So who has ordered the new S550 Mustang?
Discussion
OK people - I have been reading through this thread as I, too, will be ordering one of these, but probably in a couple of years.
It seems that Antony Ireson has responded to one or two of you. But I am a little dismayed at the response you guys are getting from your dealers, with some of you having already placed some of your hard earned down. I hopefully can explain a little. Not that it will help your cause as such - but sometimes, a little knowledge helps soothe the pain/frustration.
This one is a challenge for Ford Britain, only because we drive on the "wrong side". Germany and other European markets will soon be receiving their deliveries.
From my understanding (although some of you may know better as you have been closer to this more recently than me) the European models are tweaked a little more in suspension area than the US versions. And there are other subtle differences, I believe. I could be wrong as it's been a while since I saw all the literature on this car. But assuming that is the case, this always creates a small hiccup in the production line, especially in the early days.
So back to the issue - what is being found is that with all these models going through the "pre-sell period" (and Mustang being one of the long line that have gone before and won't be the end, for sure), there is little info about. Not just Mustang - although this model has its own unique challenges, as you would be aware - but all of them.
You wouldn't have looked and wouldn't be interested but if you were to ask your local dealer about the new S-Max, they would have about as much info on this as the Mustang (perhaps a smidge more) and that car is being launched before.
So whilst I can't bring along a party line to this frustrating experience (and I do empathise with you), the fact is that the detail is difficult to obtain. Your questions remain unanswered because the challenge for Ford Britain (indeed Ford Europe) is to import all of these vehicles, which is a little different to the rest of the model range they offer, which is European sourced (except Ecosport of course).
Accepted, this doesn't answer a lot of questions. But if you fire them over, I'll see if/what I can answer, without going into sensitivity stuff.
It seems that Antony Ireson has responded to one or two of you. But I am a little dismayed at the response you guys are getting from your dealers, with some of you having already placed some of your hard earned down. I hopefully can explain a little. Not that it will help your cause as such - but sometimes, a little knowledge helps soothe the pain/frustration.
This one is a challenge for Ford Britain, only because we drive on the "wrong side". Germany and other European markets will soon be receiving their deliveries.
From my understanding (although some of you may know better as you have been closer to this more recently than me) the European models are tweaked a little more in suspension area than the US versions. And there are other subtle differences, I believe. I could be wrong as it's been a while since I saw all the literature on this car. But assuming that is the case, this always creates a small hiccup in the production line, especially in the early days.
So back to the issue - what is being found is that with all these models going through the "pre-sell period" (and Mustang being one of the long line that have gone before and won't be the end, for sure), there is little info about. Not just Mustang - although this model has its own unique challenges, as you would be aware - but all of them.
You wouldn't have looked and wouldn't be interested but if you were to ask your local dealer about the new S-Max, they would have about as much info on this as the Mustang (perhaps a smidge more) and that car is being launched before.
So whilst I can't bring along a party line to this frustrating experience (and I do empathise with you), the fact is that the detail is difficult to obtain. Your questions remain unanswered because the challenge for Ford Britain (indeed Ford Europe) is to import all of these vehicles, which is a little different to the rest of the model range they offer, which is European sourced (except Ecosport of course).
Accepted, this doesn't answer a lot of questions. But if you fire them over, I'll see if/what I can answer, without going into sensitivity stuff.
Edited by DazRSK on Sunday 17th May 22:13
So I also called my dealer - TrustFord in Castleford yesterday. I reserved and put down £2K on 24th Jan 2015. They had been talking with a lady at Ford HQ apparently and I was told I would get a call back with further information later that day.
I've heard nothing further.
A shame that such a momentous occasion has been so badly organised - Ford seemed to have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
I've heard nothing further.
A shame that such a momentous occasion has been so badly organised - Ford seemed to have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
mattus said:
Dealer will have an update soon. They are trying to coordinate a better coomunciation flow with th dealers.
Matt
Amen to that! ..... Matt
mattus said:
Also suggested an announcement (in the near future) that the Shelby 350GT will be available (via warranted upgrades) from a UK dealer .....
