Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Marketing/Advertising, Ford
Ford moves its F150 launch back up
click above for more high-res images of the 2009 Ford F-150
Ford announced earlier this summer that it would delay the launch of its ultra-important F150 full-size truck by a few months to help dealers clear out left over 2008 inventory. For the record, the new truck's launch was originally scheduled for October before being moved to December. Finally, Ford has split the difference and will begin marketing its F150 in November. Jim Farley, main marketer at the Blue Oval, cites two main reasons for the revised decision. One: its dealerships culled their old supply faster than anticipated, and two: Dodge just launched its new-for-'09 Ram. Ford obviously doesn't want its cross-town rival to steal all its thunder.
Expectations for the new F150 seem appropriately timid. Current market conditions, including the relatively high price of fuel and the difficulty in securing credit, mean the the days of Ford selling a million trucks a year are over. Still, there is a large market left of users who depend on their trucks for work, and Ford's targeting them. We'll see how it goes beginning next month.
Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150
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[Source: Inside Line]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Frank 7:12PM (10/06/2008)
"Ford selling a million tucks a year are over"
Tucks, interesting....
u guys seriously cant make of other people not being able to spell anymore.
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hatchbacks are cool 7:27PM (10/06/2008)
This is the most uncoolest vehicle in the world along with all the other stupid large pick-ups .How did this truck sold so well in the first place . FordUSA is finaly making a good move by sell this to people who need it for work.
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MajorGeek 8:17PM (10/06/2008)
Easy. Pickups and full size vans sell well for business first off. For a guy who does a lot of things around the house as well as trailering, the cost of a pickup truck is often reasonable compared to many vehicles and while gas mileage is not great, it is worth the trade off in the long run to those who use them. The fact that you don't have a need or like them is what you based your opinion on. Frankly, I don't get the point of driving around in a dinky little car that barely fits 2 people (unless your rear seat passengers like their knees in their own faces) but to each his own.
Domestic 6.0 10:31PM (10/06/2008)
That interior is sweet though .... very tight fits !
C.W. 9:06AM (10/07/2008)
Major is dead-on. these trucks are the most functional vehicles on the road. the fact that they have this kind of capability, they are this large, and yet still can get 21 mpgs (and these numbers are conservative now... if you go easy on the gas, and use cruise control and watch RPMs you can easily get higher). You say they're ugly, but these trucks are completely B.A. to the vast majority of American buyers. just because YOU dont like the truck probably means you are a solely an import fan or a tree hugger and you think these trucks are somehow bad for the environment.
Brent Schmidt 7:39PM (10/06/2008)
These still aren't actually out? I guess living around the plant I've seen so many driving around I thought they were already being sold.
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That One Person 7:45PM (10/06/2008)
Doesn't surprise me Ford burned through their inventory. A guy I work with just purchased an 08 F-150. Originally a $38k truck, he got it for just over $22k. I have heard similar stories of seriously discounted F-150s...and even Rams and Silverados.
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MajorGeek 8:19PM (10/06/2008)
LOL, my father in law went to look at new Envoys and the immediately offered him 10k off of sticker. Let me tell you, this will make buying a car hard for me next time, I want 10k off immediately ;)
kal326 8:22PM (10/06/2008)
I hope he likes it because with nearly have the retail price going to incentives resale value is going to be in the crapper if he tries to sell it any time in the next few years.
refugee7 8:31PM (10/06/2008)
And why does resale value matter that much? Most cars will be used for longer than 7 years, with an average household buying a new car every 3 years (alternating replacing vehicles) so by the time 7 years is up, no matter how well the car holds its value, should not be a deciding factor in purchasing to begin with (unless it's due to poor quality of the vehicle, that's another story). But if it's because incentives, if you purchase a car cheaper, obviously don't expect to get more money back. Not a problem for the consumer but a problem for the producer.
Xcountryflyer 7:59PM (10/06/2008)
A very conservative refresh. I suppose that is to be expected considering the environment. I think the interior is pretty pedestrian looking compared to the two-year old GM pickups. Too many lines and design elements going here and there. The new Lincoln interior is much better.
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refugee7 8:32PM (10/06/2008)
Hell, I don't get small cars. Some aren't fun to drive nor practical. Use public transportation?
refugee7 8:33PM (10/06/2008)
Woops, meant for the comment below.
sk13 10:57PM (10/07/2008)
My F150 Stickered for $27K and I got it before taxes and fees for $18.3 and it's not stripped either, very nicely apportioned with 4.6L V8, Sirius Radio, Towing Package, etc. And I LOVE IT! Most Comfortable Automobile I have ever been in.
Someone asked why have a truck earlier, here's why-I just replaced our Clothes Dryer and it tucked into the bed very nicely(could easily have put a Washing Machine in there as well), try doing that in a Honda Fit. Trucks give you a freedom you do not have with Cars.
Cardude 8:31PM (10/06/2008)
MajorGeek, thank you for standing up for pickups. Don't you wish these "if it's not tiny, it's crap" types would go over to dinkylittletoycars.com and leave the rest of us alone?
It looks good, and I can't wait till it comes out. Good job Ford. Don't forget about Trucks or think you can replace them with a Fiesta.
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MemphisNET 10:24PM (10/06/2008)
+1.
Some of us actually need trucks/SUV's so even though the market is shrinking, its causing everyone to really step up their game. I'm holding out 1-2 more years before I replace my current truck -- hoping all these small diesels pan out. Both the new F150 and RAM are quite impressive. The GM twins are 'old' now, but still pretty slick as well.
jwwduke 8:41PM (10/06/2008)
I Love Ford. Always have, Always will(until they fold)!!
But, that front end is ugly ugly ugly.
I think Ford makes the best truck in the world but man that front end is ugly.
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The Luigiian 9:22PM (10/06/2008)
Meh, it keeps the pretenders at bay.
You'll know the pretenders 'cause they'll be in the pretty trucks while the workmen are using F-150s and Rangers and other useful vehicles.
Brn 12:33PM (10/07/2008)
I think the front end is a big improvement over the 2008. I like it.
john riley 8:44PM (10/06/2008)
"...users who depend on their trucks for work..." and how many of them are left? Construction is long dead. Has the farm sector cratered yet? The share prices are all down on the ag companies. No one seems to think the farmers will be buying new tractors, so probably not pickups either.
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