Ford has forgotten who the customers are

[Turtle]

My assessment is that Cyber Truck seems like vaporware intended to raise a bunch of quick cash and pump the stock so that Musk can start to divest. He can't rely on gov subisdiy to help pump his market cap to the tune of $600K per car sale, so he's turned to straight grift while he's cashing out and pulling up the ladder after he climbed it.

I think right now he is focused on Y and 3 production and keeping VW at arms length, with Ford and Rivian plus GM on his tail the focus may be correct. I am no longer betting for or against Tesla. I took all my winnings off the table. VW is the worldwide big gorilla. I fully intend to buy the next generation Micro Bus scheduled for the ID4 chassis and take that trip to the coast i never did in the 60’s. Just lost all opportunity to have the pony tail.

Sponsored

 

[Rojo]

Vehicles are transported in special vehicle rail cars that have cushioned drawbars. They are tall enough to stack cars and usually have holes for ventilation so you can sometimes see the shapes of the vehicles inside. (the cars are not exposed, as rail dust would damage the paint)

As far as rail yards, I can’t say what the chances are. The yard you are by could be a hump yard, switching yard, intermodal yard, etc.

The size of the yard does not mean that it is a location where vehicles would be unloaded. Unloading vehicle cars is time consuming and is only done at specific locations, then put on trucks to go to dealers.

Thanks for the info! I'm not sure what kind of yard is but I know they have a big train repair shop and do painting and such.

 

[RebellaE]

As a different point than I have seen made here so far:

We can all (mostly) agree that 1) Ford wants a Just In Time car sales system; 2)They are advertising their custom order system; 3) The dealer model is not likely to go away in the next 5 years; 4) It is way to late to change the allocation system, prioritization of MY 2022 Maverick builds or current shipping logistics.

Given these points, Ford still has the option to do better, and HAS on other Ford vehicles. That's what is killing me. You can order a Bronco or Lightening and it shows up in your Ford online account under orders. You can transfer a Lightening order to a different dealership (not sure about a Bronco) if you are unhappy with your current dealership, up to a certain point in the production cycle. Why did they make the Maverick ordering process different? I've never heard anyone, including Tim, explain why Ford made THIS process different that the Bronco or Lightening (and I know he doesn't actually represent FMC, so that's a little unfair, but I would love to see this question addressed).
My family also has a Volkswagen EV on order. Ordering was done through the website, including paying the deposit. I can see my order when I log into my account. I am also unlikely to get my ordered vehicle in less that 9 months, but I DO KNOW that the order is correct and it has been properly submitted to VW. Their order/build tracking system is just as unreliable as Ford's, but at least I can see my order, an estimated build date (very general, says summer 2022), and any official model delays right in my account.
Part of what is really frustrating people with the Maverick process is the uncertainty - did my dealer complete the order process correctly? Why didn't I get a confirmation email? Is my order correct? Did the dealer update my build when I asked them to? Did my vehicle get scheduled and the email never got sent? If we could trust the system more, we would all be a little less frustrated.
Ford could update the ordering process much quicker and easier than they can update the manufacturing or shipping processes and fix a big chunk of people's frustrations.

 

[Turtle]

As a different point than I have seen made here so far:

We can all (mostly) agree that 1) Ford wants a Just In Time car sales system; 2)They are advertising their custom order system; 3) The dealer model is not likely to go away in the next 5 years; 4) It is way to late to change the allocation system, prioritization of MY 2022 Maverick builds or current shipping logistics.

Given these points, Ford still has the option to do better, and HAS on other Ford vehicles. That's what is killing me. You can order a Bronco or Lightening and it shows up in your Ford online account under orders. You can transfer a Lightening order to a different dealership (not sure about a Bronco) if you are unhappy with your current dealership, up to a certain point in the production cycle. Why did they make the Maverick ordering process different? I've never heard anyone, including Tim, explain why Ford made THIS process different that the Bronco or Lightening (and I know he doesn't actually represent FMC, so that's a little unfair, but I would love to see this question addressed).
My family also has a Volkswagen EV on order. Ordering was done through the website, including paying the deposit. I can see my order when I log into my account. I am also unlikely to get my ordered vehicle in less that 9 months, but I DO KNOW that the order is correct and it has been properly submitted to VW. Their order/build tracking system is just as unreliable as Ford's, but at least I can see my order, an estimated build date (very general, says summer 2022), and any official model delays right in my account.
Part of what is really frustrating people with the Maverick process is the uncertainty - did my dealer complete the order process correctly? Why didn't I get a confirmation email? Is my order correct? Did the dealer update my build when I asked them to? Did my vehicle get scheduled and the email never got sent? If we could trust the system more, we would all be a little less frustrated.
Ford could update the ordering process much quicker and easier than they can update the manufacturing or shipping processes and fix a big chunk of people's frustrations.

