AP Sources: Parts problem hurts Ford Focus sales

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By TOM KRISHER

DETROIT (AP) - Ford can't make enough Focus cars to keep up with rising demand because of equipment problems that have caused a shortage of dashboards, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

Machinery that makes the skin that covers dashboards at a Ford parts factory outside Detroit works intermittently. That is forcing the company to take the unusual and costly step of flying in parts from Europe to keep its assembly lines moving, the people said. Despite those efforts, the Focus plant near Detroit can't run at full speed, they said.

The problem comes at a time when high gas prices and shortages of Japanese small cars have driven up demand for the Focus. Dealers say they're having trouble getting the newly redesigned compacts, and they've been forced to put customers on waiting lists.

The people, who didn't want to be identified because they're not authorized to speak about the matter, said Ford is working to fix the equipment problem at the parts plant in Saline, Mich., but so far the company hasn't found a solution.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20110728/D9OOPUVG1.html

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AP Auto Writer Dee-Ann Durbin contributed to this report.


In this March 17, 2011 file photo, a line worker assembles a 2012 Ford Focus at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. Ford Motor Co. can’t build as many hot-selling Focus compacts as it wants to because of equipment problems at a parts factory, say two people familiar with the matter. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, file)

[safeinOhio]

1. It was a 60 day wait

for my new 2012 Focus and well worth it. Hope my brothers and sisters at local 900 get lots of OT.

[FarCenter]

5. Do you have the automatic transmission?

Any problems starting up or moving in very slow traffic?

[safeinOhio]

9. 5 speed.

averaging 35.5 all around driving. Drove on xway for 250 miles at 63 mph and got 42.5. Only rated for 36.

[Union Thug]

7. I have a 2007 and it's been great...

I've had two problems - a fuel line was installed improperly and developed a leak and my throttle was sticking for a while (all fine now). My father's 2007 Focus had problem with the camber of the rear wheels creating a situation where he was burning through tires every 12,000 miles, but that's since been remedied.

[liberalmuse]

2. I have a 2001 Ford Focus...

and I absolutely love it! I understand completely why there is such a demand.

[southerncrone]

3. Be willing to bet the machine that is malfunctioning is from overseas.....

Another problem of our global economy. Often the specs aren't converted properly, or installations don't go well.
Henry would not be happy.

PLEASE let's bring back our engineering/mfg. base!

[bertman]

6. I hope you're right, southerncrone. Wouldn't look too good if it was made in USA. nt

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

10. I would bet just about anything it is from Virginia,

Van Dorn injection molding equipment is the industry standard among the US automakers.

[jmowreader]

16. Or it's just wore the fuck out

Maybe they should improve Virginia's economy some and order a new one.

[Lifelong Protester]

4. I have a 2000 Focus, LOVE it, and intend to eventually

replace it with a new one. Will be waiting for the 2013, but mighty impressed. Hope they get the parts problem, as well as the tech problems, solved. Ford has made some real strides. I want to buy American!!

[Dover]

8. A very interesting interview this week with the Ford CEO on Charlie Rose

He talks about the future direction -

http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11814

[trotsky]

11. We have a 2010 Focus.

Awesome car. Great mileage and surprisingly good handling and ride.

[snooper2]

12. disposable car...

Fusion is a POS too...

If anybody out there has a Fusion, do this next time your driving...

while rolling at say 3-5 mph, punch it to the floor. hold it down until you hit say 32-33 mph and immediately let off the gas. You should be able to count 1-one-thousand, 2-one-thousand, 3-one-thousand, 4-one (before the engine actually stops revving and the car slows down)

I call it forced unintended acceleration :P Was able to do it with two different rentals now. What a POS, "Fusion"

Oh and Ford, the stupid blue glow behind the gauges is well, stupid. Stop trying to go for a ten year old Scion look eh? :rofl:

Focus is just it's little crappy brother.

[LTX]

13. Your view is not shared by many:

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/rankings/Affordable-Midsize-Cars/

[snooper2]

14. Fine by me, most people wouldn't agree I loved my 1976 Pinto Runabout

:)

Sweet little inline 4 and 4 on the floor....

Lots of fun in that yellow bastard.

Anyway, you got a Fusion? Do the test I describe above-

[stevekatz]

17. Didn't happen

In my 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

[BNJMN]

15. My old beater Focus has taken me up and down the west coast many times.

And the back seat folds down into a decent little area to snooze. But yeah, it has had many electrical problems, not sure if I'd get another.

But I love the one I have.
Sentiment.