Readers, we need your help in convincing Ford that their efforts to shut down businesses and websites that have helped build their brands and loyal enthusiast base are doing them more damage than good. Submit your well thought-out and civilized comments here. Within the weeks to come we will send these to the highest ranks at Ford.
(Below is the story we posted on May 23rd.)
Apparently Ford thinks a way to improve its image and sales of Ford cars is by alienating the very enthusiasts that loyally buy Ford vehicles. In another one of Ford’s “Bold Moves” they have sent a letter to Mustang Plus, a Stockton, CA based Mustang parts retailer, asking them to stop using Mustang in their business name. They have also sent similar letters to an untold number of other businesses, such as MustangTuning.com and California Mustang. Rumour is they will soon come after magazines, websites, and clubs that also use Ford, Mustang, Thunderbird, Falcon or other Ford brand names.
The Feb. 16 letter from Howard, Phillips and Andersen, a Utah law firm representing Ford (and other automakers in the past and present) on intellectual property enforcement matters, asked Mustangs Plus to:
» Transfer to the automaker the registration for mustangsplus.com.
» Submit to government offices all forms necessary to discontinue registration of the Mustangs Plus name.
» Cancel Internet and telephone directory listings and advertising under the Mustangs Plus name.
» Turn over for destruction all signs, banners, business cards and collateral materials.
» Issue a check to Ford for $10,000 in damages.
Read the entire story and comment:
While trademark infringment is a legitimate issue for all major brands, we just refuse to believe that the executives at Dearborn are really in support of the efforts and actions of the sharks at Howard, Phillips and Andersen. With all the troubles Ford is having with declining market share and lackluster sales, the last thing they should be doing right now is biting the very hands of the loyal enthusiasts that feed them. More to come on this, stay tuned.
I recently traded in my Mustang Cobra for a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, let me tell you this Mitsubishi far outperforms any mustang I have ever driven! The car has stronger acceleration, and 100 times better cornering. It is much easier to drive fast. Best thing is, I get much better fuel economy too, and the engine has more acceleration available when i want to go fast.
I’m never buying a v8 again, Turbo 4 cylinders are Way better!
By Former Mustang Driver. March 7th, 2008 at 11:24 pmI noticed on person saying that for got the idea for the mustang name from the horse this is somewhat true but not totaly originaly they picked the P-51 Mustang Fighter but felt this was too controvesial so desided on the horse just to let you know. Don’t really care about a bunch of whinners I still love my Stang!
By Stabgbanger. February 26th, 2008 at 10:50 amBe American buy American I love my mustang and will continue spankib imports every chance I get and no website is going to change that. The only people who hate fords are the one’s that have been beaten by them alot or they just wish they had one.
By Stabgbanger. February 26th, 2008 at 10:45 amThere is nothing anyone can do or say to make me leave my Fords. I have witnessed personally too many hundreds of thousands of trouble-free miles from all my Fords to claim they are not well-built.
By Mark H.. February 24th, 2008 at 5:33 pmIt is funny to see all these idiots here who come only to post disgust of Ford products. I guess they are retaliating for having been spanked lately by a factory Ford! Do you people really think a single person who is a regular to this website will change their opinion about how awesome Fords are? Ford is the most imitated automaker on the planet as far as car design, the sincerest form of flattery. I do not have the time or ignorance to post hate mail on a dodge or chevy site, but I am glad you all have the freedom of speech to come here and take up server storage space, provided free to you from people like myself, a supporting member of Fordmuscle. You can continue to drive and work on your chevies and your dodges and like them for whatever reasons you choose, and we here will continue to drive and work on the best vehicles on the planet, BAR NONE. F O R D Be seeing ya on the streets! (at least your headlights fading in the rear view mirror)
I’ve just started to sell t-shirts online and bought artwork of a 1969 Mustang. It is a real work of art.
I had the design in cafepress but it was pulled due to copyright violation and sent an e-mail to the Ford lawyers in Utah.
They said that I needed a license to sell this artwork on t-shirts.
I haven’t heard from them yet but I don’t get it. All artwork is hand drawn and the Ford logo is not used.
I can understand why Ford is going after people who use their logo to maybe ‘imply’ they are Ford associated or whatever but for t-shirts?
I can only imagine what a license would cost. Whatever it is, it’s out of my reach.
If Ford really intends to enforce their copyright ownership, perhaps the first place they should look is in Ebay. From parts to mousepads.
I also run a printing school for heat transfers plus an association. Maybe I should seriously consider ‘Anti-Ford’ solicitations or even start a boycott against Ford.
Lots of artists have created beautiful works of art and these artists provide small people like myself, the chance to offer great designs on t-shirts. mousepads, etc… If anything, a yellow 1969 Mustang looks great on a black t-shirt.
Wonder if a ‘Fix Or Repair Daily’ (FORD) t-shirt would sell? Or, what time is it when a Ford passes a Ford? Tin past Tin. These comments are circa 1960’s.
Yes. I owned a ‘65 and a ‘93 Mustang convertible, ‘84 T-bird, 78 Ford pickup, 98 Ford van, etc… Glad I now have switched to another brand.
Fred
By Fred. January 2nd, 2008 at 4:33 pmI have owned Fords for close to 35 years but if this is the type of gouging the way Ford motor company wants to do business then it’s time to switch to another brand,[Dodge]
By Charles D. Nicol SR.. December 16th, 2007 at 7:26 amAll i have to offer is a simple poem for ford boys…
Ashes to ashes
By Ford Hater. November 29th, 2007 at 5:18 pmdust to dust
if it wasn’t for fords
our tools would rust
You guys are all fucking retards. Yeah sure i am a ford guy, but you guys are all taking them to shops and stuff. Grow a set of balls and work on your own shit. you guys are all pussys and dont know anything about cars. so keep talking shit about something you dont even know what you talking about. So keep on running your mouth and go change your blinker fluid bitches
By Your son. November 21st, 2007 at 8:16 amall i have to say is, well, let me make this short. FORDS SUCK. there fucked over rebuilt dodges and there always found on road dead and u always have to fix or repair daily
By Bubba. November 18th, 2007 at 4:06 pmFord and Howard, Phillips and Andersen both know they can pressure the small business owner into submission.
The small business owner does not want to take the 10,000-20,000 hit in legal fees on a gamble that they may or may not win — would you?
This is just a money drop for Ford. They have had poor financials the last few years and are trying to have this section of the company (trademarks/patents) turn a bigger profit if the other sections are hurting.
You do not see other major companies like GM/Chrysler/Toyota doing this. Why - because it is just wrong.
Companies have a right to protect their trademarks and patents, but the purpose of the protection should be to be to avoid consumer confusion. Are you the consumer confused as sites like fordmuscle.com, MM&FF magazine, snakes on aftermarket shifters or wheels, pony or snakes on websites about Ford product as being actually owned by Ford? I think not - but who wants to fight Ford, nobody and they know it!!!
So fork up the bucks — 1000 letters sent (minimum) at an average settlement of 10,000 == 10,000,000!!
By mustangman. November 14th, 2007 at 1:38 pmyou guys r wrong chevy and dodge r the worst fuckin car.
By James. October 9th, 2007 at 1:33 pmFORD IS THE BEST!!!!!!
I own a 1992 Ford Aerostar, fun to drive, but murder to repair due to the overengineering and arrangement of virtually everything under the hood, such as upper control arm bushings and the like. Ford in its wisdom made a very good fibreglass gas tank that has survived 245,000 + miles but no longer makes, and now I am ordering from a supplier who says many such as myself want, fuel tank straps, which are metal, which rust, and so on. The front strap is eaten away most of the way thru the 1 3/4 inch wide strap, a rusted 7/16th of an inch holds it on, and I am ordering new ones , due in 4-6 weeks while I pray and put a temporary strap over it, keeping a max of five gallons in the 21 gallon tank, so Idon’t have a horrendous accident. Ford nowhere recommends checking such an item as a gas tank strap, which is easily visible and rather crucial, sort of like a space shuttle wing. (Try going down the highway with a dragging gas tank at a speed,say, of 70 mph.) The car/van is long out of warranty, but I think Ford wants me to junk this vehicle which runs otherwise pretty well and may continue to do so for a few more years.
As to “Mustang” trademark issues, would they sue a Nevada establishment known as the “Mustang Ranch” which offers services other than car repair? I think not. The term “Mustang” has now entered the general vocabulary. The Ford Motor Company is self-derogatory. It should be able, since it has been in existence 100+ years, to produce highly desirable and desired cars, which both Toyota and Honda do. I am a paralegal and have seen a great deal of litigation firsthand and this is so negative and self-defeating I don’t know how to describe it.
As well, does anyone out there have a parts source for Ford Aerostar gas tank straps? Ford doesn’t provide them even though the part is identical on at least the 1992-97 models of 3.0 liter, rear wheel drive Aerostars.
By Ron Ruloff. August 29th, 2007 at 11:39 amIf you do please contact Ron Ruloff, 802-238-3449, bqruloff@yahoo.com.
hey ummm i think yall are tottaly wrong Chevys are the worst truck in the world my papa worked in the mines and all the guys there trucks where always breaken down except my papa’s you kno why? because he drove a FORD everyone else drove chevys So now my daddy and my papa both drive Fords and they are never in the repair shop unlike people who do have chevys My daddys and my papas trucks both have never broken down.so people have there own opion about stuff and i just think fords are better then them dag on chevy so who ever wrote this needs to rethink all that stuff!!!
By maddie. August 22nd, 2007 at 3:02 pmMy dads dad owned a farm way back and drove chevys and they always broke down they switched 2 fords and they nvr had 2 go 2 a mechanic shop again since my dad got his first truck hes got nuttin but fords and same wit all my family, ford is the best and always will b.
By Ryan. August 8th, 2007 at 8:34 pmGive me a break, Disney, GM, Dangelo’s, Dodge, Universal just to name a few require the same thing either you pay for association with their name, don’t use their name or logo, or get sued for using it. It’s funny that these companies want the notoriety and advertising of the Name but cry when they are asked to “pony” up for the right to tag along like a sucker fish on a Shark. I have a 1977 Bronco 4×4, 1989 F150 4×4, and a 1999 Ford Ranger 4×4. The Bronc’ has 37,000 because she’s my summer toy, the F150 has 294,000 and my Ranger (daily driver) has over 350,000 miles. Want to know how many engines I rebuilt or Replaced. . . . None, want to know how many Transmission’s I replaced. . . . None. Only one Clutch on the only standard, the Ranger at 296,000 miles. Don’t cry about Ford. Buy a different vehicle if you don’t like their rules!!! If you find a company that runs better or last’s longer with out those rules. POST IT I would love to see it.
By Marine1033. June 25th, 2007 at 4:57 amBut REMEMBER owning one vehicle that lasts isn’t the same as three in a row that last that long and dependable.
I have a 2004 Ford F-150 Texas Ranch it is the best truck i have ever had. it has 345000 thousand miles on it because i hall cattle and go to rodeos. it has not hade one problem with it. I personaly hate chevys and dodges. I think that ford is the best and theres nothing wrong with them.
By Jay Holmes. May 15th, 2007 at 7:22 pmHave had a 1999 ford ranger 4 cyl. for almost 10 years. About to start a small custom on it. Am dumbfounded by the lack of custom afftermarket parts etc. What most pisses me off the most though is ford not being able to tell me I can add power windows, cluster with speedo etc. etc. This is at the dealership and when you call the 1800 number for help. No tech line. Thanks FORD! Good thing my next truck will be a nissan. Remember, ford where good ideas go to die.
By claws68. March 27th, 2007 at 6:07 pmfuck anyone who owns a ford and is complaning for no reason maby your ford cars or trucks ane in the shop frequentley maby you should take care of them!!! dont git me wrong I own a ,69 chevorlet chevelle but i also own a 72, ford f-250 and a 72 amx javelin all these vehicles i have never had problems with, BECAUSE I TAKE CARE OF THEM!!
By john. March 27th, 2007 at 2:07 pmi went to mike shade ford in jacksonville fl to have rod & main bearings put in my f150 they cant do that but they can sell me a new engine what kind of crap is that a ford garage that does not repair ford engines I have been a ford fan for 50 yrs but not any more
By ed beane. January 23rd, 2007 at 5:22 pmI’ve been loyal to the big three for 50 years - until now. They are in dire straights because of years of mismanagement, they are getting worse and will soon all be owned by foreign companies. So it won’t matter anyway - it’s all temporary. Love my new Toyota!!
By Randy Howell. November 16th, 2006 at 11:58 amI have a ford f150. I am having a rough time with ford because it will not start proper. please e-mail Alex at alexharvey1239@hotmail.com for other details.
