Decoding Ford Program Cars: Get the Best Deals on Your Next Vehicle

Ford Motor Company offers exclusive vehicle purchase programs, often referred to as “Ford program cars,” designed to reward their employees, retirees, and eligible family members. These programs, primarily known as the AXZ-Plans, provide significant discounts on new Ford and Lincoln vehicles. If you’re wondering What Is A Ford Program Car and how you can benefit, this comprehensive guide will break down everything you need to know.

Understanding Ford’s New Vehicle Purchase Programs

Ford values the dedication of its workforce and extended family. To show appreciation, they’ve established the New Vehicle Purchase Programs, encompassing the A-Plan, Z-Plan, and related X-Plan. These programs allow eligible individuals to purchase or lease new Ford vehicles at substantial savings below the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The core idea behind these programs is to make Ford products more accessible to those connected to the company and to foster brand loyalty.

AXZ-Plan: Exclusive Discounts for Ford Family

The AXZ-Plan is the umbrella term for the most prominent Ford discount programs:

A-Plan: Specifically for active Ford Motor Company employees.
Z-Plan: Designed for Ford retirees and surviving spouses.

These plans offer pre-determined discounted pricing on eligible new Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Let’s delve deeper into who qualifies for these programs.

Who is Eligible for a Ford Program Car?

Eligibility for the Ford AXZ-Plan is clearly defined and extends to a wide range of individuals connected to Ford Motor Company. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

A-Plan Eligibility (Active Employees):

All active full-time and regular salaried employees from their hire date.
Regular part-time hourly and salaried employees eligible for medical benefits.
Employees on approved leave of absence (during leave or until medical benefits expire).
Employees on layoff (for the first 12 months of layoff).
Employees taking a separation package (specific details provided in the separation packet).

Z-Plan Eligibility (Retirees & Surviving Spouses):

Hourly retirees receiving normal, early, or disability retirement benefits (as long as medical benefits are received).
Salaried retirees under the General Retirement Plan (including those retiring between 50-55 with deferred benefits, while receiving benefits).
Surviving spouses of employees who died while active and surviving spouses of retirees under the General Retirement Plan or Ford-UAW Retirement Plan.
Deferred Vested Retirees while receiving a Ford pension check.

Family Member Eligibility (AZ-Plan):

Eligibility extends beyond employees and retirees to their immediate family members, ensuring that the benefits reach a wider circle. “Immediate family” is defined broadly:

Spouse
Parents and step-parents
Spouse’s parents
Grandparents and spouse’s grandparents
Sons and daughters (including in-laws and step-children)
Grandchildren
Brothers and sisters (including in-laws, half, and step)
Same-sex domestic partners of active eligible employees*
Immediate family members of eligible same-sex domestic partners*

*For same-sex domestic partners, Ford requires a notarized affidavit confirming the partnership before the sale date, detailing criteria such as shared residence, financial responsibility, and relationship duration.

It’s important to note that when both the employee/retiree and their spouse are deceased, family members are no longer eligible for the program.

Proving Your Eligibility for a Ford Program Car

While purchasers aren’t required to show proof of eligibility at the dealership initially, beyond providing a PIN and the last four digits of their Social Security Number, Ford retains the right to audit AZ-Plan sales. In such cases, employees or retirees may need to provide documentation verifying the family relationship of the purchaser. It’s always wise to have relevant documentation readily available should an audit occur.

Which Vehicles Qualify as Ford Program Cars?

The Ford AXZ-Plans apply to a wide selection of new vehicles, making it easy to find a model that suits your needs.

