Ford's Whiz Kids Adjust Their Models For Enthusiasm
Ford’s pointy-headed crew of sales forecasters have been compared to the original “Whiz Kids” and credited with a major role in Ford’s (relative) success in the last year. But you can’t calculate everything through statistical analysis, and it seems the models coming out of Ford’s Global Lifecycle Analytics Department failed to take irrational enthusiasm into account. Which is frankly, fairly understandable. The $37,000+ Taurus SHO starts at a full $12k more than a base model, making it a 365 hp halo more than a legitimate sales threat, and yet Ford’s forecasters seem to have underestimated demand for the turbocharged model, with at least one dealer reporting an 80 day wait on a sold order. “It’s a problem for our dealers,” Ford’s Jim Farley admits to Automotive News [sub], “we’re definitely catching up on the demand.” Mid-range SEL trim levels have also been underproduced, says Farley, along with F-150 double cabs. “If you don’t call it, you miss that opportunity and customers don’t see what they want to buy.”
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If the whiz kids aren't arrogant they'll take this experience and learn. I worked at a marketing research firm about five years and rarely did the actual buy numbers come close to matching calculated expectations. A greater demand than expected along with initial under production is a good problem to have and solve, rather than less demand and idle production.
It's nice to see a decent looking American car these days, apart from Ford's obsession with chrome grills. It's a nice pointer to see where the Aussie Fords might be heading http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/ford-fg-falcon-models-dimensions.htm