By David Harvey. October 3rd, 2006 at 3:37 pm143 Comments “Wow”, In my oppinion, you find this kind of behavior at more places than just Ford, however, you shouldn’t ever bite the hand that feeds you. I have been a Ford fan for years, I own a 04 Explorer ST, 96 Bronco full size, a 62 Fairlane… I have had good luck with them thus far. My wife recently purchased a 06 KIA, 6 yr / 100 mi warranty, It’s a shame that a foreign car makers offer better warranties on their stuff than something 1/2 way made in the US. Ford should be proud of all the advertisement that they get. Nothing against rich folk, but people tend to forget where they came from. Ford does have decent products, but they need remember, its all of their fans that made them who they are today. A Message to Ford: Your products will definately suffer from your behavior. Who’s next, Fairlane? Quit biting the hand that feeds you! Henry Ford once said, cutting your own wood, warms you twice. I believe if he were still alive today, he would not have a problem with all of us, cutting ALLl the wood for him, and thats what people like Mustang.com guys are doing for Ford. One last note. I love NHRA, even before I found out about what Ford was doing, I have left the John Force for Whit Basemore, attitude man, attitude. Robert Height wouldn’t even associate with us, Basemore was really down to OUR level… Bye Bye johnforceracing… Ford needs to get a grip, or lose their oats…
By Mark. September 9th, 2006 at 9:42 amSince it looks like evil mega corporation that is Ford Motor Company is out to sue the pants off anyone using the Mustang name, The FordLemon’s crew has decided to buy the domain name www.mustangsucks.com which will hopefully get Ford top management’s attention.
Visit www.fordlemon.com
By FordLemon. September 4th, 2006 at 11:01 amA mustang is a wild horse, from hence Ford got the original name. Perhaps a simple solution would to replace the present logo with a wild mustang and call the business Wild Mustang Auto Parts, that would certainly make the name generic and perhaps get Ford off their arse. By the way Ford is behind the times, with poor gas mileage on all its trucks and SUVs, while we are heading for $3.00 plus fuel they continue to make vehicles that get 14mgp, but they are not alone, Toyota is bring the new Tundra out with even poorer stats for fuel economy. Will they never learn.
By Ron. August 27th, 2006 at 8:38 amThis truck seems to be in the shop more lately then we have it on the job! Of course, now it is out of warranty (3 yrs 36K) . in March 04 we had to jump start the truck every time to get it started, and the dealer (John Kennedy in Pottstown) performed the VGAT test and found the battery low CCA. They replaced the battery and then found the alternator bad, replaced that. All was covered under warranty.
March 05 - once again, truck wouldn’t start had to jump start it for a week. WTech performed Diesel Diag sheet for hard or no start and found there was an open in the glow plug relay - no voltage to glow plugs - relay was at fault so they replaced the relay and found no other problems. We were charged 29.00 for labor.
In 8/05 (still under warranty) the transmisstion would slip from 2nd to 3rd gear and also 3rd to 4th would shudder. The delaer performed NGS test and found no codes. Checked fluid which was full - they dropped the pan, found no metal, they flushed the fuild and road tested it and it “appeared to be fine” - charged $163.00
4/06 - Alternator went - we replaced it with local garage - starting to lose faith in the dealer - charged $400.00 (remember, alternator was replaced in 3/04)
6/06 - Wipers were very slow, lost lights, instrument panel turned off then the truck shut off, wouldn’t crank over but we could jump it. Took it back to John Kennedy Ford (Pottstown) and they claimed it was the alternator - they replaced it, charged $461.00
8/06 - Currently truck is BACK at John Kennedy Ford (Pottstown) - truck died making a horrific sound - we thought it was the transmission - dealer just called, claims it is the transfer case. Wants $429.00 to pull it down and replace part (that will be additional). Gave the ok - and we’ll see what happens - Dealer claims transfer case not warranted…..
Needless to say, this 2002 Ford F550 diesel has been nothing but a headache. We are thinking of painting a huge lemon on it and FORD SUCKS……. I know we are not the ONLY owners of a 2002 F550 Diesel with problems - and no matter how much we are all balking, Ford just doesn’t seem to care……. Perhaps our next big truck won’t be a Ford at all.
By Alison. August 7th, 2006 at 6:58 amI have been loyal to ford with both new and classic vehicles.I buy new ford pickups just like my father before me.Now We get a kick in the teeth.That is our thanks for being loyal.My next new vehicle will be a Chevrolet.They support the old car hobby.This is the end of my loyalty .Ford Motor Company, I am through with you.
By Sammy. August 3rd, 2006 at 6:46 amBill
By Greg. July 26th, 2006 at 12:11 pmDo not bite the one hand that is feeding your company. True Blue Oval fans need your support, not your anger, and vice versa. The Challenger and Camaro are just around the corner, and I am sure Chevy and Dodge will eagerly eat up any Mustang fan they can.
I have been a Ford fan for life. A real BOLD MOVE would be to work WITH these companies, and not against them.
Having been a Ford owner of many models of mustangs and lincolns since 1966 and having worked for Ford for combined 9 years I have to say that Ford is being penny wise and pound foolish.I agree that the mustang name is an asset to Ford, but lets all remember that it would not be if not for the mustang aftermarket.Ford is just trying to make up all the lost money thay passed up on over the years by ignoring the need to keep parts production going on the classic mustang parts business and now they are looking for their piece of the mustang pie.This is a mistake.The brand awareness that the aftermarket and the repro side brings is something that Ford could never have done themselves.Since the misd 80’s Ford has been coding the classic parts obsolete while the original vendors have continued to make the parts.The only interest Ford had was to sell the original tooling to The likes of Daniel Carpenter with the provision that the original vendor continue to stamp out the sheet metal.Now that Ford has realized that they were sitting on a gold mine and let it go they want to hurt the little guy.Thats pathetic.I really dont think they can afford the black eye of this publicity.We need to spread this news to the main stream.Continue support to the little guy.
By dino. July 21st, 2006 at 11:43 amthis news is very disturbing to me as a ford fanatic. I have been a ford man as long as i have been alive.I can not add anything new that has not already been said.As a fomoco fan, I am very dissapointed in a company that i have invested 23 years in the Ford parts business on the dealer level. I have also invested many hours and money on fomoco products.i hope that all this investing has not been in vain.I have been very loyal to the BLUE OVAL and can only wonder what fuck you guys are thinking by doing something this stupid.Do you think FORD hired a bunch of GM people to sabatoge their company?
By paul minnick. July 21st, 2006 at 7:20 amI believe Ford is entitled to protect their logo but not the name Mustang. This is an attempt to harm companies selling aftermarket parts. So Ford can maybe have more of the market. If they succeed I will remove every emblem on my cars that say ford and I will go so far as to remove the Ford racing ball cap from my sons head. Has Ford really become this disperate?
By Mustangpiggy. July 19th, 2006 at 4:31 pmFord really sucks. Their cars suck, customer service sucks and their CEO sucks too. Anyone who does not have the public pulse is an idiot and must quit office.
I am done buying a FORD. CAN’t AFFORD FORD!
By FORD VICTIM. July 17th, 2006 at 7:27 pmI read an interesting article here on this website that stated Ford was trying to sell vehicles to a younger crowd. Well, it looks like they are taking yet another step backwards. First, come on! Taylor Hicks can sing but I don’t think he appeals to a younger audience….and Ford picked him as a new spokes-singer (for lack of a better word!). Now, they go and do this?? Criminy Ford! What are you thinking!!! I guess I will now invest my time/money/effort in modifying my Dodge Magnum! I’ve a suggestion….um, grow a clue!
By Henry C. Simmons III. July 11th, 2006 at 7:55 amI’ve been a mustang fan since I can remeber. My dad had a 67′ fastback when i was just a little kid and I was hooked ever since. That was 25 years ago. Mustang, and Ford, related websites do nothing but tremedously help us loyal fans with information and enthusiam about a product. They help promote “YOUR” product if anything else. If it wasn’t for these websites and stores, I would’nt know where to get such valuable info. This law suit will do nothing but hurt your company and dissapoint so many loyal fans. Lets no kill the little man, he keeps your profits rollin.
By Jeffery. July 1st, 2006 at 3:37 amI THINK THIS IS A REAL SLAP IN THE FACE TO ALL THAT IT CONCERNS.THEY OUGHT TO BE FOCUSING THERE ATTENTION TO MAOR IMPORTANT THING.IF FORD HAS THIS MUCH FREE TIME ON THERE HANDS,WHY CAN’T THEY PUT THE FELT BACK IN THE WINDOW TRACKS ON THE NEW MUSTANG&FUSION.MAYBE WE OWNERS SHOLD FILE A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST THEM FOR THE EXTRA COST OFREDOING THE WINDOWS THAT THEY WON’T FIX!
By bob schelb. June 26th, 2006 at 6:12 pm[…] FordMuscle Blog - http://www.fordmuscle.com/blog/help-convince-ford/112105 […]
By Fight Ford .org » Blog Archive » Ford Battling Aftermarket Community. June 26th, 2006 at 8:35 amSo what brought all this on? Is there some problem that we do not know about? Union Pacific RR has done the same thing, forcing companies that produce model railroad stuff to pay a royalty to use the name. This generated a lot of negative feelings toward UP. The Ford deal will do likewise IMO. Ford owes many of these folks a real debt. Mustangs Plus and many other companies have kept Ford competitive. Ford has not consistently produced the kinds of performance vehicles that people want - it has been the aftermarket that has kept Ford in it. This seems to me to be a very short sighted venture. American auto maker short sighted…well I never…
By Tim. June 26th, 2006 at 6:24 amI just sent my email to Ford expressing my concerns. Lets see if I receive a reply in 1-3 days.
By richard. June 25th, 2006 at 12:57 amFord is just screweing over their loyal customers by forcing the suppliers to change names and render higher prices. Thanks Ford - you just turned loyal FORD fans to Chevy.
Have you driven a ‘lawsuit’ lately?
By Jeremy. June 24th, 2006 at 4:52 pmLet me begin by saying; I am 45 years old this month. That puts me at 6 years old when I saw a 1967 Shelby Mustang for the first time and was hooked from that point on. I bought my first Mustang before I was even able to get my drivers license which at that time was 16 years of age for a drivers license in Florida in 1977. For me the Mustang was just a cool car and has great looks and performance for the few dollars they cost back in the late 70’s. Since that time I’ve never been able to let go of that feeling and spirit that’s kept me a Mustanger. I purchased my last and current Mustang in 1989 from the Original owner in Long Beach California. A highly optioned 68 in Acapulco Blue.
I’ve seen dramatic changes over just that past couple of years in the hobby. A sea of aftermarket producers of steering, brakes, brackets and other components with one important thing in the developers eyes, Dollar bills. The most notable - Unique Performance which builds the Eleanor Mustang from the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds”. Just who are the people falling for this hype, these freshly-restored Mustangs, modified with the latest in engine and suspension technology, not to mention massive doses of Bondo and new fiberglass add-ons, are more desirable in the marketplace than a comparable, genuine Shelby GT500 made by and sold through Carroll Shelby and his Shelby American organization in the 60’s. Can this be possible? I recall a grey/silver Eleanor fastback at Barrett-Jackson a couple of years ago, where there was a highly visible bidding war between what were supposed to be two legitimate buyers, one of whom won the car with a bid well above what any knowledgeable person might have thought reasonable, and well above the value of a comparable genuine GT500. Problem was, the same car was reported to be available two months later by the manufacturer. Hmmm.
Now we are told that the first of the Eleanor convertibles was sold in Palm Beach, Florida at $550,000. I checked to make sure someone didn’t misplace a decimal point, and was told they didn’t.
What is going on here? On the one hand, you have the original GT500’s, designed, manufactured, and sold under the Shelby American name in limited quantities that are known and highly desirable entities in the collector-car marketplace. On the other, you have Mustangs of unclear origin which are disassembled, rebuilt with custom parts, given a fresh VIN “authorized by Carroll Shelby,” to be built in numbers limited only by how much demand the marketplace can muster. And the resulting vehicles are more desirable than a genuine Shelby?
Mustang’s Plus has done nothing wrong and is legally carrying the Mustang name in there title by you (Ford allowing them to do so in 1981).
It takes a lot to get me to sit down at a computer and write a couple of paragraphs. All of this is getting to me. I’ve never felt like this before. On one hand you have Shelby Licensing not renewing the license to sell emblems, decals, etc., that carry the Shelby, Cobra, GT350, etc., insignia. And Ford suing or demanding that the Mustang word be removed from nonaffiliated companies.
Something is going to happen. Ford or Shelby or Unique Performance or maybe all of them have something in the works and I’m not quite sure what it is.
What are you doing Ford? One thing is; you should have kept the Taurus name (familiar name that people know) instead of going with all names that begin with “F” ie, Fusion. Who’s brain-storm was that? Do you have people from Toyota employed there to sabotage Ford?
Lost in the 60’s
By Mike Martin. June 24th, 2006 at 2:01 pmMike
This is not the hallmark of a truly great firm but rather the outcome of bad counsel. When the consumer next votes with his or her wallet, it seems unimaginable that this strategy will prove profitable…
By Rob Nourse. June 24th, 2006 at 12:31 pmI just wrote Ford a letter and emailed a few minutes ago. It reads as follows:
Just read an article about Ford sending a legal notice to “Mustangs Plus” in Stockton California concerning cease and desist DBA using the word mustang. You must understand, I am a somewhat recent mustang enthusiast not by Ford’s doing; rather, businesses like MP that have promoted your legacy by keeping the spirit alive long after your company abandoned the “roots†of Mustang. At 42 years old and being a car enthusiast since a teenager, I find my self in a position to “afford†projects that I only dreamed about as a young person. My interests have been in Non-Ford product lines, both American and European, until recently. When it was brought to my attention that Mustangs Plus would make a 1960s mustang restoration conveniently possible, I began dreaming about owning a mustang. As such, I bought a 1965 mustang 3 years ago that is now a daily driver and 1966 about a year ago that I planned on making a road racer. All this has prompted me to consider buying a new mustang at some point in the near future. However, as I sit here reading the nonsensical behavior of the Ford motor company, I am overwhelming prompted to cease and desist my interest in Ford products. Brand loyalty is a partnership and when one of the partners misbehaves, it’s time to go find another that do so with trust and respect.
