...Dearborn, the dead factory that SHOULD be the second factory spitting out an additional pile of Mustangs that SHOULD be being sold right now.
Pardon the interruption for a sec.....Mustang sales have been down around 18% in the first 10 months of this year....I have been to the Dearborn plant assy back in 86 where I saw my mustang in line. Back then it was a pretty nasty place to be in, almost like being in a cave. I can see why they moth balled it. They built the place during WWII I believe. Mustang Among Featured Cars at LA Show || WXYZ.com | WXYZ-TV / Detroit | Detroit News, Weather, Sports and More
__________________
2006 GT Tungsten Grey 5 spd, Xcal2/Pipeline CAI, Powerhouse tune. Spoiler delete. Front Speakers:Infinity 6812CF;Blaupunkt GTc652. Rear:Infinity Kappa 682.7CF. H/U:Alpine CDA-9885. Alpine MRP-F250 amp. Sequentials. President of the Splash guard registry. On Deck: Motoblue UDP's.
Pardon the interruption for a sec.....Mustang sales have been down around 18% in the first 10 months of this year....I have been to the Dearborn plant assy back in 86 where I saw my mustang in line. Back then it was a pretty nasty place to be in, almost like being in a cave. I can see why they moth balled it. They built the place during WWII I believe. Mustang Among Featured Cars at LA Show || WXYZ.com | WXYZ-TV / Detroit | Detroit News, Weather, Sports and More
OK, PC, here's the drill:
1. Bill Ford decides to change the Mustang to share the Mazda 6 platform (for the second time - he wanted to do it back when the idea was "the Probe" and the Mazda version), and puts a glass ceiling on Mustang production. Any other location where production might be setup for additional cars is eliminated. When they were snapping shots of the final 2004 Mustang rolling off the line at Dearborn, contractors were albready breaking up the machinery, cutting the line into slag, and loading it on boxcars. Burnt earth. Bill had no intention of repeating his defeat from the earlier attempt to change the Mustang to the Probe. Has anyone ever considered WHY the AIA Mazda factory has the RWD Mustang paired up with the FWD Mazda 6?
2. Dearborn can build upwards of 300,000 Mustangs, all on its own. Sure, its old and Ford has been letting it get ratty and down-at-the heels, but its STILL one of the most productive assembly factories in the world (the new AIA factory Mustang line STILL lags behind where it should be in terms of productivity). OK, its being mothballed. Makes sense, after all, what are the chances the new 05 design will sell more than, say, the 99 model introduction? Would you believe about 100%? All the marketing analyses comparing it to the 99 models projected potential sales MUCh higher than the 220,000(sic) sold in 1999.
3. Not to worry. The upper limit of the AIA design after several years of break-in, running 3 shifts and holidays, will be just about 200,000 cars (uh, oh).
4. Still, not to worry. There is a strategy in place JUST IN CASE Ford sells "too many" Mustangs. Prices will be increased (they were). Advertising will stop (the Mustang ad budget disappeared after the Superbowl). Dealers will be told to start telling all prospective customers that Ford's delivery dates are NOT guaranteed (they weren't) - that long order lead times would occur (they did) and pricing will be at MSRP and above (it was - sometimes considerably above MSRP for 5 speed GT's, for instance).
5. Despite this, the orders STILL came in like gangbusters. Stopgap plans were put into high gear... Marketing and PR plans vanished. The frequent offers for placement in valuable time slots on tv shows and with large charities were told they would still have to pay for the cars, and that delivery dates were not guaranteed. The huge Dream Cruise planned and all-but completed by tens of thousands of the Mustang Club faithful who had flown the Mustang banner through years thick and thin were summarily slapped in the face, and the event rudely canceled at the last minute. SVT was castrated and ultimately demolished.
In spite of all this, the orders for 2005 were well over the production capacity of the AIA plant. Many of the orders for 05 models were ultimately filled with 06 models.
In the end, the efforts to drive away business worked. All the uncertainty - the lack of advertsing and marketing - the lack of negotiating room at dealerships - the lack of selection and product updates - the price gouging - and the poor customer service succeeded in keeping the numbers under the magikal 200,000 mark. They are happier when the numbers run about 2/3 V6's, half aod, and around 150,000 units. That way they can operate just 2 shifts and some pickup work on the 3rd shift. At worst they avoid paying overtime and holiday bonuses.
There have been a LOT of problems intercede for Bill (almost destroying the company his family started), but the reasons why things are as they are with the Mustangs all track back to the Plan.
IF the CAFE averages and EPA laws go as they are currently heading, Bill may well be proven prescient.
FWD V6 Mustangs, built on the Mazda 6 platform. It could very well still happen. And then the AIA plant would be able to merge the two lines and build the cars on the same basis.
