Maybe with the Mustang and Explorer they can do this but I wouldnt touch the F150 because Toyota noticed that in the Trucks people like to more choices from where to choose
Ford To Cut Options and Packages on 2008 Explorer, Mustang and Navigator
DEARBORN, Mich. — Buyers of the 2007 Ford Mustang V6 had 16,000 buildable combinations of options and colors. But when the 2008 Mustang V6 hits showrooms in August, it will only come in 200 buildable combinations, Ford told Inside Line.
In most cases, the changes should be relatively minor. The base 2008 Mustang V6 will not be available with spinners on the 16-inch wheels, for instance. You'll only be able to get a plain 16-inch wheel. The Mustang V6 will also only be available in 10 exterior colors instead of the 11 that were offered in 2007. Gone are such exterior color choices as "screaming yellow" and "legend lime," to be replaced with a new lineup that includes dark candy apple red.
Side airbags, which were standard on some '07 versions of the Mustang V6 and optional on others, are now standard across the V6 line for 2008. A Mustang V6 Safety and Security Package bundles traction control, antilock brakes, an anti-theft system and wheel-locking kits for 2008, instead of offering each item as a stand-alone option.
"The number of options you can select will be smaller to reduce the cost at the factory," said Ford spokesman Jim Cain. "The goal isn't to take anything away from anybody. It's to give them the vehicle they want and to make it simpler for the dealer and the plant."
The same tactic will be used for the 2008 Explorer and Navigator, due out later this summer. The '08 Explorer, for example, eliminates molded-in color bumper fascias. But Cain said they were the grayish-black plastic exterior trim that few customers seemed to want anyway. He said Navigator will have an unspecified number of fewer buildable combinations and "more standard equipment."
The new approach is the brainchild of Ford CEO Alan Mulally, who is on a quest to reduce manufacturing complexity as part of the automaker's turnaround plan. Toyota and other Japanese automakers have traditionally offered fewer choices, letting customers pick just a few things on a vehicle, such as engine size, cloth or leather interior, and exterior color.
For More Click HERE Inside Line
In most cases, the changes should be relatively minor. The base 2008 Mustang V6 will not be available with spinners on the 16-inch wheels, for instance. You'll only be able to get a plain 16-inch wheel. The Mustang V6 will also only be available in 10 exterior colors instead of the 11 that were offered in 2007. Gone are such exterior color choices as "screaming yellow" and "legend lime," to be replaced with a new lineup that includes dark candy apple red.
Side airbags, which were standard on some '07 versions of the Mustang V6 and optional on others, are now standard across the V6 line for 2008. A Mustang V6 Safety and Security Package bundles traction control, antilock brakes, an anti-theft system and wheel-locking kits for 2008, instead of offering each item as a stand-alone option.
"The number of options you can select will be smaller to reduce the cost at the factory," said Ford spokesman Jim Cain. "The goal isn't to take anything away from anybody. It's to give them the vehicle they want and to make it simpler for the dealer and the plant."
The same tactic will be used for the 2008 Explorer and Navigator, due out later this summer. The '08 Explorer, for example, eliminates molded-in color bumper fascias. But Cain said they were the grayish-black plastic exterior trim that few customers seemed to want anyway. He said Navigator will have an unspecified number of fewer buildable combinations and "more standard equipment."
The new approach is the brainchild of Ford CEO Alan Mulally, who is on a quest to reduce manufacturing complexity as part of the automaker's turnaround plan. Toyota and other Japanese automakers have traditionally offered fewer choices, letting customers pick just a few things on a vehicle, such as engine size, cloth or leather interior, and exterior color.
For More Click HERE Inside Line
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
Whatever they do, they cannot afford to kick mess with the F150. GM is certainly not cutting back on its GMT900 options
Well, this has been a long time trend since the 60's (long lists of individual options turning into rather limited 'packages').
Until car mfgs get to be like 'mail'order puter mfgs (ie OnLineConfigurator >> delivery to your home within a [One] week) -
Same with Why does each model have its own (minimally) different upholstery choices? [pet peave] Yeah a full-line brand like Ford may need regular-sport-&truck choices but why not have all Mercurys offer one (hopefully ideal) assortment? (again you'd have a good chance of seeing the exact upholstery on a diff. model)
Until car mfgs get to be like 'mail'order puter mfgs (ie OnLineConfigurator >> delivery to your home within a [One] week) -
- make a custom order less painful
- have regional distribution centers (SW, SE, NE, NW - last 2 could serve Canada too)
(tho for many, all that matters is what's available ON the Lot; would that still be true if the exact one you want could be there within that [One] week?) - increase dealer installable stuff like snap'n'lock™ HIDs, NAV, trim (& for Lincoln, my 3 grille options)
& example!: shouldn't Every dealer have a 'wheel boutique'? (actually, from web-researching, doubt if I'd ever want the OEM tires on a new car again! = tire delete option?)
& ex2: why doesn't each mfg have its own extensive 'aftermarket' program á là Scion?)
Same with Why does each model have its own (minimally) different upholstery choices? [pet peave] Yeah a full-line brand like Ford may need regular-sport-&truck choices but why not have all Mercurys offer one (hopefully ideal) assortment? (again you'd have a good chance of seeing the exact upholstery on a diff. model)
IMO what Ford should is have less packages and use Ford Performance parts as they accesories supplier
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
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