My time is very valuable, I never “draft†memos or write personal letters anymore, but I felt compelled to send you a clear message from a non-nonsense business professional… continue with this pettiness and Ford assumes responsibility for tarnishing the Ford name, brand, and corporate image to automobile enthusiasts like me that have the wonderful gift of choice.
Dave Purnell
By Dave Purnell. June 22nd, 2006 at 10:15 pmTo say that this business move is not very well thought out would be a very great understatement. As far as I can see, there really has been no copyright infringement as no one company has used the name “mustang” for profit. Add to that, the name “mustang” has been being used for far longer than FOMOCO has been using it. I also would like to point out that all of the companies in question have stated the fact that they are in no way affiliated with Ford, therefore are causing no damages to the company through their use of the mustang name. Also, you do not see Chevrolet or Dodge following suit because financially, it wouldn’t make sense. You would actually be spending more money on legal fees to see this litigation through. The $10,000 in damages would not even begin to help with any deficit that the company would be facing, especially when individuals stop purchasing from the company and start buying from a competitor that helps out the customer rather than trying to hinder them, be it through warranty work or otherwise. If it truly wanted to be pushed, why doesn’t the USAF go after Ford for using the mustang name for a product when it was originally placed to an aircraft used extensivelly during WWII or Webster’s Dictionary go after them for the same thing? The sites/magazines in question are doing nothing wrong and not hurting the Ford conglomerate, but rather helping out with advertisement (for free) and bringing together a community that numbers well into the millions worldwide while still remaining unaffiliated with the conglomerate itself.
By Michael. June 20th, 2006 at 11:33 pmBought all Fords over the last 10 years and am pissed Ford would not honor their warranty when I brought my 2003 Cobra in under warranty after noticing a knock and tick in the motor. And they tell me it is not bad enough to open the motor. Well 2 months before I brought it in it had to be towed to another Ford dealer after overheating caused by the supercharger and air bubble or some crap. Well guess what all, it is much worse now, out of warranty and sitting in my garage. I will bet my paycheck they will accept it now and open her up. You suck Ford.
Jim
By James Cunningham. June 20th, 2006 at 9:23 pmIve always been a ford guy,but Iam pissed at ford now with tranny in my 01 ranger giving me $900 worth of problems,with only 32,000 miles.
By roger womack. June 18th, 2006 at 8:54 amford doing this to the companies that are doing nothing bur supporting their products is well stupid,unless they are looking to become the #5 auto maker instead of #2.
I’d guess that Edsel B. Ford, William Clay Ford, Jr and the rest know nothing of these image destorying, time wasting matters.By 68Fastback……. well i work for ford and believe it or not this is the kind of bureacratic time wasting and backwards thinking b.s. that goes on in that place day after day after day. that is why ford is having money problems it has nothing do with the unions or line workers. we show up for work and do our jobs. it is the disconnected overpaid upper management that comes up with stupid ideas like these! most of those guys never even drove a ford until they went to work there. i am sad to see it and hope it does not happen but i believe ford is going the way of the dodo bird (appropriate comparison in this case)
By jim. June 17th, 2006 at 12:18 pmThese companies are part of the FORD success story. Leave them alone. What do you think the future will be for FORD if these guys take their support, love and efforts to other brands.
By David Buck. June 15th, 2006 at 4:40 pmMr. Bill Ford. Be wise like Mr. Henry 1. Fire the fools that come with these stupid ideas and also fire the fool that wants to abandon Americas Last True full blood car. The Towncar.
A classic example of being completely out of touch with the consumer. Ford will become the next Sony Beta.
By Bruce L. McCaw. June 14th, 2006 at 12:09 pmI work with commercial vehicles, and the way Ford is taking care of its unhappy Power Stroke customers is very similiar to the way Detroit Diesel handled unhappy 92 series customers. And history clearly shows what this did to Detroit Diesel.
This trademark issue shows that they are screwing up across the board.
You mean this site needs an editor to keep off opinions you don’t agree with, don’t you Woody?
By Roger Currie. June 14th, 2006 at 5:51 amHow anyone could stay loyal to any brand of anything, car , TV, refrigerator, or otherwise, is beyond me. When someone starts screwing you or passing off substandard products, in any highly competitive marketplace, the only option people have is to vote with thier pocketbooks. In an age of unprecented consumer choice, it would be foolish to do otherwise. Sure I grew up with Fords, and I still remember the day my Dad bought my mom here ‘66 Mustang as a Christmas present. But times change. Besides, why should I boost Ford or any other company? What have they ever done for me except sell me a product, which I paid for with my own hard earned. If it’s a good one, I might buy another, but if it isn’t , I sure won’t
While everyones opinion is important and Ford deserves the gripes, I don’t agree with this being the end of the Road of the FORD MO Co, as a loyal FORD owner, Im not happy with some of the recent moves but Im certainly not going to BUY A JAP SCRAP car over this and if your one of those people– Im sorry — For you were never a real FORD owner any way, for you see most true ford owners bleed blue and your just caving in to social pressures because its not hip to buy American products. This page needs an editor because this is not the BASH THE FORD MO CO PAGE, we want them to change and improve their Idea’s and infuence their product lines– Bashing the Company doesn’t accomplish jack
By Woody. June 14th, 2006 at 4:18 amI have been a Mustang enthusiast since I was 12, and I am now 22. The first time I saw a Mustang (a picture of a 1965 coupe my mom owned) I was hooked. I worked for 4 summers mowing yards to earn enough to buy my own 65 coupe. Ever since then, I have been a Ford guy, vigorously defending Ford against all my Chevy and GM friends despite declining quality and, as a result, sales. I have worked many summers and school years to buy parts from these vendors that are under attack now, because I couldn’t save enough to get a new Mustang, due to college costs, but I could keep the other one running, because no matter what, I still had to drive a Mustang. However, I am in my last year of college, and will be going into the military next year. Carrying on with my Mustang enthusiasm, I have dreamed about buying a brand new Mustang GT, my first new car in a potential lifetime of buying Mustangs and other cars from Ford. However, after reading about Ford’s greed and heartlessness, I feel disgusted; why would you alienate the one group of people that have been the lifeblood of Ford’s best-selling and most well-known car? When Ford tried to get rid of the Mustang in the early 90’s, Mustang followers cried out, and the Mustang stayed. Knowing the power that this group of people have on the Mustang industry, why upset them and lose them to the ranks of better built Asian cars, or even other American car companies who support their followers? I suppose that I’ll take my $30,000, plus the next 40-50 years of car buying ahead of me, to the other guys (I hear Chevy really supports their industry). I hope that the $10,000 Ford is asking for in compensation makes up for all the potential money they will lose from customers.
By Cullen. June 13th, 2006 at 2:28 pmwhy cant I paste in here? one more try: from niteflite at blueoval-
Agree with the majority opinion on this thread. This is just like the political discourse in this country: hijacked by extremists. On the one hand, you have people in countries like China pirating billions and billions of dollars worth of intellectual and physical property, and on the other hand you have these ass-clown lawyers cooking up boilerplate claiming that they own everything you’ve ever seen, heard, dreamed of or conceived for yours and all generations in perpetuity. Lost in the middle is anything resembling common sense. Somebody higher up in Ford needs to find the over-eager little weasel behind this and bitch-slap them.
By Tim. June 12th, 2006 at 7:01 pmfrom ‘niteflite’ at blueoval-
By Tim. June 12th, 2006 at 6:59 pm>
saw this on another forum- this topic is leading to corporate Ford bashing all over the web- pasting a reply from ‘niteflite’:
>>
I think this post summed up the situation pretty darned well, just had to share.
By Tim. June 12th, 2006 at 6:59 pmThis is by far one of the most bizzarre business moves I’ve ever seen in my whole life. While Ford has a right to protect its name, sn’t there any oher way to do this without alienating its loyal, if not dwindling, customers?
By Jay Stevens. June 12th, 2006 at 4:37 pmRIP FoMoCo 2006. I hope Ford goes bankrupt over this one!! Really I do!! I am so angry I will tell all my contacts never to buy a POS ford again!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
By John Polakowski. June 11th, 2006 at 11:42 pmFord is cutting it’s own throat with the help of some greedy lawyers who intend to make millions on filing law suits. Just do a search for performance parts, the support for non-Ford vehicles is already far superior to Ford. I happen to be a Bronco fan, (who were abandoned by Ford), and I remain so only because a few suppliers still support the vehicle. This may just push me over the edge. I’m seriously considering removing any reference to Ford on the truck when I go thru the final stage of restoration. After all, with some custom work, It will look better than any thing Ford ever built and why should I be giving them free advertising.
By Fred. June 10th, 2006 at 3:40 amWhile its acceptable to be protective of a brand name to prevent harm to a product– in this case, it seems as the FORD Motor Co has lost its mind and is attacking it allies. People who are the very supporters they need so badly. While its been along time in coming their needs to be a real shake up in the FMC. Who ever dreamed this up ought to resign– whether its the CEO or the janitor, no wait– the janitor was too smart to think something this stupid up– Woody
By Woody. June 9th, 2006 at 4:46 pmI sent the following e-mail:
I read about the Ford lawsuit against you and you are absolutely correct. Ford is 100% in the wrong.
Beretta Arms Co. tired to sue Chevy over the Beretta named car years ago and lost. The judge said in his findings, “I don’t see a consumer mistaking a Beretta fire arm for a car.”
Perhaps contact the Smiths at Factory Five to see what their arguments were with the Shelby lawsuit. It is clear you are not building and selling a complete car and calling it a Mustang. What’s next an individual can’t sell his used car by calling it Mustang when it IS a Mustang????
If Mustang is trade marked then Ford has offended North American Aviation and owes them millions.
Clearly the name Mustang in Bramlett’s (your) business is an identification of the car for which parts are made and sold. Ford is doing themselves and the whole auto industry a great disservice. This should be especially clear when the majority of Americans ‘hate’ the fuel industry for over priced gas and see this industry as stepping on anyone they feel like for their billions of dollars in profits.
I wish you the best,
Walter
I do not see myself buying anything new with the Ford brand on it. They obviously don’t care about people.
By Pasicznyk. June 9th, 2006 at 7:29 amI’ve built two ‘67 mustangs with my dad when I was a teenager. I’ve built a ‘66 mustang on my own. Currently, I’m building a ‘67 galaxie with the help of my wife and kids. I’ve owned 4 broncos, a bronco II, and I currently own a taurus and an F150. I have a love of fords that was passed down to me by my dad who has owned 5 times the number of fords as I have. Having said that, ford is about to loose a customer. I’m in the market for a new car. I never thought i would consider anything other than Ford, but I find myself looking down different paths. This is due to their active attempt to squash everything I have loved about the automotive hobby–ford. This is right there with Mr. Shelby. I’ve always wanted to build a kit cobra. Heck, he’s made such an ass of himself that I would rather be dead than seen in something that resembled one of his cars. I guess if you want to drive a ford, you have to be into hip hop and american idol–Bold. Listen Ford, cut the crap, build quality cars and give the public what they want. If you built a quality car, and made them affordable, then you wouldn’t be gettin’ beat up by honda and toyota, etc. Maybe in 15 years when I need to replace the toyota I’m about to buy, you’ll still be around and have things back to the way they should be. Then, I can be a proud owner of a Ford again. Leave alone the people who are promoting your name and start helping those who love your brand. Until you do that, count me out.
By Greg. June 6th, 2006 at 7:03 amGee the more I hear about these companies the more I want to buy a freaking nissan. Ford sucks on this one. I love my 93 cobra, but if anyone wants a nice cobra email me kilakoupe@yahoo.com it’s time to move on from Ford products.
By Jeff Streeter. June 5th, 2006 at 1:13 amThats why you see all Chevy’s at the strip winning in pro stock and not a Ford in site, they have not been loyal to race fans or performance guys.Where is a contender????When I saw the Chev. Monte Carlo I had to say where is Fords nice 2 door hardtop???Fusion,Taurus YUK. and now they can’t even bring out a nice mid size muscle car.My Dad use to tell me when I asked him why he didn’t buy a Chev. because my Grandpa worked at Chev. fischer body. and my Dad said to me “Chevy is an old man’s car” this was true before 55 .looks like Ford now went this way. Henry what happened??
By Jimmy hawkins. June 4th, 2006 at 7:58 pmA couple of months ago most posters were giving good ol’ Dollar Bill a big thumbs up for his Parking Spaces for Fords Only policy at factories. Next corporate announcement is 30,000 Ford workers are shown the door. Now someone has convinced Dollar Bill to sue any company for trademark infringement. This stuff is too funny to be true.
By papacito. June 4th, 2006 at 10:23 amYou want ford to hear?? Then lets get all your friends to sign this petiotion to let our voice be heard.
http://www.petitiononline.com/65must65/petition.html
By 71hotrodpinto. June 3rd, 2006 at 8:09 pmAfter years of being a Ford supporter (all the way from my High School years in 72-76) I feel that Ford is definetly going the wrong route on this. Here Ford is producing cars to attract us to purchase but Ford doesn’t realize that these cars are just a down payment to purchase accessories and customize. Harley Davidson realizes that even though they produce a nice motorcycle, that rarely do these motorcycles remain in their stock delivered form. Harley to my knowledge does not go after trade names such as V-twin, Bad Boy, Classic etc. They are happy to sell more and more bikes to the public for people to customize. Ford must be hurting for a buck somewhere and maybe their intention is to market only Ford HP parts and this type of marketing is resentfull to most people. Even Harley knows that their are other manufacturers of aftermarket parts that are superior or HD doesn’t supply the part, but you don’t see HD trying to Monpolize.
