Thread regarding Ford layoffs

Ford is looking to become a cable-tv version of itself, in an increasingly difficult economic times.

1. e. expendable. Cut the cable.

@mjd+1mEgg9X2 @crq+1mEgg9X2 @1krr+1mEgg9X2 All of you seem to lack a basic understanding of economics and human nature. If I get laid off, what do I do? I start cutting costs and the first costs to cut are subscriptions: cellphone plans, insurance, cable/streaming, the list goes on... If I am shopping for something I look for the best quality/value at the most reasonable prices, not something with an ale carte selection of ongoing costs. Ford no longer checks the box for quality and dependability, so telling people that they will have to pay an ongoing cost for basic functions that are integral to operating the vehicle will not attract customers. Besides the company has already snubbed it's nose at the entry level buyer by getting rid of cars and giving up on other market segments.

@1zku+1mEgg9X2 I agree. However, soon Farley won't like the young affluent types, when Ford get sued for all the issues, including the features. Farmers won the lawsuit to repair it, young affluent types don't like getting grease in themselves, so it will be expensive $$$.

dose of reality, just canceled cable, so i can streem and save $120/month. Customers cant even afford these vehicles let alone subscriptions. wow ford leadership is lost in space.

Right on @1mib. It ticks me off when we add $800 to the cost of every vehicle for firmware whose only purpose is to collect customer data. The customer doesn’t want or need it. Yet we cheap out on quality and safety by saving a few cents on critical parts, which ends up with thousands of dollars of repairs for the customer.

The “features on demand” are really “Feed our Database” so we can “Fleece on Demand”

@1krr+1mEgg9X2 fully aware of the hubris and inflated egos of model E engineers.
I would bet on the individuals who for their entire life have been able to MacGyver a solution with a wide array of machinery and electronics.
The courts ruled in the case of Deere that Deere was in fact stealing from the customer, that case law will apply to the Ford trying to steal from customers (which is exactly what is going on). People are not as d-mb as you think they are. And they darn sure won’t suffer the model E engineer fools gladly. For some reason you don’t realize that the customers do not need Ford, which means your job will go away as soon as they vote with their feet, which will happen. Make sure your mommy has a basement room ready for you to lick your wounds in. LOL

All of the “build in the hardware into every vehicle” and rely on the gullibility of the customer tells me there’s more revenue/profit expected from gullibility than the cost of the hardware.

Heated seats in Dallas Texas?

I’ve got an idea, make snow tires and chains built in, and charge subscription for northern climates. 2-3 days at a time, dependent on snowfall.

Trying to understand the wisdom of building features like seat heaters, etc into EVERY car or truck and the charging the customer to use the option. All vehicles will be more expensive to build (loaded with options) and most options will not be subscribed to.

As a customer I would be angry that you charged me to build but deny me the use of the features.

Believing that most customers will vote with their wallets or pocketbooks.

@1krr+1mEgg9X2 1) Ford IS NOT A “MOBILITY COMPANY.” We are a “vehicle manufacturer.” This is evidenced by where our revenue is generated: selling F150s.
MODEL E IS LOSING $BILLIONS. You are part of the problem.

Post ID: @1zku+1mEgg9X2

Do not be so confident in that. Don't you think Model e engineers have already thought of this opportunity for theft and have countermeasures in place? You may not like the idea of subscription features in your vehicle, but the time has come for their widespread use. Ford is not the only mobility company going this route, most if not all other companies are as well.

If the Features are in the vehicle - heated seats, interior lighting, adjustable seats, mirrors etc. then the customer has already paid for it. Only a small percentage of people (cough fools cough) will pay a subscription for these things. The mechanically inclined will have a look at the wiring, install a switch or two and presto have those features enable. Then they will do the same for others.
Just google Deere Farmers right-to-repair to see what happened when Deere tried the proprietary software game for enabling and disabling tractor features. Hmmm doesn’t this same demographic buy trucks? Oh that’s right Farley doesn’t want them as customers anymore. Just young affluent not so bright customers need apply, if you please.

1hnq, That's from 2012...

Going down, down, down https://usabilitygeek.com/jd-power-poor-usability-ford-quality-ratings/

"Less affluent people can buy these vehicles and opt not to subscribe while affluent (our target customer) can subscribe to all the goodies!"

Wow, you have been drinking some serious kool-aid if you think "poor" people will buy cars with no basic functions if they can afford subscriptions, or that wealthy people will pay extra for this, happy bankruptcy!

Show of hands, who believes that nothing will ever go wrong with this feature?
Other than being stup1d, lawsuit waiting -software glitch and the car plows over pedestrians cuz you know that feature will be hacked.

Almost as d-mb as the proposed 420 feature that removes the scent and opens and then locks a compartment to hide the contraband.

@wmi+1mEgg9X2

Let’s hope not, WEALTHY PEOPLE DON’ T DRIVE FORD VEHICLES.

@ppp = D-mb and D-mber - I agree !! Are we relying on wealthy id--ts to buy this cr-p ?

Opportunity for an entrepreneurial engineer to start selling "digital subscription defeat device" on ebay!!!
The customers are smart and they will figure the subscription costs into the price of the vehicle.
Sales & Marketing really needs to start thinking of better opportunities for profit. Frustrating our customers doesn't lead to future sales.

No one wants to buy subscriptions. I just read an article that said that 69% of people don’t want to pay for subscriptions and that number increases as the household income increases. People aren’t stupid. They understand how subscriptions work and how they end up costing more in the long run.

@mjd+1mEgg9X2 You are neglecting to include the software warranty recall costs. Ford has NEVER developed software of any type that worked properly.

This will one of many new features - most available only through subscription.

The bulk of our ongoing revenue will be through subscription services.

Imagine it, everything to do with the interior of the cabin is an opportunity.

Power seats? Heated seats? Cooled seats? Subscription

A/C? Subscription

Moonroof open/close? Subscription.

Radio? Subscription - and only Ford 'play' (not Apple Car Play or Android Auto)

Power locks? Subscription.

We won't have to build entry level / base models any longer. We can improve our economies of scale by building only higher end models.

Less affluent people can buy these vehicles and opt not to subscribe while affluent (our target customer) can subscribe to all the goodies!

You assume customers are stupid and will pay for useless services or gimmicks. Bet they are smart enough to choose wisely and not (ever) buy a Ford.

Seems like selling the sizzle not the steak.

It's clear to me why people in this forum just p-o p-o all over anything that is digital and data based. You don't understand the business model for subscriptions.

Do you realize that after the initial development costs, there are practically no piece costs tagged onto each vehicle like a hardware based feature. Plus, the subscription earns money constantly for the company, not just at the point of sale of the vehicle.

This is the stupidest feature and waste of money I’ve ever heard of. This is their version of Tesla’s Christmas light show feature and Tesla’s is cool, this sucks and is so simplistic.

this is like a bro dozer feature

will be set up to "roll coal" too?

LL5+ and intelligence don't often go hand in hand. My LL4, I was SIRP'ed, didn't do a lick of work or provide any valuable guidance. Just gave me targets, which I always delivered on time with quality. Somehow I was the guy that was too expensive to keep.

Stupid and doesn't belong here, very transparent

Great ideas for the LL5 levels, these aren't regular folks.
No wonder why they have 52.5% higher base pay, 350% more bonus, a company car and stock options. Se can clearly see why regular GSR engineering isn't qualified for executive pay and additional benefits.
Lets all be honest on why leadership get this incentive, great ideas such as this one.

D-mb and d-mber.