Ford Employee Preview
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Cobra R Member
Joined: March 18, 2004
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Ford Employee Preview
Hey y'all... So did ya hear about how Ford is hosting this thing at Cobo Hall in Detroit where employees were invited to this crazy exclusive preview of things to come over the next 5 or so years? Everybody had to sign agreements and stuff cause they are showing off tons of vehicles nobody has seen yet. Anyways, there's some coverage of some leaks over at Autoblog, plus some employees seem to be discussing what they saw over on BlueOvalNews.
THis is from BON:
Here's the thread
and here's the article on Autoblog where I first heard about it.
Big news for me is the B-segment car, which one attendee has said is very bold and impressive, and that's exciting to me. Also very cool to see they were showing off the Transit! Will that replace or compliment the Econoline?? I hope compliment, cause I think there's room for them both.
Also interesting to see they have refreshes in line for the Mustang (2008 - see appropriate thread in 2005-2009 section), Fusion and MKZ (2009). I'm guessing that's when we'll see the hybrid Fusion too, and its interesting too that there doesn't seem to be any mention of any mercury products.
THis is from BON:
Just got back from the "showroom of the future" and I have to say my faith has been restored for now. A couple of products were not that impressive (F-150 and escape) but overall the future line up looks strong. And I'm happy to report for those that were wondering, the Lincoln people mover will NOT be a Fairlane with a new grill. In all they had 17 models at the presentation, icluding the new 500(08), fusion(09) and MKZ(09). They even had the transit. Alan and Mark were present as well as a couple of others (design team).
and here's the article on Autoblog where I first heard about it.
Big news for me is the B-segment car, which one attendee has said is very bold and impressive, and that's exciting to me. Also very cool to see they were showing off the Transit! Will that replace or compliment the Econoline?? I hope compliment, cause I think there's room for them both.
Also interesting to see they have refreshes in line for the Mustang (2008 - see appropriate thread in 2005-2009 section), Fusion and MKZ (2009). I'm guessing that's when we'll see the hybrid Fusion too, and its interesting too that there doesn't seem to be any mention of any mercury products.
. Sounds good though.
Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
Posts: 5,851
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From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
The thing that caught my eye was the news that the '08 Stang will get improvements to the things that really need fixing - like the interior. My guess is that the cheap plastics will be replaced with higher quality offerings.
Also, now we know that a '08 Bullitt prototype has been completed. Can't wait for something to leak out about that!
Also, now we know that a '08 Bullitt prototype has been completed. Can't wait for something to leak out about that!
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: February 1, 2004
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Somewhat concerned about the F-150 reaction, its still a cash cow and with MT ready to call the Toyota god's gift to motoring they need to step up with something good.
E-series van is still cited by KRON as being there, so I'm guessing its not leaving when Transit comes over.
B-Seg: very good news! Show us a **** sketch or something!
Already another reskin of the MKZ?
Show us the new 500 already!
E-series van is still cited by KRON as being there, so I'm guessing its not leaving when Transit comes over.
B-Seg: very good news! Show us a **** sketch or something!
Already another reskin of the MKZ?
Show us the new 500 already!
Yes, they tweaked the fascias a bit but it was not even close to reskin.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: June 18, 2004
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From: Conroe, TX
Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
One of the employee posts over on that thread is a little more sobering >>
I saw the vehicles and witb my Ford Employee hat on and thought not bad. Then I stepped back as a consumer and looked at the onslaught of competition vs. these new vehicles. I did not see anything groundbreaking that another company is not already producing. Then to have to wait until 2009+?????? They will be dated when they hit the street.
I am convinced that these products are not exciting enough to stabilize our market share. I sent my resume out to 20 places tonight. After 10 years, I am done. I am very disappointed by the big show.
I am convinced that these products are not exciting enough to stabilize our market share. I sent my resume out to 20 places tonight. After 10 years, I am done. I am very disappointed by the big show.
Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
Ford Basically Owned By Financing Companies Now
This article makes for an interesting read, though some of the comments by Ford employees towards the end are pretty grim >>
One longtime engineer, who expects to take a buyout later this year and who was attending the Showroom of the Future event Tuesday, said morale at Ford is terrible. He said he was disappointed by the financing package.
"They basically sold Ford to the financing companies," said the worker, who did not want his name used for fear of losing his job.
Several other employees who attended the event said the display didn't swing their opinions of Ford's direction.
"I'm skeptical of everything at this point," said one employee who works at a Ford facility in Livonia. He did not want his name published because of concerns over job security.
"They basically sold Ford to the financing companies," said the worker, who did not want his name used for fear of losing his job.
Several other employees who attended the event said the display didn't swing their opinions of Ford's direction.
"I'm skeptical of everything at this point," said one employee who works at a Ford facility in Livonia. He did not want his name published because of concerns over job security.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: June 19, 2004
Posts: 6,840
Likes: 2
From: Phoenixville, PA
Your really enjoying this aren't you BC? 
You can shout to the high heavens about how you like Ford, and hope they make it, but when you repeatedly post these types of articles, it gives off a different vibe.
You can shout to the high heavens about how you like Ford, and hope they make it, but when you repeatedly post these types of articles, it gives off a different vibe.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: June 19, 2004
Posts: 6,840
Likes: 2
From: Phoenixville, PA
Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
It's interesting how you have nothing to say when I speak positively about Ford.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: June 19, 2004
Posts: 6,840
Likes: 2
From: Phoenixville, PA
You need to learn to separate the messenger from the message. This is what people are saying all over those boards; whether you like it or not isn't my responsibility. I posted it; it is what it is.
It's interesting how you have nothing to say when I speak positively about Ford.
It's interesting how you have nothing to say when I speak positively about Ford.
When you post a positive story about Ford, send me a PM, and I'll be happy to read it.
Closet American
Joined: July 17, 2005
Posts: 5,851
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC (Hollywood North)
I'm sorry, but I don't go looking for all your posts. I just type how they make me feel, when I read them. Again, I'm sorry to keep a positive outlook, but when I WORK at a Ford dealership, positive is all I have left to keep gping. I need a positive outlook. Who wants to buy a vehicle from a salesperson with a downtrodden, glass half-empty attitude?
Just a few examples.
