Hi gang. Just to avoid confusion: Once production has ramped up through the initial troubleshooting phases, "retail orders" are the scheduling priority,
not Dealer stock orders.
This new ordering procedure, and others, have been implemented by Lincoln/Ford in order to get vehicles to customers who factory order their vehicles (i.e. retail orders) as soon as possible. So retail orders take priority over Dealer stock orders.
In fact, in some cases, Dealers can not currently even place stock allocation orders for certain vehicles/configurations. Only retail orders for confirmed customers. Much of this information has already been posted, but does tend to become overlooked/lost over time.
Also, keep in mind that some members here are confusing placing an order with it being scheduled, etc. Plus, some Dealer personnel are playing a little fast and loose with what they are telling customers...and making promises they can't keep and will back off of and rephrase later. Not exactly a new phenomenon for sales personnel.
Also, keep in mind that Lincoln
is providing Dealers with the latest information. The problem is the particular Dealer personnel who are not bothering to pay attention, or simply over-promising. While automakers do have a certain amount of control over Dealerships, Auto Dealers are actually independent franchises, and have for more autonomy than many people realize.
Good luck to all, and hope you get your new vehicles as soon as possible.
