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Originally Posted by TSIched'Out Spoke to Wasan Ford, Marinelines in Mumbai who sent me invite for launch at 3pm tomorrow. TDs will be available only from 27th June (one day after the launch). Also, here's a shocker ![Shockked](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/Shockked.png) , first lot will mostly have diesel variants (1.5L Petrol and Ecoboost will consist less than 10% of the lot). For Automatic variant, Sales representative quoted August end delivery, that too if Ford allots them all the cars that they are requesting. He also stated that Ecoboost and Automatic kit is fully imported so two months waiting period is "normal". I countered him on what kind of supply chain mechanism Ford is following? Is Ford going to order the engines and kits after bookings by the customers? Needless to say, he didn't have any answer. Seems like Ford has really taken the "Just in Time" concept to an altogether new level ![Frustration](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/Frustration.gif) |
I had a similar conversation with another dealer in Mumbai. Here is how it went:
Me: I have pre-booked an EcoSport with you, what are the delivery timelines?
SA: 3-6 months
Me: So are you telling me that for the next 90 days Ford won't deliver any vehicle to any one after launch?
SA: We don't know the schedules as yet but it will take time, which model do you want?
Me: 1.5 AT Titanium
SA: Auto and EcoBoost will take longer as the emphasis is on Diesel; it may be phased
Me: Ford India MD says that they are geared up for delivery and will launch all models simultaneously, have they told you differently?
SA: There is low demand for AT, it is mostly Diesels and EcoBoost thus a waiting period
Me: So they will produce less of the ATs but will they not deliver at all?
SA: May be some, we will start entering booking data from tomorrow after prices come in
Me: Where in the booking sequence I am? Can you please share that if you cannot share Ford info?
SA: May be in the first 20; possibly 1st or 2nd AT. Keep your down payment and bank disbursement handy as it will be first come first serve
Me: I did come first, that is what the pre-booking is; only if you are willing to honor it
SA: Sir, the vehicle is so good that people are lining up
Me: Do you expect premium on this? Aren't those days over?
SA: You never know, there are people willing, moreover you may not decide if you don't find the price right
Me: Alright, so you discount when the sales are low and would make a killing now; doesn't sound very good to me. However, I have done my homework, have test driven Fiesta, liked the AT there, know it's price and that EcoSport may be priced slightly below as it is sub-4 meter; I do not expect a Titanium trim Powershift at 6 lakhs and have an upper cap near Fiesta prices; thus have reasonable expectation; why would I back out; but if you think you have windfall opportunities and are not willing to honor the pre-booking or have really 3 months waiting period; I will look for other alternatives; a customer won't indefinitely
SA (composed a bit): We will provide you complete information tomorrow and would like you to be happy with our services and go home satisfied
They invited me to the launch and agreed to share more information on delivery timelines tomorrow.
Take Home: They are sensing that sun is shining and they would like to make some serious hay as the customer doesn't have adequate information, certainly not the best foot forward by Ford. I wouldn't indulge in distress purchase and consider other options if they continue their ambiguity and opportunistic approach. Let us see how it pans out tomorrow.