re going to start to see this closing near that price parity.” The cost to make a new electric car could fall to the same level as gas-powered onesas soon as 2027 because of more efficient manufacturing, according to a March 7 report from the technology consulting firm Gartner. Cost is the main barrier for U.S. car buyers thinking of making the switch, according to a 2022 Cox Automotive survey. If prices keep dropping as they did last month, more Americans may be willing to ditch their gas-guzzlers for electric cars.

2024 Ford Ranger and Raptor Add Comfort, Capability and Performance to Midsize Pickups https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/mark-phelan/2024/03/19/what-makes-the-2024-ford-ranger-and-ranger-raptor-pickups-so-special/73022546007/ SALT LAKE CITY – The Truck War ratchets up as Ford launches an advanced new version of its midsize Ranger pickup for 2024 — including a 400-horsepower Ranger Raptor, the first time the legendary desert-racing model has been offered in the U.S. The 2024 Ford Ranger rides on an entirely new frame featuring high-strength steel and fully boxed rails for maximum performance and comfort. The Ranger is one of Ford's core global vehicles. It builds the midsize pickup in five plants around the world: Wayne, Michigan Rayong, Thailand (two plants) Silverton, South Africa General Pacheco, Argentina Sold in more than 180 countries, Rangers serve as everything from sport trucks to family vehicles and workhorses. All Rangers sold in the U.S. and Canada come from Wayne, Michigan, where they’re built alongside the Bronco SUV. The 2024 model is new from the ground up. Key structural changes in addition to the frame include a 2-inch longer wheelbase, 2-inch wider track, rear shocks mounted outside the frame to improve ride and tuneability for different roads and uses. The electrical architecture also is new, enabling over-the-air updates, 4G modem and Wi-Fi hot spot. 2024 Ford Ranger trim levels and prices XL: $32,565 XLT: $36,005 Lariat: $43,525 Raptor: $55,365 Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude $1,595 destination charge. 2024 Ford Ranger bed key features Easy-lift tailgate 48-inch bed floor between wheel wells Outside steps for bed access Six tie-downs LED light 400W power inverter with outlet Cup and iPad holders molded into tailgate I look forward to taking a Raptor off-road, and possibly airborne, later this spring. Additional content at the source... https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/mark-phelan/2024/03/19/what-makes-the-2024-ford-ranger-and-ranger-raptor-pickups-so-special/73022546007/

This is a story that pulls our heart strings but after thinking about it, I think Farley and Ford are getting off easy and just making a token gesture at little expense. Let this young man's dad sell the 2020 Mustang he bought for his son and replace it with a new 2024 Mustang compliments of Ford. Better yet, let the son spec out his "dream" Mustang, expedite scheduling and production and invite the son and his family to the Flat Rock plant to see his Mustang built and come off the assembly line. Then you'd see Ford get a much stronger story from the media and a lot more goodwill to benefit the company.

Farley Reacts to Dad's Post About Son's Ford Mustang Story https://fordauthority.com/2024/03/farley-reacts-to-dads-post-about-sons-ford-mustang-story/ Many of us know someone who has been impacted by cancer – and some of us have suffered from it ourselves – but it’s still rather disheartening to hear stories of younger folks, in particular, that are battling this terrible disease. However, in the automotive enthusiast world, folks are usually pretty quick to jump in and help make this awful experience a bit more manageable for those suffering from it, as we’ve seen time and time again. That was also the case recently when Joe Tegerdine purchased a 2020 Ford Mustang for his son, who is currently battling a particularly devastating bout with cancer. “For those wondering why I’d buy my 18-year-old son a 330 horsepower Mustang, well, he’s been given months to live and can’t work long enough to buy one himself. His comment on the way home, ‘Dad, I’m going to squeeze a few extra months of life just to be able to drive this,” Tegerdine wrote in a recent post to X. As the younger Tegerdine explained to the Detroit Free Press in a corresponding interview, he’s always been a Ford Mustang fan, and has been saving up his money to buy one for some time. However, after battling osteosarcoma – a form of cancer – since the age of seven, doctors recently found more tumors in his lungs, meaning that he doesn’t seemingly have much longer to live. As one might imagine, Tegerdine’s post on X wound up attracting considerable attention as a result – including, it seems, a response from Ford CEO Jim Farley himself. “Hi Joe, I’m so sorry to hear what your family is going through,” Farley said. “Please let me know if you and your son would like to attend the Ford Performance Racing School to experience a Ford Mustang Dark Horse on the track. DM me and we’ll make it happen.” The elder Tegerdine has already taken Farley up on that offer, meaning that his son will hopefully get to experience something he might have previously only dreamed about in the coming days or weeks.

