Fordowner Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 The credit card points thing Ford has was a really long time ago-like the late 1990s. I remember my parents using it. It hasnt been around since the early 2000s or so. Ha! a really long time ago? Guess I'm getting old, seems like Purple Rain and Y2k was just yesterday. But that makes sense I think it was my 2000 Dirt Brown Kona Focus that I used the points for. That was a great car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AGR Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 I am one loyal Ford customer that had been lost. I have lost all confidence in the management. There is never any indication that quality is a part of the Ford they are striving to get to...only margins to appease Wall Street. I, and many others, gave been dumped by FoMoCo. 13 is the number of new Ford's I have bought. Only the first was a bottom dweller (Escort), the rest were middle to upper end models. Come on, get with the picture. Accept that CUV that Ford is trying to selling you...These condescending jack***es act like we're demanding Ford build diesel manual station wagons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Rosadini Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Just my opinion but Ford didn't need to throw its cars under a bus before having all of its new utilities ready to go. The whole thing is a PR nightmare because some at the top are only now discovering the importance of existing customers. It's not the end of the world but Ford could have done a much better job of addressing the concerns of buyers like 35cid, there was no context or even content discussed to show him and other car buyers WTF the plan is for them - that was stupid. White space vehicles smacks of Ford not really knowing what to do next.....the fact that they still have nothing to show us tells us that Ford will probably just rework cars into looking like crossovers even though they really aren't, all of this was unnecessary. I'm sure Ford has more great products coming, they just need to stop dribbling on their boots in press conferences... Note bold. Bottom line IMO clearly this is a knee jerk reaction on the part of Hackett who has been under such pressure to do something-and to use the popular phrase- "something bold", this was an easy case to make. Classic case of how decisions can be made to satisfy the need to "do something". No doubt SUVs are in-today that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Come on, get with the picture. Accept that CUV that Ford is trying to selling you... These condescending jack***es act like we're demanding Ford build diesel manual station wagons. When you explain a fairly simple concept backed up by hard data (market shifting to utilities, pricing pressure on mostly low end car sales reducing profits, limited factory capacity, investment in future programs) dozens of times and people still fail to grasp it or worse - don't even try to grasp it and complain just because they don't like it - then you're going to get responses that sound like condescending jackasses. You've earned it. Nobody is saying you have to like it, but nobody is saying you have to switch to a utility. There are still dozens of sedans on the market to choose from if that's what you really want. They just won't have a Ford badge. If that means Ford loses a customer then that's ok because the alternative is to either build 2 new factories and greatly increase their overhead costs for what amounts to a few pennies profit and/or they have to cancel or delay the new projects that are putting them in position for the future. Those are really the only options. I'm sure Windstar buyers felt the same way when Ford exited the minivan market. I'm sure Mercury buyers felt the same way when they killed Mercury. What customers want isn't always what's best for the company. It's ok to be disappointed but please just try to see things from Ford's perspective and understand what they're doing, whether you agree with it or not. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvrsvt Posted October 25, 2018 Author Share Posted October 25, 2018 Ha! a really long time ago? Guess I'm getting old, seems like Purple Rain and Y2k was just yesterday. But that makes sense I think it was my 2000 Dirt Brown Kona Focus that I used the points for. That was a great car. Trust me in know the feeling. I remember when this site first started about 20 years ago and Ford was having the same problems we are talking about now. Seems like they are on a 5-10 year repeat cycle with things. At least this go around they have $$$ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twintornados Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Trust me in know the feeling. I remember when this site first started about 20 years ago and Ford was having the same problems we are talking about now. Seems like they are on a 5-10 year repeat cycle with things. At least this go around they have $$$ . ...and turning a profit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Just my opinion but Ford didn't need to throw its cars under a bus before having all of its new utilities ready to go. The whole thing is a PR nightmare because some at the top are only now discovering the importance of existing customers. It's not the end of the world but Ford could have done a much better job of addressing the concerns of buyers like 35cid, there was no context or even content discussed to show him and other car buyers WTF the plan is for them - that was stupid. White space vehicles smacks of Ford not really knowing what to do next.....the fact that they still have nothing to show us tells us that Ford will probably just rework cars into looking like crossovers even though they really aren't, all of this was unnecessary. I'm sure Ford has more great products coming, they just need to stop dribbling on their boots in press conferences... The problem was, Hackett thought announcing their "big changes!!!" would show everyone (Wall Street) that Ford was being bold and making quick decisions based on the market (more tech company like). They didn't announce it with a fully formed plan behind it. They should've done this: "We're discontinuing our sedans to better follow the market and strategically spend our finite resources on products that will benefit the company the most, AND we're going to reinvent the American vehicle with new "white space" offerings. Here is the future of the American automobile.....Introducing 2-3 new models, the Ford _____, _____, and ______ with pictures or better yet, concepts or 'preview' models. These include electric models. Following these models will be several other products that will redefine the market." Instead, we got this: "We're dropping sedans! (in 2 years) White Space!!!!!!!!! Wait and see!" *mic drop* 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 They could have just said we're going to focus on these new areas and we'll adjust our other products as needed along the way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trailhiker Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Or "We have plans to fully utilize our production lines in a way that will secure the most profits obtainable in the foreseeable future." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
probowler Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 "Coming Soon" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
