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How Should Ford Promote the Freestyle?

22 messages,  Last post on Sep 01, 2007 at 8:25 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Freestyle, Car Buying, SUV

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#13 of 22 Re: Word slowly getting out [ramj70] by coldcranker Aug 29, 2006 (3:37 pm)
Replying to: ramj70 (Aug 01, 2006 1:33 pm) I agree with Click-n-Clack. The main selling point (but how do we actually say it...) is that people associate mini-vans with mommies'n'kiddies. Men don't want to be seen as wussies in a mini-van. Therefore, the FreeStyle is a good compromise to a mini-van. It has more rugged looks to match the rugged good looks of the driver. Really its all egos and crap. However, people are emotional. I bought a Freestyle because of its Volvo-designed chassis, efficiency, and size. Ford just can't seem to spend any money promoting it, like showing how shiny it can get, set to cool music and animation, and having attractive people licking it as they exclaim that its the source of their coolness. I love advertising....
#14 of 22 How to promote the Freestyle. by saabturboid Nov 20, 2006 (7:41 am)
Firstly, Ford doesn't toot its horn about the Volvo architecture. The name "Volvo" screams safety. This is the reason I bought a Freestyle. There are a lot of European car drivers out there like me that need something with more capacity but can't afford the European SUV options, not to mention they rarely have a 3rd row seat. If they knew the Freestyle was a warmed over Volvo S80 that might at least get their interest. The fact that the Freestyle aced all of the crash tests will re-enforce this.   The only reason I see Ford avoiding the 'V' word is they don't want to pull sales down from would-be Volvo XC90 buyers.   Secondly, get the marketing out there that this is a fantastic crossover. I read lots of automotive articles about how SUVs are on the wane and crossovers are the future, yet few if any ever mention the Freestyle. Why is this? Is Ford just doing a poor marketing job, or is the Freestyle just invisible to these automotive journalists.   Lastly, get the real message out there that this vehicle has 90% of the space and functionality of a minivan, but is cool unlike a minivan. It looks like an SUV, drives like a car, and has the room of a minivan. This should be the central marketing strategy of Ford. It seems so simple, so why haven't they done it?   - Chad Replies to this message: stmss (Nov 20, 2006 11:24 am)
#15 of 22 Ford stinks at Marketing. by mschmal Nov 20, 2006 (8:40 am)
They change their message more ofhen than a demacratic presidental candidate.   The Freestyle was basically dumped from the ad budget after a short launch.   Big shame. This car definately impresses the people who take the time to understand it. The tall wagon look can be kind of off putting.   Mark. Replies to this message: tidester (Nov 20, 2006 9:17 am)
#16 of 22 Re: Ford stinks at Marketing. [mschmal] by tidester HOST Nov 20, 2006 (9:17 am)
Replying to: mschmal (Nov 20, 2006 8:40 am) They change their message more ofhen than ...   Let's resist the temptation to go political!   tidester, host
#17 of 22 Re: How to promote the Freestyle. [saabturboid] by stmss Nov 20, 2006 (11:24 am)
Replying to: saabturboid (Nov 20, 2006 7:41 am) Agree here having owned a V70 for 8 yrs. My wife won't consider anything else but at least she considered the Freestyle once she found out its Volvo relationship. I leased an 06 ltd mostly for work last year to try it out. Ford should promote its versatility;   1. A real third row seating area with a middle bench or individual seats. Without needing to go to a full size SUV. There is not much competition that can offer this in the price range (other than minivans and maybe Pilot and Highlander) 2. AWD and the fact that it is not a 'push button' 4wd. 3. Work or family - I use mine for work and ferrying around three boys to sports on weekends - I have nav and DVD. For work I do highway, gravel, oil lease roads, cart paths you name it and after 40,000km still no rattles and really the only issue I have is the tire selection (and fuel tank size). Very comfortable on trips and routinely do 600-800km in a single day. 4. Modesty - it does a lot very well without screaming overpriced or extravagant. Maybe this is a negative for many people but for me in consulting I prefer something a bit more conservative but still gets the job done.
#18 of 22 advertise by bobw3 Dec 04, 2006 (11:12 am)
How about a commercial showing 7 adults getting out of their giant SUVs/Minivans in a parking lot, walking over to a Freestyle and start throwing their small suitcases/duffle bags behind the third row, all getting into the Freestyle and driving off for a weekend trip and panning inside to show how 7 adults can sit comfortably. That would really show it's versatility and roominess, especially sitting beside the huge SUVs. Replies to this message: steve_ (Dec 04, 2006 12:35 pm)
#19 of 22 Re: advertise [bobw3] by steve_ HOST Dec 04, 2006 (12:35 pm)
Replying to: bobw3 (Dec 04, 2006 11:12 am) That's a pretty good idea - if you make the commercial yourself and upload it to CarSpace you could win a $250 Best Buy Gift Card in time for the holidays. I have a minivan you can use as a prop.   Check the CarSpace landing page for the contest link.
#20 of 22 Re: Ford Should Promote the Freestyle, but How? [steve_] by jbrooks544 Mar 22, 2007 (6:54 am)
Replying to: steve_ (Jul 29, 2006 10:29 pm) How about just quickly ticking off all the obvious plusses for the car, then ending it with a funny line about how it isn't a mini van. Do you know how many guys would buy this car if it were able to tell their wives that it did everything that a mini van did, without having to drive a minivan?   It does everything you use your SUV for, but better and with better MPG. It does everything you use your minivan for, well... without having to be seen driving a mini van.
#21 of 22 Promote the Freestyle's virtues - by mmccloskey Mar 22, 2007 (10:58 am)
Greetings:   If Ford is going to the trouble of restyling/renaming/updating the FS, then they should promote it's virtues. Namely it's roomy and versatile interior, outstanding safety, more powerful engine w/6-speed auto, and price advantage over similar vehicles. I would imagine (and hope) the price increase for the 2008 Taurus X would not be more than 3-4% over the 2007's. I recently drove a 2007 Edge SEL+ just to sample the new engine and transmission. I didn't really care for the Edge, but the drivetrain (engine & transmission) were a huge improvement over the current 3.0 and CVT in the 2005-2007 Freestyle. I really like my 2005 FS Limited, but may jump in on a 2008 Taurus X if the price increase is reasonable.   Now if Ford totally ignores the 2008 'X' (namely no advertising or promotion of the vehicle) then I will look elsewhere.   Regards -   M. J. McCloskey
#22 of 22 To Ford the Freestyle doesn't even exist by jwgasner Sep 01, 2007 (8:25 am)
Go http://www.fordvehicles.com/flex/build/ and go to the summary page where you can tell Ford about your existing vehicle. Choose Ford - no Freestyle.... An you wonder why Ford can't market this vehicle. The Flex looks like something from an Safari - not something I find unique or eye catching to say the least.

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