[OAC_Sparky]

naz,Apr 15 2008, 01:27 PM Wrote:...my hypothesis (which i have no way to prove with publicly available data)...[right][snapback]262074[/snapback][/right]

Which basically sums it up.

But here are some facts:

...Fleet sales are down...self-imposed to drive up residual/resale value -- which is why, for example, the residual on the Edge is over 50%, the highest in its segment.

...Ranger sales are up...THOSE sales are likely F150 owners downsizing. Not very many F150 owners downsize to a Focus.

...Focus sales are UP...No hatchback, no SVT/ST/Hi-performance model. All the things that people here/FF/FJ were up in arms about. Sales STILL up.

...Fusion sales are driven in a large part by conquest sales. I'm assuming you understand what conquest sales are. http://media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_dis...m?release=25193

...No products? New Taurus, F150, Focus, MKS, MKT, Fiesta, Fusion refresh...Ecoboost, small diesel, all coming soon, many this year.

So as much as you want to rain on Ford's parade, your "hypotheses" do not hold up.