By Gary Witthans. June 3rd, 2006 at 4:47 pmMy .02
At times I have to wonder what they are thinking. They seem to mis-step more and more frequently. They past 5 to 10 years they manage to produce killer concepts and produce knock off VW’s and wanna be Japanese clones. Now they go after the only group generating interest in Ford products?
I’m in the process of restoring another one of my favorite Ford products. Yet my life would be much easier if I had chosen to restore a GM or Chrysler product. Parts for anything other than a Mustang or to some extent the Fairlane, are almost impossible to locate. I have empathy for anyone restoring an AMC product.
Chuck
By Chuck. June 3rd, 2006 at 4:32 pmI was distressed to hear that Ford Motor Company is taking legal action against aftermarket suppliers like Mustangs Plus and various websites that have Mustang as part of their name. The people on the mustang forums are as concerned as I am that the result of Ford’s legal action is going to severely damage the mustang hobby. Since parts are no longer available at the parts counter of the local Ford dealership for classic mustangs, aftermarket suppliers are critical to keeping our old cars on the road.
The mustang community on the web serves as a source of new ideas and new products for our mustangs since we are now collectively engineering upgrades to old components and adapting parts from newer cars, such as rear disk brakes, so our cars perform as well, or better, than many late model vehicles.
Myself and other classic mustang drivers are very eager to share our love for the mustang with others. People are constantly waving at me when I’m in my 73. They ask me what year it is, how long I’ve owned it, where I found it, what size engine it has, what color it is, and lots of other questions about the car when I go to buy gas or go to the grocery store.
Classic mustang shows continue to draw crowds of people and bring new members into the mustang fold. Mustang hobbyists may not agree upon which generation is the best looking mustang, but they all think it is the greatest car ever built. Our classic mustangs standout wherever we go, and people look at us and are amazed by our passion and excitement for our old cars, and they want to share our in the mustang heritage.
Classic Mustang drivers are a powerful marketing force for Ford. We are passionate about mustangs and learn everything we can about our vehicles. That makes mustangers a good source of information, and people value our opinions on cars because they see us as experts. I have helped a number of friends, and friends of friends find their own mustangs and given lots of advice to those looking for a new car.
The latest mustang’s retro styling allowed it to take advantage of the mustang mystique and to become a big success for Ford. The 05 is very well built, after a test drive my roommate decided to trade in his Buick GN for a red one. Unfortunately, due to the company’s actions, many mustang hobbyist are now saying they won’t help Ford sell anything anymore.
The confirmation that Ford Motor Company is indeed seeking legal actions against the suppliers we depend on has sparked a harmful reaction in the mustang community. It is a slap in the face. We feel like Ford is turning it back on us, attacking it most vehement supporters. I understand that Ford is simply in business to sell cars, but the mustang heritage is critically important to Fords continued success.
In a business in which image and perception are critical components of a company’s success and viability, it seems stupid for Ford to disrupt the mustang hobby. Thanks to the efforts of mustang clubs and owners the mustang remains a great American cultural icon. The mustang is more than just a car to us mustang owners. It’s a part of our lives and for many of us is the fulfillment of a dream.
By Jimmy Kelly. June 3rd, 2006 at 10:55 amFord has a right to protect its name; it is a process that should be on going not something that should be started with the success of the new Mustang. There are a lot of companies that have been using the name Ford, Mustang, Stang, Pony for years. Now all of a sudden Ford has a problem! Ford, take care of the problem of staying in business first! You need to realize that the companies you are targeting have been helping Ford with advertising and the promoting of your product. Ford should at least grandfather these companies and thus protect them from any lawsuits.
By BigAl1955. June 3rd, 2006 at 5:40 amThis gets me pretty burned up. Ford is getting stupid. Why not spend the money you will waste on lawsuits to make more exciting cars and higher quality cars (besides the mustang or f series trucks). I would say screw you ford and go to just my mopars but DCX is just as retarded with licensing as Ford looks they are becoming.
By 19mach69. June 3rd, 2006 at 1:58 amI have a 67 Mustang that I have owned since I was 16. Most of my greatest High School memories involve that car. I love my car both for what it is and what it means for me but you know what. Over the last year I looked at Ford and Chevys and decided to buy a new Silverado because I thought the body style looked nicer. After things like this I am really glad I purchased from a more loyal retailer. Its sad to say that because I will always by a die hard Ford fan of older cars but with todays new trend you wont find me anywhere near a Ford lot. After reading this I would rather buy a Kia than a fully decked out 2007 Mustang.
By Rich. June 3rd, 2006 at 1:58 amThis has to be the most ridiculous logic I have ever heard of. The only thing aftermarket companies do is increase sales of new cars, increase sales of used cars and help them hold more value (in turn helping to sell new cars), and keep and convert people to be Ford enthusiasts. If a company named “Ohio Mustang Performance” had bad business ethics or products I wouldn’t even associate their actions with the word or car Mustang, but would do an online search for “Mustang” to find another business to deal with. If you make all of these businesses get rid of their Ford related names it will not only decrease the business they all receive but it will lose you many enthusiasts of both new and old Ford cars. What’s next? Magazines like Summit Racing won’t be able to say that a part is made for a “94-95 Mustang”? What are these companies who have built their name off yours and in turn built up your customer loyalty to do? What can they name their business so that Ford owners will know what they specialize in? I just think that this is the worst decision Ford or any other company could make. how do you attack all of your supporters and expect to get anything positive out of it?
By Dustin (marinebroncoii). June 3rd, 2006 at 12:37 amThis new development is a very bad move by ford. I love mustangs , I love fords new and old , I live and breath american muscle. I am 20 years old and live in Ca. I bought my first mustang at 16 my 1965 coupe, my second a 1987 mustang gt 5.0 5spd, my third a 1999 35th anv mustang gt 5spd . I still own all three of these. To tell you the truth I buy all my restoration parts and many others from mustangs plus. If anything their business has pushed me to buy more mustangs and invest more money in ford. Their products and business got me more involved in fords and cars. Mustangs plus is not taking away from business but getting more people and more money headed fords way.
By Austin Hubbell. June 2nd, 2006 at 8:21 pmTHIS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF THE STUPIDEST THINGS I HAVE EVER HEARD. HAVING OWNED OVER 20 MUSTANGS AND A COUGAR, I HAVE BEEN A PROUD FORD MUSTANG OWNER FOR OVER 15 YEARS NOW SINCE SWITCHING OVER FROM CHEVY CARS. LOOKS LIKE WITH SUCH A “SMART” DECISION AS THIS NEW “MUSTANG” NAME PROBLEM, I WILL BE GOING BACK TO G.M. CARS SO I CAN FIND BUSINESS TO BUY PARTS FROM. HOW DO I BUY “MUSTANG” PARTS WHEN I CAN’T FIND THE NAME “MUSTANG”? PULL YOUR HEADS OUT AND SEE THE LIGHT. YOU WERE ON SUCH A GREAT ROLL WITH YOUR CARS LATELY-SHOULD HAVE KNOW IT WOULDN’T LAST. IF THIS GOES THROUGH-I WILL SELL MY FORDS AND BUY FROM SOMEONE ELSE-AND NOT FROM ANYONE ELSE OWNED BY FORD EITHER.
By RUNAMUK RACING. June 2nd, 2006 at 6:22 pmYou know, this is TRULY unbelieveable. What will you have to protect when you will eventually have NO ONE to buy your products? I have been a loyal Ford fanatic for over 30 years. Ford lovers take more crap than just about anyone else over the type of vehicle we prefer. We steadfastly stand by and defend the blue oval but your recent actions have been absolutely rerehensible. Its is a slap in the face to the millions, YES MILLIONS of mustang and ford lovers out there who have relentlessly stood by ford thru good and bad, promoted you products, purchased and driven your products and we now get this? This makes me want to quit classic cars forever and buy a jap ride for my everyday vehicle and crush my fords. You say its because of companys that ruin your “credibility”. I have neither heard of or thought of any mustang/ford parts house, business, or magazine that has done this. I guess I’ll have to teach my young son the virtues of mopars instead.
By Mike. June 2nd, 2006 at 6:16 pmI am somewhat new to the Ford family compared to many of the respondants. I had always owned GM products until I got my first Ford about five years ago. I found them to be a reliable and well-built automobile. After that first experience I decided not to purchase or drive anything but Ford cars and trucks. I currently own two of your vehicles; a Taurus, and a Bronco II. Sadly, though, if you continue to persue this ridiculous lawsuit, I will have no choice but to sell these vehicles and go back to GM.
I think this is the time to stop shouting aimlessly and reinforce your argument instead. By that I mean you need to scrap your union contracts and employ people of less greed so that the American population can afford your cars once again. It might also be wise on your part to listen to your constituants, and build vehicles that drivers actually want, not what you or the government think they need. Then, after said vehicles are in production, leave their owners alone so that they can display their pride and prowess in your creation. It is an abomination to squelch the enthusiasm and creativity of your customers!
By Shane. June 2nd, 2006 at 12:45 pmThis is in regards to Ford’s recent initiative to “protect†their name by sending various Mustang afterarket manufacturers warning letters. I’ve read of this now on several different Ford enthusiast websites.
Driving/owning a Ford vehicle has been practically a religion to me. My last three new vehicles have been Fords. This trend would likely have continued well into the foreseeable future (and this is DESPITE the fact that I KNOW that there are better-built alternatives). Then I read of Ford’s harassment of enthusiasts. As I refuse to knowingly give my money to idiots, I can state for certain that my next new vehicle that I purchase will be not be a Ford.
I am embarrassed for you.
If you are so concerned with protecting your good name, perhaps you should focus more on the quality and design of your products.
By Chris. June 1st, 2006 at 9:33 pmI love mustangs. got a 69 fastback(’prettiest ford ever’ in my eyes), and just bought a 06 mustang GT(greatest affordable car on earth). Thank you Ford for the awesome job on the new mustangs.
I dont quite know how to offer constructive criticism to ford other than say the lawyers are fucking this up for you bigtime. This one post about Mustangs plus is likely the tip of the iceberg, and its as stupid as that coffee spilling million dollar lawsuit from a few years back- except Ford should be big enough to know better.
Ford needs to continue the work such as the gt(40) and the mustang, Shelby…can the lawfirm(nobody likes lawyers- not even die-hard ford customers…DUH) and spend that money on advancing the styling/engineering on your other vehicle models. Ford has done some of the coolest stuff Ive ever seen from ANY manufacturer the past few years, but this lawsuit frenzy overshadows all the good, giving Ford all the respect of a schoolyard bully. I hope my kids will be buying Fords someday- but if they keep pissing off loyal fans, they aint gonna be around.
protect that trademark- license it for a buck to ‘good’ vendors, you are still protected, and after the BS posted above, every business out there will be submitting for licensing. The Mustang is more than a car- its an Icon now- like it or not.
By Tim. June 1st, 2006 at 5:40 pmI’d suggest you like it, and do so proudly. wake up - ‘proper’ useage of the marque is a feather in Fords cap, like free advertising, only better as it directly serves its target audience.
I can’t believe that something I love so much is turning its back on me and all the rest of the die hard Ford fans. All I have ever owned is Fords and I can’t imagine ever driving anything else. I have two Ford trucks, one I bought brand new which was also my first new car, and a T-bird which was my first car. So please take your true fans into concideration before you loose them.
By Jayson from West Virginia. June 1st, 2006 at 5:39 pmFord
By Steve Herron. June 1st, 2006 at 3:41 pmCOme on guys,,,as a former Ford engineer and loyal Ford buyer I need those people out there to help me. The PR these guys give you is invaluable. Look at the world that has grown around the mustang and made it a true legend,,,do you really want to destroy that ????
I am a born and bred Ford fanatic. My very first memory is of the inside of Mom’s galaxie. From there it’s been a very long journey punctuated by fond memories of road trips and lazy days in the family car. Be it a falcon, mustang, torino, maverick, taurus, aerostar, contour or my personal favorite the “sky blue” 2dr pinto wagon. As 16 approached I can remember counting down the days until Mom would eventually make the trusty family maverick mine all mine.
In the years that have pasted I have owed nothing but Ford cars. Starting with a string a of mustangs, a couple of falcons and mavericks and on into my current F150 and pride and joy 1966 Fairlane 500XL Hardtop.
For close to 10 years I have done business with Mustangs Plus and found them to be an excellent resource for both parts and knowledge. Please explain how alienating a company that sells parts for your products and bolsters enthusiasm among your most loyal customers and supporters is a sound business idea.
By Tony (San Mateo, Ca). June 1st, 2006 at 3:36 pmMost of what can be said already has so I will keep this simple… I Was conceaved in a Ranchero, Brought home from teh hospital in an Early Bronco & the only Cehichles I have ever bought have been ford’s (including festiva, ranger, bronco 2, areostar, f150, escort, taurus, probe & yes a Mustang too) But I cant understand these kind of actions.. You attack your fanbase, ya know the ones who only buy ford.. Whats going to happen is that we will stop buying ford, & I know its a hell of alot harder to create a loyal customer then it is to keep one.. So Please stop this BS & Let every enthusiast sight Exist as it is.. I mean where does it all end.. If we lift a ford truck does that mean that we have to pry off all the blue oval’s..