Eligible Ford Program Car Products:

Current and Prior Model Year Vehicles: New Ford and Lincoln vehicles sold in the United States are generally eligible. Check with your local dealer for specific model eligibility.
Ordered or In-Stock Vehicles: You can order a vehicle to your specifications or choose from the dealer’s existing inventory, depending on dealer agreement. Dealers are not obligated to participate but most authorized Ford dealers do.
Dealer Demonstrator Units: These units, even with some mileage, are eligible without mileage restrictions. However, no additional discounts beyond compatible incentives are permitted.
Brand Inclusivity (UAW Members): UAW-represented hourly employees, retirees, surviving spouses, and their immediate family members can purchase or lease Ford, Lincoln, and previously Mercury vehicles (though Mercury production has ended).

Ineligible Products:

Mercury Vehicles (Current): While historically included for some, currently all Mercury vehicles are ineligible.
Certain Commercial/Specialty and “Low-Supply” Vehicles: Ford designates certain models as ineligible due to commercial use restrictions, specialty nature, or limited availability. Always check the Ineligible Products list for the most up-to-date exclusions.
Used Vehicles: The program is strictly for new vehicles.
Driver Training Vehicles: These are also excluded from the program.

Ford Program Car Policies: Staying Within the Rules

To ensure the integrity of the Ford New Vehicle Purchase Program, certain policies and obligations are in place for both customers and dealerships.

Customer/Sponsor Obligations:

PIN Integrity: It is a serious violation to provide PINs to customers referred by dealerships or to use dealership employees as brokers. Selling PINs is strictly prohibited and can lead to program suspension or even employee termination.
PIN Usage Limits: Vehicles purchased or leased under the AZ-Plan count against the sponsor’s (employee/retiree) annual PIN allocation.
No Unauthorized Fees/Discounts: Soliciting or accepting money, items of value, or discounts not explicitly defined in the program from dealerships is forbidden.
Delivery Responsibility: If a customer cannot take delivery after ordering, they must inform the dealership promptly and avoid signing acceptance documents.
Warranty Dispute Resolution: AZ-Plan customers are required to use the Dispute Resolution Program (DRP) through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for warranty disputes before taking legal action. Failure to do so can result in suspension of the sponsor’s Purchase Plan privileges.

Dealership Obligations:

Program Compliance: Participating dealerships must adhere to all program terms, including Red Carpet Lease provisions. Participation is voluntary but encouraged for authorized Ford and Lincoln dealers.
Authorized Dealers: Dealerships must be authorized for the specific Ford product being sold.
Pricing Transparency: The AXZD-Plan Pricing Agreement must clearly detail the AZ-Plan price, dealer-added options, trade-in equity, fees, and taxes. Customers must receive a copy of the factory invoice showing the “AZ-Plan” price and a signed Pricing Agreement.
Audit Compliance: Dealerships are subject to audits and must retain records related to Plan transactions for at least two years.
Direct Sales Contracts: All sales and lease contracts must be conducted by dealership employees; using brokers or agents is prohibited.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Ford actively monitors the New Vehicle Purchase Program for abuse. Violations can lead to:

Withdrawal or suspension of program participation privileges for the employee, retiree, or surviving spouse.
Requirement for the sponsor to reimburse Ford for dealer commissions paid inappropriately.
Disciplinary action for employees, including termination.

Important Note: Sponsors are responsible even if the customer violates program provisions.

Permissible Gifts and Fees:

Nominal Gifts: Customers can accept gifts or services of nominal value (up to $50 dealership cost), like calendars or car washes, as long as they are comparable to retail customer gifts. No undervalued services to stay within the limit are allowed.
Referral Fees (AZ-Plan): Sponsors can accept referral fees of $50 or less for AZ-Plan sales, comparable to retail referral fees.
Document Fees: Dealerships can charge up to $75 in documentary fees, unless state or local laws specify a lower amount. State laws prevail regarding doc fees.

Financing, Insurance, Titling, and Taxes:

Financing Flexibility: Customers can obtain financing from any source, including Ford Motor Credit Company (www.fordcredit.com).
Standard Warranties: Program vehicles receive the same warranties as retail vehicles.
Customer Responsibility: Customers are responsible for all taxes, license, and title fees.
Co-signers/Co-owners: Non-eligible family members can be co-signers or co-owners, but the primary vehicle user must be the AZ-Plan eligible member.
Insurance Requirements: Customers must provide their own liability and collision insurance. Leases have specific coverage minimums.
Titling and Registration: Vehicles must be titled and registered in the eligible member’s name (or trust including their name) for at least six months and cannot be commercially registered or used.

