Major Ford announcement

[badoc]

Indeed. Ford USA will make the Ford brand toxic in Australia.

Having said that, tariffs are clearly responsible for the disparity. Australian Governments have been signing some of the most lopsided trade agreements in the world, particularly since 1996. I mean, Aussie cars sold in Thailand have a 50% tariff, Thai cars sold here have 0%? What moron would agree to that?

Manufacturing here must be supported. If it means buying a Holden or a Hybrid Camry post 10/2016, so be it.

Until then, to all the staff at Broadmeadows and Geelong, keep on producing Australia's best and most underrated cars.

[mik]

I still believe that manufacturing has been sacrificed up to a point , re: the UN charter decades ago for australia to kill off 30 % of its manufacturing so poorer countrys could gain wealth, i read some transcripts from a meeting clearly stating this, many polticians on both sides signed an agreement to this, very well known pollies to I might add.

As for ford being toxic, I think it will be forgotten in years to come, I reckon people in the next few years will be pre occupied with events concerning holden and toyota .

[CyberWasp]

Instead of the Government giving Money directly to the Manufacturers of this industry maybe it could be tackled in a different way.

What if they gave a 10k rebate to people who privately bought an Australian made car?

This would give major incentive to the 3 manufacturers to make cars that the buying public wanted, otherwise they would miss out on increased sales.

A base model Falcon would effectively be around 25k making it affordable for average families.

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Instead of the Government giving Money directly to the Manufacturers of this industry maybe it could be tackled in a different way.

What if they gave a 10k rebate to people who privately bought an Australian made car?

This would give major incentive to the 3 manufacturers to make cars that the buying public wanted, otherwise they would miss out on increased sales.

A base model Falcon would effectively be around 25k making it affordable for average families.

Couple of problems.
"Australian made car" includes such things as the Cruze, the Camry, the Camry Hybrid, Commodore, and others...not just Falcons. And looking at the dismal sales of Falcons, even given the pricing they've been using to try and shift them, do you think people would suddenly start buying something they hadn't bothered with before?

The manufacturers do make cars that "the buying public wants"...and apparently they "want" smaller cars and mid sized SUV's these days. The only way it would work with Falcons is if they ditched the six cylinder and went strongly Ecoboost and diesel...that would be facing reality of the motoring world of today. People won't buy a big car just for the hell of it.

[Kable72]

We've already had people call us up asking about the future on Ford Parts. A lot of these people think Ford is leaving Australia for good. Takes a while to convince them that Ford themselves aren't going anywhere and parts for their Territories and Falcons are going to be around for quite some time.

[creative]

Originally Posted by Kable72

We've already had people call us up asking about the future on Ford Parts. A lot of these people think Ford is leaving Australia for good. Takes a while to convince them that Ford themselves aren't going anywhere and parts for their Territories and Falcons are going to be around for quite some time.

yup.

even the receptionist here at work said that she is going to sell her new focus because she wont be able to get parts etc from 2016. Once I explained what was happening she completely understood and the forsale sign was taken down.

I think ford need to clarify a few things publicly.

anyone else get an email from their local dealer? I havent scrolled back any pages to find out.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by creative

anyone else get an email from their local dealer? I havent scrolled back any pages to find out.

Yep - I got one
We purchased an FG G6 recently for my folks.
The letter / email was rather ambiguous - probably intentionally so - no mention of cessation of manufacturing - just feel good verbiage on continuing commitment to Australia and no change to buying or servicing............

Hi Jim

Today, you may hear some news about Ford Motor Company. Since you have contacted us in the past about our vehicles, we wanted to inform you directly that there will be no changes to the way our customers buy and service our cars.
Our customers will continue to buy and service their Fords at local dealers across the country, as they always have.
Whilst we are changing our structure, our commitment to Australia remains strong. We will continue to design and develop great vehicles. We will continue to strive for outstanding sales and service. And, we will continue our long history of serving Australian customers with the very best vehicles to deliver cutting edge technology at an affordable price.
For more information on today’s announcement, please visit www.ford.com.au/about/newsroom.
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Relationship Centre at customers@fordcrc.com.au or via phone at 133 673. Alternatively, please speak to your local Ford Dealer.
Regards

[Whitey-AMG]

^^^^

ooops - EDIT - just realised you asked if anyone received a letter or communication from a "dealer".
I only received the comms from FORD - have received nothing from any dealer.

[GTP534]

Some of the major television news programs should be ashamed of themselves. We watch Channel 7 and they were saying Ford to leave Australia in the news headlines. It was only in the bulletin proper that they mentioned it was manufacturing.

It's not hard to understand the public perception that Ford are leaving Australia for good. I had to explain it to my parents, family, etc, that it was local manufacturing that was to be stopped.

