Simple, No Cost Solution to Dirt Mountain

[Efthreeoh]

Show me any evidence to the contrary... yeah, that's what I thought, you have none.

Well, what I do have is 30 years of corporate business experience. And about half of that is in the manufacturing sector. I know how large corporations operate and how C-Suite executives think.

While we can make entertaining and stupid "makes an ass out of you an me" quips, the real situation is Ford has a shitload of inventory built, which is called "investment" and it needs to transfer that investment to revenue. So I doubt that some dumbass middle manager in the Ford bronco team has just said, "Well shit, let's stick all this unsold inventory in a fucking gravel pit and hope it doesn't get fucked up".

If that's what you "Lot Rot" folks think, then you all should be cancelling your orders and moving on to another vehicle choice. You all cry for transparency from Ford, and when you get it, you have an even bigger shitfit over it. I try to keep a positive point of view and the business moves Ford makes is extremely interesting to me from a businesses management POV. The sky is falling shit, like lot rot and mouse incubation, is just pure entertainment at this point.

I'd fucking shoot myself if I got so upset over a few months production delay of a vehicle I have on order like some folks here do. So the MIC top is a minor issue in the scheme of launching a new vehicle under a global pandemic, but social media blows it out of proportion.

I was supposed to get my Bronco order filled in MY '21 based on dealer allotment and order types of the other customers my dealer has orders for, even though I reserved in late September. The MIC reboot has changed that scenario. I'll get my Bronco probably around the time I was originally going to get it in mid '22. It's no big deal. A first-world problem. And for me, ironic.

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[TN Bronco]

Lot Rot…..who makes this crap up? Some of you have bought a vehicle that was built halfway around the globe. Have no idea how long, or where it sat before it was loaded onto a ship that crossed oceans. Then was unloaded and sat who knows where, or for how long before it ever was hauled to a dealership. If you no longer want your ” limboed” Bronco, I‘ll take it.

No point in arguing about “lot rot”. A quick search will bring up pages of discussion. Bottom line, there is such a thing, it is likely being blown out of proportion by some, and it bothers people to varying degrees.

In my case, my Bronco is being exposed to the elements more in the next 4-5 months than it will be for its entire future life with me (not an exaggeration - extra vehicle, likely no more than a couple hundred miles a month, garaged 99% of the time, etc). And I find that very annoying and believe I should be given an alternative option.

I’ve ordered many new vehicles from various manufacturers, US and European, and I’ve known where they were virtually every day of the process. When they were ultimately shipped, they were way more protected than what we’re seeing at Dirt Mountain or those upon arrival at dealers. There is nothing “normal” about what’s happening here.

 

[Bob 07064]

I think the lot rot is being blown out of proportion. Cars routinely sit on dealer lots for months without any side effects. what are we talking about the bad batch maybe 6 months sitting. Maybe some will require a new battery. I guess if the top was leaking then yea maybe thats the worst case.

Not to mention cars from overseas sitting at the port of entry till ships to a dealer....

 

[jwoobs]

With regards to the OP's suggestions, I would gladly forfeit my #BadBatch for a freshly built '22.

It's not the waiting that's the issue; I have a ton of patience.

But if I'm going to pay full sticker for a custom-ordered vehicle, part of my expectation is that it's going to be delivered more or less directly to me without a bunch of people test driving it or sitting more than a few days before it's loaded on a transport. If I wanted a a six month old vehicle I would go pick one out off a lot, and the dealer should be giving me a deal to get it off his hands.

So I doubt that some dumbass middle manager in the Ford bronco team has just said, "Well shit, let's stick all this unsold inventory in a fucking gravel pit and hope it doesn't get fucked up".

Or they've done the cost analysis of repairing them in the field, parking them onsite at MAP, or just chucking them in the nearest dirt lot. Surprise surprise, door number 3 is the cheapest option. Ford knows they can sell every one of these irrespective of how much mouse piss is in the air cleaner. Why chip into the net margins actually taking care of the inventory?