Matt
Many thanks Matt. Dare I begin to dream of 550 lovely, flat plane horsepower? ..... i do hope so. Matt
Got this:
Hi David,
As far as I am aware your order is classed as being part of the 2015 build, but in all honesty will probably be 2016 before we see your car.
We should know more soon, as they are starting to confirm build dates for the Mustang. As soon as I know something I will be in touch.
Hi David,
As far as I am aware your order is classed as being part of the 2015 build, but in all honesty will probably be 2016 before we see your car.
We should know more soon, as they are starting to confirm build dates for the Mustang. As soon as I know something I will be in touch.
I can live with early Spring 2016 because, as has been said before, who wants a brand new 420bhp car on summer tyres in the midst of winter.
I'm kinda hoping that my dealer is wrong about me being in the first batch. I mean how could I be, considering I didn't put down a deposit until the end of Jan.
I'm kinda hoping that my dealer is wrong about me being in the first batch. I mean how could I be, considering I didn't put down a deposit until the end of Jan.
Roo said:
That'll be one hell of an upgrade package.
Yes, that thought had crossed my mind .... but for the moment i'm grabbing on to any positive i can In other news, in case you haven't seen it ...... this ....
http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/customizer/
.... but don't expect too much, still a beta apparently.
DazRSK said:
Accepted, this doesn't answer a lot of questions. But if you fire them over, I'll see if/what I can answer, without going into sensitivity stuff.
Well, you did ask! ....In general terms, what was the thinking behind the marketing strategy in the UK? It seems the car is being promoted as more of a grand tourer than a performance/muscle-car, which would appear to be slightly different to the rest of Europe. Does this difference account for the lack of the complete performance package on UK GT's (i.e Recaros, strut brace, additional gauges etc)? Many people (i.e. me
) are disappointed these are not available. I realise Pistonheads is probably not completely representative of the potential UK market, but an options list to enable a choice between tourer or performance would have been good.Will there be any Ford Performance aftermarket parts officially available through UK dealers?
When is the UK website car configurator going to be updated to include all the options? At the moment the custom pack wheels don't show up and there is no black roof or OTT stripe option.
When the orders get added to Vista, will we be able to follow the progress of the order online?
Presumably the Champions League winners cars are the first scheduled for production. How many cars (other than CL cars) will be made in this first batch and approximately when does that batch start production?
How many RHD cars are Ford planning to make every year and how will the production be organised (i.e. will they be made in batches once enough orders are placed or will production happen throughout the year as and when required or what)?
Any feedback gratefully received .....
.... Thanks
Roo - apologies if I have duplicated yours and other's posts in my response. There are 35 pages here and to remember everyone's post. I just saw a lot of unrest here.
That all said, being in the business or not (and I am in, as well), some of you guys are wondering where your hard earned has gone. It's not such an enviable thought of placing down some money and then not knowing when the item is about to turn up.
What is a shame in all of these instances is that there is no communication. No news is often worse than bad news. It would have been good of someone just to come through and tell you - look, this is the situation - there are complications and we don't have a clue when your car will be available. You'll get your car but bear with us.
But people don't like giving that info. It doesn't look so good - but the fact does remain that there is vague stuff going on here.
This is a challenge for Ford. There are so many areas. First, the car is an official import, but it is that - an import into Europe. Forget Genk and Valencia, where cars can move from Spain and Belgium across the borders. This is a trans-atlantic voyage. So I can understand the headache with a boat shipping these cars across and this is unlike any other European Ford model.
The second - this is a huge punt. It is an aggressive look on the European market to assume that sub 30mpg cars will sell. This car will live off its heritage. Need I mention Camaro or VXR8 to see the success of what happens when a mainstream brand launches a "thirsty rocket".
The third thing - the positive - it will sell. There are enough enthusiasts of this car and its heritage. When I was making the comparisons to the competition, it really is a car with no/little competition in many areas.