That's been the perception for a while now.

[Vormund]

Originally Posted by GTP534

Some of the major television news programs should be ashamed of themselves. We watch Channel 7 and they were saying Ford to leave Australia in the news headlines. It was only in the bulletin proper that they mentioned it was manufacturing.

It's not hard to understand the public perception that Ford are leaving Australia for good. I had to explain it to my parents, family, etc, that it was local manufacturing that was to be stopped.

That's been the perception for a while now.

Not surprised. Same thing happened to Mitsubishi and Nissan as well.

[Bucknaked]

I got nothing from my dealer. Only Ford Australia.

[Anchor]

Dealers aren't sending out anything. We have copies of that letter that we can give to customers when they come in.

We found out at the same time as the general public.. Bit lame on fords part. But then, can't trust that every dealer/rep won't talk to media etc.


General Question-
Everyone that's jumped on the "I will never buy a Ford again" bandwagon, if you were in charge of the company what would you do? Knowing the majority of buyers don't want large 6cyl RWD sedans(FACT). Would you try to give your workers and suppliers over 3 years notice to find other jobs and contracts?

Btw, we're talking NEW cars here. After scrolling through i'd say that a fair chunk of the members on this forum have never bought a new falcon/falcon ute/territory. Why not? You could be supporting our industry, and Ford wouldn't have to shut down.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by Anchor

Knowing the majority of buyers don't want large 6cyl RWD sedans(FACT). .

Steve Jobs said something very interesting when designing the iMac / iPhone....something poignant and relevant here.

"people don't know what they want until you show it to them.”

Basically - other manufacturers have been "showing" and "marketing" their products and making the public believe that they "WANT" a sardine tin with front wheel drive.........

Ford locally could have countered by showing them why they don't.......

[Anchor]

Originally Posted by ESP

Steve Jobs said something very interesting when designing the iMac / iPhone....something poignant and relevant here.

"people don't know what they want until you show it to them.”

Basically - other manufacturers have been "showing" and "marketing" their products and making the public believe that they "WANT" a sardine tin with front wheel drive.........

Ford locally could have countered by showing them why they don't.......

I do agree to an extent. Example, the ecoboost falcon. Worst vehicle marketing ever... Pathetic even. But that doesn't excuse the XR6.. They are down to 33,990 D/A with reverse camera and 5yr/200,000km wty. Can't tell me ford isn't trying. Couldn't even buy a ute that cheap 2 years ago.

The hardest part about selling an ecoboost is getting someone into the drivers seat and past that "4cyl phobia". Similar to when the xr6t first came out and everyone still had V8 imprinted into their brains as the only way to go fast. Once you're past that obstacle, full steam ahead. Lovely car to drive.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by Anchor

The hardest part about selling an ecoboost is getting someone into the drivers seat and past that "4cyl phobia". .

There is an article on the ecoboost XT falc in the latest RACV mag...Royalauto.
Comparo between the Falc , the Holden Volt , camry hybrid.

Conclusion : falc is very good......for country driving. As a vehicle for city / suburban commuting....well.....it still uses too much fuel, especially just sitting idling in traffic.

I guess a stop start idle management system was what they were referring to here ?

Sometimes you just cant win. I wonder if ford ever considered this option.....even as a gimmick. Sounds like it would have marketed the product better than that idiot in the ad twirling his finger around his head and whistling.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by ESP

There is an article on the ecoboost XT falc in the latest RACV mag...Royalauto.
Comparo between the Falc , the Holden Volt , camry hybrid.

Conclusion : falc is very good......for country driving. As a vehicle for city / suburban commuting....well.....it still uses too much fuel, especially just sitting idling in traffic.

I guess a stop start idle management system was what they were referring to here ?

Sometimes you just cant win. I wonder if ford ever considered this option.....even as a gimmick. Sounds like it would have marketed the product better than that idiot in the ad twirling his finger around his head and whistling.

But is it fair doing a comparison between 2 Hybrids and a 'normal' car? What about against a C'dore Sidi thingy and an Aurion? Now where would it stand in the consumption stakes?? Apples with apples?

[JG66ME]

Originally Posted by ESP

Steve Jobs said something very interesting when designing the iMac / iPhone....something poignant and relevant here.

"people don't know what they want until you show it to them.”

Basically - other manufacturers have been "showing" and "marketing" their products and making the public believe that they "WANT" a sardine tin with front wheel drive.........

Ford locally could have countered by showing them why they don't.......

Jobs was talking about a newly invented product. The Falcon has been around for 50 years and the public has seen it and they have decided they no longer want it. It is not the same.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by JG66ME

Jobs was talking about a newly invented product. The Falcon has been around for 50 years and the public has seen it and they have decided they no longer want it. It is not the same.