This morning's gas prices in Hamden, CT (New Haven)  $3.35 Regular (Cash) @ Gulf  $3.45 Regular (Cash) @ Citgo

With only 4 models to sell and annual domestic sales still under 100,000 units, I'd think that Lincoln would be taking every opportunity to show off new or refreshed product. Otherwise... it becomes, out of sight... out of mind! Ford's commitment and investment in Lincoln has shown few results. Lincoln teases future product and then continuously delays new product, even before the overall slowdown in BEV vehicles and production plans.

But it's that fact that lowers the lease payment and encourages customers to lease, instead of purchasing, which delivers more vehicles for Ford. In addition, Ford Credit leases, in many or most states, include state property taxes which reduce an expense that customers would otherwise have separately.

Not a Ford buy back instance, but a dealership buy back that I was directly involved in back in 1986 at the end of the Model Year. The customer had his 1986 Ford Escort GT in for service and the vehicle was up on the old-style hydraulic lift that was sunk in the floor. The lift collapsed and the vehicle was totaled so it became a dealership issue and expense to replace the vehicle. The customer was always difficult (S.O.B.) and insisted that we replaced the vehicle with an 'exact" replacement. It was at the end of the 1986 Model Year and too late to order a replacement vehicle from the factory. It was impossible to locate an "exact" replacement at another dealership that we could trade for, as every vehicle in stock at any other dealership within hundreds of miles had the optional AM/FM Stereo Cassette. The customer demanded an "exact" replacement vehicle and would not accept any changes including the paint color. I located a vehicle that was the closest match but equipped with the optional AM/FM Stereo Cassette option, and then met with the dealership's office manager to discuss the situation. I explained the customer's demands for an "exact" vehicle replacement and told him that I then wanted to dealer trade for the replacement vehicle with an AM/FM Stereo Cassette, and then install the customer's AM/FM Stereo radio from his original vehicle so that he'd have an "exact" replacement as he demanded. The office manager agreed with me and approved the extra dealership expense to swap out the Cassette unit with the customer's AM/FM Stereo radio. We did the dealer trade, swapped out the Cassette unit, installed the customer's AM/FM Stereo unit and delivered the vehicle to the customer. The customer read the Window Sticker and saw that the replacement vehicle was built with the optional AM/FM Stereo Cassette but was now equipped only with the AM/FM Stereo. When he asked about it, I explained to him that we were delivering the "exact" replacement per his demands and had he been even a little flexible that we would have given him the AM/FM Stereo Cassette at the dealership's expense.

Ford has its own requirements regarding "Buy Back" qualifications, but these requirements can be superseded by applicable consumer protection state laws that address the issue. As such, the qualifications can vary. Years ago (25+) it could be very difficult to get Ford to agree to do a buy back, which favored Ford then, but it's changed a lot over the years and is now much more favorable to the consumer.

Hertz CEO Stephen Scherr Resigns After EV Push Goes Bust https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/hertz-ceo-stephen-scherr-resigns-ev-push-goes-bust Hertz, one of the four largest car rental companies in the world, is replacing its CEO after the company reversed its bet on electric vehicle (EV) rentals over increasing costs. Stephen Scherr will step down as Hertz Global Holdings Inc.’s chief executive officer and member of the company’s Board of Directors effective March 31, the company announced Friday. Scherr led Hertz for just over two years after spending nearly three decades at Goldman Sachs. Scherr’s resignation comes as the car rental company struggles with the higher repair costs and low demand for EV rentals. In January, Hertz announced in financial filings that it had made the "strategic decision" to sell approximately 20,000 EVs from its U.S. fleet, or about one-third of its global EV fleet, and to instead invest in gas-powered cars. The Biden administration has previously lauded Hertz for its investment in EVs as the president made an aggressive push to broadly electrify the transportation sector as part of his climate agenda. Last month, Hertz announced its biggest quarterly loss since 2020 after its decision to pivot away from EVs. Scherr, 59, joined Hertz as the company was emerging from bankruptcy and began betting big on EVs. Hertz will replace Sherr with Gil West, the former Chief Operating Officer of Delta Airlines and General Motors' Cruise unit, effective April 1.