__________________
tripleblack
"You can never be free until you let yourself go."
What do you expect from a culture stuck in 400AD.? You are talking about a culture that has given nothing to the world that is positive in over a thousand years... NOTHING
And what about Gillian Gibbons, the British teacher? Charged with crimes facing 40 lashes, because her 7 year old students named a teddy bear Mohammed...
Religion of peace indeed.
Absolutely Nyt.
Look at the CAIR group and how they act right here in the U.S. of A.:
Looks like the British teacher has been sentenced to 15 days in jail and deportation.
KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) - British teacher Gillian Gibbons has been convicted of inciting religious hatred for letting her pupils name a teddy bear Muhammad and sentenced to 15 days in prison and deportation from Sudan, one of her defense lawyers said Thursday.
"The judge found Gillian Gibbons guilty and sentenced her to 15 days jail and deportation," said Ali Mohammed Hajab, a member of her defense team. Sudan Sentences Teacher to 15 Days
__________________
2006 GT Tungsten Grey 5 spd, Xcal2/Pipeline CAI, Powerhouse tune. Spoiler delete. Front Speakers:Infinity 6812CF;Blaupunkt GTc652. Rear:Infinity Kappa 682.7CF. H/U:Alpine CDA-9885. Alpine MRP-F250 amp. Sequentials. President of the Splash guard registry. On Deck: Motoblue UDP's.
Looks like the British teacher has been sentenced to 15 days in jail and deportation.
KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) - British teacher Gillian Gibbons has been convicted of inciting religious hatred for letting her pupils name a teddy bear Muhammad and sentenced to 15 days in prison and deportation from Sudan, one of her defense lawyers said Thursday.
"The judge found Gillian Gibbons guilty and sentenced her to 15 days jail and deportation," said Ali Mohammed Hajab, a member of her defense team. Sudan Sentences Teacher to 15 Days
She's lucky - and I hope she learns her lesson.
She should stay away from "friendly, peaceful Muslim lands".
Next time, they may accidently leave the jailhouse doors unlocked for the street crazies to visit her - it could still happen.
I hope she gets back home to Britain safe and sound.
I hope the nutzo xenophobic genocidal theo-bigots running Sudan get theirs one day, too.
Its the silver lining in the islamofascist ruler thing - most of the time, they end up getting their own heads chopped by their own supporters.
__________________
tripleblack
"You can never be free until you let yourself go."
they may accidently leave the jailhouse doors unlocked for the street crazies to visit her - it could still happen.
Then get 200 lashes for letting yourself get raped? I say get people out of there and let them try their own way. Lets see if they're still clinging to that kind of law...
__________________
2002 GT Ford Mustang V8 4.6L Satin Silver
... Pony far away from home ...
Then get 200 lashes for letting yourself get raped? I say get people out of there and let them try their own way. Lets see if they're still clinging to that kind of law...
Neko, I just read about a Dutch guy making a movie critical of Islam.
The report was sort of garbled - is he a minister? a politician? Both?
Anyway, the last person to do that got murdered in Amsterdam by Islamic fundamentalists.
I'd stay out of Sudan or Saudi Arabia if I was him.
__________________
tripleblack
"You can never be free until you let yourself go."
I'v read alot of the comments on this subject, and whats missing is ~~~ were talking about there custom and laws ~~ although most of them will seem stupid to you, I say just be greatfull that there not the law here ~~ then again, its the only thing they know, so it must seem right to them [at least some of them] ~~ what we are talking about is : women by there law CANT be alone with a man that is not a "family member" ~~ she was sitting in a car with a man that was not "a family member" ~~ thats what she was punished for, AND ITS THERE LAW, SHE BROKE IT ~~ before I get alot of comments and/or hate mail, I dont agree with there law, and trying to force your opinon on someone else is why there are wars ~~ disagree if you want, but please, remember, this America [some parts of other countrys also, I guess] and one of the freedoms you so quickly forget about is such a thing wont happen here ~~ I'm glad I'm an American ~~ I dont have to deal with such laws ~~ I feel fairly confident that such a law will never be on the books here, but then again, I vote and that helps [sometimes] ~~ dont condem the judge, hes just following the law ~~ maybe, because we are there, the law will change ~~ for now, be greatfull you dont have to live under such laws
I don't think anyone will argue that we're all happy that this sort of thing does NOT happen here in America...
Yet.
The people we are discussing have powerful groups HERE, in this country, determined to place the entire world (and yes, including America) under Islamic Sharia Law.
They make no bones about it.
CAIR is just one of many such groups, and while you and I are discussing this matter there are extreme, Jehadist/Wahabbist/Salafi Imams exhorting their faithful in gatherings HERE, in the United States, to kill the infidel and to place Islam above all else - including our Constitution, and any other barrier that may get in their way.