By Corey. June 1st, 2006 at 2:46 pmI recall the first go-around with trademark infringements and fees charged to reproduce authentic replacement parts for Ford vehicles. I understood the reasoning legally, but didn’t like the sudden interest in the trademarks as a new income stream for Ford. We now know they needed the money to rebuild the Rouge facility.
It hurts to see an American car company in dire straits, but wallstreet investors have a way of rewarding ineptitude, generally boring products and poor management, especially when it’s an American car company, by turning the stock to junk status. I see Ford being bought by either a Japanese company or a Chinese billionaire to make their own cars for sale here.
Tearing the core Ford fans apart doesn’t seem like a good move to build your equity prior to the fire sale.
The Mustang could easily have gone the way of the Camaro a few years ago, but the market base responded to a pretty good car in great numbers and it has come back strong…so much so that the Camaro is coming back and many other “muscle cars”.
So Bill Ford, after you get done bashing and suing the folks helping you to keep the Mustang brand alive, you will most likely be responsible for helping GM and Daimler-Chrysler sell record numbers of Camaros, Firebirds, Challengers and Barracudas…unless they get stupid in the meantime!
By phatfalcon. June 1st, 2006 at 1:04 pmIf Ford is so against its enthusiasts, why does it have a website devoted to them fordvehicles.com?
https://www.mustangclubcenter.com/club_list_frameset.cfm
By Jack. June 1st, 2006 at 12:45 pmDear Ford Management:
If you were to invest the same time, money and energy into gathering information from your customers as to what they WANT in a new car, truck, SUV, etc. as you have trying to protect something that doesn’t need protecting, you would begin to right a floundering company.
Simple items seem to escape your designers - things like decent stereo gear; power passenger seats; forged connecting rods and pistons in SVT vehicles; the list goes on………
Fire that jack-@ss law firm and hire an internet research firm to give you real-world data from the hundreds of enthusiast sites that are dedicated to Ford products.
Reading about the modifications people are making to their vehicles would help you design the RIGHT feature sets for the next year’s vehicles.
Reading about the problems people are posting about would allow your engineers to correct real-world issues that are often the source of a company black-eye, once enough customers have suffered through them.
Protecting your trademarks, intellectual property, etc. is vital in the business world. MustangsPlus sells your parts, for your cars, to people who are obviously Ford customers. Can you explain who or what your are protecting in this case ?
By B-Man In Florida. June 1st, 2006 at 12:29 pmwow you guys are really doing a number on your reputation.
I used to work for ford, infact was SVT certified when it was all said and done with. just though you should know my wife and i will be purchasing a new car in the near future and Ford will no longer be an option. I will also be putting my 2006 GT with 3000 miles on it forsale as well.
Ford Jr.
you should be fired.
pull your corprate head out of your butt and look at what you are doing. Maybe one day you will wake up to the fact that you have run this company into the ground. Maybe you will wake up to the fact that no one cares about 50-100k super cars and see what got you were you are sitting right now.
thanks,
Justin
By Justin. June 1st, 2006 at 11:50 amFuture Proud Vette Owner.
Who is the genius in Ford who came up with this strategy?
Of course it is your best interest to eliminate harmful trademark infringements. That is just good business.
But, is it good business to attack any entity that fosters brand loyalty and enthuisiasm?
Who in their right mind would pursue a course of action that is inherently suicidal from a corporate perspective?
A little intelligence and common sense would go a long way to solving your perceived problems.
I am sure other businesses would love to have this problem.
By Bill Jarrett. June 1st, 2006 at 7:46 amAs a business owner myself, I can understand Mr. Ford’s concerns about maintaining ownership of his property. I only hope he sees the light and instructs his legal team to try to be more equitable about settling the trademark matter, it would be a real shame to put so many hard working Americans and Ford fans out of work, just because he can.
Mr. Ford, You need to tread lightly here. The Mustang phenomenon was not created by your company, it was created by the car’s fans, and we can be a fickle bunch.
By Chris in PA. June 1st, 2006 at 6:54 amIt is a sad day to see such a mess. I love my Mustang, and have been a Ford guy for many years, but this is now putting a sour taste in my mouth. What does Ford have to benefit from this course? Like many have said who is really going to benefit? The Lawyers? Ford will no doubt lose in the long run. They may win this battle, but they will lose the war. I restored my 65 Coupe with the help of Mustangs Plus, Mustangs Unlimited, John’s Mustang, Texas Mustang, and maybe a half dozen other “someone’s” Mustang Parts catalogs. Why would I want to buy from a ‘generic’ Parts warehouse when I could go to someone who knows my car, someone with Mustang in their name, in their blood!! Many of the parts were Ford ‘New’ parts, or Genuine Ford replacements. Do the executives at Ford think they will still have a market for all these parts if they put their distributers out of buisness. Do they want to get rid of all the classics? I would bet that 9 out of 10 people with a Classic Mustang, also drive a newer Ford product. I feel that number would be much less if they didn’t have that Classic to drive around on the weekends.
Either way this turns out, the shops and us, the consumers, will be hurt! Lawyers are not cheap, and surely it will cost thousands for all the shop owners, magazine publishers, and anyone else with ‘Mustang’ in their name. If there is a place to donate some $$ to help defend the true spirit of the Mustang, let me know as I for one will give some to help this cause.
John
By John. June 1st, 2006 at 6:07 amI have been a ford fan all my life and loved mustangs for as long as I can remember. I understand your side, but there are so many other companies (i.e. Muscle Mustangs and Fast Fords Magazine) that make it possible for us to build our dreams of fast mustangs into a reality. If there was some way for there to be some common ground, I really would appriciate it the effort to maybe reconsider the legal action taken against these fellow mustang/ford lovers.
Thank you,
Leslie, Houston, TX
By Leslie. June 1st, 2006 at 5:00 amI’ve been a Ford fan since I’ve been 4. My step father use to have a ‘76 long wheel base F-150 with a 351 Cleveland in and that was the greatest truck. Thats what really turned me on to Ford…that and the fact he was a Ford fan. Since then I have always wanted a Mustang and did’nt get my first one until Oct of ‘04. A DSG GT Vert. I love the car and the fact it’s easy to find speed/performance shops for it by looking for one easy word……MUSTANG. I truly think yall are biting the hand that feeds yall and I’ve lost some respect for your company. Hopefully us as a Ford community can make yall see this.
By Danny Matthews. June 1st, 2006 at 4:47 amI’ve been a diehard Ford owner for 20 years now . . . since I got my license. I’ve owned a Mustang, 3 Thunderbirds, a Ranger and an F250. My parents have had F-Series trucks, a Taurus, a Contour, and even a Fairmont woody stationwagon.
This issue hits me particularly close to home not because of my loyalty to the Blue Oval, but because I own and run a club and web site dedicated to one of Ford’s most cherished monikers (I obviously won’t name which to avoid being bumped up the list). I can’t help but wonder when I’ll get my letter from the attorneys.
Of course it would be a shame to be forces to shut down because of some lawyer’s desire to make a name for himself, but that’s the worst part. If I was forced to pay the $10,000, the only things I own outright worth enough to cover that sum are my Ford vehicles. Kind of ironic huh? If that ever were to occur, you be certain that I would NOT replace them with other Fords.
Ford, please wakeup and realize the absurdity of your actions…before you have another boycott on your hands.
By Bill. May 31st, 2006 at 11:34 pmIf anyone is interested, an Internet search gave this published address for Howard, Philips & Andersen, PC: 560 East 200 South Suite 300 Salt Lake City, Utah 84102-2021 Phone: (801) 366-7471 FAX: (801) 366-7706
By Allan Kittleson. May 31st, 2006 at 10:19 pmI, too, want Upper Management at Ford (are you listening, Bill?) to come to their senses and call a halt to this legal nonsense. So what if you are able to collect $10,000 each from a few dozen small companies-that piddly amount is not going to rescue you from impending bankrupcy! Especially after the lawyers take their cut! We know that Ford is capable of listening and then changing. Do you remember the “Probe”? Does anyone?! The “Fox” rear drive Mustang was to be killed and replaced by this wonderful, modern, front whel drive thing. The outcry of potential Mustang buyers led to the continuation of the existing Mustang and the release of the ‘new’ model as the “Probe”. Tell me, Ford, which car has made you the most profit: the Mustang, or the long-gone Probe? Which model brings instant brand recognition to Ford? I think we all can agree that, had the “Probe” been released as the ‘new’ “Mustang”, the Mustang name would have been long dead and gone and FoMoCo several million, maybe billion, dollars poorer. Once again, those of you in control at Ford have the challenge of correcting a bad marketing decision. Make no mistake, this arrogant harassment of your loyal supporters (the aftermarket restoration/hobbyist/support industry and their/your customers) will cost you dearly in the marketplace. Ford cannot afford to lose any more market share, but this is what will happen,what is happening. If you succeed in crushing these small businesses that you are attacking, you will have lost me as a customer and advocate of Ford products (I am an automotive repair technician by trade-ASE Master-certified in automobile and truck as well as specialty certifications-and have often recommended Ford vehicles to people who ask my opinion. I doubt that this would continue). Simple, age-old adages still apply: “Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face.” “Don’t shoot yourself in the foot.” “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Thanks for listening. Allan
By Allan Kittleson. May 31st, 2006 at 9:47 pmDear messed up minds at FORD,
I am not sure what you are thinking but i know of about 5 businesses in my area that will be forced to close their doors due to the fact that you are persueing these actions. I have been a Ford owner all my life(well since i was old enough to drive) i own a ‘89 Mustang LX and a 2000 F-250 that i bought new well i am thinking about gettiing rid of them due to the stupidty of those of you at Ford. For once in my life i am ashamed to say that i own a Ford product. Oh and 1 of those business i was talking about earlier the owner will be changing his focus from Ford performance to ALL CHEVROLET i guess its your loss.
By Kevin McDougal. May 31st, 2006 at 7:10 pmYou have got to be kidding me! FORD if you ever expect to sure vie your HUGE market drop and lost sales to foreign auto manufacturers you should take your CONSUMERS advice and issue a formal apology that what you are doing with brand name infringement is a mistake and you are SORRY for insulting and hurting your customers.
I have a 2001 Mustang GT that i chose over LEXIS and other Imports due to the low expense and high HP. If you continue to peruse this route with shops, vendors, and aftermarket manufacturers, then I am OUT!!!
Personally I want to buy American and support our companies, but if FORD is only interested in $$$ and not it’s customers then I am buying Japanese! Your loss of my business and any future business as I the only one of my friends who owns a ford and speaks so highly about it.
Ruin your business or build customer loyalty??? Your call for your businesses future or it’s demise. The lawyers don’t care either way.
By mightyb28. May 31st, 2006 at 3:54 pmThis is Ron Bramlett, President of Mustangs Plus in Stockton, California. I have been reading the comments here at www.fordmuscle.com and would like to add a couple of thoughts. First of all, all of us at Mustangs Plus would like to say Thank You for getting involved. It’s so easy to read something like this and say, Gee, that’s too bad. But we’ve received letters and emails from so many people that it is immpossible to respond to all of them separtately which means that a lot of hobbiest are aware of what’s going on. We hope all of you know we appreciate your support and well wishes. Now, on to the problem at hand.
We hope that this trademark problem is just a lack of communacation between Ford Upper Management and the law firm they have hired. We have been unsuccessful in talking to anyone at Ford who has the horsepower, no pun intended, to resolve this issue with us. That is, unless we want to admit to Ford that we have damaged them by using Mustang in our business name for over 25 years and send them a cashiers check for $10,000 and sign a form admiting such which would give them the right to still sue us in the future. It’s not likely that we will ever agree to that!
We, in no way, feel that we have damaged Ford Motor Company by spending millions of dollars to promote the Mustang name. But we do feel that by allowing us to use the Mustang name for 25 years and then abruptly forcing us to stop using it, Ford has really damaged us. But it’s not just us at Mustangs Plus who are going to be hurt. Since the 1970’s, there are thousands of small Mustang, Bronco, Thunderbird, F-100, you name it, Ford shops owners all over the world who have spent years building their business. And now, at a time when many of them are getting older and starting to think of retiring and selling their business, Ford starts sending out these letters. It has an effect that is heartless.
As soon as a business gets one of these letters, the value of that business drops like a rock, again, no pun intended. Stop and think about it. You’re interested in buying The Mustang Parts Store that has been in business for years and years. You’ve seen their ads, heard people talk about the business by name, The Mustang Parts Store, and formed an opinion that you would like to own that business. You and the owner agree on a price for you to take over the business. But, the day the sale is to go through, the seller tells you that you can’t call it The Mustang Parts Store as it has been called and advertised for all these years. But, you can call it The Parts Store. Now, I ask you. Are you going to be willing to pay the same amount of money for it now, knowing that you can’t use Mustang in the name, as you agreed to pay for it with the Mustang in the name? Of corse not and this is the problem. This is what thousands of small business owners will face if Ford is really serious about enforcing this idea. With the value gone from their business, how will these small businesses secure loans to stay in business? How will they advertise to bring Mustang or other Ford trademarked models to their specific business without spending many times more in advertising to do so? If Ford pursues this action, it will have a very negative effect on a lot of Ford related speciality businesses. Honestly, I really don’t see Ford wanting to do that. In my opinion, it is absolutely one of the worst ideas in the history of the automobile. I almost believe square wheels would make more sense!
