If you are a Ford Motor Company employee or an immediate family member, you likely have access to the legendary "A-Plan" pricing. It is widely considered the best possible price you can get on a new Ford vehicle. But how exactly is it calculated? Use our calculator below to estimate your savings.
Understanding the Ford A-Plan Formula
The Ford A-Plan is the pricing structure reserved for active Ford employees. It is a transparent, non-negotiable price that eliminates the stress of haggling at the dealership. The formula is standardized across the United States.
The Mathematical Formula
The A-Plan price is calculated using the following logic:
- Invoice Price (The price the dealer pays Ford)
- Minus Holdback (Usually 3% of the Total MSRP)
- Minus Advertising Assessment (FDAF/LMDA - often included in invoice)
- Plus $275 Program Administration Fee
Who is Eligible for A-Plan?
A-Plan pricing is strictly regulated. Eligibility includes:
- Active full-time Ford Motor Company employees (salaried and hourly).
- Spouses and domestic partners of active employees.
- Parents and parents-in-law.
- Children (including step-children and legally adopted children).
- Grandparents and grandchildren.
- Siblings (brothers and sisters).
A-Plan vs. Z-Plan vs. X-Plan
You might hear other letters mentioned when discussing Ford discounts. Here is the quick breakdown:
Z-Plan: This is identical to A-Plan pricing but is reserved for Ford retirees. The pricing is exactly the same; the letter simply denotes the status of the employee.
X-Plan: This is "Partner Recognition" pricing. It is for employees of companies that partner with Ford, or friends and neighbors of Ford employees. It is generally calculated as 0.4% above Invoice + $150 fee. While good, it is not as deep a discount as A-Plan.
D-Plan: This is for dealership employees and their families. It is A-Plan + $100.
Why Use This Calculator?
While the dealer is required to show you the "Smart VIN" or the actual factory invoice (where the A-Plan price is printed in the bottom right corner), knowing the math beforehand helps you budget. It also ensures you can spot-check the numbers to ensure no extra "dealer add-ons" are being snuck into the base price of the vehicle.
Remember that on top of the A-Plan price, you are still eligible for most public incentives and rebates offered by Ford Credit, which can drive the price even lower!