Where am I?

[RickLightning]

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[RickLightning]

We are the only Lightning in the Ford car show display. We offered the Mach-E, but they said one vehicle only.

In line for security check including bomb sniffing dogs....

More pics to come, here for 6.5 hours...

Join Us for the Grand Opening of the New Ford World Headquarters https://share.google/mfz8etcYPSR6tW8eC

 

[RickLightning]

 

[RickLightning]

 

[RickLightning]

80amps free....

16.3kW due to 204v.

 

[AZT9]

If it’s allowed, some shots of the interior would be amazing!

 

[RickLightning]

If it’s allowed, some shots of the interior would be amazing!

Not allowed. Our tour is at 3pm.

 

[AZT9]

Thanks for trying

 

[RickLightning]

Turns out everyone was taking pictures, no signs not to. I passed Jim Farley in show lot, he walked by the edge with his daughter, not looking at any vehicles, then back by the food trucks. Had hoped he would walk the car show, but no.

We were picked as the sole Lightning, and there was one Mach-E. Talked to a bunch of folks, many Ford employees or retirees.

 

[AZT9]

Very nice! Thanks!

 

[RickLightning]

In summary, the day was brisk. Lots of people asking questions, some potential buyers, but a lot of Ford retirees and employees. Several had worked on the Lightning, which they said with pride.

Had hope some Ford execs would come see the vehicles, but they didn't.

Took a ride on the Bronco simulator at the end of the day. Signs saying you had to sign waivers, but they didn't offer them. Ride was pretty tame, so there must be versions of it. Got some Ford Performance shirts.

The main area was setup with game booths like a carnival, and cards to tally your score, aiming for a prize, which seemed to be some poster.

They gave away donuts with cider or cocoa from 11AM until 4:30, as well as popcorn. We got the former at the opening, but later the lines were long, although fast moving. Lots of people. Popcorn line was shorter.

Got a nice picture posing at a Ford logo of me and the wife (sorry, not posting that), they sent it to you via text message right away.

Building tour was fine, but self-guided. Only employees talking were in the design area, which was fairly empty. If you have ever been in any modern building designed for employees to exchange ideas, this is similar, with no dollar spared. One courtyard alone clearly cost a fortune and is still being built. Clearly Ford is serious about return to office, which I heartedly endorse.

The last areas had massive elevators to move vehicles and signage explaining that vehicles can be driven throughout the building. A showroom area with rotating turntables so execs can see displays.

Big emphasis on the Ford "family". Had some employees explaining their family's history, and Bill Ford had his entire family in attendance including a cute granddaughter that likes "purple Fords".

Left home with my normal 90% charge, plugged in upon arrival, had heat running for a while and truck on entire time with my rotating fan running. Lots of people suggested that we should have brought an electric heater... One creative attendee suggested we order one via DoorDash and then return it on the way home.... Got to 100% shortly before departure (cell balancing takes a while), arrived home with 90%....

We appreciated attending, nice thing to do on a Sunday.

 

[RickLightning]

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