Ford Motor Company acknowledges the dedication of its employees, retirees, and their families. The New Vehicle Purchase Programs, specifically the AZ-Plan, are designed to offer eligible individuals the opportunity to drive Ford vehicles at exclusive prices, whether through purchasing or leasing. This guide delves deep into the AZ-Plan, with a particular focus on understanding How Long Program Car Leases can be, alongside a complete overview of the program.
Understanding Ford’s AZ-Plan: An Overview
The Ford AZ-Plan is a privilege extended to Ford employees, retirees, and their eligible family members, allowing them to acquire new Ford and Lincoln vehicles at significant savings. This program recognizes loyalty and encourages those connected to Ford to experience the brand’s latest offerings. The AZ-Plan discount can be applied to both vehicle purchases and leases, making it a versatile benefit for those eligible.
Program Descriptions and Eligibility: Who Qualifies for the AZ-Plan?
The AZ-Plan is accessible to a wide range of individuals connected to Ford Motor Company. Eligibility is categorized primarily by connection to Ford, either directly as an employee or retiree, or indirectly as a family member.
AZ-Plan Eligibility Criteria:
- Ford Employees (A-Plan):
- All active full-time and regular part-time hourly and salaried employees from their date of hire.
- Employees on approved leave of absence or layoff (for the first 12 months of layoff).
- Employees taking a separation package (specific details provided in their separation packet).
- Ford Retirees and Surviving Spouses (Z-Plan):
- Hourly retirees receiving retirement benefits (normal, early, or disability), as long as medical benefits are received.
- Salaried retirees under the General Retirement Plan receiving benefits, including those with deferred retirement benefits (ages 50-55).
- Surviving spouses of active employees or retirees receiving benefits under Ford retirement plans.
- Family Members of Eligible Individuals:
- Spouse
- Parents, step-parents, and spouse’s parents
- Grandparents and spouse’s grandparents
- Sons, daughters, step-children, and in-laws
- Grandchildren
- Brothers, sisters, half-siblings, step-siblings, and in-laws
- Same-sex domestic partners of active eligible employees (with notarized affidavit).
- Immediate family members of eligible same-sex domestic partners.
- Employees of Subsidiary and Affiliated Companies: Eligibility as defined upon company approval.
It’s important to note that when both the employee/retiree and their spouse are deceased, surviving family members lose eligibility.
Proof of Eligibility: What Do You Need?
While purchasers aren’t required to provide extensive proof of eligibility at the point of sale, providing their PIN and the last four digits of their Social Security Number is necessary. Ford reserves the right to audit AZ-Plan sales, and in such cases, employees or retirees may be asked to provide documentation verifying their relationship to the program beneficiary.
Eligible Products: Which Vehicles Can You Lease or Buy?
The AZ-Plan applies to a broad spectrum of new Ford and Lincoln vehicles, offering flexibility in choosing the right model.
Eligible Vehicles Include:
- Current and prior model year Ford and Lincoln vehicles sold in the United States. Vehicle eligibility can be confirmed with local dealers.
- Vehicles ordered from production or selected from dealership inventory (dealer participation is voluntary).
- Prior model year vehicles, available while supplies last.
- Dealer demonstrator units with no mileage restriction.
Ineligible Products:
- Mercury vehicles (all models).
- Certain commercial or specialty vehicles and “low-supply” vehicles as defined by Ford. For a detailed list, refer to the Ineligible Products document.
- Used vehicles.
- Driver training vehicles.
Program Policies: Rules and Obligations for AZ-Plan Customers
Adherence to program policies is crucial for both customers and dealerships participating in the AZ-Plan. These policies ensure the integrity of the program and prevent misuse.
Customer/Sponsor Obligations and Rules:
- PINs are strictly for eligible recipients and cannot be sold or provided to customers through dealership intermediaries.
- Soliciting or accepting unauthorized compensation from dealerships in connection with AZ-Plan purchases or leases is prohibited.
- Customers must take delivery of ordered vehicles from the designated dealership and must not sign any acceptance documents if they cannot take delivery.
- AZ-Plan customers are required to utilize the Dispute Resolution Program (DRP) for warranty-related disputes before pursuing legal action. Failure to do so may result in suspension of Purchase Plan privileges for the sponsor.
Dealership Obligations and Rules:
- Participating dealerships must comply with all program terms and conditions, including Red Carpet Lease Option provisions.
- Dealerships must be authorized for the Ford and Lincoln products they sell under the AZ-Plan.
- The AXZD-Plan Pricing Agreement must clearly detail the AZ-Plan price, 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.
- Dealerships must retain all records related to AZ-Plan transactions for audit purposes.
- All sales and lease contracts must be conducted by dealership employees, not brokers or agents.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Violation of program rules can lead to serious consequences, including suspension of AZ-Plan eligibility, disciplinary action up to termination of employment for Ford employees, and financial repercussions.
Dealer-to-Customer Gifts and Fees:
Guidelines are in place to regulate gifts and fees associated with AZ-Plan transactions.
- Nominal Gifts: Customers may accept gifts or services of nominal value (up to $50 dealership cost), provided they are comparable to those offered to retail customers and comply with state laws.
