Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
#21
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
Yeah, it'd be a good thing to catch the open allocation window. Honestly, the most shocking thing was the indifference to a sale that I ran into. A guy at work said it might be a race thing, but I don't go 'round thinking that way--it's the Hawaii in me.
That others have gotten shoddy treatment around here just reinforces for me, in an oddly comforting way, that it's what I thought; simple laziness and car salesman douchebaggery.
When the significant other goes shopping for a new Escape hybrid, I'll definitely make Bleakley my first port of call. Thanks Red.
BTW, I'll stop hijacking the thread now.
That others have gotten shoddy treatment around here just reinforces for me, in an oddly comforting way, that it's what I thought; simple laziness and car salesman douchebaggery.
When the significant other goes shopping for a new Escape hybrid, I'll definitely make Bleakley my first port of call. Thanks Red.
BTW, I'll stop hijacking the thread now.
#22
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
Shoulda checked with Bleakley - Family owned store with long term sales personnel - not like some of the mega-multi franchise, turn-and-burn mills that are here today and gone tomorrow.
BTW, the Atlanta market is not a high penetration hybrid market (yet) so after June 30, it may take a lot longer to get an FFH or MMH. Most of the allocation will go to the coasts and selected markets - plus Ford will have to catch up on the fleet orders. 8 week waits could turn into 6 month waits.
BTW, the Atlanta market is not a high penetration hybrid market (yet) so after June 30, it may take a lot longer to get an FFH or MMH. Most of the allocation will go to the coasts and selected markets - plus Ford will have to catch up on the fleet orders. 8 week waits could turn into 6 month waits.
#23
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
State franchise laws protect dealers from interference from the manufacturers. Dealers are free to set any pricing they want without factory control. Customers buy their vehicles from the dealership - not the manufacturer. Do dealers do stupid things? Sometimes, but they are protected.
I had not heard that dealers were limited to two Hybrid orders. If so, Bleakly still has one to order, as of last week.
I had not heard that dealers were limited to two Hybrid orders. If so, Bleakly still has one to order, as of last week.
#24
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
My understanding is that Ford extended the open allocation program through the end of June. So during that time, a dealer can order a hybrid for a customer (pending verification) without it affecting the dealer allocation.
The open allocation was initially supposed to end in March, but due to demand or what have you, they extended it.
The open allocation was initially supposed to end in March, but due to demand or what have you, they extended it.
#25
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
Does the Hybrid Factory in Mexico close at all during the summer? I would think that would depend on the wait time as well. I know that the Escape is manufactured in MO, but according to the sticker of the FFH, it is manufactured in Mexico with the transmission being from Japan.
#26
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
Yeah, the FFH is hecho en Mexico, and delivered by rail. Aisin makes the CVT. I don't see why they'd shut down production as long as demand is within range of their projections.
Somewhere I read that as of April 6th or so, the hybrid made up 90% of Fusion orders. Makes sense given the March cutoff date for the more attractive of tax credits. It'd be interesting to see how long that lasts.
Somewhere I read that as of April 6th or so, the hybrid made up 90% of Fusion orders. Makes sense given the March cutoff date for the more attractive of tax credits. It'd be interesting to see how long that lasts.
Last edited by cue; 04-27-2009 at 10:03 AM.
#27
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
Yeah, the FFH is hecho en Mexico, and delivered by rail. Aisin makes the CVT. I don't see why they'd shut down production as long as demand is within range of their projections.
Somewhere I read that as of April 6th or so, the hybrid made up 90% of Fusion orders. Makes sense given the March cutoff date for the more attractive of tax credits. It'd be interesting to see how long that lasts.
Somewhere I read that as of April 6th or so, the hybrid made up 90% of Fusion orders. Makes sense given the March cutoff date for the more attractive of tax credits. It'd be interesting to see how long that lasts.
#28
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
What really does (pending verification) mean? I asked my dealer when I made my order a week ago and he said he did not need anything from me. Now when I ask them for an update they say they will check the computer in 3 weeks. just kinda worries me a bit. I called Ford this last friday and asked them to check on the order. I gave them dealer number, order number and body code and she could not pull anything at all. ????
#29
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
From what I know, all of these retail orders need to be verified before Ford will schedule them. By verifying, Ford is confident that a real customer-buyer exists. My guess is that this is meant to prevent dealers from getting cars ahead of other dealers by forcing them to provide customer documentation (driver's license and proof of insurance of a current vehicle). I believe customer-ordered cars have been prioritized for delivery ahead of cars ordered by dealers for themselves.
http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums...howtopic=30564
To my knowledge, the program has been extended from Mar 31st to June 30th.
http://www.blueovalforums.com/forums...howtopic=30564
To my knowledge, the program has been extended from Mar 31st to June 30th.
Last edited by cue; 04-27-2009 at 11:33 AM.
#30
Re: Ford Fusion Hybrid - Dealer Problems
There is a lot more to supporting an American Company than looking to where the vehicle is assembled. Direct labor makes up about 15% of the price of an automobile. When Ford assembles in Mexico, even with an imported transmission, the bulk of the expense to design, tool, stamp, support the dealer network, provide benefits, warranty, account and pay taxes takes place in the U.S. of A.
When Toyota assembles a vehicle in the U.S., the majority of the revenue goes to the East. They can jack up the price of the parts sent to the plants so that they pay little or no U.S. taxes and the states give them property tax breaks. It is good that they employ American workers, but the U.S. impact is small compared to the parent company's profit. American means Ford and GM in my book.
When Toyota assembles a vehicle in the U.S., the majority of the revenue goes to the East. They can jack up the price of the parts sent to the plants so that they pay little or no U.S. taxes and the states give them property tax breaks. It is good that they employ American workers, but the U.S. impact is small compared to the parent company's profit. American means Ford and GM in my book.