You guys need to quit freaking out. There is no way Ford would work as hard as they have the past couple years on quality control and segment leading product to simply say "Good enough". This tells me they had a bunch of dead weight and in-efficient processes. I wouldn't doubt that they have probably replaced people with robots too. Newsflash, this has been happening for decades!
If you read the article posted above, you will read that Fords has done quite a bit to ensure the well-being of its workers. Much more than a lot of employers in my area who decided to do layoffs and plant closings the week of Christmas with ZERO forewarning.
For what its worth, when I heard it on the radio yesterday, they said it was because of the slow-selling Mustang.

 

That has to be wrong, Ford should be expecting Mustang sales to go up soon. More likely due to a slow selling Mazda.

 

I think it was merely the media's spin on it.

 

What do the dealerships have to say about interest in the 2011's? Sure a segment of enthusiasts are pumped about it but are we just swimming around in a small pool. In general do other potential buyers know a newer Mustang is coming out and are asking about it or is it just another day on the
sales floor?

 

in this case spin meaning: making up information

 

I agree. I believe the media perception now is something the management at Ford would NOT want to disrupt.

In the couple of times I've toured AAI, it seems much of the unautomated labor happens in the trim area because the bodies are assembled by robotic processes. I can imagine that if the volumes drop, there are less cars, and yes, there are probably opportunities to change processes so they remain efficient and take cost out of the system.

Yes, it would appear redeploying staff to another location is a sign of investing in the workforce, although it would be tough to relocate to another state. I wonder how the operating agreements at that plant are different than the standard legacy Ford only plants.

As an aside, the Corvette plant has undergone a similar experience. The sales of that car are HALF. That's a huge drop.

 

The dealer I'm working with says they've been getting orders left and right for the 2011....

 

It seems are "friends" over at Camaro5 are loving this.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66141

They don't think the 2011 Mustang will outsell the 2011 Camaro. I think the new engines will put the Mustang back on top in sales.

 

The immature ones over there definitely need something to massage their bruised egos over final confirmation of the 5.0. That's fine, just makes it that much sweeter when the finale sales numbers come out....

 

I only read the first page of that thread and it did not seem that there was any gloating but real sympathy for the workers. Yeah they're proud of their cars, so are we. Maybe the immature bad-mouthers showed up on later pages but I got the overall impression that if that first page is representative of the whole forum, they're a lot like us - not a bad group of people.
Though there's always a few around that can leave a bad impression wherever they go.

 

Ditto - I saw a few people misinterpret things and post "yeah, Ford sucks, hahaha" comments. It seemed more people were expressing their regret.

I think one person summed it up best when he posted -

"We are very fortunate to have the luxury to be able to purchase these cars. This economy is terrible, hasn't gotten better, and it's **** right scary out there!

I personally will keep all 900 employees in my thoughts and prayers... "

And that to me is a reminder that there is something to be grateful for when driving my vehicle.