well bringing a bunch of new cars to the lot, new mustang brings the lemmings in to look at the pretty car, then they see other new models,then in theory, sales *should* skyrocket for a little while

market strategy

 

Typically there are only two shutdowns a year when major overhauls can be completed without production interuption. Summer and Winter.

Winter usually being over the two weeks for Christmas, Hanukkah, extending until after New Years. I work for a Systems Integrater. We can usually install just about any assembly line in those two weeks given the proper conditions and enough manpower. This is typically how we see changeovers done. When I worked for Subaru of Indiana Automotive Changeovers were always done in the two summer weeks. Mild prep work and staging is prepared weeks in advance, but the bulk of the job runs over the two weeks, not months.

So given the proposed data... my SWAG is that 2009 will build out 12/19/2008, and the 2010 PPAP and destructive test units will Body on 1/5/2009.

This puts delivery right where Brad said it would be, in April.

 

Because Ford intends to launch it around April of 09. Which not only would mark the 45th anniversary, but also closer to the 2010 model year as well. However I'd much rather have it called the 2009.5 45th anniversary edition, instead of the 2010.

 

If indeed it is a MY2010 refreshment we won't see it 'til very late '08-early '09.
Ford will not take the wraps off 'til then.
As stated before, Ford still needs to sell 2008's on their lots including the BULLITT
that will be built through late April and Glassroof 2009's in June.
Most probably we'll see another SE (NYIAS) to go on sale mid-year.

We got teased by the spyshots and the fact that Challenger is out "finally"
and the Camaro is all but out of the bag a year before launch.
Both Dodge and Chevy had the luxury of showing their cars so soon.
Why? Because they don't need to sell prior year Camaros/Challengers.
They have no inventory of new models on showroom floors and lots.
They did this to create a buzz. They want customers to show up at the
dealers and ask questions. Then they'll be put in a Cobalt/Caliber lease
for two years until the car shows up.

 

I agree with you topnotch, but i'm not sure if thats a good idea revealing the car to the public so soon before it's launch. I think Ford should release a concept of the 10' car to see how the public reacts to it. Last minute things could be changed, for example just from seeing the spy shots it seems that nobody likes the new tail lights. Simple tweaks here and there could save Ford lots of sales if they allow the public to let them know what they do and don't like about the car.

 

The downside to that tactic is...its almost stale by the time its released...
Challenger not so much because it has almost a year up on the Camaro....

But the Camaro concept has gone through 3 autoshow seasons already and still no production shown in the public.

 

There will be Those who will Scramble for the Last of the 09's IF they do not Dig the 10's . Ford could Throw out a Short Run SE at the End of 09 Also to Stimulate Sales if it Looks like The 09's Sales Run Flat Also. Regardless we have a Lot to Look Forward to at the End of this Year! We have a Few Scenarios which could happen! As More 09/10 Info Surfaces I will be Posting! STAY TUNED!

KC

 

We have been polishing a lot of 18inch Mustang(Marauder style) wheels lately.
Spring will be here soon, and it appears that Ford expects to sell a lot of V6 Stangs!

 

With the '09 being an abbreviated run, it could be an interesting car to hold on to.

 

With most of the changes being made for the new Mazda6 already, plus the fact that there's 2 shutdowns between now and Jan. '09 (the summer shutdown dates may be changed) there shouldn't be any issues getting it to market by 04-17-09. Also, remember that the '64.5 was shown at the NEW YORK World's Fair before it was available for sale to the public.

 

For These.....

 

I understand what you are saying but I doubt the car will get stale if the concept is released less than a year before production.... I hope things work out but it seems like a risky strategy from Ford..... (deep down I know i'm gonna like it)

 

Some people get sick of looking at pictures, but the first time you sit in that car - feel of the seat, hands on the steering wheel, and that new car smell. Its magic baby!

 

Nice pictures. Too bad the clear coat dulls our High Luster finish!

 

They have them here at our local dealer.... Anyway I think that will help with the 09 gt500 price for me, if I time it right.

Roger

 

Hey, Kevin - I wonder if that "short run SE" is the GT/CS (you've already mentioned it would be extended for 2009)? Beyond the glass roof, the Bullitt, and this car, that's probably all that can be handled in the time alotted.

Thoughts?

 

I'm thinking we won't see the '10 Stang until the LA show in Dec or the Detroit show in Jan with it going on sale somewhere around March - April.

Introducing the new Stang is a tight-rope walk. Bring it out too early and it gives the competition time to react, potentially makes the new product stale and if the public really likes the new model, leaves Ford having to offer big rebates to clear out the last of the 2009 models.

On the other hand if it's introduced too late and the new style is bold enough that it takes a while to warm up to the new design, Ford risks loosing sales momentum on the new model.

As others have stated, the Camaro & Challenger could be introduced much earlier because GM & Chrysler did not have competing products. So the maketing strategy becomes introduce them early to try to slow down Mustang sales.

 

They'll probably 'show' spy shots closer and closer to drum up hype...
enough and close enough so that when someone finally see's the 2010 Stang, they'll be able to cancel their order of a competitor if they want.

And close enough that if someone doesn't like the 2010..they'll still be fresh 09s on the lot.

 

Yes, I'd expect some spy shots minmal cameo around September.

On the other hand I suspect the 2010 will be so much improved over the 05-09 that Ford will NOT want any 2009s left around when the 2010s hit the dealer lots because it will be next to impossible to get rid of any leftover 09s unless huge rebates are tacked on them.

We pretty much know that 09 production ends in December. It will take at least 2 months to clear out remaining 09 inventory, so the stars seem to be aligning towards the 45th anniversary of the original intro date.

 

yeah rebates are crazy with a new body style the only new car purchase of my life is when I bought a Comp Orange GT Coupe fully loaded for $18,000.I think the sticker was about $27,500? The cool thing is that when my ex totaled it (i know i know....) I was awarded $26,000 from the insurance company and used that money to buy an 03 Cobra. I'm thinking of buying an 09' GT leftover if the price is right!