At Mustangs Plus, we have never tried to have anyone believe we are Ford Motor Company. Mustang in our name, as with thousands of other businesses, is purely a descriptive word. And Ford has been aware of our company for years. We’ve bought millions of dollars of Ford parts from Ford to sell to our customers. We offer a lot of Ford Authorized Products to our customers. Ford even advertises our name for us!
As far as we’re concerned, we’ve had a very good relationship that has benifited Ford as well as Mustangs Plus. Until now, Ford has never said we’ve damaged them. And, in all honestly, it’s not even Ford who is saying it. It’s a law firm that someone at Ford has hired.
As for our desire to be reasonable with Ford, Ford has never offered us the possibility of paying a fee to license us to use Mustang in our name. In fact, one of their people has declined to me personally the possibility of that happening. I’m hopefull that he is overruled by someone further up the Ford ladder. If anyone at Ford Motor Company is reading this and would like to talk to me about it, I would really like to hear from you.
Add to all this, Ford’s law firm has told at least one magazine editor and newspaper reporter that the magazines and clubs are next. Let’s assume it’s true. Why in the world would Ford let them say it? Wouldn’t Ford want to get one problem under control instead of creating two more? The magazines and clubs would assume that they would never be targets. But then Ford’s lawyers tell them otherwise? It just doesn’t make any sense. When you add all of these things up, it’s hard for me to beleive that Ford Upper Management knows a whole lot of what is really happening.
One other thing to consider. If people stop buying Ford products and supporting Ford magazines and clubs, in the long run it will hurt the very people who Ford is hurting now. As I stated above. I’m not sure that Ford Upper Management really knows what’s happening. So let’s hold off on condemning Ford Motor Company as a whole until someone high up at Ford comes out and gives us a reason to. If they do, then we’ll all know it’s not just a hired law firm overstepping their bounds.
Until then, keep those letters going to Ford and let’s let them hear the voices of the people who have kept their brands alive! Again, all of us at Mustangs Plus would like to say Thank You for all the support and well wishes we’ve received.
Ron Bramlett
By Ron Bramlett. May 31st, 2006 at 3:31 pmPresident, Mustangs Plus
This was just sent to Ford on their secure site:
As you should be aware, perception is reality. I’ve owned Ford products for 45 years, starting with a 1947 coupe purchased in 1961 when I couldn’t even drive it. I now have a 2006 Mustang convertible, which is a fine vehicle taking me back to the days of my youth. The primary reason the Mustang was purchased was the incredible array of aftermarket parts available for ALL years of the Mustang and the sheer number of enthusiasts to support the Mustang “hobby”. Yes, you are in financial trouble as a corporation, but having lived through “downsizing”, “rightsizing”, “restructuring”, etc at AT&T, I believe your legal action in pursuing aftermarket vendors and magazines providing you free advertising will get you in the same position AT&T ended up in - being purchased by another entity that used to be a subsidiary. You don’t have the only product out there that appeal to “old” folks as well as the “kids” - MANY do, and some are as good as the Mustang. I will have absolutely no problems selling the Mustang and supporting another manufacturer if necessary. Please stop to step back and look at the negative sentiments you are causing among the people who support you. I truly believe that toal inflexibility on your part will have dire consequences for your corporation. I, for one, will give negative comments at every opportunity. You may have an attitude of “Who cares”, but please remember another reality of life - a positive experience will create about 4-6 positive comments to others, a negative experience will create many more than that. Word of advertising is still the most effective and cost effective - can you afford to throw it all away based on the ideas of a few whiz kids with Master’s Degrees who will leave as soon as they get their ticket punched?
By John Carpenter. May 31st, 2006 at 2:45 pmMost of the companies in question do currently pay licensing fees (if not all of them) to sell specific items.
As I understand it, only the manufacturer of a part or item that has the Ford name, the Ford logo, the Mustang nameplates, Mustang Script and or the running horse logo is currently required to pay a licensing fee to Ford (as well as any reproduction parts with Ford part numbers). A retail reseller can sell any of these above mentioned parts without a Ford license as long as the manufacturer they get the part from is licensed.
The lawsuit is an issue of using the word “Mustang” in a company name and/or website domain which legally Ford has a right to protect…
That being said, they have known about these companies for up to 30 years and allowed them to do business, as is, for that whole length of time (not only allowed, but worked hand-in-hand with and gave licenses to allow the selling of products). In that time, these companies have been a huge part in making the Mustang a house-hold name and a great classic collector car because of the availability of aftermarket parts and supporting the clubs and hobby in general.
If not for these same companies that Ford is attacking, the Mustang name would not be what it is today. Millions of dollars of inventory will be destroyed if Ford gets their way with these lawsuits and the Mustang owners will be the ones paying for it in the long run with higher prices and harder to find parts.
By KW. May 31st, 2006 at 1:59 pmIf people that love Ford are going to get kicked in the face by Ford they can expect a huge sales drop. Its hitting every generation and not only will it be bad for a while but you can expect to lose a lot of future costomers now as well.
By Skyler. May 31st, 2006 at 1:48 pmWhy not offer to pay Ford the licencing fees to which they are entitled?
Mike Hunter
By Mike Hunter. May 31st, 2006 at 1:29 pmThe Ford Mustang and Ford in general has more aftermarket support than any other single brand of car on the planet. Ford forcing these aftermarket companies to remove the name from their business name is shooting themselves in the foot. I can’t think of anything they could do that would do them more harm than this short of doing away with the name all together. I’ve got the classic Mustang “Running Horse” tatooed on my arm. I suppose they’ll want me to remove that also? Come on guys. Don’t be stupid.
By Slim. May 31st, 2006 at 11:38 amWrong thing for Ford to do right now is to upset the Mustang buyers… But having worked for Ford many years, it is typical of the management they have hired of late.
They just don’t see the long-range effect on the car buyers that have purchased Mustangs for years… all Ford wants is the big bucks and screw the little guys.
Well I for one will have to look hard and long on my next purchase, too many other brands offering better warranties and vehicles with better MPG.
With the price of company stock almost at the lowest possible point to stay in business, Ford has more things to worry about than hassling company selling parts and putting out stories on their cars.
By Gerry Mitchell. May 31st, 2006 at 10:31 amI have owned Ford’s for a long time, from my 1st car a 1984 Ford Exp Turbo Coupe, all the way up to my current car a 1995 Mustang GT and I think Ford is losing touch with their customer and fan base, this is an obvious attempt to alienate us and it sucks, If Ford keeps this up I will have no choice to switch to GULP Chevy….. oh hell I am not that crazy, maybe Dodge then……
By Lazerass`. May 31st, 2006 at 9:04 amNotablly I own 3 Mustangs, a 2004 F350 , a 2005 Navigator and actually several others. For the life of me I can’t understand this posture by Ford. I’m confident this is lawyer/money driven. This attorney made his name/money suing 100+ Porsche websites.
This move is punishing the very people that helped the resurgence of the legacy. Many of us enthusiasts have other supporting vehicles but I can’t say this will last. This will hurt Ford more than the intellectual property they say is being damaged.
The new Challenger to be is lookin better by the minute. The Escalade is a prime candidate for the SUV. Not sure if I’ll even be able to sell the F350 6.0 POS, but I will just to get it out of my garage! I think I’ll get the Dodge with the Cummins before it gets back into a Ford.
It’s been fun!
By Jay. May 30th, 2006 at 7:52 pmI made my decision to be a “Ford guy” when I was 19 years old. I had loved the Mustang for many years, but at that age, still couldn’t afford one. I was working at a tune-up shop and got tired of working on GM’s. The spark plugs on almost every one of their vehicles are inaccessable. I had enough. So one day I went to the local Ford dealership and applied for a job in the shop and was hired the next week. Since then I have bought only Fords, and if at all possible, only work on Fords. Someday I have plans of opening my own shop, and I’ll give you one guess at what vehicle I want to specialize in…
The arguement against these types of frivolous and demeening lawsuits has been made. What I would like to hear is a decent arguement FOR the lawsuit. And don’t tell me intellecual property, or any grey term like that. I’m pretty sure everyone on the planet can see that it’s just another money making scheme.
Shutting down the little guy who is using the Ford name will not bring Ford any more money. There is no way that Ford can provide the services that the little guy does. So when the little guy services are gone, so will the Ford customers be.
Take heed Ford lawyers, you are making a mistake.
By Sawbones25. May 30th, 2006 at 6:14 pmDon’t bite the hand that feeds…
I am a big Ford fan and have been for well over 40 years. However, I have always been jealous of the GM enthusiasts because of all the different vendors that reproduce parts for just about all the GM models. I’ve always been jealous of the GM emblem that appears on the vendor advertising indicating that those vendors are GM licensed. GM and MOPAR greatly support the car hooby. I think Ford has the idea that if all these old Fords weren’t around, they would sell more new cars. What are they building that anyone wants besides full-size trucks and Mustangs? Ford is going down the tubes, but it has nothing to do with the fine car hobbyists that keep their older stuff on the roads and the venodrs that use their “trademarked” names. Ford has bigger problems. We “old car guys” are going to be around for another 20 years or so. Is Ford?
By Terry Hawkins. May 30th, 2006 at 5:51 pmI am 40 years old. I have owned 3 ford trucks, 2 I bought new, the first was given to me by my parents when I was 14. I have also owned 3 lincoln navigators, and a mercury cougar. I have never owned a Chevy or Dodge truck. But with the way ford is going about this is wrong. I can understand copyright infringement. But there are many ford products that are licensed by ford that are not made by ford. It seems to me that what Ford needs to do if it wants to maintain its trademark is license these companies who provide the products that are keeping the Mustang alive. Why do they think the new mustang is so successful. it is in large part because of the mustang enthusiests who have kept the spirit alive. If they try to hurt these companies and run them out of business for advertising there products as what they are, i.e. mustang parts, then they will hurt the people who have supported them all these years. I am thinking about buying a tow rig to haul my 1965 mustang to shows when I don’t want to drive it. For the first time in my life I am looking at a Dodge. (I still can’t bring myself to look at a Chevy) WAKE UP FORD, offer to license the name MUSTANG to legitimate MUSTANG supply companies then you can control who uses it, make some money off it and not ruin the future of ford motor company.
By Chad McCance. May 30th, 2006 at 2:58 pmBorn and raised in a house that valued Ford products, bought and modified Ford Products, and in recent years put up with vehicles that failed to deliver…it’s plain disheartening to see Ford allowing a pack of lawyers to further drag down the Ford branding.
By Drew, Omaha, Nebraska. May 30th, 2006 at 2:29 pmWe the faithful have been putting up with vehicles that fail to deliver. Instead of delivering V6 & V8 RWD platform cars we keep getting FWD fleet service vehicles for Hertz.
Now I find the company that I have so heartily defended the brand name, back stabbing tried and true supporters; I find it quite disconcerning.
I myself have long been considering a new F series as a replacement for my 1984 and my 1979 F series, but I am seriously considering a brand change, possibly even an import, from the likes Toyota. { I still can’t however bring myself to purchase a GM product}
Please recosider your actions.
I can only thank Ford Motor Company for giving me years of enjoyment to my hobby. I love ford cars, I also own newer models besides my hobby classics. Ford doesn’t make or market “old” car parts. So who is supposed to fill in the gap? A business that sells “parts” for old cars. It is easy to find them because thier business has a ford product in thier name. They are NO COMPETITION to Ford Moter Co. who only sells new cars and parts for newer models. So whats the beef? Money…..they want more of it instead of earning it. If they make my hobby harder to enjoy than what it is (like Ca. does with its emissions etc..etc..) I might be convinced to be loyal to another brand. One that is not as greedy as to go after the little guy who is not competing in any way with them. Heck the little guy proably helps get the ford banner out as much as any T.V. commercial. Maybe a new Chrysler 300D for my wife doesn’t sound so bad. It looks better than the Ford 500 IMHO. Stop trying to be like ole Shelby and earn your living, not riding the coat tails of the past, or being a bully. Sometimes the bully gets a bloody nose…..
By BenC. May 30th, 2006 at 2:21 pmIf Ford decides to go about it’s business this way, it will further drive itself into financial failure. The people and businesses that they are targeting are the loyal and faithful, lifelong consumers. They are the people who have only bought and will only buy a Ford. Many of us only consider a Ford when looking to buy a new vehicle.
By Josh. May 30th, 2006 at 8:26 amAfter attending a very large Mustang car show this past weekend, I was alarmed at some of the comments I heard. It was the overwhelming majority of the 1000+ in attendance that they would never buy a Ford again. This has so deeply hurt some of the Ford loyalists that they have vowed to never purchase a Ford ever again. This makes me sick! A person who is Ford through and through cannot even trust the company enough to buy a vehicle from them. Now if Ford can’t sell a vehicle to a Ford loyalist, how do they expect to sell any vehicles at all?
This is truly the wrong way to go about this. Ford is alienating and pushing away a huge portion of their future business. We don’t want to see this as we know it will ultimately cause the destruction of Ford. I am positive that Dodge, Chevy and Toyota are silently cheering as they read this. They will reap the benefits, not Ford! This is sad, but true.