- Referral Fees: Family AZ-Plan sponsors may accept referral fees of $50 or less, comparable to retail referral fees.
- Document Fees: Dealerships can charge documentary fees up to $75, unless state or local laws specify a lower limit.
Financing, Insurance, Titles, and Taxes:
- Customers can obtain financing from any source, including Ford Motor Credit Company.
- Vehicles are covered by the standard Ford warranty.
- Customers are responsible for all taxes, license, and title fees.
- Insurance coverage, including liability and collision, is mandatory for both purchases and leases. Lessees have specified coverage minimums.
- Vehicles must be registered and titled to the eligible AZ-Plan individual and retained for at least six months from the purchase or lease date. Commercial use and business titling are prohibited.
Pricing and Incentives: Maximizing Your Savings with AZ-Plan
The AZ-Plan offers transparent and significant savings on new Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Understanding AZ-Plan Pricing:
- The AZ-Plan price is based on the dealer invoice, reflecting Ford’s net wholesale price. This price includes costs like advertising, finance, transportation, fuel, and administrative fees, which dealerships cannot add extra charges for.
- Customers are entitled to the price in effect when the vehicle was invoiced.
Incentives and Rebates:
- AZ-Plan customers are generally eligible for public incentives and many dealer incentives, unless specifically excluded. These incentives can be combined with the AZ-Plan discount for even greater savings.
Vehicle Trade-in:
- Trade-ins are possible with the AZ-Plan, but the program does not dictate trade-in allowances. Trade-in value is negotiated separately with the dealer.
Pricing Formula:
The AZ-Plan price is calculated as follows:
| AZ-Plan Price | Dealer Invoice – Holdback – Advertising Assessment + Administration Fee* |
|---|
*Administration Fee: $275 for 2010 model year vehicles, $75 for 2009 and prior model years.
Process and Documentation: Steps to Lease or Buy Under the AZ-Plan
Navigating the AZ-Plan process is straightforward, involving PIN generation and dealership interaction.
Sales and Delivery Requirements:
- Dealerships may require a deposit when ordering a vehicle, with written agreements on deposit conditions.
- Lease transactions may require a refundable security deposit.
- Dealerships can charge for separately priced and listed dealer-installed options and extended service contracts.
- Customers must accept delivery within five working days of vehicle availability notification.
PIN Generation: Your Key to AZ-Plan Savings
A Personal Identification Number (PIN) is essential for each AZ-Plan vehicle transaction.
- PIN Generation by Sponsors: Eligible Ford employees/retirees (sponsors) generate PINs for themselves or eligible family members. Each sponsor can generate up to four PINs per calendar year.
- Requesting a PIN: Potential buyers request a PIN through www.myplan.ford.com. The process involves an email notification to the sponsor for approval.
- PIN Request Process:
- Confirm profile information.
- Select a sponsor (if multiple sponsors are available).
- Enter the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
- Specify vehicle and contact preferences.
- Verify and submit the PIN request.
- Approving/Denying PIN Requests: Sponsors approve or deny requests based on their available PINs.
- Using Your PIN: Present the PIN and the last four digits of your SSN to an authorized Ford dealer to access AZ-Plan pricing.
Obtaining a Vehicle with Your PIN:
- Inform the dealer of your AZ-Plan eligibility upfront.
- Provide the dealer with your PIN and the last four digits of your SSN.
- The dealer verifies eligibility and locks in the approval.
- Request to see the vehicle invoice showing the “AZ-Plan” price.
- Review and sign the AXZD-Plan Pricing Agreement after ensuring all details are correct.
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions About the AZ-Plan and Leasing
1. How does the AZ-Plan program work?
The AZ-Plan allows eligible participants to purchase or lease vehicles at a discounted price using a PIN generated by a Ford sponsor. More details are available at www.myplan.ford.com.
2. How do I get a PIN?
Request a PIN through the “Request a PIN” page on www.myplan.ford.com.
3. How does the PIN Request process work?
It’s an email notification to your Ford sponsor to approve your PIN request. Upon approval, you receive an email with the PIN.
4. How long will it take for my Sponsor to approve (or deny) my PIN request?
Sponsors are asked to respond within 24 hours. Contact your sponsor directly if you haven’t received a response.
5. How many PINs can I request and have approved (per Sponsor) each year?
Each sponsor gets four PINs per year, including those they use themselves.
6. What if I don’t use the PIN that my Sponsor generates for me?
Inform your sponsor so they can cancel it and reuse it. PINs are non-transferable, and vehicles must be registered in your name.
7. How long is a PIN valid?
PINs are valid for 12 months from the issue date.
8. How can I obtain my PIN if I forget or misplace it?
Your last 3 PIN requests are on your www.myplan.ford.com homepage. For older PINs, contact your sponsor.
9. Once I receive my PIN, how do I procure a vehicle and obtain the plan discount?
Provide your PIN, last name, and last four SSN digits to the dealer to verify your eligibility and get the AZ-Plan price.
