After a few issues with my current Fiesta ST, the dealership have accepted rejection of it and I have now placed an order for a new Focus ST-3. I'm told however, that it's unlikely I shall take delivery of it before late February/start of March 2016. Has anyone else experienced long waiting times on their ST or perhaps anyone else's experience with current, past waiting times. Seems like a heck of a long time to me!

Mine took 2 days short of 18 weeks.

Ford quote lead time of 14-18 weeks for factory builds.

Maybe it's just me being over critical but 4 months to build and deliver a car seems excessive; it only takes them 18 hours to build a complete car. I understand that it's not just Britain being supplied with the cars made by one particular factory but even so, these things are mass produced. Im not confessing to being an expert on the logistics though; I'm sure someone could explain more.

It takes less than a day for final assembly but they have to get all the parts together required to build the car first. A lot are not even made by ford.

It is supply and demand. The st3 in particular is affected by long lead times. I think the seats are one area of issue.

Okay yeah, that makes sense. I was told by one Ford salesman that part of the issue has been due to the ST specific components now being fitted at a separate plant in the UK. The transition between finishing plants has extended times slightly. Not sure how true this is but could partially explain I guess.

And remember to tell them to load it on the transporter on the bottom deck when they deliver it ;)

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/pictured-brand-new-ford-cars-5360184

Oooh, some rather pi**ed off customers I reckon. Especially if they had a four month wait...

one thing to understand is what goes on in a car manufacturing plant, maybe they have been hit with production problem or lack of supplier parts, i work in nissan factory and we have had major breakdown which can lead in back log of orders so they give a worse senario of a time scale, maybe what av said has nothing to do with why they said 4 month but could be possibility but obviously they would not tell you the truth

Yeah in that case I agree that 4 months could be justified. As mentioned above, there may be a shortage/supply issue with the Recaro seats which could hold things up a little.

Seems to be long waiting times for all factory build focus cars. 16 weeks wait for my Tit X 1,5 180 and still no date more than "maybe build in december" Could be up to 22 weeks plus transport time....

Seems to be long waiting times for all factory build focus cars. 16 weeks wait for my Tit X 1,5 180 and still no date more than "maybe build in december" Could be up to 22 weeks plus transport time....

22 weeks is absolutely ridiculous, is it really worth the wait? If its consistent amongst all classes of Focus then surely theres an issue with the production chain.

what ever happened to that "####" of a driver

Edited November 17, 201510 yr by Stoney871

It ain't that long a wait ill probably have to wait that long to get an st the things will hover by then

5 days for me :)

Ordered mine last March and got in a June :)

i ordered mine 22nd july and i collected it last week. it was in production 2 days, and took 1 week to get from factory gate release to dealer

Jamie

5 days for me :)

But how long did you have to wait in total?

Clive got lucky and picked up an already built car, so it was 5 days total, lol.

Clive got lucky and picked up an already built car, so it was 5 days total, lol.

:p :p :p :p X 100

Ordered 3rd august, given 10-12 weeks to delivery... Pick up tomorrow. So near enough 14 weeks.... I did hear the Diesel engine was looking at 5 month wait times due to the engine demand.... Good luck with the wait. :)

Ordered 3rd august, given 10-12 weeks to delivery... Pick up tomorrow. So near enough 14 weeks.... I did hear the Diesel engine was looking at 5 month wait times due to the engine demand.... Good luck with the wait. :)

Just seems like such a long time away, I'm just really looking forward to picking it up, always wanted a Focus ST. I'm just very impatient I guess!

This will go some way to explain it :)

https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia-mobile/feu/en/news/2015/11/16/demand-for-new-ford-focus-st-doubles-with-expanded-engine-line-u.html

You have to remember it's built in the same factory as every other focus. Cycle time of the ST is higher due to the specification. Therefore the ST/Titaniums/estates will be built a smaller percentage so perhaps a ratio of 1/35 (hour)

The engine lines are built to capacity and being run flat out. Lean and mass manufacturing is a complex process and ford have been good at it for decades.

Logistics are extremely good and well organised. The demand for ST is high and the engine capacity is being ramped up constantly.

Sent from my iPhone using Ford OC

My original red ST was a 9'week order when i ordered when the first batch came out. My new model I was able to locate a dealership that had 12 on order.

Larger dealerships will contract cars, however small dealers won't take the risk so you have to factory order.

Changes to schedule models previously enabled reconfiguration, but now will put you at the bottom of the list.

Sent from my iPhone using Ford OC

My original red ST was a 9'week order when i ordered when the first batch came out. My new model I was able to locate a dealership that had 12 on order.

Larger dealerships will contract cars, however small dealers won't take the risk so you have to factory order.

Changes to schedule models previously enabled reconfiguration, but now will put you at the bottom of the list.

Sent from my iPhone using Ford OC

The bottom bit is incorrect, it won't put you at the bottom of the pile customers often add options and change colour!