Well said and I couldn’t agree more.

 

[hcforde]

YES! I'd much rather get an email that says, with your specs and dealer your estimated build month is [March, April, whatever] than completely not knowing. Obviously that email should come from Ford because the dealers that are telling customers their guesses (except Tim) are just throwing out BS that makes Ford look bad.

I think a lot of times it is just the individuals at the dealership that are unaware and are too lazy to find out what truth and reality is to relay to the customer. They are there to simply collect a paycheck.

 

[hcforde]

As a different point than I have seen made here so far:

We can all (mostly) agree that 1) Ford wants a Just In Time car sales system; 2)They are advertising their custom order system; 3) The dealer model is not likely to go away in the next 5 years; 4) It is way to late to change the allocation system, prioritization of MY 2022 Maverick builds or current shipping logistics.

Given these points, Ford still has the option to do better, and HAS on other Ford vehicles. That's what is killing me. You can order a Bronco or Lightening and it shows up in your Ford online account under orders. You can transfer a Lightening order to a different dealership (not sure about a Bronco) if you are unhappy with your current dealership, up to a certain point in the production cycle. Why did they make the Maverick ordering process different? I've never heard anyone, including Tim, explain why Ford made THIS process different that the Bronco or Lightening (and I know he doesn't actually represent FMC, so that's a little unfair, but I would love to see this question addressed).
My family also has a Volkswagen EV on order. Ordering was done through the website, including paying the deposit. I can see my order when I log into my account. I am also unlikely to get my ordered vehicle in less that 9 months, but I DO KNOW that the order is correct and it has been properly submitted to VW. Their order/build tracking system is just as unreliable as Ford's, but at least I can see my order, an estimated build date (very general, says summer 2022), and any official model delays right in my account.
Part of what is really frustrating people with the Maverick process is the uncertainty - did my dealer complete the order process correctly? Why didn't I get a confirmation email? Is my order correct? Did the dealer update my build when I asked them to? Did my vehicle get scheduled and the email never got sent? If we could trust the system more, we would all be a little less frustrated.
Ford could update the ordering process much quicker and easier than they can update the manufacturing or shipping processes and fix a big chunk of people's frustrations.

Different divisions and even different product groups are allowed to do different things

 

[Decayed]

As a different point than I have seen made here so far:

We can all (mostly) agree that 1) Ford wants a Just In Time car sales system; 2)They are advertising their custom order system; 3) The dealer model is not likely to go away in the next 5 years; 4) It is way to late to change the allocation system, prioritization of MY 2022 Maverick builds or current shipping logistics.

Given these points, Ford still has the option to do better, and HAS on other Ford vehicles. That's what is killing me. You can order a Bronco or Lightening and it shows up in your Ford online account under orders. You can transfer a Lightening order to a different dealership (not sure about a Bronco) if you are unhappy with your current dealership, up to a certain point in the production cycle. Why did they make the Maverick ordering process different? I've never heard anyone, including Tim, explain why Ford made THIS process different that the Bronco or Lightening (and I know he doesn't actually represent FMC, so that's a little unfair, but I would love to see this question addressed).
My family also has a Volkswagen EV on order. Ordering was done through the website, including paying the deposit. I can see my order when I log into my account. I am also unlikely to get my ordered vehicle in less that 9 months, but I DO KNOW that the order is correct and it has been properly submitted to VW. Their order/build tracking system is just as unreliable as Ford's, but at least I can see my order, an estimated build date (very general, says summer 2022), and any official model delays right in my account.
Part of what is really frustrating people with the Maverick process is the uncertainty - did my dealer complete the order process correctly? Why didn't I get a confirmation email? Is my order correct? Did the dealer update my build when I asked them to? Did my vehicle get scheduled and the email never got sent? If we could trust the system more, we would all be a little less frustrated.
Ford could update the ordering process much quicker and easier than they can update the manufacturing or shipping processes and fix a big chunk of people's frustrations.

The thing about custom orders is that they basically have to go that route, like it or not. People are accustomed to going on amazon, picking out exactly what they want then having it delivered quickly. We will likely never know what is driving Ford's decision making here; it's likely they are simply trying out different things and seeing what works. The supply chain issues throw a monkey wrench into everything, too.