I'd fucking shoot myself if I got so upset over a few months production delay of a vehicle ... I'll get my Bronco probably around the time I was originally going to get it in mid '22.

So your Bronco is going to roll fresh off the line and more or less directly to your dealer without sitting through a Michigan winter un-attended? No wonder you DGAF.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

IF .... it ends up being Dec or later, yeah, I'd definitely reorder a MANSQUATCH if I could reuse my reservation stamp. Let the dealer make some bank on my abandoned Dirt Mountain Special.

..... or , I'd happily take this Bronco to enjoy for a few months until they get the new tops sorted out.

 

[navi]

Well, what I do have is 30 years of corporate business experience. And about half of that is in the manufacturing sector. I know how large corporations operate and how C-Suite executives think.

While we can make entertaining and stupid "makes an ass out of you an me" quips, the real situation is Ford has a shitload of inventory built, which is called "investment" and it needs to transfer that investment to revenue. So I doubt that some dumbass middle manager in the Ford bronco team has just said, "Well shit, let's stick all this unsold inventory in a fucking gravel pit and hope it doesn't get fucked up".

If that's what you "Lot Rot" folks think, then you all should be cancelling your orders and moving on to another vehicle choice. You all cry for transparency from Ford, and when you get it, you have an even bigger shitfit over it. I try to keep a positive point of view and the business moves Ford makes is extremely interesting to me from a businesses management POV. The sky is falling shit, like lot rot and mouse incubation, is just pure entertainment at this point.

I'd fucking shoot myself if I got so upset over a few months production delay of a vehicle I have on order like some folks here do. So the MIC top is a minor issue in the scheme of launching a new vehicle under a global pandemic, but social media blows it out of proportion.

I was supposed to get my Bronco order filled in MY '21 based on dealer allotment and order types of the other customers my dealer has orders for, even though I reserved in late September. The MIC reboot has changed that scenario. I'll get my Bronco probably around the time I was originally going to get it in mid '22. It's no big deal. A first-world problem. And for me, ironic.

Ford better hurry up and transfer some of that investment to revenue, their stock is down 10% since their "solution" was revealed.

 

[mpeugeot]

Well, what I do have is 30 years of corporate business experience. And about half of that is in the manufacturing sector. I know how large corporations operate and how C-Suite executives think.

Wonderful. I have over 15 years of experience in optimizing the performance of teams and critical infrastructure within large organizations with an additional 15 years of technical development, product design, and product deployment much of which involved aerospace or cutting edge technology before that.

Come to think of it, I also have a Ph.D. and I know how leaders think too.

While we can make entertaining and stupid "makes an ass out of you an me" quips, the real situation is Ford has a shitload of inventory built, which is called "investment" and it needs to transfer that investment to revenue. So I doubt that some dumbass middle manager in the Ford bronco team has just said, "Well shit, let's stick all this unsold inventory in a fucking gravel pit and hope it doesn't get fucked up".

Well, from the outside looking in, that looks like exactly what happened - except the decision was made above the middle management level.

If that's what you "Lot Rot" folks think, then you all should be cancelling your orders and moving on to another vehicle choice. You all cry for transparency from Ford, and when you get it, you have an even bigger shitfit over it. I try to keep a positive point of view and the business moves Ford makes is extremely interesting to me from a businesses management POV. The sky is falling shit, like lot rot and mouse incubation, is just pure entertainment at this point.

So now you want to lump me in with the lot rot people, I was not complaining about lot rot. However, let's not kid each other, these vehicles are not being stored in any kind of optimal environment either. My biggest issue is that the vehicle that I have already paid for is not being delivered.

I'd fucking shoot myself if I got so upset over a few months production delay of a vehicle I have on order like some folks here do. So the MIC top is a minor issue in the scheme of launching a new vehicle under a global pandemic, but social media blows it out of proportion.

Do you work for Ford by the way??? Because you are sounding about as tone deaf as they are when you suggest that people are going to be harming themselves over this mismanaged product launch. I am not inconsolable or despondent about the issue, but I do expect Ford to have a better response to the situation than the current course of action.