There are costs involved in making RHD vehicles out of a western world that predominantly is LHD. The bad news is that we are not getting all of the kit here in the UK, as you mention. Europe can lean on the US cars a bit better. I guess that is the bean counters for you. Whether that'll change - I don't know. Sometimes models evolve through consumer pressure, as we know.
Some of you guys here are the early adopters. Be proud of that as it is an enviable position to be in. I've bought number 432 or whatever. No future purchaser will lay claim to this number as it's just another Mustang rolled off the line. If it does evolve, when ? I have no idea - it could be 2 years down, 3 years. I certainly wouldn't wait on it happening.
The configurator will be updated when more information flows through. I would guess that over the couple of months, the information will start to flow of what's available, how much it will be. Sorry - I don't have the parts and accessories list, therefore, not able to say.
Again with Vista and the batches - I am not close to. All I can say is that these will come across in exactly that - batches - therefore, you would hope the logistics machine will ramp up and make the CL group get theirs as quickly as possible.
Sorry - I realise that there is a lot of commentary without substance, perhaps. I have to be a little vague because obviously some of this is not public domain and other bits of info, frankly, I don't know.
I think someone posted above that they're happy to be patient and receive theirs next spring when the weather is better. All I can say is that this is not a bad moto to start out on and I would hope that your cars will turn up earlier (I am sure they will do), therefore, being a great surprise and bonus to you when they do.
That all said, being in the business or not (and I am in, as well), some of you guys are wondering where your hard earned has gone. It's not such an enviable thought of placing down some money and then not knowing when the item is about to turn up.
What is a shame in all of these instances is that there is no communication. No news is often worse than bad news. It would have been good of someone just to come through and tell you - look, this is the situation - there are complications and we don't have a clue when your car will be available. You'll get your car but bear with us.
But people don't like giving that info. It doesn't look so good - but the fact does remain that there is vague stuff going on here.
sumpoil said:
Well, you did ask! ....
In general terms, what was the thinking behind the marketing strategy in the UK? It seems the car is being promoted as more of a grand tourer than a performance/muscle-car, which would appear to be slightly different to the rest of Europe. Does this difference account for the lack of the complete performance package on UK GT's (i.e Recaros, strut brace, additional gauges etc)? Many people (i.e. me) are disappointed these are not available. I realise Pistonheads is probably not completely representative of the potential UK market, but an options list to enable a choice between tourer or performance would have been good.
Will there be any Ford Performance aftermarket parts officially available through UK dealers?
When is the UK website car configurator going to be updated to include all the options? At the moment the custom pack wheels don't show up and there is no black roof or OTT stripe option.
When the orders get added to Vista, will we be able to follow the progress of the order online?
Presumably the Champions League winners cars are the first scheduled for production. How many cars (other than CL cars) will be made in this first batch and approximately when does that batch start production?
How many RHD cars are Ford planning to make every year and how will the production be organised (i.e. will they be made in batches once enough orders are placed or will production happen throughout the year as and when required or what)?
Any feedback gratefully received .....
.... Thanks
Sumpoil - I always think it is a shame that a rep close to this doesn't come on these forums and post up info that just keeps people calm and lets people know what's going on. But hey-hoe - that never happens with any manufacturer.In general terms, what was the thinking behind the marketing strategy in the UK? It seems the car is being promoted as more of a grand tourer than a performance/muscle-car, which would appear to be slightly different to the rest of Europe. Does this difference account for the lack of the complete performance package on UK GT's (i.e Recaros, strut brace, additional gauges etc)? Many people (i.e. me
) are disappointed these are not available. I realise Pistonheads is probably not completely representative of the potential UK market, but an options list to enable a choice between tourer or performance would have been good.Will there be any Ford Performance aftermarket parts officially available through UK dealers?
When is the UK website car configurator going to be updated to include all the options? At the moment the custom pack wheels don't show up and there is no black roof or OTT stripe option.
When the orders get added to Vista, will we be able to follow the progress of the order online?
Presumably the Champions League winners cars are the first scheduled for production. How many cars (other than CL cars) will be made in this first batch and approximately when does that batch start production?