Pricing and Incentives for Ford Program Cars

Understanding the pricing structure is crucial to realizing the full benefits of the Ford program car discounts.

AZ-Plan Pricing Formula:

The AZ-Plan price is based on the dealer invoice, offering significant savings. It’s calculated as:

AZ-Plan Price = Dealer Invoice – Holdback – Advertising Assessment + Administration Fee

The “AZ-Plan” price is clearly marked on the factory invoice.
This price includes advertising, finance costs, transportation, fuel charges, and company administrative fees. Dealers cannot add extra charges for these.
Customers are entitled to the price in effect when the vehicle was invoiced.
Price increases refunded to the dealer by Ford after ordering but before shipment must be refunded to the customer.

Incentives and Rebates:

Ford often offers incentives and rebates that can be combined with AZ-Plan pricing, unless specifically excluded. Always inquire with your dealer about current applicable incentives to maximize your savings.

Vehicle Trade-ins:

The AZ-Plan program doesn’t dictate trade-in values. Trade-in allowances are negotiated separately with the dealer, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and market value. You are also free to sell your trade-in privately.

Process and Documentation for Acquiring a Ford Program Car

Purchasing a Ford program car involves a straightforward process:

Sales and Delivery:

Deposits: Dealerships may require a deposit when ordering. Establish a written agreement regarding deposit amount and refund conditions.
Lease Security Deposits: Leases may require a refundable security deposit, typically equivalent to one month’s payment.
Dealer-Installed Options: Dealers can charge for undercoating, options, service contracts, etc., if priced separately and listed on the buyer’s order and Pricing Agreement.
Delivery Timeframe: Customers must accept delivery and finalize payment within five working days of being notified the vehicle is ready.

PIN Generation: Your Key to Savings

A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is essential for accessing AZ-Plan discounts.

PIN Requirement: Each vehicle purchase requires a unique PIN.
PIN Generation by Sponsor: The PIN is generated by the Ford employee/retiree (sponsor) for themselves or eligible family members via www.myplan.ford.com.
PIN Request Process: Family members request a PIN online, which sends an email notification to their sponsor for approval.
Sponsor Approval: Sponsors approve or deny PIN requests. They have a limited number of PINs per year.
PIN Delivery: Approved PINs are emailed to the requester.

Obtaining Your Vehicle with a PIN:

Identify as AZ-Plan Customer: Inform the dealer of your AZ-Plan eligibility immediately.
Provide PIN and Last 4 SSN Digits: Give the dealer your PIN and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
Eligibility Verification: The dealer verifies your eligibility using this information.
Lock-in Approval: Once verified, the dealer “locks in” the approval. (If you change dealerships, ask them to cancel the lock-in).
Review Invoice: Request a copy of the vehicle invoice and locate the “AZ-Plan” price.
Sign Pricing Agreement: Review and sign the AXZD-Plan Pricing Agreement only if you understand and agree with all terms and pricing. Get a signed copy for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ford Program Cars

To further clarify any lingering questions, here are answers to common queries:

1. How does the AZ-Plan program work?
It allows eligible participants to buy vehicles at a discounted AZ-Plan Price using a PIN generated by a Ford employee or retiree sponsor.

2. How do I get a PIN?
Request a PIN through www.myplan.ford.com by following the online PIN request process.

3. How does the PIN Request process work?
It’s an email notification to your Ford sponsor to approve a PIN for you. Upon approval, you receive an email with the PIN.

4. How long does PIN approval take?
Sponsors are asked to respond within 24 hours. Contact your sponsor if you haven’t received a response.