Phones and computers were invented by Apple?

[Anchor]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Phones and computers were invented by Apple?

Someone had an iPhone before Apple? Damn. Never knew about that one.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Phones and computers were invented by Apple?

Precisely.

[Charliewool]

Originally Posted by JG66ME

Jobs was talking about a newly invented product. The Falcon has been around for 50 years and the public has seen it and they have decided they no longer want it. It is not the same.

Maybe they should've dumped the Falcon name, say around the BA release?
Called it something "exotic"? Something sounding exciting and appealing to our new breed of yuppies?

[JG66ME]

Originally Posted by Charliewool

Maybe they should've dumped the Falcon name, say around the BA release?
Called it something "exotic"? Something sounding exciting and appealing to our new breed of yuppies?

I was happy with the name when I bought a new BA and then again when I bought a new FG.

[bigwil]

Originally Posted by Charliewool

Maybe they should've dumped the Falcon name, say around the BA release?
Called it something "exotic"? Something sounding exciting and appealing to our new breed of yuppies?

When someone asks me what car I drive, I love telling them its a Ford FALCON

[Orangejuicepony]

Originally Posted by ESP

Steve Jobs said something very interesting when designing the iMac / iPhone....something poignant and relevant here.

"people don't know what they want until you show it to them.”

Basically - other manufacturers have been "showing" and "marketing" their products and making the public believe that they "WANT" a sardine tin with front wheel drive.........

Ford locally could have countered by showing them why they don't.......

Yes but that thing they don't know they want has to have some wow factor, something they have never seen before and looks magic in the way it does something normally done other ways.

Sadly the Falcon had none of those qualities. It is a great car, but it is essentially the same now as it was 20 years ago, just incremental improvements.

Look at Fords own European imports and you can see what I mean, the Mondeo is streets ahead of the Falcon. So is the Ranger and their compact SUVs.

The Territitory closely fits the requirement for wow factor, it truely was something people didn't know they wanted till Ford showed them, yet they let it go stale too.

Should have killed Falcon off after BA and just made a line up of Territory with gas, Diesel, V8 and Turbo six. Even an all new platform. Great concept down the drain.

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by Orangejuicepony

Yes but that thing they don't know they want has to have some wow factor, something they have never seen before and looks magic in the way it does something normally done other ways.

Sadly the Falcon had none of those qualities. It is a great car, but it is essentially the same now as it was 20 years ago, just incremental improvements.

Look at Fords own European imports and you can see what I mean, the Mondeo is streets ahead of the Falcon. So is the Ranger and their compact SUVs.

The Territitory closely fits the requirement for wow factor, it truely was something people didn't know they wanted till Ford showed them, yet they let it go stale too.

Should have killed Falcon off after BA and just made a line up of Territory with gas, Diesel, V8 and Turbo six. Even an all new platform. Great concept down the drain.

That's an interesting idea...the Territory is big, but it's not too big. If it had been marketed cleverly as something like "the new Australian standard", with advertising like they used to have for Falcon and Fairlane showing how it could conquer all sorts of roads an distances that people associate with Australia, maybe it would have taken off.
Concentrate on a powerful 4 cylinder Ecoboost and diesel engines and you would think they'd have been on a winner. Pricing would have to be really sharp to compete with the medium sized SUV's, and maybe that would be the problem. People think about fuel economy and running costs pretty much at the top of the list these days, and some of the new medium SUV's get stupid fuel economy.

Yes you can show people your product, but unless it's markedly better than anything else on the market and is cheaper to buy and own, then you're banging your head against a wall. I think the Falcon was trying too hard to just keep on plugging along on tradition, using "marketing" from thirty years or more ago where people just "naturally" went and bought something big and Australian with a six or V8.
Buyers don't do that anymore, and haven't for some time.

There's also the fact that the Falcon has sort of changed into less of a "car for everyone" to a "car for some people". A lot of the popular models have, for example, wheels, tyres, and ground clearance that limit the range of places they are a practical car, unlike Falcons of the past. Lots of people out here got lease cars that here XR6's and 8's shod with 18's and 19's, and we got the G6E with 19" factory wheels. After a year or two, they usually get rid of them for more practical vehicles...usually pushed to it by damaged wheels, scraped bodywork, and sick of a jiggling ride over even major highways in the state.
The only time our G6E felt "smooth, quiet, and refined" was when we went down to Brisbane and the Gold Coast on the beautiful billiard-table-smooth motorways...on "normal" Queensland highways like the Bruce and Capricorn highways, it was fairly ordinary.
So we faced reality and bought the Triton dual cab ute...it's smoother and more comfortable on the highway, and costs less to register. Many people here are moving on to something other than a Falcon or Commodore, unless they're one of the small number who buy an FPV of some sort, but that's a tiny niche market and no way to keep a company going profitably.