Understanding exactly what is going on - and judging it against our own standards - WHILE remembering that these same people want nothing less than to destroy America (as it is now) in order to build a new "Western Caliphate" in its place - is what is going on.
All these things are not happening in a vacuum.
Its real. And it is NOT going to stay bottled up in some tiny foreign land far away. The djinn has escaped, and is growing bigger and stronger every day. And the more it is ignored by the few who can actually do something about it (chiefly right here in the U.S. of A.), the more powerful they become.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jims king cobra
I'v read alot of the comments on this subject, and whats missing is ~~~ were talking about there custom and laws ~~ although most of them will seem stupid to you, I say just be greatfull that there not the law here ~~ then again, its the only thing they know, so it must seem right to them [at least some of them] ~~ what we are talking about is : women by there law CANT be alone with a man that is not a "family member" ~~ she was sitting in a car with a man that was not "a family member" ~~ thats what she was punished for, AND ITS THERE LAW, SHE BROKE IT ~~ before I get alot of comments and/or hate mail, I dont agree with there law, and trying to force your opinon on someone else is why there are wars ~~ disagree if you want, but please, remember, this America [some parts of other countrys also, I guess] and one of the freedoms you so quickly forget about is such a thing wont happen here ~~ I'm glad I'm an American ~~ I dont have to deal with such laws ~~ I feel fairly confident that such a law will never be on the books here, but then again, I vote and that helps [sometimes] ~~ dont condem the judge, hes just following the law ~~ maybe, because we are there, the law will change ~~ for now, be greatfull you dont have to live under such laws
Jims King Cobra AND GREATFULL TO BE AMERICAN
__________________
tripleblack
"You can never be free until you let yourself go."
Neko, I just read about a Dutch guy making a movie critical of Islam.
Geert Wilders. Yeah... Politician. Own political party.
*If the moderators or admins feel I'm stepping across my bounds here by stating my personal opinion on Islamic law and beliefs, feel free to kill off this post, or edit it to fit the forum. This is a Mustang forum, and this thread is basically talking religion. In my expirience 9 out of 10 times talking religion will result in arguments erupting. I'm not putting down any religion, I'm just talking the facts here as I see them.*
Frankly, I'd say let him. Freedom of speech for all is a far greater good then a religion that can't handle critism for a few. I'm actually looking forward to that movie. I'm not against Islam, but if Islamic believers takes offence of that movie, I'd say it's their problem, and since we're in the 21st century, they should find a civilized way to voice their objections.
All in all quite a few politicians here have tried to dissuade him from actually doing the movie. I'd say they are just plain scared of what the consequences may be. Sofar, he's still gonna do it.
Movie is gonna be short of what I understood and specifically target the Koran, not Islam as a whole. His thoughts on the Koran: 'I've read it, it scared me. Rip out all the violent pieces, and you're left with a booklet that is the same thickness as a Donald Duck magazine'.
I want to hear what he has to say. Cause I'll be damned if I'm gonna let myself get scared into silence for fear of kicking a few people against the shins and receiving a punishment for that in the form of lashes, explosions, stabbings and whatnot. And basically, that's what his thought is on the matter too. Freedom of speech anyone?
Make a movie that kicks against the Bible (The Passion Of The Christ)? Protest may come, but the movie will be presented, and no real harm for anyone will come from it. Same with most other general beliefs. It might result in some boycot, but overall the reactions will not have a huge impact.
Now if you look at Islam, you can't even name a teddybear 'Muhammed' without a country getting in an uproar, making global news, and be faced with lashings. So making a movie that kicks against the Koran is more then likely to stir up protests... And these are expected to be more violent than any protest that could be expected from the Christians or the Jews. Which leads me to conclude: A lot of people that follow the Islamic faith are unable to handle critisism on their way of life. Or atleast that's the people we hear and see the most.
The report they did here on it also mentioned an american documentary called 'Islam: What the West needs to know'. Got a hold of that recently, and frankly, that kinda instilled a bit of fear in me of the possibilities. Not that I'll take it at face value, but still... it did give me things to think about. Reading Tripleblack's reply shows much of what that documentary stated and explained.
Quote:
AND ITS THERE LAW, SHE BROKE IT
True... I agree with that. But looking on the western model of laws vs the islamic laws, I'd say a warning would be fair? But the issue here isn't whether or not the law was broken or not, it's the idiotic punishments that are set forth.
While I agree that lashings maybe a good punishment in certain cases (repetitive crimes, high violent crimes), I feel that the punishment should be in relation to the crime. 90 lashes for being in the car with a male non-relative? 40 lashes for naming a bear Muhammed? C'mon.
Atleast we know the woman with the bear gets off with jailtime and deportation. Makes me wonder about the woman that started this thread...