5. How many PINs can I request per year?
Each sponsor (employee/retiree) gets four PINs per calendar year, including those they use themselves.

6. What if I don’t use my PIN?
Inform your sponsor so they can cancel it and reuse it. PINs are non-transferable and vehicle registration must be in your name.

7. How long is a PIN valid?
PINs are valid for 12 months from the issue date.

8. How do I retrieve a forgotten PIN?
Your last 3 PIN requests are on your www.myplan.ford.com homepage. For older PINs, contact your sponsor.

9. How do I use my PIN to get the discount?
Provide your PIN, last name, and last four SSN digits to the dealer.

10. Which vehicles are eligible for the Plan?
Most Ford and Lincoln vehicles are eligible, with a few exceptions listed in the Product Eligibility section and on www.myplan.ford.com.

11. Are SVT vehicles eligible?
Yes, but dealer participation is voluntary, and limited-supply vehicles may be harder to obtain through the Plan.

12. Can I get the Plan price at any dealer?
The program is for participating US dealers. Inform the dealer early of your Plan eligibility. If one dealer declines, try another.

13. Can I purchase or lease?
Yes, both purchase and lease are valid options.

14. Can I trade in a vehicle?
Yes, but trade-in value is separate and negotiated with the dealer.

15. Are demos, driver training, or used vehicles included?
Only new vehicles and new vehicle demonstrators are eligible. Used vehicles are not.

16. Are prior model year vehicles eligible?
Yes, while supplies last. Check with your dealer.

17. Can I get a vehicle for my business or another person?
No. Vehicles must be titled and registered to the eligible individual for at least six months and cannot be for commercial use.

18. Are other items covered by the Plan?
No. Only the vehicle itself. Dealer options, warranties, etc., are separate negotiations.

19. Am I eligible for other incentives?
Yes, usually. Most public and dealer incentives can be combined with Plan pricing, but some exclusions may apply.

20. What is AZ-Plan pricing and is it a good deal?
AZ-Plan pricing is close to dealer net wholesale, offering significant savings.

21. What is X-Plan pricing and is it better than AZ-Plan?
X-Plan is about 1% above dealer invoice. AZ-Plan offers superior savings.

22. How long is the Plan program in effect?
No expiration date, but Ford can modify or cancel it at any time.

23. Can dealers charge a document fee?
Yes, up to $75, or less if state law dictates.

24. Do dealers profit from Plan sales?
Yes, dealers receive a commission from Ford on each Plan transaction.

25. How do I change my profile information on My Profile?
Use the “My Profile” link on www.myplan.ford.com.

26. Browser “Back” and “Forward” button issues?
Use the site’s navigation buttons instead of browser buttons to avoid data loss.

27. What is “Unsubscribe”?
It stops Ford from emailing you about AZ-Plan promotions or surveys. See the privacy policy.

28. How do I confirm the A Plan price?
Ask to see the dealer invoice and find the “AZ Plan” price box.

29. Can I find Plan prices and incentives online before contacting a dealer?
Yes, on the “Vehicles & Pricing” tab of www.myplan.ford.com. Check dealer inventory sites and Ford websites for pricing and incentives, but verify with the dealer for the latest information.

30. Are Mercury vehicles still eligible?
No, Mercury vehicles are not eligible for AXZ-Plans since January 3, 2011.

Contact Information for Ford Program Cars

For further assistance, here are key contact points:

	Website	Information
Plan Information	www.myplan.ford.com	1-800-348-7709
Product Information	www.ford.com	1-800-392-3673
	www.lincoln.com	1-800-521-4140
Financing Resources	www.fordcredit.com	1-800-727-7000

Understanding what is a Ford program car and the associated AXZ-Plans can unlock significant savings on your next vehicle purchase or lease. By familiarizing yourself with the eligibility criteria, program rules, and processes, you can confidently navigate the program and drive away with your desired Ford or Lincoln vehicle at a fantastic price.