Thinking about buying a new Ford? You might be leaving thousands of dollars on the table if you’re not using one of Ford’s special pricing plans. Whether you work for Ford, know someone who does, or have connections through partner companies, you could qualify for significant savings that make that new Mustang or F-150 much more affordable.
What Are Ford’s Special Pricing Plans?
Ford offers four main discount programs that provide predetermined pricing below MSRP, each targeting different groups of buyers:
- A-Plan: For current Ford employees
- Z-Plan: For Ford retirees
- X-Plan: For employees of Ford partner companies
- D-Plan: For Ford dealership employees
These plans eliminate the stress of negotiation since the prices are fixed and transparent. They also include restrictions on dealer fees, protecting you from unexpected charges.
A-Plan: Ford’s Employee Pricing
The A-Plan is Ford’s deepest discount program, exclusively for current Ford Motor Company employees.
Who Qualifies for A-Plan Pricing?
You’re eligible for A-Plan pricing if you’re:
- A full-time hourly or salaried Ford employee (from your hire date)
- A US Temporary Part-Time employee (TPT)
- On approved leave with active medical benefits
- On layoff (for the first 12 months)
- Taking a company-approved separation package
- A part-time employee eligible for medical benefits
The best part? You can share this benefit with immediate family members including your spouse, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents.
How Deep Is the A-Plan Discount?
A-Plan pricing uses this formula:
Invoice - Holdback - Advertising Fee + $275 Program Fee
This typically results in pricing below the dealer’s invoice cost, which means substantial savings. On a $51,000 Mustang, you might save $5,000-$6,000 off MSRP.
Z-Plan: For Ford Retirees
The Z-Plan offers identical pricing to the A-Plan but is designed specifically for those who’ve retired from Ford.
Who Qualifies for Z-Plan Pricing?
You can use Z-Plan pricing if you’re:
- A hourly retiree receiving normal, early, or disability benefits
- A salaried retiree under the General Retirement Plan
- An employee who terminated between ages 50-55 eligible for deferred benefits
- A surviving spouse of an employee who died while actively employed
- A surviving spouse of a retiree
- A Deferred Vested Retiree currently receiving a Ford pension
Like A-Plan participants, Z-Plan eligible individuals can extend the discount to immediate family members and can use up to four Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) per calendar year.
X-Plan: Partner Company Pricing
The X-Plan (Partner Recognition Program) extends Ford discounts to employees of Ford partner companies and affiliated organizations.
Who Qualifies for X-Plan Pricing?
You’re eligible for X-Plan pricing if you’re:
- An employee of a company that partners with Ford
- A member of certain organizations affiliated with Ford
- The spouse of an eligible X-Plan participant
Unlike A/Z-Plan, X-Plan eligibility typically only extends to spouses, not other family members.
How Much Will You Save with X-Plan?
X-Plan pricing follows this formula:
Ford Employee (A-Plan) price + 4% + $150
While not as generous as A/Z-Plan, X-Plan pricing still typically lands close to dealer invoice price, saving you from hours of haggling and potentially thousands off MSRP.
D-Plan: Dealer Employee Pricing
The D-Plan benefits those who work at Ford dealerships, offering pricing nearly as good as corporate employee discounts.
Who Qualifies for D-Plan Pricing?
D-Plan eligibility includes:
- Ford dealership employees
- Family members of dealership employees
How Does D-Plan Pricing Compare?
D-Plan pricing is calculated as:
A/Z-Plan + $100
This makes it slightly higher than the employee rate but still substantially better than standard retail pricing.
How to Use Your Ford Plan Discount
Using your Ford plan discount involves a straightforward process:
- Get your PIN: Access your PIN through Ford’s internal system (for A/Z-Plan), call 1-877-XPLAN-00 with your organization code (for X-Plan), or through your dealership (for D-Plan).
- Visit a participating dealer: Almost all Ford dealers participate in these programs, but it’s good to confirm beforehand.
- Provide your PIN and ID: Give the dealer your PIN and the last four digits of your Social Security number, plus proof of eligibility (company ID, pay stub).
- Review the pricing: The dealer will process your information and present the plan pricing, which is non-negotiable.
- Complete your purchase: The documentation will clearly show your plan pricing.
Remember, PINs are valid for 12 months and expire automatically if not used (without counting against your annual limit).