If it's such a minor issue, then ship them. It's not a minor issue... a minor issue doesn't end production for thousands of units both planned and actually built. There is nothing minor about this situation, come back to me in 6 months and tell me how minor it is.

I was supposed to get my Bronco order filled in MY '21 based on dealer allotment and order types of the other customers my dealer has orders for, even though I reserved in late September. The MIC reboot has changed that scenario. I'll get my Bronco probably around the time I was originally going to get it in mid '22. It's no big deal. A first-world problem. And for me, ironic.

I am glad that this is no big deal for you, really I am, and for most of us it's not about whether or not it's a big deal. As you put it, it's a first world problem for many. There is something more important that you missed in your analysis.

People had put their faith in Ford. Trusting that Ford would do what was necessary to fulfill their commitments. Ford has not done that here. Ford has completely mismanaged the launch as evidenced by not meeting stated goals; Ford has not communicated with its customers effectively; and Ford repeatedly has failed to consider the customer.

PS - nowhere did you provide any evidence that suggests that any significant effort to protect these vehicles has been made.

 

[MoabRox]

Lot Rot…..who makes this crap up? Some of you have bought a vehicle that was built halfway around the globe. Have no idea how long, or where it sat before it was loaded onto a ship that crossed oceans. Then was unloaded and sat who knows where, or for how long before it ever was hauled to a dealership. If you no longer want your ” limboed” Bronco, I‘ll take it.

I know. It's crazy how worked up some people are over "lot rot". They must really baby their cars or plan to store it for 30 years until it's a "barn find". My Bronco is sitting in that lot too. If it's trashed after sitting in the Michigan outdoors for several months, it will never survive my ownership (I can't even remember the last time I parked my Jeep in a garage, washed it, or caressed it with a baby diaper).

 

[Efthreeoh]

Wonderful. I have over 15 years of experience in optimizing the performance of teams and critical infrastructure within large organizations with an additional 15 years of technical development, product design, and product deployment much of which involved aerospace or cutting edge technology before that.

Come to think of it, I also have a Ph.D. and I know how leaders think too.



Well, from the outside looking in, that looks like exactly what happened - except the decision was made above the middle management level.



So now you want to lump me in with the lot rot people, I was not complaining about lot rot. However, let's not kid each other, these vehicles are not being stored in any kind of optimal environment either. My biggest issue is that the vehicle that I have already paid for is not being delivered.



Do you work for Ford by the way??? Because you are sounding about as tone deaf as they are when you suggest that people are going to be harming themselves over this mismanaged product launch. I am not inconsolable or despondent about the issue, but I do expect Ford to have a better response to the situation than the current course of action.

If it's such a minor issue, then ship them. It's not a minor issue... a minor issue doesn't end production for thousands of units both planned and actually built. There is nothing minor about this situation, come back to me in 6 months and tell me how minor it is.



I am glad that this is no big deal for you, really I am, and for most of us it's not about whether or not it's a big deal. As you put it, it's a first world problem for many. There is something more important that you missed in your analysis.

People had put their faith in Ford. Trusting that Ford would do what was necessary to fulfill their commitments. Ford has not done that here. Ford has completely mismanaged the launch as evidenced by not meeting stated goals; Ford has not communicated with its customers effectively; and Ford repeatedly has failed to consider the customer.

PS - nowhere did you provide any evidence that suggests that any significant effort to protect these vehicles has been made.

Wonderful. I have over 15 years of experience in optimizing the performance of teams and critical infrastructure within large organizations with an additional 15 years of technical development, product design, and product deployment much of which involved aerospace or cutting edge technology before that.

Come to think of it, I also have a Ph.D. and I know how leaders think too.



Well, from the outside looking in, that looks like exactly what happened - except the decision was made above the middle management level.



So now you want to lump me in with the lot rot people, I was not complaining about lot rot. However, let's not kid each other, these vehicles are not being stored in any kind of optimal environment either. My biggest issue is that the vehicle that I have already paid for is not being delivered.