There is also no reason for them NOT to go with custom ordering - the technology to manage it has been around a while. Traditionally, they pumped out whatever they could, dealers sold what they got and customers bought what dealers had. You can satisfy customers better with custom ordering EXCEPT for the supply issues gumming up the works. Once they get supply figured out delivery times should drop significantly.

As a side note, skimming through this thread, a lot of people are complaining about long delivery times when they placed pre-orders months before production actually started in volume and before EPA certification was given. It doesn't make sense to complain about the wait when it's a PRE order of a brand new model, trying out a new ordering paradigm, in the midst of pandemic induced labor and supply issues, with a vehicle that hadn't even been given government approval to be sold. Now that they are producing in earnest we can expect things to settle down, but in the end any custom order vehicle produced in an established system will STILL likely need something like 90 days to get to the dealer. A lot of vehicles seem to be sitting around in rail yards and such and it's not at all clear that Ford can even do anything about those delays.

The short version is that things will get better, but can only get so much better.

 

[hcforde]

The thing about custom orders is that they basically have to go that route, like it or not. People are accustomed to going on amazon, picking out exactly what they want then having it delivered quickly. We will likely never know what is driving Ford's decision making here; it's likely they are simply trying out different things and seeing what works. The supply chain issues throw a monkey wrench into everything, too.

There is also no reason for them NOT to go with custom ordering - the technology to manage it has been around a while. Traditionally, they pumped out whatever they could, dealers sold what they got and customers bought what dealers had. You can satisfy customers better with custom ordering EXCEPT for the supply issues gumming up the works. Once they get supply figured out delivery times should drop significantly.

As a side note, skimming through this thread, a lot of people are complaining about long delivery times when they placed pre-orders months before production actually started in volume and before EPA certification was given. It doesn't make sense to complain about the wait when it's a PRE order of a brand new model, trying out a new ordering paradigm, in the midst of pandemic induced labor and supply issues, with a vehicle that hadn't even been given government approval to be sold. Now that they are producing in earnest we can expect things to settle down, but in the end any custom order vehicle produced in an established system will STILL likely need something like 90 days to get to the dealer. A lot of vehicles seem to be sitting around in rail yards and such and it's not at all clear that Ford can even do anything about those delays.

The short version is that things will get better, but can only get so much better.

I can't remember how many time I have said exactly what you have just said in this forum and even including this thread. But you can't fix those that don't want to be fixed(thought I would keep it nice) and many time they will double down. One guy even said the Ford should have a delivery system more like Amazon(WHAT THE HECK)!!! I went on the explain the Amazon has pre-manufactured goods that are warehoused all over the country and not the same model. He wanted to argue!!! UNFIXABLE

I THINK THE DAYS ARE COMMING TO AN END WHERE A LOT OF CARS ARE BUILT TO SIT ON A LOT!
This has been fought by dealers but the manufacturers are picking up on the Elon Musk/Tesla business model. I can see them(dealers) paring down to a showroom, test drive and service center. That would eliminate a lot of the dealer overhead, and lower/stabilize the price to the consumer.

 

[liveshot]

Wow !

Was having my morning coffee and saw 17 pages of comments regarding how, why and when's. Can we all put things in perspective? Or as I am fond of saying, certain things in life aren't "deal breakers". I ordered my hybrid Maverick beginning of July, probably won't see it until March (yes, eight months) We're getting through it by having to share a vehicle, dropping off each other at work, etc. Would it have been nice to have it sooner? Sure, it would have. Should I have sold off my other car later? Hindsight says yes. But, at the end of the day the truck will eventually arrive. There are so many other things to have concerns about. Be happy with good health, good fortune and the love of your family. Happy Holidays to all..

 

[hcforde]

Wow !

Was having my morning coffee and saw 17 pages of comments regarding how, why and when's. Can we all put things in perspective? Or as I am fond of saying, certain things in life aren't "deal breakers". I ordered my hybrid Maverick beginning of July, probably won't see it until March (yes, eight months) We're getting through it by having to share a vehicle, dropping off each other at work, etc. Would it have been nice to have it sooner? Sure, it would have. Should I have sold off my other car later? Hindsight says yes. But, at the end of the day the truck will eventually arrive. There are so many other things to have concerns about. Be happy with good health, good fortune and the love of your family. Happy Holidays to all..

I ordered my hybrid (with spray-in bedliner)July 20th and just got notification of build scheduling for week of Jan 30. Ford sent me a notice a few week ago to expect it in March or April. I think they are doing a great job and are ahead of schedule. Good luck on your build and delivery. I am glad you are one of the level headed thinking people here.

