[EFX4]

I don't see a problem with this as long as Ford compensates dealers enough for completing vehicles.

 

[RDale]

I'm not sure how I feel about this. It seems a bit sketchy for dealers to finish the job that the people at the plant started. Given some of my previous experiences with dealers If I found out my truck was finished like this I'd be really paranoid of whether or not they did it right.

 

[EFX4]

I'm not sure how I feel about this. It seems a bit sketchy for dealers to finish the job that the people at the plant started. Given some of my previous experiences with dealers If I found out my truck was finished like this I'd be really paranoid of whether or not they did it right.

As someone with experience working on the service end of dealerships like Ford, there's not much to worry about. Ford will provide training to techs and after completing a number of these, they'll become proficient enough to know the process by heart.

 

[RDale]

As someone with experience working on the service end of dealerships like Ford, there's not much to worry about. Ford will provide training to techs and after completing a number of these, they'll become proficient enough to know the process by heart.

I'd hope so but you never know with some dealers with the work they do.

 

[RDale]

Apparently some dealers are on board with this idea. At the very least for them it helps them fill up their lots.

https://www.wdrb.com/in-depth/ford-considers-using-dealers-to-finalize-vehicles-amid-chip-shortage/article_ebac59e4-e5a1-11eb-b9f9-cf92285f6806.html

The Detroit automaker has approached dealers in recent days with the idea of delivering all-but finished vehicles to dealerships, multiple dealers confirmed to WDRB News. The vehicles would sit on dealer lots until a final part of group of parts can be installed by dealer service technicians.

“It’s supposed to be really easy to install these computer chips. And so, once that happens, then the car can go down the road,” said Marty Book, dealer-principal at Carriage Ford in Clarksville, Indiana.

Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker said the company is "exploring a number of different options as we get to work to get our customers and dealers their new vehicles as quickly as possible."

If Ford follows through with idea, it would be up to dealers whether to participate, including training their technicians to install the parts.

Book would jump at the chance to have more new vehicles to show customers, even if a sale can’t be completed until those vehicles are finalized, he said. Dealers are already trying to persuade customers to order vehicles they can’t see in person or test drive, he said.

“They may have to come and visit it on Sunday and have coffee with it, but at least it will be here until those conductors get here,” he said.

 

[EFX4]

I'd hope so but you never know with some dealers with the work they do.

That's a valid concern and I can see it being a reason that some that wanted a new F-150 just sit this one out, till maybe late next year?

Also judging from how dealers will be compensated, it could be a quick job. "An individual with knowledge of the discussions told Auto News that dealers would be compensated for slightly less than an hour’s worth of labor for each vehicle."

Ford May Ship Vehicles With Missing Chips To Dealerships | Carscoops

It is understood Ford is looking to off-load vehicles that are quickly filling up company-owned lots to ensure it can keep its assembly plants running

www.carscoops.com

 

[RDale]

That's a valid concern and I can see it being a reason that some that wanted a new F-150 just sit this one out, till maybe late next year?

Also judging from how dealers will be compensated, it could be a quick job. "An individual with knowledge of the discussions told Auto News that dealers would be compensated for slightly less than an hour’s worth of labor for each vehicle."

Ford May Ship Vehicles With Missing Chips To Dealerships | Carscoops

It is understood Ford is looking to off-load vehicles that are quickly filling up company-owned lots to ensure it can keep its assembly plants running

www.carscoops.com

Does that mean that the job should only take an hour? Or is that only how much Ford is paying dealers for?

 

[Spade312]

Still hasn't happened. It seems as though Ford only wanted to get an idea of what the overall consensus from their dealers were.

 

[cyberious]

What is the risk of a Dealer going rouge and trying to backfill with a non-OEM part?

 

[Spade312]

They still have not shipped any of those unfinished vehicles.

With that being said if they ever did the chance would be 0%. There is a long list of reasons as to why it wouldn't happen and couldn't happen.

 

[crobinson55331]

It is not an easy as it sounds to plug in the chips, run a few tests and release the vehicles to the buyers. There are liability issues for any future problems to consider. There are also versions of the programming on the chips to consider so the software versions need to be registered by VIN. Big opportunity to make a big mess. No good short term solution and long term fixes to supply chain will take years to stabilize.