Ford, please reconsider your actions. A reasonable middle ground can be accomplished where both parties can benefit. You must consider who runs the Ford Company. It is us, the loyal consumers and small businesses that have supported you for years. Without us you cannot win.
I got my first ford when I was 12 (farm truck) I have only owned fords since…If I can stand the embarrassment from friends and relatives, I’m buying a diesel VW. ps,what do you do with 30+yr’s of ford parts you’ve scrounged up? trade for vw parts?
By Jim Miller. May 30th, 2006 at 7:53 amDon’ t you know Ford that the bulley’s of the playground always get what they deserve. This is one race im not cheering on the blue oval.
By Matthew Tanner. May 30th, 2006 at 6:36 amIt may not be pretty, but a company has to follow certain legal requirements to retain ownership of intellectual property. If Ford, or any company for that matter, fails to address infrigements, it’s own right to continue to use that intellectual property is at risk. You certainly wouldn’t want a “Mustang style trim package” as a description on a Chevy would you? It could happen if Ford fails to enforce the exclusive use of the word Mustang in relation to automotive parts & publications. I’m sorry, but I have no problem figuring out that “Dennis Carpenter” sells Ford reproduction parts, and the words Ford, Mustang, Falcon etc, are no where to be found in that company name. What does “Dearborn Classics” sell… um, classic Ford parts, ditto. “Autokrafter”, “Roush”… you get the picture.
Now if MustangsPlus also sells saddles, tack & feed, or or flight goggles and altimeters, well, they might find a loop hole.
By David. May 30th, 2006 at 5:45 amThis is very disturbing that Ford will viciously turn on its greatest supporters. Mustang parts vendors, websites, and clubs who will be hurt by this action have kept the name alive. They are not in compeition with Ford, they have been active Ford supporters.
By Joyce Epperson. May 29th, 2006 at 10:56 pmSo much for showing appreciation!
Ford showed its proud heritage at the Ford Centennial celebration. These threatened lawsuits give the impression Ford doesn’t appreciate those that help promote the heritage.
Creating turmoil for businesses, individuals, and clubs which use the Mustang and other Ford trademarks will only backfire on Ford.
Please Ford management - you can come up with a solution that is win-win. These vendors would be willing to pay a licensing fee that is reasonable, you keep your trademark safe, and the enthusiastis still easily have access to the vendors and parts.
Thanks for reconsidering.
Ford, what is your problem? You can’t take away company’s legal name just because it has Mustang in it. Last time I checked you don’t own the exclusive rights to the mustang name. Does this mean that I am no longer going to get my MMFF (muscle mustang and fast ford) magazine? Damn Ford, now I want to give up my mustang and never buy anything from you again. The only reason I bought the car is to modify it from the very companies they are trying to sue.
By Matt. May 29th, 2006 at 4:31 pmOnly Ford would go to such lengths to piss on the folks who buy, modify and race theirs products.
By Fastronald. May 29th, 2006 at 4:21 pmBrand name and product exposure, especially when it’s free, is always healthy for a company. Much of the current’s Mustang’s sales success is due to the fact that many of the purchasers grew up with the name “Mustang” as a familiar household term. They may have had a Mustang in the family or had friends who owned Mustangs; they may have helped turn wrenches on a Mustang, all the while developing a desire to own a “Mustang”. Now that they’re older and financially established, these same people are the ones who are going out and buying the cars of their childhood memories. Take away these experiences, the memories of “hopping up a Mustang” with dad, and the current Mustang wouldn’t be selling the way it is. It would just be another faceless Ford product searching for an identity. Ford knows it’s fighting for it’s very survival, so ostracizing the very people who are so loyal to one of it’s products can only result in a negative outcome.
Gerald Boullester
By Gerald Boullester. May 29th, 2006 at 2:30 pmSeems like Ford has given absolute power to a non-corporate law firm. This law firm, under Fords once good name, is going after several small business owners, who have used Ford names such as Mustang, Thunderbird in thier company names.
As I understand it, Ford has allowed the use of these names in company names for many years - in some cases over 25 years. Seems to me that they have given concent, via Implied Concent.
I wonder if Bill Ford is aware of this practice, under his good families name?
Perhaps it’s Bill Ford we should be writing to with our complaint!
By Doug Gompertz Kings Beach, CA.. May 29th, 2006 at 1:44 pmThis is easy to fix I’ll just buy VW next time, no problem at all.
By T. Brant Gieck. May 29th, 2006 at 11:44 ami’ve been a loyal ford freak since i was 11 years old when i took my first ride in a 69 mach1. i am 28 now, i’ve owned 4 mustangs so far and my daily driver is a slightly modded focus ZX3. i never thought i’d say this, but i’m actualy embarassed about encouraging a company that would even consider going through with this… let’s hope you change your minds.
By Martin Laforest. May 29th, 2006 at 10:23 amMaybe Ford should be careful because the US Government has had Mustangs on it’s ranges long before Ford ever consider a car by that name. Or Thunderbird, because the US Air Force had the Thunderbirds first. Falcon was used on airplanes first.
Ford doesn’t realized these other but much smaller companies using such names help actually advertise their product and Ford doesn’t have to pay them for this free advertisement.
By Mark. May 28th, 2006 at 7:59 pmCan’t say I am too proud to own Fords right now, I just removed all the Ford lettering and badges from my mustang so they don’t try and sue me as well. Maybe it is easier to just start building chevies.
By sycostang67. May 28th, 2006 at 6:16 pmFord, you pulled me away from your competitors with the s197 Mustang. I love it, not only for what comes from the factory, but what I can get aftermarket. Simply awesome.
Now you want to kill that aftermarket spirit?
Looks like MOPAR is in my future. You people should hang your heads in shame.
By Mike Cee. May 28th, 2006 at 2:10 pmWe have been loyal Mustang owners since our first Mustang, a 1972 fast back. I currently own a 2000 GT and had considered adding an 06 to our garage. I don’t think Ford needs or wants my support or enthusiasm. The new Dodge Challenger or Corvette are looking more appealing though, now. I can’t understand why Ford would slap the faces of those of us who have enthusiastically supported and sang the praises of the Mustang all these years. Shame.
By Denise Garcia. May 28th, 2006 at 10:53 amHere’s an idea to all the affected parties ……… There is power in numbers…. What if ALL the businesses that have received the infamous letter simply join in a class action suit AGAINST Ford and then pay their fair share of the attorney’s fees ?
I simply dont understand, as everyone else here, why in the world they would pursue this course. It simply does NOT make sense to me.
All those sites and businesses keep the Mustang alive and easily accessible information for the potential and exisiting customers OF THE FORD MUSTANG. Is Ford going to end up being the definitive web presence for Mustang information on the Internet ? I doubt it.
I’d love to see a copy of the actual letter a company or website actually receives to get a sense of their justification. How in the hell can they claim, and the courts support, damages ?
FORD, here is my simple statement and committment to you:
If you continue to pursue this course of action, I for one, a loyal FORD CUSTOMER and OWNER for well over 40 years will simply cease and desist owning any more of your products - period. We the customer have choices - a lot of them (albeit not all American made). But rest assured, there is more than one auto maker out there with some very nice product.
And if you are still searching for reasons of your current market share, perhaps you should take a hard look at actions such as these. I can assure you, continue down this path, and it will only worsen.
Leave the small guy alone. Let your product receive the free advertisement and support it’s receiving from those channels, and the resulting business it promotes. I’d urge you to do the math - you’d be considerably better off leaving well enough alone.
By Joe Clemmons. May 28th, 2006 at 6:58 amIf FORD wants to cut their own head off
that is exactly what they’re doing
And I for one believe that is what is going to happen
if they persist in this
I may need to become a Dodge man again
The stupidity of this is incredible
By Randy. May 28th, 2006 at 5:27 amif this creates a big enough backlash
the exec.’s who thought this up should
be hanging themself shortly afterwards
I have driveway full of ford Mustangs and Trucks if this happens I guess it’s time to buy a Chevy or a Dodge….. I will always buy American but why are fords cutting their own throats???
By Mr Mach 1 2004. May 28th, 2006 at 3:48 amSomeone up in upper management of Ford needs to wake up. Hell, that person, or group of people needs to be fired! I’ll come replace the idoits who dreamed up this idea, and take Ford to the top again.
But if Ford follows through with this, I can easly switch to Driving a Corvette. The mustang isn’t the only fast car on the market u know. Plus the Corvette has a long history; and u don’t see GM running around threatning to sue for the use of the name Corvette do you?
I already took off the Ford sysboms on my Cobra…and I can continue to do so, and never buy any Ford parts ever again. Plus my huge collection of Ford aparial(spelling) will never be replaced, nor adding any more collectiables. You want easy money, try adding up everything Ford makes off of non-auto stuff, not including auto’s.
$50 grand now, or millions later?
By Kaspar T. Howe. May 28th, 2006 at 1:05 amYou decide Ford.
Sorry Ford, but this is Ridiculous. What’s next? Will I be sued for having the MUSTANG PONY tattoed onto my back with the famous signature of “MUSTANG” under it?
Ford, Please wake up and realize what your doing! You are tearing yourself down worse than you are right now! Start embracing these websites, I hope you take everyone’s advice here, as we all love mustangs just as much as you love having the title to it! I personally am hurt by such a thing, and am not sure I want my mustang nor anything FORD in my driveway anymore, I may want to run it by a crusher. I am highly disappointed in this decision, You need a better board, instead of the people you have making these stupid decisions for you. I will def. be calling and leaving some messages for SOMEONE of HIGH RANK at FMC sometime soon. THANK YOU!
By Justin. May 27th, 2006 at 9:12 pmThis is just out right WRONG! The only reason the “Mustang” has taken off the way it has is because of loyal mustang owners and supporters. These mustang sites and clubs are there to pay tribute to the name and make of car, if you take that away from us I am going to sell my “Mustang” and buy a Dodge!
By Craig. May 27th, 2006 at 8:39 pmWhat are you becoming Ford? You may have designed the car and produced it; but WE made the Mustang. The Mustang name is an icon now. Ford you should be proud of that and want to see it in every segment of American life. Hell the Running Horse and Name are American Icons!!! They have transinded a company trademark. Can anyone readily identify the symbols and name of other vehicals? No! The Mustang everyone knows. Ford stop this ludicris lawsuit. I am ashamed to be from Utah just because the Lawfirm representing you is from here. There has ALWAYS been a Mustang in my families driveway since 1965. There are two now the original 1965 and a 2005. Are you going to come after me next for owning them? Pull your lawsuit and stop acting like a bunch of money grubbing, narrowminded, Ill take my ball and go home children. Remember who made you and support you!! Return to the Ford we all know and love so much.
By Richard Cordon. May 27th, 2006 at 4:57 pmSo what happens if I was to have a ford tattoo?
By Tom. May 27th, 2006 at 4:48 pmFord!!! What are you doing? I have supported the tried and true Blue Oval since childhood. I defened you when my buddies made fun of me for having a Ford. I own a classic 65 Mustang a ture piece of Americana. Please we ask, no be beg you not to turn your back on the some many that have made you what you are today. I truly believe that there must be better ways to handle this ordeal. Your only hurting yourself in the long run by tryin to make a few bucks now. Do not go through with this plan. We are Ford motor company, Yes your loyal customer’s and we say no more…………
By ga289stocker. May 27th, 2006 at 3:35 pmCorperate Ford Management, after more than 15 years as a loyal Ford customer, I traded my F150 for a Chevy. I’m also considering selling the 1964 Falcon I am restoring. I won’t do business with anyone so petty and ungrateful. If you’re THAT hard up for money maybe you should look at the fat paychecks you collect instead of ruining small businessmen who work to keep the Mustang line alive. Henry would be ashamed of you.
By Mr Ed. May 27th, 2006 at 1:37 pmHey guys lets see if we can make a differance. Ive signed this petition. Lets all do it.
http://www.petitiononline.com/65must65/petition.html
By 71hotrodpinto. May 27th, 2006 at 11:22 amThe wife talked me into buying a new convertible last year. I had heard about Fords campaign and made a conscious decision I was through with Ford products based on their stupidity. I have owned a Ford of some kind for 47 years. I now have a Chrysler product and we really like it. And a F150 truck that has 160K on it. Think I’ll buy a Ford truck? Never owned a Chevy or Chrysler truck before. Also own a 65 Mustang I’m trying to restore. If Ford puts the parts people out of business I’ll be screwed with that one. Guess brand loyalty is not a good thing to practice.
By Jerry. May 27th, 2006 at 10:14 am“Why is it that at a time when all other car companies are embracing the restoration of their cars Ford is attacking the very companies that have made it possible to restore Mustangs for years? It would be a different story if parts were available at the dealer, but they haven’t been for many years. Ford is not competing with restoration parts suppliers in any way, so they have nothing to gain and everything to lose by showing their greedy side. I’m 44 year old and have owned Fords since my first one at 16. I’ve bought Ford cars, modified Fords and cheered for Ford racers. If Ford chooses to pursue this suit, I would be ashamed to be associated with them. I’d be willing to bet I could get enough from the sale of my Mustangs to buy a nice Mopar where they don’t crucify their supporters. ”
I agree. Ford Motor Company: This is the last straw. I can’t even believe you’d be unreasonable and dumb like this. Places like Mustangs Plus have helped you, and you want to tear them down? what in the world?
