SVT as we know it has already gone away … simply reduced to a number of small teams putting SVT badges onto regular production vehicles and catering to old-tech dumbed-down niche buyers. Coletti has departed – some say under duress. Programs have been cancelled. Branding is changing. The previous plan to go to 5 vehicles hasn’t materialized.
And now HTT himself (quote “We’ll never appease those IRS snobs“) is getting defensive in interviews. When the chief gets defensive, you know the department’s mission is in serious trouble. AKA that the rest of Ford Motor Company has noticed that SVT is contributing exactly nothing to the corporate initiatives.
Given all of Ford’s troubles, the resulting financial woes, and the lack of SVT contribution to the bottom line, it’s time to ditch HTT and revamp the group to build cars that highlight Ford leading edge technology and initiatives – instead of cars that are an example of what is unhealthy about Ford.
Background article on Edmunds.com: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108434