This is a pretty good discussion. I think comments such as these are important to continuous improvement and understanding of customer perception. So, don't worry I won't take it the wrong way and run off (but thanks to TLP for the props). Here are a couple of things I'd like to add.
I think the dealers lack of knowledge has everything to do with Ford & SVT. Dealerships sell and maintain the cars and interact directly with the public. Ford & SVT engineer's rely on these people to sell their product.
There is obviously some truth to this statement. Though we don't have any control over the personnel at the dealership level, we do have a duty to effectively communicate so the personnel know the product. First this is why there are only 600 out of 4500 ford dealers that are authorized to sell SVT. Second we are, more than ever, focusing our efforts on dealer communications and training. As a matter of fact my new job is solely dealer communication and training.
I think that decision to introduce the GT40 has absolutely nothing to do with the public opinion as it will be a very limited production car.
I believe it has a tremendous amount of influence on public opinion, especially if they continue with this direction. This is hard to explain but lets try it this way, What is the first word that comes to mind when I say Saturn, how about Jaguar, Kia, Dodge vs. Chrysler, what about Ferrari? Now everyone will probably come up with words that are descriptive of that particular manufacturers "public opinion". The GT-40 and the direction of performance at Ford is an effort to change the word that pops in to your mind. Will it work instantly, no probably not, but like I said before if they stay the course it will.
Ford dropped the ball in marketing the Contour in general, as well as the SVT.
One thing we don't do, with the exception of our website, is advertise. We rely solely on magazine exposure, enthusiast auto shows, and most importantly word of mouth.
It may sound good that Ford listened to a handful of drag racers (probably fewer people than have contacted them about the Contour)
Though we at SVT have little to do with the proposed Mach 1, the second comment couldn't be further from the truth. Please don't take offence, but as the former manager of the SVT Information center and close to 4 years of interacting with customers at events and on the phone, I say this with confidence. Suggestions for an "SVT Contour replacement" are few and far between, probably the lowest. I personally have taken more suggestions for an SVT Crown Victoria. I'm sure it took a lot of effort on a VW enthusiast part to achieve what they had done; I applaud those customers for their enthusiasm.
