1st post and some interesting stats from Ford

[clavettr]

Hello all, Ive been part of Crownvic.net for years but i recently ordered a Fusion SE in Tuxedo Black with the monochrome package and the 6 speed manual so i'm switching forums. I sent Ford an email asking them how many Fusions like mine have been made. They replied with this:

Dear Clavettr,

Thank you for your recent Contact with the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center. You inquired as to the total of the 2010 Ford Fusions produced with a manual transmission and the total produced with the Mono Chrome Package. Our records indicate that out of the total production of 283,987, there were 4,799 produced with a Manual Transmission and 4,317 produced with the Mono Chrome Package. We are unfortunately unable to provide the figures by a combination of options. I hope this information helps. For any further questions or requests, please feel free to contact the Customer Relationship Center back by phone at 800-392-3673 or online at www.ford.com.

 

So I'm wondering what production cars are more rare that a monochrome fusion let alone one with a manual as well?! The BMW M5 sold around 3500 in December but Fords numbers are for the whole model year. So I challenge anyone to think of a more exclusive car available at a dealership than a 2010 Fusion Monochrome with a manual.

[DJE]

Hello and Welcome! I can tell you love your Fusion as much as we do ours!

[ImBroke]

So, I'm one of 4800. Nice to be exclusive.

[Grey]

Years ago when many options were stand alone, there were many possible combinations that were never built. Now that they package optional equipment within each series, the possible build combinations are down significantly. Fewer trim choices reduces the complexity in the plants and makes it much more likely to find the exact vehicle you might order in your (or a close) dealer's inventory.

 

Many wold argue that they want the choice back, but by discounting the packages, most people can get what they want, plus a few extras for the same price.

 

The Product Planners are charged a complexity cost for each unique part required at the assembly plant. By grouping options, they can reduce the number of wiring harnesses, instrument clusters, audio components, etc. Every cost saving they can generate offsets the package discounts and puts a little more to the bottom line. Win-Win with few complaints.

 

In 1966, while working at a Chevrolte dealership, (and going to grad school) I ordered a one off. Chevelle Super Sport, 360 HP 396 ci, three speed on the floor, bench seat with A/C. Found out later that the transmission was a Ford unit since that was the only 3 speed that would take the power the beast would produce. About the only way to have a one off today, is to customize it yourself.

[deo1929]

I'm also one of the 4800 with a "three pedal" car. It would be interesting to find out how many were painted Sangria Red as that color was discontinued in January for the Candy Apple Red (at extra cost too)

 

The uniqueness of options today isn't what it once was. I have a 68 Mustang Fastback and it's a one-of-one car because of the combo of options.

Edited May 27, 2010 by deo1929

[Smokestone2010]

Very interesting numbers! My dad and I came across a few of those Monochrome Appearance Package cars when we were shopping for his Fusion, and they really are good looking cars. All this talk about production numbers, I know our Smokestone Metallic SEL probably isn't the most rare Fusion ever made, but I'd be interested in finding out how many Fusions were made in 2010 in our particular configuration. This much I do know is that Smokestone Metallic was offered on the Fusion (and maybe the Milan? not sure) for 2009 and 2010. It will be discontinued for 2011.

 

Talking about rare cars, my 2004 SVT Cobra is one of 1,010 Mystichrome Cobras and one of 495 Mystichrome Cobra convertibles. All of them produced only for 2004 to celebrate Mustang's 40th anniversary.

[Waldo]

I have a 3rd gen Mazda RX7. It's a silver R2 model, of which only 99 were every sold in the US.