Comparing Ford’s Discount Plans
| Plan | Who It’s For | Pricing Formula | Avg. Savings off MSRP | Transferable To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Plan | Current Ford Employees | Invoice – Holdback – Ad Fee + $275 | $5,000-$6,000 on $51K vehicle | Immediate family |
| Z-Plan | Ford Retirees | Same as A-Plan | $5,000-$6,000 on $51K vehicle | Immediate family |
| X-Plan | Partner Company Employees | A-Plan + 4% + $150 | $3,000-$4,000 on $51K vehicle | Spouse only |
| D-Plan | Dealership Employees | A/Z-Plan + $100 | $4,900-$5,900 on $51K vehicle | Family members |
Special “From America, For America” Promotion
In April 2023, Ford launched its “From America, For America” initiative, temporarily extending employee pricing to all US customers through June 2, 2023. This rare opportunity allows anyone to access pricing previously reserved for Ford employees and their families.
The promotion covers most 2023 and 2024 Ford and Lincoln models, including gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles. Only certain high-demand models like the Raptor are excluded.
Key Benefits of Ford Plan Pricing
Beyond the obvious savings, Ford’s plan pricing offers several advantages:
- No negotiation needed: The price is predetermined and transparent
- Limited documentation fees: Dealers can only charge $75 or $100 (depending on the plan)
- Protection from add-ons: Dealers cannot require you to purchase additional products
- Consistent nationwide pricing: You’ll get the same deal regardless of location
Vehicle Eligibility and Restrictions
While most Ford vehicles qualify for plan pricing, there are some exceptions:
- High-demand models may be excluded (like certain Raptor variants)
- Limited production vehicles might not be eligible
- Commercial vehicles often have different discount structures
- Special editions might have modified plan pricing
It’s always best to check with your dealer about specific model eligibility before getting your heart set on a particular vehicle.
How to Verify You’re Getting the Correct Plan Price
To ensure you’re receiving the proper discount:
- Ask for a printed copy of the invoice showing your plan pricing
- Look for the specific plan code (A, Z, X, or D) on your paperwork
- Verify that the documentation fee is limited to $75 or $100 (unless state law requires a different amount)
- Check that no additional dealer markups are added to the plan price
If something seems off, don’t hesitate to contact Ford’s plan pricing hotline or bring it to the attention of dealership management.
Is Plan Pricing Always the Best Deal?
While Ford’s plan pricing typically offers excellent value, there are situations where you might find better deals:
- During major promotions or year-end clearances
- When a dealership is desperate to meet sales targets
- For slow-selling models with high inventory
- When manufacturer cash incentives exceed plan discount amounts
It’s worth comparing your plan price against other available offers, especially during major sales events. You’re always free to choose whichever price is lower.
Getting the Most from Your Ford Plan Pricing
To maximize your savings with Ford plan pricing:
- Do your research: Understand the specific formula for your plan
- Time your purchase: Combine your plan pricing with other available incentives when possible
- Shop accessories separately: Consider purchasing accessories after the sale for better pricing
- Explore all models: Some vehicles offer more significant plan discounts than others
- Consider your trade-in separately: Negotiate your trade-in value independently of your plan purchase
Finding a Partner Company for X-Plan Access
If you don’t qualify for A, Z, or D-Plan pricing, X-Plan might still be within reach. Many companies and organizations maintain partnerships with Ford that provide X-Plan eligibility to their employees or members.
These often include:
- Major suppliers to Ford
- Insurance companies
- Financial institutions
- Professional associations
- Credit unions
- Certain college alumni associations
Contact your HR department or membership organizations to see if they offer access to Ford’s X-Plan program.
Recent Changes to Ford’s Plan Pricing Programs
Ford occasionally updates their plan pricing programs. Recent changes include:
- Temporary inclusion of the Bronco in plan pricing (previously excluded)
- The “From America, For America” promotion extending employee pricing to all US customers
- Adjustments to the number of PINs available annually (currently four per calendar year)
- Changes to waiting periods for certain high-demand models
Stay updated on the latest program details through Ford’s official channels or by consulting with your local dealership.
How Plan Pricing Affects Your Overall Car-Buying Experience
Beyond saving money, using Ford plan pricing transforms your car-buying experience:
- Simplified process: No back-and-forth negotiation
- Reduced time at the dealership: Most pricing questions are eliminated
- Improved customer satisfaction: Clear expectations from the start
- Better dealer relationship: Salespeople know you’re receiving preferred pricing
Many plan participants report that removing the negotiation aspect makes buying a car significantly less stressful and more enjoyable.
Getting Started with Ford Plan Pricing
Ready to use your plan pricing? Here’s how to get started:
- Confirm your eligibility: Verify which plan you qualify for
- Generate your PIN: Follow the process specific to your plan
- Research models: Check which vehicles you’re interested in
- Contact your dealer: Let them know you’ll be using plan pricing
- Schedule your visit: Bring required identification and proof of eligibility
With your PIN and proper documentation in hand, you’re ready to save thousands on your next Ford purchase.