Do you work for Ford by the way??? Because you are sounding about as tone deaf as they are when you suggest that people are going to be harming themselves over this mismanaged product launch. I am not inconsolable or despondent about the issue, but I do expect Ford to have a better response to the situation than the current course of action.

If it's such a minor issue, then ship them. It's not a minor issue... a minor issue doesn't end production for thousands of units both planned and actually built. There is nothing minor about this situation, come back to me in 6 months and tell me how minor it is.



I am glad that this is no big deal for you, really I am, and for most of us it's not about whether or not it's a big deal. As you put it, it's a first world problem for many. There is something more important that you missed in your analysis.

People had put their faith in Ford. Trusting that Ford would do what was necessary to fulfill their commitments. Ford has not done that here. Ford has completely mismanaged the launch as evidenced by not meeting stated goals; Ford has not communicated with its customers effectively; and Ford repeatedly has failed to consider the customer.

PS - nowhere did you provide any evidence that suggests that any significant effort to protect these vehicles has been made.

Oh crap, you have a Ph.D. Maybe I should shut up then.

But you've not offered any evidence Ford has or will have not taken some measures to protect the Dirt Mountain Broncos. So what are we discussing, a video with one Bronco with an open window as evidence of no storage prep? If Ford moves them to say the MAP annex building in the next two weeks, then what will you say? I'll bet it will be, "See Ford folded under the pressure of social media, they are just running this by the seat of their pants."

At this point Ford can't win with you. I'm not sure the specifics of why you already bought your Bronco, something to do with a Military purchase program? I can see you specifically have an issue. With your well seasoned and vast experience, perhaps you could offer reasonable explanations for the outcome so far; I've tried to do that in this and several other threads. My point is if people think Ford has mismanaged the Bronco launch and its actions to date have erased their faith in the company, then those people need to walk away and move on from it.

 

[Wanted33]

I think I've got a better solution. Take delivery of your dirt mountain ride, sell for a big profit, then order another one.

As I said the other day. If there is an OBX sitting there that's close to my build I'll take it, and the owner can have mine when it arrives. Those Broncos aren't going to be hurt sitting there waiting for a top.

 

[jwoobs]

They must really baby their cars

Are we not allowed to?

I'm glad it's a non-issue for you (tbh, it probably will be for me after I'm on my third #PureMichigan windshield due to stone chips), but OP is suggesting something that I really can't see any problems with.

1) The sale from Ford to the dealer at invoice pricing is already arranged, pending delivery
2) The customer can chose if they want their Bronco sooner, or wait for one that hasn't been sitting
3) The dealer could potentially get a unit to put on the lot with a fat ADM, PLUS another sale from the original customer when their MY22 comes in

At least it would give us the illusion of choice and some goodwill to have the chance to walk away from these without being penalized for Ford's shit (non-existent?) validation testing.

 

[Efthreeoh]

With regards to the OP's suggestions, I would gladly forfeit my #BadBatch for a freshly built '22.

It's not the waiting that's the issue; I have a ton of patience.

But if I'm going to pay full sticker for a custom-ordered vehicle, part of my expectation is that it's going to be delivered more or less directly to me without a bunch of people test driving it or sitting more than a few days before it's loaded on a transport. If I wanted a a six month old vehicle I would go pick one out off a lot, and the dealer should be giving me a deal to get it off his hands.



Or they've done the cost analysis of repairing them in the field, parking them onsite at MAP, or just chucking them in the nearest dirt lot. Surprise surprise, door number 3 is the cheapest option. Ford knows they can sell every one of these irrespective of how much mouse piss is in the air cleaner. Why chip into the net margins actually taking care of the inventory?



So your Bronco is going to roll fresh off the line and more or less directly to your dealer without sitting through a Michigan winter un-attended? No wonder you DGAF.

If I had a Bronco at Mount Dirt, I'd let Ford do its recovery plan, have the unit delivered to the dealership, and then go over the vehicle with a close eye. If it doesn't meet my standards of a new car delivery, then either I get a deposit refund, or negotiate some form of compensation.

