
Securing specialty vehicles can be great news, but the process is a little different and sometimes unclear. Unlike standard models, specialty vehicles are usually allocated annually and then distributed throughout that model year. The methods to earn that allocation vary year by year and by model line. Here’s what you need to know.
Vehicles that are currently specialty units
Mustang Dark Horse, Ranger Raptor, F-150 Raptor, Bronco Raptor, and Mustang 60th Anniversary.
Please note that Bronco Heritage Edition and Bronco Stroppe Special Edition are not specialty vehicles. They are unique low-volume units that typically schedule only once a month and do so out of a dealer’s normal allocation.
Special allocation for specialty units is required
Specialty vehicles don’t schedule within normal vehicle allocation. For example, Bronco Raptors will not schedule within Bronco allocation. They must have specific Bronco Raptor allocation. How dealers earn that allocation differs year by year and by model line. It is typically calculated and allocated on an annual basis.
For planning purposes, dealers should track their annual allocation and how many they have left. Ford does not post that anywhere online, so it requires communication with Ford reps to verify.
Timing is uncertain
The distribution of specialty allocation can vary greatly, and Ford typically doesn’t publish how they decide into which months that allocation is granted. Ford reps will just load it into dealer’s eCommitment offer when it is granted to a store
Dealers will receive direct communication from their rep when specialty allocation is not in eCommitment. For example, the Mustang 60th Anniversary units are being communicated via email notifications.
Scheduling Differences
Mustang Dark Horse and Ranger Raptor—These models follow the OTD (Order to Delivery) scheduling process. In this process, the allocation comes through the wholesale tab in WBDO during OTD week 1 which is the week after wholesale. Dealers then choose the specialty body code and dress the unit over the following two weeks for scheduling.
F-150 Raptor and Bronco Raptor—These models follow the traditional non-OTD scheduling process. Allocation is distributed into the weeks the month aligning with different production weeks at the plant. This model year, F-150 Raptors have mostly been scheduling weekly, while Bronco Raptors typically schedule only one week per month.
Mustang 60th Anniversary—The initial run of this model didn’t follow standard wholesaling; instead, it was reserved for raffle winners and other exclusive scenarios. Subsequent wholesaling is happening, but the timing on which dealer receives its allocation remains unclear. If a dealer receives allocation, they will receive an email notification. They are then responsible to put an order into WBDO and send the order number back to their rep. Their rep will then set the priority code to 01, thus making it eligible to schedule.
Summary
Securing specialty vehicles requires a mix of luck, strategy, and awareness. Understanding unpredictable timing and differing scheduling processes will help you manage customer expectations. Dealers need to stay informed through communication with their Ford reps and act promptly when allocation becomes eligible to schedule.
At Precision, we’re here to guide you through all of Ford’s processes, ensuring your dealership never misses the opportunity to schedule specialty units. We’ll help align your inventory with historical sales and customer demands. Schedule a demo with us today to learn how we can optimize your inventory.