 

[Nw_adventure]

As a different point than I have seen made here so far:

We can all (mostly) agree that 1) Ford wants a Just In Time car sales system; 2)They are advertising their custom order system; 3) The dealer model is not likely to go away in the next 5 years; 4) It is way to late to change the allocation system, prioritization of MY 2022 Maverick builds or current shipping logistics.

Given these points, Ford still has the option to do better, and HAS on other Ford vehicles. That's what is killing me. You can order a Bronco or Lightening and it shows up in your Ford online account under orders. You can transfer a Lightening order to a different dealership (not sure about a Bronco) if you are unhappy with your current dealership, up to a certain point in the production cycle. Why did they make the Maverick ordering process different? I've never heard anyone, including Tim, explain why Ford made THIS process different that the Bronco or Lightening (and I know he doesn't actually represent FMC, so that's a little unfair, but I would love to see this question addressed).
My family also has a Volkswagen EV on order. Ordering was done through the website, including paying the deposit. I can see my order when I log into my account. I am also unlikely to get my ordered vehicle in less that 9 months, but I DO KNOW that the order is correct and it has been properly submitted to VW. Their order/build tracking system is just as unreliable as Ford's, but at least I can see my order, an estimated build date (very general, says summer 2022), and any official model delays right in my account.
Part of what is really frustrating people with the Maverick process is the uncertainty - did my dealer complete the order process correctly? Why didn't I get a confirmation email? Is my order correct? Did the dealer update my build when I asked them to? Did my vehicle get scheduled and the email never got sent? If we could trust the system more, we would all be a little less frustrated.
Ford could update the ordering process much quicker and easier than they can update the manufacturing or shipping processes and fix a big chunk of people's frustrations.

Ford's clarity on orders is about a negative ten. My account still shows a Bronco ordered by my dealer on my behalf. I can't get rid of it even though it's been sitting on the dealers lot since summer with a large ADM on it, yet my account won't show the Maverick I did indeed get a confirmation email on - huh ?

 

[liveshot]

I ordered my hybrid (with spray-in bedliner)July 20th and just got notification of build scheduling for week of Jan 30. Ford sent me a notice a few week ago to expect it in March or April. I think they are doing a great job and are ahead of schedule. Good luck on your build and delivery. I am glad you are one of the level headed thinking people here.

Thanks and good luck on your truck as well.

 

[Turtle]

You are correct we all have much to be thankful for. However i started this stream complaining - yes complaining - about the allocation system and it has morphed into many areas most outside of Ford’s control. I still do not like the allocation system where large dealer customers are getting production dates and my July order is nowhere. Then maybe nowhere would be okay if there was some communication from Ford. They screwed up the Bronco orders, now the Maverick and most likely Lightening will go down a similar path. Initially i had hoped for a January delivery, then March and now it appears April - June is the next open window. I am thankful that i ordered a 22MY in the beginning since MY23 will be in even shorter supply as they start selling Mavericks throughout South America with no capability to increase production. If they just fairly allocate the product and communicate with the customers about the backlog and the expected delivery date we could all make educated decisions.

 

[Decayed]

I can't remember how many time I have said exactly what you have just said in this forum and even including this thread. But you can't fix those that don't want to be fixed(thought I would keep it nice) and many time they will double down. One guy even said the Ford should have a delivery system more like Amazon(WHAT THE HECK)!!! I went on the explain the Amazon has pre-manufactured goods that are warehoused all over the country and not the same model. He wanted to argue!!! UNFIXABLE

I THINK THE DAYS ARE COMMING TO AN END WHERE A LOT OF CARS ARE BUILT TO SIT ON A LOT!
This has been fought by dealers but the manufacturers are picking up on the Elon Musk/Tesla business model. I can see them(dealers) paring down to a showroom, test drive and service center. That would eliminate a lot of the dealer overhead, and lower/stabilize the price to the consumer.

One thing I will say is that Ford corporate headquarters really ought to unify the build to order processes so it's consistent across all their vehicle lines. It might not be a huge priority for them since people usually only buy a vehicle once every few years, but in the long term consistency would serve them very well.

 

[hcforde]

This is a period of high innovation, one size does not and will not fit all. People that head up divisions also need to feel a level of autonomy rather than being in a top down approach. That is how the Maverick was built and it should be looked at holistically. At the same time a lot of what is going on is an experimentation to see what works best. On thing about "better communication" is that it begats more communication. It give more to criticize, discect, and throw darts at. More is not necessarily better when things are changing day-to-day even though we think it would be/should be. Attorneys advise their clients not to speak....no doubt same here. It will be held against you.

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