What else is there to do? Ford has told its customers of its recovery plan. There is nothing you can do about it. It's out of your hands and the dealership's hands. At this point the only facts are, the production is delayed, the top remediation plan is in work, and no one knows what damage if any will happen to the Mount Dirt vehicles. Speculation is as the same as "assume".

 

[mpeugeot]

At this point Ford can't win with you. I'm not sure the specifics of why you already bought your Bronco, something to do with a Military purchase program? I can see you specifically have an issue.

Of course, I will admit that I want my Bronco delivered. It's paid for already, so that seems to be a reasonable expectation for them to provide what I paid for... Do you think that they should hold my money and my Bronco?

With your well seasoned and vast experience, perhaps you could offer reasonable explanations for the outcome so far; I've tried to do that in this and several other threads.

Your sarcasm is noted, it's nearly as strong as the self-importance you convey.

Still to address the point, sure, some of the delays were due to factors beyond the what would be typical in any other time. I believe that many people have given Ford the benefit of the doubt multiple times with regards to multiple issues (including me). Even down to something as simple as the tow hitches... sure, you didn't get the number of tow hitches on time to build Broncos with tow packages. Ok, got it. Not a big deal, a little delay here and a little delay there.

This is totally different because they knew about the problem and the seriousness of the problem with these tops MONTHS ago. Broncos have been sitting without any action for over 45 days now. They built mine with a bad top knowing that they were not going to ship it in AUGUST.

My point is if people think Ford has mismanaged the Bronco launch and its actions to date have erased their faith in the company, then those people need to walk away and move on from it.

Are you saying that Ford hasn't botched the launch? Recent press would suggest otherwise.

Now you are saying that people need to walk away from Ford and move on if they think Ford botched the launch? Are you sure you don't work for Ford, maybe even for Mike Levine directly??? I am sure that some people have and that others will do exactly that.

Yes, Ford botched the launch, to say differently is ridiculous.

 

[TN Bronco]

At least it would give us the illusion of choice and some goodwill to have the chance to walk away from these without being penalized

Well said.

If I had a Bronco at Mount Dirt, I'd let Ford do its recovery plan, have the unit delivered to the dealership, and then go over the vehicle with a close eye. If it doesn't meet my standards of a new car delivery, then either I get a deposit refund, or negotiate some form of compensation.

What else is there to do? Ford has told its customers of its recovery plan. There is nothing you can do about it. It's out of your hands and the dealership's hands. At this point the only facts are, the production is delayed, the top remediation plan is in work, and no one knows what damage if any will happen to the Mount Dirt vehicles. Speculation is as the same as "assume".

All true, but there is one major hole in this approach… I may end up without a Bronco! Yes, I’m sure I could do quite well on a resale of the FE, but that was never the objective here. I’d like to stick with Ford, the Bronco, etc., but want the option of one “fresh” from the factory. I’ll give it a few weeks before I start lobbying.

 

[MoabRox]

Are we not allowed to?

I'm glad it's a non-issue for you (tbh, it probably will be for me after I'm on my third #PureMichigan windshield due to stone chips), but OP is suggesting something that I really can't see any problems with.

1) The sale from Ford to the dealer at invoice pricing is already arranged, pending delivery
2) The customer can chose if they want their Bronco sooner, or wait for one that hasn't been sitting
3) The dealer could potentially get a unit to put on the lot with a fat ADM, PLUS another sale from the original customer when their MY22 comes in

At least it would give us the illusion of choice and some goodwill to have the chance to walk away from these without being penalized for Ford's shit (non-existent?) validation testing.

Of course you can baby your Bronco (there's nothing wrong with that)! I didn't say that you can't or shouldn't. I was just agreeing with MayhemMike that lot rot it's a non-issue for me. I tend to keep and use my vehicles until they die (focusing on mechanical performance and not caring too much about appearances), so resale means nothing to me.

As for the OP's original post, I can see where he is coming from, but I can also see where people without a VIN are coming from as well. Since I plan to take delivery of my stored Bronco, I don't have an opinion on that, other than to say there's not a perfect solution that works for everyone.

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