Comments on: Ford delays 2009 Ford F-150 to help clear out current inventory, announces upcoming changes

By: mazdaman

mazdaman — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:40:14 +0000

It appears as though Ford is finally stepping up their game to become competitive in a drastically changed U.S. market. They still have some rough seas ahead that they will need to navigate, but I think they will be alright in the long run.

It’s great to see them focus on car products and small vehicles once again. It is wise of them to introduce the Fiesta and next generation Focus at around the same time as the Fiesta will validate the slight move upmarket of the next generation Focus. I think Ford should consider adding the 3-door model to the 4-door/5-door Focus lineup in the U.S.; there are still some people who equate sportiness with a vehicle that only has 2 side doors.

I think there should be a focus on providing premium sub-MKZ/sub-MKX small cars for Lincoln. The excellent C1 platform could be used to produce a compact sedan/coupe-cabrio and crossover for Lincoln. The MX-5 Miata platform could be used to produce a premium retractable hardtop roadster for Lincoln as well. With gas prices continuing to rise, small premium products will become increasingly more important in the U.S. market (it would also make Lincoln more globally marketable if Ford still plans on expanding the brand beyond the U.S.). As long as Ford Corporation gives these products their own distinct exterior/interior designs and upscale features, then the products should be successful for Lincoln.

I would also like to see an EcoBoost 4 cylinder engine become the base engine in the MKZ and MKX. I think this would increase the marketability of these two products for Lincoln. Hybrid versions would also be a good idea for these 2 Lincoln products.

By: Arbiter

Arbiter — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 12:42:48 +0000

Yes,
The Transit is the “Connect” model, not the larger Transit unit. It will create a new market for smaller fuel-efficent vans that is now being filled with vans larger than the customers really need. It will take some E series sales, but will really open up a new market. The HHR Panel has sold decently but it has little room inside and is not “square” enough for real commercial service.

By: wbent

wbent — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:47:57 +0000

Ford is actually reacting to the market which is definately a change for them. The Focus and Fiesta to be built stateside is wonderful news now they need to open Norfolk plant up and build the Transit stateside as well.

By: 441Zuke

441Zuke — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:29:33 +0000

5 billion that pretty fucking good ford looks like the tampa rays of the auto industry they have good prospects but they just aren’t ready yet

By: NoNameDenton1

NoNameDenton1 — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:41:20 +0000

Once more, I am not shocked.

By: SigmaHyperion

SigmaHyperion — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:56:57 +0000

Clearly the Transit isn’t going to be “doing battle” with the Sprinter on the sales charts — they’re too different to steal sales from one another.
But saying that they compete with one another is like saying that the Ranger competed with the F-350. They’re completely different markets. What the Transit will compete with is fleet-modified Rangers and (one day) the new F-100s. And, to some extent, the E-series as well.

By: xyunya

xyunya — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:44:29 +0000

Great news: we’ll get US made Fords.

How Transit Cargo can compete with twice the size Sprinter? I can see it easily competing with F150.