What is Ford privilege?
Ford privilege, also known as automotive privilege, refers to the societal advantages and biases that favor the use of private automobiles, particularly those manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. This concept highlights how the dominance of car culture and the automotive industry has shaped urban planning, transportation policies, and social norms in ways that prioritize car ownership and usage over other modes of transportation.
The Rise of the Automobile and Ford's Influence
The 20th century saw the rapid growth of the automobile industry, with Ford Motor Company playing a significant role in this transformation. Henry Ford's introduction of the Model T in 1908 and the subsequent mass production techniques revolutionized the automotive industry, making cars more affordable and accessible to the general public. This led to a surge in car ownership and the subsequent reshaping of urban landscapes and transportation systems around the needs of drivers.
Manifestations of Ford Privilege
Ford privilege is evident in various aspects of modern society:
- Urban Planning: Cities have been designed with a focus on accommodating cars, often at the expense of pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation infrastructure. This has led to the dominance of wide roads, sprawling parking lots, and the marginalization of alternative modes of transportation.
- Transportation Policies: Governments have historically prioritized the construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, and other infrastructure catering to private vehicles, often neglecting or underfunding public transportation systems.
- Social Norms: Car ownership and driving have become deeply ingrained in societal expectations and cultural norms, with car-centric lifestyles being seen as the default or even the only viable option for many individuals and families.
- Economic Impacts: The automotive industry's influence has shaped economic policies, job markets, and consumer spending patterns, often favoring car-related industries and businesses over other sectors.
These manifestations of Ford privilege have had significant consequences, including increased traffic congestion, air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the marginalization of those who cannot afford or access private vehicles.
Challenging Ford Privilege
Efforts to challenge Ford privilege involve advocating for more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive transportation systems. This includes promoting the development of walkable communities, expanding public transportation networks, investing in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and implementing policies that incentivize the use of alternative modes of transportation. By recognizing and addressing the systemic biases inherent in car-centric urban planning and transportation policies, we can work towards a more balanced and accessible transportation landscape that serves the needs of all members of society.
How does the Ford Privilege Scheme work?
Open to all employees of the Ford Motor Company and affiliate companies after one month's service; the scheme enables employees or beneficiaries of Ford to purchase a new car or van at a significantly reduced price through Pentagon Ford dealerships.
What is a privilege discount?
Privilege is an employee discount voucher scheme, available to all employees of TrustFord and Ford Motor Company, and their families.
How much discount do you get with Ford Privilege?
20% discount off optional extras. Up to 5 cars every 9 months. Each eligible employee can get 5 new cars through this scheme for themselves and their family. The same great benefits of buying a new Ford car all Ford customers receive.
Can Ford employees give discounts to friends?
The first way to qualify for a Friends and Family Discount known as X-Plan is to have a family member or friend who works for Ford or one of their partners who can generate a code for you. Typically, they get two codes to generate per year to use or give away to a friend or family member.
How much of a discount is Ford employee pricing?
This pricing is calculated based on the Ford Employee A-Plan, which involves subtracting 0.4% of the dealer invoice and adding an administration fee of $275.
How much does an admin key cost?
An automotive locksmith can come out and program this for you or you can bring it to the dealership and have them reprogram your key to be the Admin key. Typically this will cost around $150 at the dealer and about $75 from an automotive locksmith.
What is the speed limit on MyKey?
Your Ford MyKey® can control many different settings depending on the Ford model you drive and the SYNC® technology you use. Some features include: Top Speed Restrictions: You can limit your Ford to max out at 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph, and this system will chime reminders to slow down at 45, 55 and 65 mph.
What is the purpose of Ford MyKey?
MyKey®* allows you to program keys with restricted driving modes to promote good driving habits. You can program the restrictions to all keys except one. Any keys that you did not program are administrator keys or admin keys. You can use admin keys to create, program, and remove a MyKey.
Who qualifies for Ford discount?
Searching for big savings on your next Ford vehicle? If you are a current or former Ford employee or family member, you could be eligible to receive Ford A-Plan or Z-Plan pricing! Exclusively available only to Ford employees and their families, these programs provide major savings on your next new vehicle purchase.
What is the best Ford employee discount?
Designed for active Ford Motor Company corporate employees, the A Plan is Ford's best discount offering. Not only do those on the company payroll qualify for the largest discount, they also can exercise their buying prerogatives more often than participants in other plans.
