Ford Exec Anticipates Drop in Quality Ratings
Ford's CEO reports that upcoming JD Power study will show overall decline in Ford brand quality
Ford CEO Alan Mulally told reporters that he expects a “mixed” performance in JD Power’s 2011 Vehicle Quality Ratings, which are due out later this month. According to Automotive News:
Ford last quarter missed quality targets because of glitches in new models and high-tech, touch-screen dashboard controls…introducing new models such as the Focus and Fiesta small cars have stressed Ford’s manufacturing and engineering systems
Ford owners with the “MyFordTouch” system – an electronic touch-screen based control system for many vehicle systems like the stereo and climate controls – have reported screens “blanking out,” and the system has received poor reviews from both Consumer Reports and The New York Times.
The question is, are problems with new models and fancy electronics going to seriously hurt Ford’s quality ratings at JD Power, or is this warning much ado about nothing? Read more…
Is Tundra Market Share Sliding, or Are Fleet Sales Obscuring The Truth?
In an article titled “What Happened To The Tundra,” website AutoSavant.com offered a reasoned analysis of the pickup truck market, and – based on sales figures and market share – singled out the Toyota Tundra as underperforming.
While there are definitely some arguments to be made about Toyota mis-steps with the Tundra (everything from bad tailgate design to bed bounce / ride quality complaints to failing air injection pumps), it’s impossible to say that the Tundra is failing for two reasons:
1. None of the market share numbers offered in the AutoSavant number discount fleet sales.
2. Fleet sales should never be considered equal to retail sales, because fleet sales are dominated by the lowest cost product. Quality, reliability, etc. have nothing to do with fleet sales.
NOTE: If you’d like to argue my second point, read about why fleet sales don’t compare to retail sales before you do so.
The question is, if we take out fleet sales, how does Tundra market share look? Read more…
MotoIQ Project Tundra Update – TRD Supercharger Time
When we last checked in on the MotoIQ Toyota Tundra Project just a few short months ago, the truck had been tastefully customized with a few practical accessories, seen its paint and windows protected by 3M film and had a TRD cold air intake, air filter and high performance brake pads installed. This gave it a nice mix of both “show” and “go.”
The advanced roots-style supercharger that comes with the TRD kit.
Well, the latest chapter in the MotoIQ Tundra Project sees the “go” aspect turned up to 11, thanks to the decision to boost engine output through the use of a TRD supercharger kit. The pickup’s 5.7 liter V8 will be treated to an Eaton TVS supercharger that includes an intercooler and which provides a very healthy 504 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, with the latter starting a nice and low 4000 rpm. Read more…
Ford F150 Innovation Continues, Will Toyota Match?
Yesterday, Ford announced plans to produce an eight speed automatic transmission. According to Mike Levine of PickupTrucks.com, it’s expected that the F-150 will receive this eight speed as soon as 2014. What’s more, Levine noted on Twitter that he expected “GM’s next-gen 2014 light-duty Silverado and Sierra will also offer an 8-speed transmission.”
We’ve been keeping a tally of possible and probable enhancements to the 2014 Toyota Tundra here, a list we’ve made based on comments given to us by sources, notes from news stories, etc. You’ll note that we don’t believe Toyota will be developing an 8-speed transmission for the 2014 Tundra, and quite frankly I’m not sure that Ford’s announcement changes this assessment. While 8 speeds are clearly better than 6, the relative improvements are small.
According to Ford engineer Joe Bakaj, an eight speed transmission boosts fuel economy “2 to 6 percent,” a substantial improvement to be sure, but is it worth the additional expense and complexity? Read more…
Attention Ford Fans: Sales Figures Don’t Matter
It’s popular in the Ford truck community to brag about the fact that the F-series has been #1 in truck sales in the US for 30+ years running. The idea is that, because Ford sells the most trucks, they must make the best truck.
The trouble is, this logic is based on a false assumption. Sales figures aren’t proof of quality because consumer behavior isn’t logical. In fact, when it comes to cars, consumer buying behavior is incredibly illogical. Consider the following:
- There are numerous publications that take the time to rank and review every new car every year.
- There are numerous independent companies that rate the quality and reliability of every new vehicle on the market.
- Despite strong reviews and strong ratings for quality, many cars fail to make sales gains in the marketplace. Conversely, vehicles with poor quality ratings and bad reviews are still sold.
This is because, at the end of the day, vehicle sales aren’t just about vehicle quality. They’re also about emotions, perceptions, politics, personal experience, and more. Read more…
