on my business trip from kansas city to bloomington, illinois i saw 3 brand new f-150 trucks driving down I-70. all 3 trucks were brand spanking new, all 3 had dealer tags, and all three had numberes both on the winshield and on the back. all 3 were following each other so they were most definently in a group. anyone know what that was all about? the numbers on the windows were kinda making me curious.

 

Probably stock numbers.

 

actually those are units ford has out for road testing . we have an explorer plant here and see these cars all the time (pre release models being driven to make sure everything works as designed)
jim

 

A few years ago there were about a hundred strange looking, strangely painted cars running around this area. They had no markings, mottled, almost camo paint. Many of the design cues, like headlight chrome were not installed, or covered. Some Korean operation from the looks of them. They must have been 'alpha' testing a new model and didn't want folks to see the next years model.
I think it's a great way to test, better than any lab or test range work.
Chris

 

I work for the Explorer plant in louisville, the numbers if they are written on with a marker that is the job # as it comes down the line, if it is on the top of the window with a decal is is a road test unit.


Rick

 

That would make a great promotional contest - send out loads of the next-year model with numbers on them and see who notices they are new - call-in/web to report a sighting and what's different.

But then, that would only appeal to motor-heads like me

 

I live in Ohio and drive the Turnpike alot. Last year I saw the C6 roadtest before it came out, and the Hummer H2 Sut (You know, the fridge missing the freezer door, ya that one)

Years back I saw the new 1500 chevys before they were out also. GM must road test on the Ohio TP often.

 

When I was shopping for my Explorer I saw one that had a special sticker indicating it had been road tested for more than 50 miles but less than 200.I did not buy that one, but at least they identify them.Good Luck!