Skye
Well-Known Member
I don't feel it's any one thing causing downward pressure on sales. It's a combination of multiple, years-long issues.
Price
Generational Differences
Styling
Quality Control
Tuning and Aftermarket
Thinking of someone who recently left college, I priced an EcoBoost. I wanted a 3.55 rear, which required the whole Performance Package. I wanted the security system, which required upgrading the entire interior. I stopped adding any more. Price was $45,000. The whole build process was a turn-off.
Pivoting to Toyota, I can get a GR86 with some performance-oriented options for $37,000. I can get a Tacoma 4x4 with some minor upgrades for $42,500.
Then, there's the used car and truck market. Choices of quality vehicles at good prices abound right now.
In the early 90s, Asian and EUR imports became more and more popular. They were styled nice. They were cheap. You could mod them easily and there was a healthy aftermarket. Used American vehicle offerings at that time? Not so much. Those kids who are now adults don't think of Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers. They gravitate more to BMWs and Lexis.
Later and especially now, trucks and SUVs ruled. Raptors, F150s, Rams and huge tricked-out Suburbans and Escalades are way more popular.
Younger generations are also less into driving, enjoying their vehicles and exploring America. They are chained to their phones and don't want the hassle of being interrupted. A performance coupe doesn't get them excited.
IMO, the interior of the S650 has individual bits and styling cues that are all over the place. It hasn't been integrated well. There doesn't seem to be any theme or style. Other manufacturers have done better.
Ford's QC is legendary, for being horrible. The situation is not improving. The S650 has had its share of recalls. Anyone reviewing them would be turned off and want a platform that's more established.
People who do enjoy working on and making mods to their cars have to consider tuning and the aftermarket. The S650 is just now entering year two. Documentation, tuning ability, mechanical mods are not there in large amounts right now. It's a chicken-and-egg situation. Increased sales will improve the aftermarket. A broader aftermarket will increase sales.
I can think of several things Ford can do to improve the situation, none of which are happening. I feel like Ford has moved budgets, R&D and personnel to other models. Ford is looking at their product line and trying to determine what they can capitalize on. For the moment, the Mustang is not high on that list.
Price
Generational Differences
Styling
Quality Control
Tuning and Aftermarket
Thinking of someone who recently left college, I priced an EcoBoost. I wanted a 3.55 rear, which required the whole Performance Package. I wanted the security system, which required upgrading the entire interior. I stopped adding any more. Price was $45,000. The whole build process was a turn-off.
Pivoting to Toyota, I can get a GR86 with some performance-oriented options for $37,000. I can get a Tacoma 4x4 with some minor upgrades for $42,500.
Then, there's the used car and truck market. Choices of quality vehicles at good prices abound right now.
In the early 90s, Asian and EUR imports became more and more popular. They were styled nice. They were cheap. You could mod them easily and there was a healthy aftermarket. Used American vehicle offerings at that time? Not so much. Those kids who are now adults don't think of Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers. They gravitate more to BMWs and Lexis.
Later and especially now, trucks and SUVs ruled. Raptors, F150s, Rams and huge tricked-out Suburbans and Escalades are way more popular.
Younger generations are also less into driving, enjoying their vehicles and exploring America. They are chained to their phones and don't want the hassle of being interrupted. A performance coupe doesn't get them excited.
IMO, the interior of the S650 has individual bits and styling cues that are all over the place. It hasn't been integrated well. There doesn't seem to be any theme or style. Other manufacturers have done better.
Ford's QC is legendary, for being horrible. The situation is not improving. The S650 has had its share of recalls. Anyone reviewing them would be turned off and want a platform that's more established.
People who do enjoy working on and making mods to their cars have to consider tuning and the aftermarket. The S650 is just now entering year two. Documentation, tuning ability, mechanical mods are not there in large amounts right now. It's a chicken-and-egg situation. Increased sales will improve the aftermarket. A broader aftermarket will increase sales.
I can think of several things Ford can do to improve the situation, none of which are happening. I feel like Ford has moved budgets, R&D and personnel to other models. Ford is looking at their product line and trying to determine what they can capitalize on. For the moment, the Mustang is not high on that list.
Sponsored