10. What 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 availability may vary.
12. Can I receive the special Plan price at any dealer?
The program is available at participating U.S. dealers. Dealer participation is voluntary, so check with your dealer or find a participating one.
13. Can I purchase or lease my eligible vehicle?
Yes, both purchase and lease options are available under the AZ-Plan.
14. Can I trade-in a vehicle in combination with this program?
Yes, but trade-in value is separate and negotiated with the dealer.
15. Are dealer demonstrators, driver training, or used vehicles included in the Plan?
Only new vehicles and new vehicle demonstrator units are eligible. Used and driver training vehicles are not.
16. Are prior model year vehicles eligible?
Yes, while supplies last. Check with your dealer for availability.
17. Can I obtain a vehicle for my business or for another person?
No, vehicles must be titled and registered in the eligible individual’s name for at least six months and cannot be for commercial use.
18. Are any other items covered through the Plan?
No, only the vehicle itself. Dealer-installed options, warranties, etc., are not covered by the AZ-Plan discount.
19. Am I eligible for other incentives?
Yes, generally, AZ-Plan participants are eligible for most public and dealer incentives. Check with your dealer for specifics.
20. What is AZ-Plan pricing, and how do I know if I’m getting a good deal?
AZ-Plan pricing is dealer net wholesale – essentially the dealer’s cost from Ford, ensuring a very competitive price.
21. What is X-Plan pricing, and is it better than AZ-Plan pricing?
X-Plan is slightly above dealer invoice. AZ-Plan offers better savings than X-Plan.
22. How long is the Plan program in effect?
There’s no set expiration, but Ford can modify or cancel the program at any time.
23. Can I be charged a document fee (doc fee) by my dealer?
Yes, up to $75, or less if state/local laws dictate.
24. Do Dealers make a profit on Plan purchases and/or leases?
Yes, dealers receive a commission from Ford on each Plan transaction.
25. How do I change the personal information contained in My Profile?
Update your profile via the “My Profile” link on www.myplan.ford.com.
26. When I use my browser “Back” and/or “Forward” button, why do I lose all the data I just entered?
Use the site’s navigation buttons instead of your browser buttons to avoid data loss.
27. What is “Unsubscribe”?
“Unsubscribing” opts you out of AZ-Plan promotional emails and surveys. See the privacy policy for details.
28. How do I confirm the A Plan Price on the vehicle I want to purchase?
Ask the dealer to show you the vehicle invoice and point out the “AZ-Plan” price.
29. Can I find Plan prices and incentives before contacting a dealer?
Yes, www.myplan.ford.com “Vehicles & Pricing” tab provides starting MSRP and Plan pricing, along with links to Ford websites for more pricing and incentive details.
30. Are Mercury vehicles still eligible for AXZ-Plans?
No, Mercury vehicles are no longer eligible as of January 3, 2011.
Focusing on “How Long Program Car Lease”: Lease Terms and Durations under AZ-Plan
While the FAQs provide general information, let’s directly address the keyword “how long program car lease.”
Dedicated FAQs on Lease Duration:
31. What lease terms are typically offered under the Ford AZ-Plan?
Lease terms are flexible and typically range from 24 to 48 months, with 36 months being a common option. The specific lease terms available can depend on the vehicle model, current promotions, and Ford Credit’s offerings at the time of lease initiation. AZ-Plan customers often benefit from more favorable lease rates and terms compared to standard retail leases.
32. Can I get a longer lease term than 48 months under the AZ-Plan?
Generally, 48 months is the maximum standard lease term. Lease terms beyond 48 months are uncommon and not typically offered under the AZ-Plan program. For longer vehicle usage, purchasing might be a more financially sensible option.
33. Does the AZ-Plan affect the length of the car lease I can get?
The AZ-Plan itself primarily affects the price and potentially the lease rates, making leases more affordable. It doesn’t inherently restrict the lease term lengths available. The lease term options are still determined by Ford Credit and available lease programs, but the AZ-Plan discount applies regardless of the chosen lease term (within standard offerings).
34. What happens if I need to end my AZ-Plan car lease early?
Early lease termination under an AZ-Plan lease is handled similarly to standard leases. Early termination fees will apply, which usually include remaining payments, depreciation charges, and a disposition fee. Review your lease agreement for specific early termination clauses and consult with Ford Credit for detailed calculations if you are considering ending your lease early.
35. Is the lease duration flexible if I use the AZ-Plan?
Yes, lease duration is generally flexible within the standard terms offered by Ford Credit (typically 24, 36, and 48 months). You can choose a lease term that best suits your needs and budget, and the AZ-Plan discount will be applied to that lease, making various durations more accessible.
By adding these lease-specific FAQs, we directly address the “how long program car lease” keyword, providing valuable content for users searching for information on lease durations and terms within the Ford AZ-Plan.
Contact Information
| 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 |
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This comprehensive guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of the Ford AZ-Plan, with a special emphasis on lease options and durations, making it a valuable resource for anyone eligible for this exclusive program. By leveraging the AZ-Plan, eligible individuals can enjoy driving new Ford and Lincoln vehicles with significant savings, choosing the option that best fits their needs, whether it’s purchasing or leasing.
