Does Toby Keith really help sell these trucks?

[FTE Ken]

Originally Posted by Old Rust Bucket

Need I say more about who FoMoCo's primary costumer for the F-series is?

Have you seen the democraphics? Its a huge part of them, but certainly not the primary customer. There are and always have been contractors in many parts of the country who aren't "red necks", people who haul tools and supplies, delivery trucks, boat and recreational trailer owners, etc. From the flower shop to the butcher shop, many people need trucks. Because its primarily rednecks buying them were you live please don't think its that way in the majority of the country. California is one of the largest Ford truck markets and its not what most people would call red neck country.

Its like many people in the Detroit area... they think Toyota can't seriously challenge Dodge, Ford and GM because that's primarily what they see in their day to day driving. If they traveled outside the area they'd understand that many people all over the country love some of the non-domestic brands.

[fonefiddy]

With the introduction of the 'Platinum', Ford must see some pretty high scale customers in their demographics reasearch.

So I'd guess that them staying with the Toby Keith marketing campaign, shows that the general public will accept him as a spokesman?

[FTE Ken]

Not only with the Platinum, but with the King Ranch for many years. The King Ranch is definitely a truck you'd call "plush."

[ArtsBest]

Many a follower out there who love to be led. So yes, maybe his presence will sell F-150's.

[ketchup]

Really, if you let someone else choose the spokesperson, you're not going to be 100% happy. I don't listen to country music, and have never met Toby Keith, but I figure, it could have been worse. I noticed that Ford put several "stars" out on the unveiling, the nascar guy, country guy, the rodeo guy and so on, but that isn't what makes the product. Does ford need these "tough" people to sell their product, I don't think so, but they do it for show. Some people need to be told what to do and when to do it, so therefore spokespeople. Btw, the mercury woman is hot, but does that make me go out and buy a mercury, no-but my wife drives one-hehe. When I buy, I want the truck facts, and to be well treated at a dealership, no lying to make a sale. Oh, and one point about the redneck stuff....Where I grew up, the backwoods people that lived-(I said lived, thats all they did, not enjoyed for recreation, so don't get your panties in a wad)for hunting/fishing, in season or out, all swear by chevy, so that kills the theory of ford being redneck material. My 2 cents.

[93RangerXL4x2]

If i Had money, I tell you what id do, go down town buy a ford truck or 2,

[Old Rust Bucket]

Originally Posted by FTE Ken

Have you seen the democraphics? Its a huge part of them, but certainly not the primary customer. There are and always have been contractors in many parts of the country who aren't "red necks", people who haul tools and supplies, delivery trucks, boat and recreational trailer owners, etc. From the flower shop to the butcher shop, many people need trucks. Because its primarily rednecks buying them were you live please don't think its that way in the majority of the country. California is one of the largest Ford truck markets and its not what most people would call red neck country.

Ford's problem is not that it market's to the high end. Their problem is that they think everyone wants a high end truck. If Ford wants to sell high end that's all fine and dandy. But when they crap of the customers who got tghem to where they are then we have a problem. Personaly I grew up in a climate where Ford and GM where "drive it to church" trucks and when you wanted to get work done you'd get a Dodge or an IH. Maybe they were right after all....

[thorseshoeing]

Originally Posted by FTE Ken

If what his employees at his restaurant in Pigeon Forge say is any indication, he's a real jerk that no one wants to deal with.

Which restaurant in Pigeon Forge does he own? I live just down the road from PF, but don't know half of what's there...

Tim

[Fordlover55]

I happen to love Alan Jackson's singing and have recorded a number of his songs into my own music folders on another site. But.. I'm also quite sure that no matter WHO you have as a boss, they can all tend to be a jerk, at times. After all... nobody's a perfect match for every personality.

[FTE Ken]

Originally Posted by Old Rust Bucket

Ford's problem is not that it market's to the high end. Their problem is that they think everyone wants a high end truck. If Ford wants to sell high end that's all fine and dandy. But when they crap of the customers who got tghem to where they are then we have a problem. Personaly I grew up in a climate where Ford and GM where "drive it to church" trucks and when you wanted to get work done you'd get a Dodge or an IH. Maybe they were right after all....

Do you know what the breakdown of sales is between the XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat and King Ranch is? You might want to look them up before you make remarks like that. Besides, there's nothing wrong with buying the truck with extra features for work or for play. Part of making more money is enjoying it. Many people work in trucks and spend a lot of their time in them... they want the extra features because not only is it their hauler its also their office. Market research by all the truck manufacturers have shown this. Personally instead of getting jeoulous of people who can spend lots of money on features for their rides and knocking them down to feel better about your own position in life I say "more power to them." They are reaping the rewards of their success!

Stand by and throw all the stones you want at them -- they don't need your approval. Maybe one day by making the right choices I can be in their shoes and buy whatever I want without thinking about the cost. Ain't America great?

[greythorn3]

if anything toby would make me not want to buy one!

[FTE Ken]

Originally Posted by thorseshoeing

Which restaurant in Pigeon Forge does he own? I live just down the road from PF, but don't know half of what's there...

Tim

Its been a while, but he it was "Alan Jackson's ...." (don't remember the last part. It was on a corner with antique cars out front and inside. Its been three years since I've been there. Also met there twice with other FTE members years ago at the F100 Supernats.

[THE KING]

Cuz us country boys need a real truck get the job done. Toby Wouldnt influence me on buying one tho simply because i already know who makes the best.... Ive also made Chevy and Dodge boys go (HOLY CRAP THAT FORD IS BAD A$$!) I WANT ONE. Way to many times in my book.

[thorseshoeing]

Originally Posted by FTE Ken

Its been a while, but he it was "Alan Jackson's ...." (don't remember the last part. It was on a corner with antique cars out front and inside. Its been three years since I've been there. Also met there twice with other FTE members years ago at the F100 Supernats.

I know the place but never paid any attention to the name(or even what it was)...

Tim

[Old Rust Bucket]

Originally Posted by FTE Ken

Do you know what the breakdown of sales is between the XL, STX, XLT, FX4, Lariat and King Ranch is?

Compare to to similar trims levels of other brands I'd bet that the end do sell a surprisely high percent. Which is exactly Ford's problem.

Besides, there's nothing wrong with buying the truck with extra features for work or for play. Part of making more money is enjoying it.

I'm not argueing that. I'm simply saying that until Ford offers to meet the "base" consumer they will continue to fall. They are now 3rd in the US at last check. I'm going look further nto what I already know. That is how many Trucks end up in fleets vs. how many are owner operated. Fleet buyers are looking to pinch as many pennie as they can.

Personally instead of getting jeoulous of people who can spend lots of money on features for their rides and knocking them down to feel better about your own position in life I say "more power to them." They are reaping the rewards of their success!

So now your saying I'm jelous simply because I don't like electronics. BTW the USB port on the new Fords was the last straw. Next truck will be a Dodge. Like I said many times before. In 10 years we'll see how many of those trucks are still on the road. If the high end Caddies from the early 90's have anything to say about "features." then it is realy looking bad for Ford.

Stand by and throw all the stones you want at them -- they don't need your approval.

They don't need anyone's approval. But they do need their money and there's only one way to get it... Approval. You know Ken it's my expeirence from your posts that the new trucks could do no wrong and everything old is obsolete and therefore bad. Feel free to correct me.