Ford tries to win back Power Stroke customers with cash
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To say that Ford's introduction of its revised Power Stroke diesel engine in 2003 didn't go well would
be an understatement. Buyers of such engines demand reliability, and the new 6.0L had some rather significant fuel
system and induction problems, leading to a large number of service bulletins and even some buy-backs of defective
vehicles. The problem has been made worse by the importance of this market to Ford, as it is currently the leader in
diesel pickup sales.
In order to convince customers to come back to the Blue Oval instead of straying across the street to the land of Duramax and Cummins, the company is offering a $2,500 "loyalty bonus" to prospective shoppers who own 2003 and 2004 Super Duty pickups equipped with the Power Stroke. The company is backing this with a promotional push by its dealer network, and it's likely that most dealers don't need to be reminded why they should want to retain their buyers of $40K (and up) trucks. We believe that buyers ultimately must be convinced that the engine's problems have been addressed-- and that assurance isn't likely to come from incentives, especially not in a sale environment already polluted with cash-back offers of all varieties. It's our guess that word-of-mouth and the level of attention (and satisfaction) paid to previous problems will determine whether customers come back to Ford, or find their oil-burning fix elsewhere.
[Source: Automotive News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick 6:06PM (3/22/2006)
The sound you hear is the door opening for Nissan's Diesel Titan
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Gardiner Westbound 6:47PM (3/22/2006)
You have to ask yourself, "Wouldn't it have been easier for Ford to design and build a reliable engine in the first place?"
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mikesright 9:27PM (3/22/2006)
Dumbasses. Ford didn't design the engine, International did. Nissan can't sell it's regular Titan, so how do you think they will sell a diesel one? If anything, these people that buy these trucks are very loyal, and would go to Chevy or Dodge if they had a bad experience.
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V?or Rubiera 9:41PM (3/22/2006)
I think it is not the Diesel Titan, if you want a better Diesel engine you have the Dodge Cummins. In 2008 the new Dodge Ram will come to market and even a better and more sophisticated Diesel Cummins engine will be have. For 2007 Heavy Duty Dodge Rams Chassis Cabs have wonderful Cummins and Hemi engines, this the way to win customers.
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goat 10:18PM (3/22/2006)
Ford needs to talk to Caterpillar.
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Brian 12:43AM (3/23/2006)
"Ford needs to talk to Caterpillar."
While that would be a great idea, in the past Caterpillar execs have said they have no interest in building engines for the light duty market.
International (Navistar)usually builds excellent engines. I think the problem with the 6.0 Powerstroke was Ford squeezing them to build it cheaper cheaper faster faster... AND more powerful to keep up in the horsepower wars.
I wonder if this could have something to do with Cats lack of interest in the light duty market.
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Koba 7:40AM (3/23/2006)
I really think it's funny how Ford is having to pay out for penny pinching in the first place. They wanted a new engine, and on the cheap, and now it's costing thems elsewhere. It's stupid moves like this that got Ford where it is today. When the new Silverado finally comes out, Ford will be hurting, especially since GM uses that splendid Japanese diesel.
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MikeW 9:52AM (3/23/2006)
This is the first year the duramax doesn't suck.
And a major reason for the improvement is the extra overdrive ration in the allison T1000 transmission, and the manumatic interface(cough: autostick)
The navistar/internation harvester engine is still the highest reving diesel engine, 4000 rpm no problem.
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Hemidakota 10:23AM (3/23/2006)
Cummins Diesel is the only powerplant that I am aware of that is best out there...but then so does Ernie Banks said the same....LOL
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hitbyastick 12:11PM (3/23/2006)
It would be nice if an American company could build a diesel engine for an American truck GM. But you went down that road before with Detroit Diesel and their crap designs. I think GM should make a deal with Mercedes-Benz to supply engines for their trucks. MB makes some great diesels. But since GM owns or owns controlling interest in Isuzu it makes sense that they use their technology.
International Harvester makes really good engines, it's just that Ford dorked with the design of the injection system and caused myriad problems, ergo the ones you have read about. I'm sure they're sorry they dealt with Ford now.
I think it would be interesting to see some heavy truck manufacturers like IH, Mack, Kenworth, Peterbilt, etc bulldoze their way into the light truck market and eat everybody's lunch. Surely GM and Ford, et al would be mere toys compared to what they could design and produce.
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krun 11:51PM (4/16/2006)
well hitbyastick, you should probably research your companies before you post stuff. gm does not own interest in isuzu, it is owned exzlusively by ford. who also own cummins. the dodge cummins deal is soon to be up and will be available along with the powerstroke and possible a cat. another thing, of the heavy duty (truck as you call them but tractor's amongst diesel mechanics) builders, only mack and volvo make their own engines, volvo just got out of the civilian auto market, i doubt they are about to jump back into it and ih. the other companies use cummins, international, detroit, cat, and other engines from other companies. duh, do some research next time. oh, btw, dodge is using either a rolls-royce diesel or mb diesel next, considering they own both companies. another point, everything on a gmc sierra with allison and duramax (joke with that aluminum head) is JAPANESE
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heavytruckmechanic 12:47PM (5/04/2006)
Hey Guys, easy with the name calling. There are a lot of rumors floating about. But the facts are. The GMC duramax is made by Isuzu, which GM is in partnership with. GM is using many of Isusu engines (duramax 6.6 diesel engine, vortex 8.1 engine). Ford has only a 25% controlling interest in Cummings. As fas as Ford owning a controllable interest in Isuzu that I not sure is the truth. I do know GM uses many of Isuzu engines and vehicles as the GMC W4500 is a Isuzu NPR with GMC name plates on it. The GMC allison transmission is just that. GMC Allison. This transmission was designed by GMC and built by allison. This transmission has had few problems staying together so hopefully GM and allison have improved it. As far as the GM / Isuzu duramax 6.6 engine goes. There has been a lot of problems with this engine also (headgaskets,cylinder fire rings, injection problems). Ford had a rock solid 7.3 powerstroke engine built by International Harvester. But with all the new emission standards manufacturers have had to change to meet. The Ford 6.0 has run into many sensor problems along with variable tubro problems and a few head gaskets for those of you the are towing heavy. The Cummings 5.9 has also had many problems during it's life with Dodge. When this engine was first introduced with a mere 190 horsepower it was lack luster to say the least. Cummings has had many injection problems along with some burning pistons. One of you said the Dodge is in their last year of contract with cummings and this is correct. And yes the rumor is that dodge will be using a mercedes next but we will have to see what rumor is correct. Last, one of you said heavy truck manufacturers like IH, Mack, Kenworth, Peterbilt, should get into the market. These are truck manufactures not engine manufactures. Only IH and Mack make their own engines and even those trucks are available with Cummings, Mercedes, Cat, Detroit Diesel engines. These engines have there problems also. Go to a truck dealership and look at the shop. You will see huge engines sprawled apart in these shops. The deal is small and big diesel engine manufacturers are looking for better fuel economy, more horsepower, more torque, better emissions and light weight. And with all these things they need you to come and buy another vehicle, so they are trying to best vehicle for your money, which ever one you choose
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