By Colby. May 27th, 2006 at 8:51 amWhy is it that at a time when all other car companies are embracing the restoration of their cars Ford is attacking the very companies that have made it possible to restore Mustangs for years? It would be a different story if parts were available at the dealer, but they haven’t been for many years. Ford is not competing with restoration parts suppliers in any way, so they have nothing to gain and everything to lose by showing their greedy side. I’m 44 year old and have owned Fords since my first one at 16. I’ve bought Ford cars, modified Fords and cheered for Ford racers. If Ford chooses to pursue this suit, I would be ashamed to be associated with them. I’d be willing to bet I could get enough from the sale of my Mustangs to buy a nice Mopar where they don’t crucify their supporters.
By Jim Elliott. May 27th, 2006 at 7:27 amWhen the average buyer sees a well restored 66 Mustang fastback driving down the street, it might be that extra nudge for them to buy a Mustang. For a lot of people, that means a NEW Mustang, as they have the money to buy a new car, and maybe they dont have the time to restore a classic. That well restored 66 Mustang just scored Ford a sale, and it was rebuilt with parts from places like Mustangs Plus. You sure as hell cant go the the “Ford Store to get parts for a 66.
Pay Attention Ford Motor Company. You are litigating yourselves right out of free advertising. The kind of advertising you could never get on a TV.
As for me, well this was the last push I needed. After 10 yrs of buying Fords, Im buying a Japanese car.
By Darrell. May 27th, 2006 at 7:12 amFord is WRONG. These websites have practically built the mustang to what it is, if it had not been for these mustang magazines and enthusiasts websites, I wouldnt have bought the mustang I have today. I called Ford, and they didnt have time to answer my question, and I emailed them about it a few minutes ago. This is Retarded.
By Ashleigh. May 27th, 2006 at 6:20 amIs Ford so broke that it need all the capitol it can get? What is going on you may ask? Well let me see if I can hit a nails on the head here. This is not a FoMoCo only issue altogether, but this latest stupidity from blue oval really shows just how bad the American car industry is. $10,000 bucks??? Hm, sounds like someone needs some cash. The biggest problem, is that Ford and GM both continue to attempt to emulate Japanese and European designs, and fail miserably in the process. Ford really needs to go back and look hard at some of the decisions made since the mid-1980’s reguarding design philosophy. Were Ford making the finacial and sales targets set, we would not see this form of corporate terrorism. This indicates that we will see the eventual demize of the Mustang, Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car and that could be fairly soon.
As an american car buyer, I have had to accept a mediocre product for many years, not only from FoMoCo, but also GM and Mopar. Mopar is effectivley no longer an American company, as Dalhmer of Germany no controls the company. That leaves GM and Ford, and neither seem intersted in stepping out on a limb and producing the car that we all know they are truly capable of marketing.
Bill Ford,
Please stop this needless frivolity, and give up the cars we all know you can build. No more of these foreign copies, like the Fusion, or the “see we can do that too” playground fight style 500, and the completley ridiculuos “I wanna be a ricer” Focus. Those vehicles are as far from America as Shri-Lanka. American cars are Rear-Wheel-Drive V8 or V6 powered roomy comfortable cars, that perform in a well-balanced and precise manner.
Stop emulating everyone else and LEAD the WORLD in automotive innovation!
By Brain. May 27th, 2006 at 1:46 amSeems to me that Ford and all the other manufactures owe some money then to all the places and other companies that they got vehicle names from. The Mustang name came from the P-51 fighter if I remember correctly. Seems like Ford owes money to the manufacturer of that aircraft. And Ford is wondering what they can do to increase sales? Gee that’s a tough question to figure out.
By Davis. May 26th, 2006 at 10:39 pmThis is a joke, right? The competitors must be loving this. I can’t think of a better way to alienate loyal customers and to ruin an era of vehicles with the likes that history has never known. Ford will go down in the anneals of time as “The company that self destructed at the hands of their lawyers.”
Ford could “Have a Better Idea”. Come out with a new model called “Jackass” built in honor of Howard, Phillips and Anderson.
By Barbara Pallister. May 26th, 2006 at 4:32 pmThis is a shame. I own several Fords and a Volvo, I will not give Ford any more money unless things change, what a waist of effort, you are killing the Ford and Mustang names, and tainting them with disgruntled Ford lovers now swearing off Ford forever. See posts on the VMF about covering badges and emblems when you go to shows.
By Justin. May 26th, 2006 at 3:47 pmHello, as the owner of 3 Mustangs (’88 GT, ‘68 Hardtop, and ‘67 Convertible) I am disgusted by this policy. I had planned to buy a 2007 GT, but will not buy another Ford product as long as this policy is in effect.
To punish those that have been “polishing the blue oval” for 40 years is incredibly short sighted. The Mustang brand would have died out with the Camaro had not the aftermarket suppliers been there to promote the Mustang.
This is a perfect example of what is wrong with America.
By Jeff Sevison. May 26th, 2006 at 3:41 pmI just can’t understand Ford’s logic here. The reason the Mustang is as popular as it is, is because of its aftermarket support — there is no denying that. There is no way the ‘05 Mustang would have been such a successful launch without this support. Ford knew this, and gave select companies cars to modify so it could give a strong showing of aftermarket support right from the beginning.
Now, they are trying to punish all the companies that helped make the Mustang name what it is? Every time a person looks for Mustang parts, or gets a catalog with the Mustang name on it — it reinforces the Mustang brand (marketing 101). Now, they want to remove that from the marketplace altogether? If they are successful, it would only weaken the brand they say they are trying to protect. That’s laywer-logic for you.
Just imagine trying to find Mustang parts without any company being able to use Mustang in it. What do you search for? How do you know what they sell? And, with such reduced visibility of aftermarket support, how many people would look to competitors? I bet a lot more than Ford would ever imagine.
And, I am no lawyer, but how is it intellectual property anyway? None of these companies are selling cars — only parts. How is that infringing on Ford’s business of selling cars?
By Rampant. May 26th, 2006 at 10:17 amThe company I work for (whom the lawyers don’t want me to name) has received the same letter and we have decided to fight it.
Send emails, complain, call the news outlets, radio and magazines and let them hear your comments on this matter.
It’s unbelieveable of Ford to think that this is in their benefit. The Mustang would not be the icon and classic that it is today without companies like ours to help keep the cars restored and on the road.
The part that bothers me the most is that they are closing manufacturing plants and laying off thousands of workers, but yet have the time and money to disrupt honest and legitimate businesses that have been doing business for as mush as 30 years.
By Anonymous. May 26th, 2006 at 8:48 amWell, let’s see- my ‘05 Ford Five Hundred has already
By Larry. May 25th, 2006 at 5:01 pmbeen on recall twice. Once for gas tank straps (hello
remember the Pinto?) and for the dashboard. Nothing
surprises me with Ford. They’re not the only guys
that do this sort of stuff. GM’s legal department used
to aggressively go after all kinds of signage and
intellectual property issues. Head of GM legal was
Ken Starr, when I worked for them about 10 years
ago- the same guy who prosecuted Clinton.
So how will I find the parts I need? How will I know who handles stuff for Rancheros? Is that name trademarked too? Shall I search the Internet for a generic supplier of parts for “pickup trucks that started life as a passenger car made by a domestic company headquartered in Dearborn?” Or is Dearborn trademarked too?
Reminds me of the nasty legal battle between a giant burger chain and a little coffee shop in Half Moon Bay that was named after the owner - McCaughy. The giant won. The world really is insane.
By Bruce Hotchkiss. May 25th, 2006 at 3:36 pmFord Racing products are Shiii#!!! But those guys at Mustangs plus are great. I have personally met Ron and he was very helpful… I thought he was a customer helping me out. Stayed way after closing to answer my questions.
Not much of a Ford fanatic, but I have an old fastback my Dad and I built and have plenty more in the family. Thought about buying a new one, but I think I might just hot rod my dad’s 1 owner 61 bubble top instead!
Am kinda sad to hear that restomdo headquartes have not put up a bigger fight. I think this issue just needs to build more momentum.
By ABecerra. May 24th, 2006 at 11:39 pmPerhaps the suits at Ford should be concerning themselves with the fact that they have woefull sales numbers, have very few cars that the American public would consider purchasing, and their stock and overall value is plumeting, rather than attack the very institutions and organizations that seek to retain a positive spin on the Blue Oval name plate.
The very fact that they have he time and inclination to hunt down and harass hard working individuals that are here for the aftermarket enthusiast is pathetic at best and downright insulting to those of us in the hobby that support those businesses. What is next? Do we have to re-name all the horses?
It is very sad indeed that a jackass at Ford headquarters has decided that this is time well spent. How about product development? Quality control?
Fine marketing guy and gals!
By Karl. May 24th, 2006 at 10:01 pmI believe if you truely want something changed, start a petition to end this and get huge numbers of people against it. I know from experience Ford responds rather poorly to letters unless huge masses of people (like the FWD Mustang protest back in the ’80s) show the same concerns. While you’re at it, start a protest of Ford’s sponsoring the gay community as well.
This current management team is going to take Ford to hell in a handbasket rather quickly unless us, the Ford community, voice our opinions enne mass. Who know what they’ll think of next, I myself am beginning a very long, involved, and opinionated (but civil) letter questioning Ford Corporate’s sanity tonight.
By 03cobrafreak. May 24th, 2006 at 4:25 pmThis is where you would go to voice your concerns.
Suggestion: Be civil but straight. Don’t flame them, you’ll their attention and your credibility as a reasonable Ford enthusiast….
https://secure.ford.com/en/support/emailUs.htm
By Mikelonis. May 24th, 2006 at 3:05 pmI’ve been honestly thinking of jumping ship for a few years now. This might do it. That old Barracuda project is looking tempting.
By fairlyfast66. May 24th, 2006 at 2:36 pmAs I stated in The Garage, take the time to go to the FOMOCO website and send them an email expressing your emotion with this issue. If you just spout off here they won’t hear you! The only way the people at the top hear what is going on is when the people unite their voices to let them know. Think Civil Rights Movement, Womens Right Movement, the current Immigration Movement and so on. If you have tme to comment here you sure have time to comment to them!!!
By Chooch65. May 24th, 2006 at 12:03 pmWell put Marauderman. Especially this little gem…
“to heave a bucket of water on one of the people who kept the flame alive when there wasn’t a lot to cheer about is bad business.”
By Mikelonis. May 24th, 2006 at 8:14 amLets not forget who’s getting paid. That is Howard, Phillips and Andersen. They must have a junior partner on this trying to work up numbers.
By 68Fastback. May 24th, 2006 at 7:57 amI’d guess that Edsel B. Ford, William Clay Ford, Jr and the rest know nothing of these image destorying, time wasting matters. My opinion, this is the unfortunate action of attorneys who aviod common sense and instead seek to put monies in there own pockets.
Say, uh, did they ever look at this guy’s catalog?
He’s selling their flippin parts for them! He is one of their distributors!
It is ludicrous to think this will change the value of the name one iota. Yes I do recognize their right to protect their trademarks, but to heave a bucket of water on one of the people who kept the flame alive when there wasn’t a lot to cheer about is bad business.
Better yet: “What would Honda do?” I don’t speak for them, but I doubt a bunch of dour lawyers would scrape around the bottom of the corporate sofa for some change and decide to look for a way to send a hugely negative message to people who love their marquee brand the most.
Every time Billy goes on TV with the hang dog look saying, essentially, prosperity is just around the corner, they should remember stupid things like this. I’m a Presbyterian, but I also believe in Karma, but in this case, it will be the stockholders forking up the payback.
By MarauderMan. May 24th, 2006 at 7:50 amAnother corporate suit with nothing to do but find a way to make themselves known is most likely behind this. Someday Ford and all of the other manufacturers who get into this BS will wake up and see that without the enthusiast, they would be forced to spend even more money to keep the marque alive. Without us they would starve.
By Finkster. May 24th, 2006 at 7:31 amI don’t think Ford is this stupid. Sure, one person, maybe two, but not a whole corporate team. Why would they do this before the GT500 is out? I personally think they are hurting for money so bad that they are forced to do this.
In my humble opinion, the mustang is inferior to a lot of cars. It’s a poor mans sports car. The reason the mustang is so popular is that it has the hottest aftermarket of any car that is out there. You can make it faster or handle better than another make of car, for half the price.
This furthers my stand in that they are doing this because they are hurting for money, BAD. No one in their right mind would want to ruin this mustang loyalty.
Maybe I should sell my 04 Cobra for a C6 Z06 Corvette.
By Chris. May 24th, 2006 at 7:16 amAs a long time classic Mustanger , I am utterly astounded by
By Roger Currie. May 24th, 2006 at 5:06 amthis. It would be easy to say I’ll never buy another Ford over this, but I made that decision many years ago, anyway.
Go to hell, Billy
mustangsteve got the same letter, soon fordmuscle will to, but what about the magazine racks full of ford mustang chevy etc in the name. were not in kansas anymore
By trukstop. May 23rd, 2006 at 11:06 pmGay Ford management, what the hell is a company specializing in Mustangs supposed to call itself if it can’t use the word Mustang?!
I hope Mustangs Plus fights this, (it would probably be cheaper to fight it because Ford really can’t enforce this when they’ve let it happen for 40+ years) whoever the crackhead in Dearborn is who dreamed this one up deserves to lose their job.
By 03cobrafreak. May 23rd, 2006 at 5:21 pmTo each his own, I guess. Though it seems that Ford is reaping awards in right now.
By Chuck. May 23rd, 2006 at 5:12 pm