A heavily slanted supply and demand curve is leading to some shady practices.
Shady Activities
As most are already aware, purchasing a vehicle at MSRP these days isn't exactly an easy endeavor. This is particularly true of in-demand new models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, which currently has a massive backlog of order holders waiting their turn to purchase the new EV pickup. This slanted supply/demand curve is also causing some dealers to engage in shady activities as well, it seems.
Photos: Ford
Configuration
Back in January, Jason and Melanie Bean of Vancouver Island, British Columbia configured their new F-150 Lightning with a dealer in Canada, placing a $2,500 deposit in the process, according to InsideEVs. At the time, the MSRP of their pickup came out to $101,625, though they weren't able to place an order for a 2022 model due to demand.
Photos: Ford
Price Increase
When order books opened for the 2023 model year, the Beans learned that their truck was going to cost $10,700 more than it would have previously, which was a bit rich for their blood. As such, they canceled their request and got their $2,500 deposit back.
Photos: Ford
Different Policies
This is notable because carryover reservation/order holders in the U.S. received price protection, which means that Ford is honoring 2022 prices for those that weren't able to place an order. However, that isn't completely the case in Canada, it seems.
Photos: Ford
Not Covered
"Ford of Canada is honoring pricing for all confirmed 2022 model year F-150 Lightning orders," a spokesperson said. "A confirmed order is one that is contained within the dealer’s 2022 model year allocation. Each dealer was allocated a specific number of 2022 Lightnings. In isolated cases, dealers accepted deposits for non-allocated vehicles. These non-allocated vehicles are not covered by price protection."
Photos: Ford
Other Options
"Customers should contact their dealer to determine eligibility for price protection," the spokesperson continued. "Those who do not qualify can discuss ordering a future model year vehicle, or have their deposit reimbursed."
Photos: Ford
Important Lesson
Obviously, this is hugely disappointing for the Bean family, who were excited about purchasing an F-150 Lightning, particularly in a world where Ford - along with other automakers - are offering price protection for vehicles that have been in high demand. But this is also a good lesson for anyone looking to do the same - make sure you have an actual allocated vehicle rather than just a promise and a handshake, if possible.
Photos: Ford
>>Join the conversation about F-150 Lightning prices right here in the forum.
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