351cid Posted October 25, 2018 Share Posted October 25, 2018 Keep pissing off your core customers & there will not be anyone of substance to buy these new vehicles...provided they can EVER get them to market. That is a big question unto itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 Keep pissing off your core customers & there will not be anyone of substance to buy these new vehicles...provided they can EVER get them to market. That is a big question unto itself. You’re assuming Focus and Fusion buyers are core customers. Maybe the core customers are the truck, van and utility buyers now. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noah Harbinger Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 The automaker plans to center its marketing efforts on keeping customers in the fold, communicating with them more often through connected vehicles and offering perks through a new rewards program on its FordPass app. ... The plan also involves more post-purchase interaction with customers through connected modems, which Ford plans to have on all its nameplates within the next few years. Pushed interaction can be really tricky, they'd better be really careful to get it right. I'm not buying a car for its ability to influence my future purchasing decisions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzymoomoo Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 FordPass? Are they kidding? Half of the shit on there doesn't work as it is.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jniffen Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 They also need to work om their dealerships. I got tired of the sas-halfs in the Twin Cities. "Oh you don't want to buy a150? Well wait over there and we'll get to you when we get to you." "Want to a test drive? I have to come along to TELL YOU where to drive and give the sales shtick." Been buying Fords since '76 first time I haven't owned one was '15. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 I know I sound like a broken record, but there is virtually nothing Ford can do about that even if they wanted to. Dealers are independent businesses protected by state franchise laws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonj80 Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 "Want to a test drive? I have to come along to TELL YOU where to drive and give the sales shtick Didnt think they did that anymore - that havent done that anywhere in Detroit area for about 20 years. Few car sales men met their demise because people on test drives killed them and stole the car. Copy of the license and you go off. They push F-150s as they have the highest commissions and bonus with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 They also need to work om their dealerships. I got tired of the sas-halfs in the Twin Cities. "Oh you don't want to buy a150? Well wait over there and we'll get to you when we get to you." "Want to a test drive? I have to come along to TELL YOU where to drive and give the sales shtick." Been buying Fords since '76 first time I haven't owned one was '15. Uh? that happens at ALL dealerships? Didnt think they did that anymore - that havent done that anywhere in Detroit area for about 20 years. Few car sales men met their demise because people on test drives killed them and stole the car. Copy of the license and you go off. They push F-150s as they have the highest commissions and bonus with them. Where do you live that they just let you drive off with the car? We had a sales guy we used for years, decades even, who would let us do that, but never a normal dealer or salesperson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 I think I remember only one time having a salesperson ride along. Otherwise, it's just copy our license and off we go. That's the case at every dealership I've been to from small town to larger city here in MO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonj80 Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 Where do you live that they just let you drive off with the car? Every dealer Ive been to in metro Detroit, with myself or with friends. They take a copy of the license of the people that will test drive and send you on your way. Like I said its sad but there was a rash of car salesmen killed when test drivers killed them to steal a car, now they just send you on your way. They may also refuse test drives or make you put a credit card / precharge for an insurance deductible before you go out on some cars high performance or high cost but normally its just see you back in 30-45min and be sure to enjoy it. Ill be here to answer questions when you get back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmc523 Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 I think I remember only one time having a salesperson ride along. Otherwise, it's just copy our license and off we go. That's the case at every dealership I've been to from small town to larger city here in MO. Hm....well not down here. Here they come with you (unless you know the guy well), and take you on their pre-determined little loop around the block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 I don't really mind the salesperson coming along. I like for them to tell me about the features, etc... (even if half the time I know more about it than them). It also sets the tone and expectations for the sit-down afterward. I mean, telling you about the car is kinda their job. ...and there's no better time to do that when you are in the car driving it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordtech1 Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 I don't really mind the salesperson coming along. I like for them to tell me about the features, etc... (even if half the time I know more about it than them). It also sets the tone and expectations for the sit-down afterward. I mean, telling you about the car is kinda their job. ...and there's no better time to do that when you are in the car driving it. Really thats all they do is show you the car and escort you around the dealership. Everything else is done by the sales tower and f&I. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-dubz Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 I don't really mind the salesperson coming along. I like for them to tell me about the features, etc... (even if half the time I know more about it than them). It also sets the tone and expectations for the sit-down afterward. I mean, telling you about the car is kinda their job. ...and there's no better time to do that when you are in the car driving it. Ive never met a salesman who knew more about the car then I did. They can point me in the direction of the cars but Im better off not asking any questions because they dont know or just make stuff up most of the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anthony Posted October 26, 2018 Share Posted October 26, 2018 Ive never met a salesman who knew more about the car then I did. They can point me in the direction of the cars but Im better off not asking any questions because they dont know or just make stuff up most of the time. Remember, we are the minority when it comes to in-depth vehicle knowledge. Most people are clueless when it comes to features and what specific vehicles/trims, etc have to offer. Sometimes I'm amazed at how clueless my wife is about what she drives. But then again...I don't know anything about celebrity baby names, so she's got me there. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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