Ford Focus EV Will Have Delayed Rollout in 2012
Blue Oval to concentrate on California, New York for first several months.
Ford is delaying the full launch of its Focus electric vehicle.Ford's marketing team posted a message on the My Focus Electric forum detailing plans to cut the planned 19 rollout markets -- including Chicago, Detroit and Seattle -- to instead concentrate exclusively on New York and California for the first several months in 2012. The message, from Ford EV marketing manager David Finnegan, reads as follows:
For the first few months of production, we will be concentrating on California and New York. Our dealers in those areas will be the first to have their retail orders scheduled and receive the Focus electric. We will be rolling out to the remainder of our initial markets starting in spring 2012.
New Focus EV marketing material from Ford reads: "2012 Focus electric; coming spring 2012."
A new rollout schedule has not been announced.
[Source: Automotive News.]
Not exactly news since the Fiesta rolled out to some areas long before others. If I was in the market for the Focus Electric and not in one of the planned initial roll-outs, I'd probably be pissed.
On the other hand, knowing that Ford is rolling these out in such and incremental way is good. This way the resources for the launch are concentrated and trining for bth sales and service can be maximized.
Bummer, I was waiting for these vehicles. Not good for Ford, gives Nissan more time with the Leaf. In a positive spin, I guess its better to get it right the first time.EXPLORE NEW CARS
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