I just saw a short TV advert on the Territory..."seven seats for the price of five"...and while short it was a clever little advert showing why your growing family should buy one. Too little too late though...

[westy73]

Originally Posted by Orangejuicepony

Sadly the Falcon had none of those qualities. It is a great car, but it is essentially the same now as it was 20 years ago, just incremental improvements.

Are you seriously comparing the 1993 Falcon to a 2013 Falcon saying only incremental improvements have been made ??
Now that shows a lack of knowledge about the car and the radical engineering changes since 1993.

Perhaps you mean since 2003 which is 10 years ago as that is when Control Blade was introduced. Even so the car has progressed remarkably since 1993 not incrementally. Chalk and Cheese.

[XD 351 Ute]

Originally Posted by Anchor

Btw, we're talking NEW cars here. After scrolling through i'd say that a fair chunk of the members on this forum have never bought a new falcon/falcon ute/territory. Why not? You could be supporting our industry, and Ford wouldn't have to shut down.

Quite simply, and it has been stated by a few other members, we just can't afford to.
People will/have to put themselves into hock to have a roof over their head, bring up families etc, but not for a car.

I'm only just getting to the stage now when I can put some money away to get a new Ford, and hopefully I will get there.

A new car is a luxury in my books, and I won't endanger my home to get one.

Ed

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Anchor

General Question-
Everyone that's jumped on the "I will never buy a Ford again" bandwagon, if you were in charge of the company what would you do? Knowing the majority of buyers don't want large 6cyl RWD sedans(FACT). Would you try to give your workers and suppliers over 3 years notice to find other jobs and contracts?

Retool with something that sells...

Originally Posted by Anchor

Btw, we're talking NEW cars here. After scrolling through i'd say that a fair chunk of the members on this forum have never bought a new falcon/falcon ute/territory. Why not? You could be supporting our industry, and Ford wouldn't have to shut down.

Please man, don't go down this path, there a plenty of reasons why people don't buy new cars and ALL of them are personal decisions.
I have owned 1 new vehicle in my life, a Courier ute, From rebel Ford. I also bought a BA at the same time from the same dealer albeit 2yrs old, But still supporting the network.

I have 4 kids who kick the crap out of the trim, a wife who aims for every defect in a roads surface and the ability to service my own cars, why would I buy new.

Fwiw, people like me aren't your problem, you can rest assured knowing you wont find me in any other dealerships either.
Its the people wandering through the Subaru, Hyundai, Mazda, VW, etc. etc. dealerships, they are your problem.

You should reword your question.
'How many NEW car buyers on here have something other than a Falcon/territory in their stable'

That would give some much clearer answers.

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Please man, don't go down this path, there a plenty of reasons why people don't buy new cars and ALL of them are personal decisions.
I have owned 1 new vehicle in my life, a Courier ute, From rebel Ford. I also bought a BA at the same time from the same dealer albeit 2yrs old, But still supporting the network.

I have 4 kids who kick the crap out of the trim, a wife who aims for every defect in a roads surface and the ability to service my own cars, why would I buy new.

Fwiw, people like me aren't your problem, you can rest assured knowing you wont find me in any other dealerships either.
Its the people wandering through the Subaru, Hyundai, Mazda, VW, etc. etc. dealerships, they are your problem.

You should reword your question.
'How many NEW car buyers on here have something other than a Falcon/territory in their stable'

That would give some much clearer answers.

Thats a very good point. Some people here place so much emphasis on Ford fans buying new Fords as the only way to support the company. But as you said, not everyone can be a new car buyer - not everyone should be a new car buyer. Many of us support Ford by buying second hand Fords, propping up their resale value in the process. Thats nothing to be dismissed, far more important to the big picture than many give it credit for imo

[creative]

Originally Posted by Anchor

Dealers aren't sending out anything. We have copies of that letter that we can give to customers when they come in.

We found out at the same time as the general public.. Bit lame on fords part. But then, can't trust that every dealer/rep won't talk to media etc.


General Question-
Everyone that's jumped on the "I will never buy a Ford again" bandwagon, if you were in charge of the company what would you do? Knowing the majority of buyers don't want large 6cyl RWD sedans(FACT). Would you try to give your workers and suppliers over 3 years notice to find other jobs and contracts?

Btw, we're talking NEW cars here. After scrolling through i'd say that a fair chunk of the members on this forum have never bought a new falcon/falcon ute/territory. Why not? You could be supporting our industry, and Ford wouldn't have to shut down.

Mine did. Emailed to me this morning from my local dealer.
It was a fairly long letter from the CEO of ford. Probably just a longer version of what was posted on the last page.Will post it up when I get home.