Interesting chain of e-mails over the past couple days:

Dear Ford Collection Customer,

Thank you for being a valuable customer of the Ford Collection. We would like to offer you the opportunity to recieve 10% off your next internet order! We need your feedback to continue to be your #1 source for Ford Licensed products.

Receive 10% Off Your Next Purchase!

Please complete the following survey and upon completion you will recieve a code which will entitle you to 10% off at the checkout* of www.fordcollection.com. The Ford Collection program team will review each completed survey, compile the results and study them in order to become of better service to your dealership and to continue to carry the product you need. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete the survey and we look forward to being of service to you in 2007!


So, naturally, I went to browse the catalog, and ended up sending them a query...

-----Original Message-----
From: Rick ____
Posted At: Saturday, February 24, 2007 10:19 AM
Posted To: 1) New Questions
Conversation: SVT
Subject: SVT

Where are all your SVT products?

Rick
2002 Ford Focus SVT


To which the reply was...

Thank You for your interest in Ford merchandise.

If you visit our web site www.fordcollection.com try the keyword search feature typing in "SVT". Please make sure you select the quantity required so the item will be saved to your cart.

Please feel free to call 888-380-9101 before 6:00pm EST. to place an order by phone.

Thank You, A_____


Duh... keeping my composure, I replied as follows:

-----Original Message-----
From: Rick ____
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 2:27 PM
To: A_____
Subject: Re: SVT

Thank you for the reply, A_____. That is, in fact, exactly what I
did before I e-mailed you. A search for SVT resulted in just 5
items, 3 of which were car covers. What happened to all the shirts,
polos, hats, etc. that used to be available for SVT owners?

Rick


To which I received the response that we all knew was coming...

Unfortunately SVT merchandise will no longer be available from our catalog, the items are being discontinued.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Thank you, A_____



Sorry, but after buying two new Fords in the past 5 years, it will be an inconvenience to them when I take my future automotive business to a non-Ford related entity. If you don't support me, I definately won't return the favor. [rant off]

Well, you did keep your composure, which is probably more than I would have done.

Sucks for SVT merchandise, but I'm sure that's the least of Ford's problems at the moment.

I would be more worried about finding automotive parts than not being able to find Polo's and hats that say SVT.

about a month ago i got a coupon for 4 new brake pads installed for 149. I brought it in to my dealer, a few days later they no longer could order OEM pads, and had to get aftermarket ones. Very wierd, but they sure do stop my car a bit quicker.