How many RHD cars are Ford planning to make every year and how will the production be organised (i.e. will they be made in batches once enough orders are placed or will production happen throughout the year as and when required or what)?
Any feedback gratefully received .....
.... Thanks
This is a challenge for Ford. There are so many areas. First, the car is an official import, but it is that - an import into Europe. Forget Genk and Valencia, where cars can move from Spain and Belgium across the borders. This is a trans-atlantic voyage. So I can understand the headache with a boat shipping these cars across and this is unlike any other European Ford model.
The second - this is a huge punt. It is an aggressive look on the European market to assume that sub 30mpg cars will sell. This car will live off its heritage. Need I mention Camaro or VXR8 to see the success of what happens when a mainstream brand launches a "thirsty rocket".
The third thing - the positive - it will sell. There are enough enthusiasts of this car and its heritage. When I was making the comparisons to the competition, it really is a car with no/little competition in many areas.
There are costs involved in making RHD vehicles out of a western world that predominantly is LHD. The bad news is that we are not getting all of the kit here in the UK, as you mention. Europe can lean on the US cars a bit better. I guess that is the bean counters for you. Whether that'll change - I don't know. Sometimes models evolve through consumer pressure, as we know.
Some of you guys here are the early adopters. Be proud of that as it is an enviable position to be in. I've bought number 432 or whatever. No future purchaser will lay claim to this number as it's just another Mustang rolled off the line. If it does evolve, when ? I have no idea - it could be 2 years down, 3 years. I certainly wouldn't wait on it happening.
The configurator will be updated when more information flows through. I would guess that over the couple of months, the information will start to flow of what's available, how much it will be. Sorry - I don't have the parts and accessories list, therefore, not able to say.
Again with Vista and the batches - I am not close to. All I can say is that these will come across in exactly that - batches - therefore, you would hope the logistics machine will ramp up and make the CL group get theirs as quickly as possible.
Sorry - I realise that there is a lot of commentary without substance, perhaps. I have to be a little vague because obviously some of this is not public domain and other bits of info, frankly, I don't know.
I think someone posted above that they're happy to be patient and receive theirs next spring when the weather is better. All I can say is that this is not a bad moto to start out on and I would hope that your cars will turn up earlier (I am sure they will do), therefore, being a great surprise and bonus to you when they do.
Edited by DazRSK on Sunday 17th May 22:15
in early April I won a competition from BMW MSport to go to Las Vegas and drive all the M cars around the Las Vegas speedway all on them! the trip was last week, so rather cheekily I found an hour to visit a ford dealer "Gaudin ford" who let me have a drive of a V8, I was very gentle on the test drive but found that the car sounded great and the interior was not an issue, I'm eagerly waiting my new car.
the triple yellow was really nice in the flesh, in fact they all looked good.
the triple yellow was really nice in the flesh, in fact they all looked good.
Edited by knownuser on Sunday 17th May 20:08
I'm seriously tempted by a ruby red one. But these days I only like auto cars, and most of the tuning packs that are currently in offer in the states are for manual cars.
Is the auto box weak, or is it just that manual mustangs get the tuning packs first? I wouldn't want one without ultimately having a super charger fitted.
Thanks for any advice 👍
Is the auto box weak, or is it just that manual mustangs get the tuning packs first? I wouldn't want one without ultimately having a super charger fitted.
Thanks for any advice 👍
spudgun08 said:
I'm seriously tempted by a ruby red one. But these days I only like auto cars, and most of the tuning packs that are currently in offer in the states are for manual cars.
Is the auto box weak, or is it just that manual mustangs get the tuning packs first? I wouldn't want one without ultimately having a super charger fitted.
Thanks for any advice ??
I don't think it's an issue is it? Unless you've read something that specifically mentions it? I know I haven't but then I've ordered a manual, but I haven't seen anything mentioning auto being a problem when I've been window-shopping various parts & upgrades.Is the auto box weak, or is it just that manual mustangs get the tuning packs first? I wouldn't want one without ultimately having a super charger fitted.
Thanks for any advice ??
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