__________________
2002 GT Ford Mustang V8 4.6L Satin Silver
... Pony far away from home ...
There IS a thing MUCH worse than the ocassional person looking at some part of a religion and voicing a critical comment or questioning it...
Its NO ONE saying anything and NO ONE having the guts to stand up for their own beliefs - their own rights to think!
The more any group tries to instill fear in me - to control me - the more I want to blow their lid off and talk it up.
Remember the Danish newspaper cartoons? If this fellow Wilders' film stirs them up, all the better.
These people need to look inwardly far more than they need to be tossing rocks at the rest of the planet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Neko-
Geert Wilders. Yeah... Politician. Own political party.
*If the moderators or admins feel I'm stepping across my bounds here by stating my personal opinion on Islamic law and beliefs, feel free to kill off this post, or edit it to fit the forum. This is a Mustang forum, and this thread is basically talking religion. In my expirience 9 out of 10 times talking religion will result in arguments erupting. I'm not putting down any religion, I'm just talking the facts here as I see them.*
Frankly, I'd say let him. Freedom of speech for all is a far greater good then a religion that can't handle critism for a few. I'm actually looking forward to that movie. I'm not against Islam, but if Islam takes offence of that movie, I'd say it's their problem, and since we're in the 21st century, they should find a civilized way to voice their objections.
All in all quite a few politicians here have tried to dissuade him from actually doing the movie. I'd say they are just plain scared of what the consequences may be. Sofar, he's still gonna do it.
Movie is gonna be short of what I understood and specifically target the Koran, not Islam. His thoughts on the Koran: 'I've read it, it scared me. Rip out all the violent pieces, and you're left with a booklet that is the same thickness as a Donald Duck magazine'.
I want to hear what he has to say. Cause I'll be damned if I'm gonna let myself get scared into silence for fear of kicking a few people against the shins and receiving a punishment for that in the form of lashes, explosions, stabbings and whatnot. And basically, that's what his thought is on the matter too.
Make a movie that kicks against the Bible (The Passion Of The Christ)? Protest may come, but the movie will be presented, and no real harm for anyone will come from it. Same with most other general beliefs.
Now if you look at Islam, you can't even name a teddybear 'Muhammed' without the whole country being in an uproar, making global news, and be faced with lashings. So making a movie that kicks against the Koran is more then likely to stir up protests... And these are expected to be more violent than any protest that could be expected from the Christians or the Jews. Which leads me to conclude: A lot of people that follow the Islamic faith are unable to handle critisism on their way of life. Or atleast that's the people we hear and see the most.
The report they did here on it also mentioned an american documentary called 'Islam: What the West needs to know'. Got a hold of that recently, and frankly, that kinda instilled a bit of fear in me of the possibilities. Not that I'll take it at face value, but still... it did give me things to think about. Reading Tripleblack's reply shows much of what that documentary stated and explained.
True... I agree with that. But looking on the western model of laws vs the islamic laws, I'd say a warning would be fair? But the issue here isn't whether or not the law was broken or not, it's the idiotic punishments that are set forth.
While I agree that lashings maybe a good punishment in certain cases (repetitive crimes, high violent crimes), I feel that the punishment should be in relation to the crime. 90 lashes for being in the car with a male non-relative? 40 lashes for naming a bear Muhammed? C'mon.
Atleast we know the woman with the bear gets off with jailtime and deportation. Makes me wonder about the woman that started this thread...
__________________
tripleblack
"You can never be free until you let yourself go."
It's probably gonna be aired in the broadcasttime of the political parties, which means it'll probably be something akin to 10 minutes in length. The reason for that is that the broadcasting time is free for him. However there has also been talk to a direct-to-DVD, or even an Internet download of the thing.
Someone (maybe me) might have to take the time to write a subtitle file on the thing tho. Don't think dutch talk would go down well with you
Quote:
I fail to see how Deportation would really be punishment. It is like being banished from hell...
LOL. True that.
__________________
2002 GT Ford Mustang V8 4.6L Satin Silver
... Pony far away from home ...
It's probably gonna be aired in the broadcasttime of the political parties, which means it'll probably be something akin to 10 minutes in length. The reason for that is that the broadcasting time is free for him. However there has also been talk to a direct-to-DVD, or even an Internet download of the thing.
Someone (maybe me) might have to take the time to write a subtitle file on the thing tho. Don't think dutch talk would go down well with you
LOL. True that.
Last time I watched a dutch movie with subtitles I was cuddled up with a pretty German girl (and the Russians were still called Soviets).
My German is stale, and my Dutch almost non-existant. Sub-titles would be very kind!
__________________
tripleblack
"You can never be free until you let yourself go."
You'll get the money... 
