Ford's decision to not release new models with new engines.

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Jun 5, 2008 | 10:16 PM

SuperSugeKnight

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Ford's decision to not release new models with new engines.

They did it with the '09 MKS (no EcoBoost) and '09 F-150 (No Hurricane). They will do it with the upcoming '10 Mustang (no 5.0) and maybe the '10 Fusion and it's cousins (no 3.5). Will this hurt them in the long run or is it a smart move? Will it anger customers?

Jun 5, 2008 | 10:31 PM

Zastava_101

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Serbian Steamer

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From: Wisconsin / Serbia

Fusion and Milan (will there be 2010 Milan?) really don't need 3.5L. Instead Ford should focus more on hybrid versions of Fusion and Milan.

MKS will get EcoBoost in 2010 and that same year F-150 will get both Hurricane and 4.4L diesel.

Jun 6, 2008 | 02:20 AM

Black331

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Joined: May 28, 2004

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From: Long Beach, Ca

It's the brain dead marketers that Mulally hasn't fired yet making these decisions, and yes it hurts the company, nothing like driving off customers to other brands who get it right the first time.

Jun 6, 2008 | 10:55 AM

Moosetang

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Its a case of the decision-makers not wanting to wait that extra year with old models while the engines are being finalized. The blame goes to the feet-dragging that occurred within the engine programs. On balance, Having the new models even without the prime running gear is preferable to the outdated versions, and it provides incentive for the drivetrain programs to keep their crap together.

Jun 6, 2008 | 11:25 AM

FLAstangx3

Team Mustang Source

Joined: September 16, 2005

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From: Yatta-Abba, AL

it's either that, or warehouse a lot of crate engines that they have previously contracted to building.

Jun 6, 2008 | 11:37 AM

Vermillion06

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From: NV

I'd rather they get the engine right and release it later than release it too early and have it subject to tons of recalls. Releasing a new car with an existing proven engine is probably a smarter move than to release a new car with a new engine that isn't ready.

Ford has had flawless launches of new products since about 2004. Remember the recalls on the 2000 Focus and the 2001 Escape recalls when they were introduced...

Jun 6, 2008 | 02:25 PM

Knight

Needs to be more Astony

Joined: October 4, 2004

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From: Volo, IL

I think it is stupid and more managment on fords part. If i were at Ford I would want my new models to just knock the socks right off the competition. How are you going to win the public over when your new model gets no awards or car of the year that it could have had if only it had that engine thats not quite ready.

Its just shooting momentum of a new model in the foot.