Ford's Future

b2428 · 02-07-2013, 09:28 PM

I know this might have been covered and I do apologise as too much work and not enough sleep may have meant i missed a previous thread.

I am Ford through and through. I will be blue over till i die. But I am trying to get a handle on who is sick of the put downs and carry on about the demise of the falcon. Don't get me wrong i am totally gutted, feel terrible for those workers it effects and feel like i have lost one of my own.

However I would love to focus on the future. I want to focus on the future. I want to focus on the great products in the future. I as a a Ford supporter, support all of the Blue oval products as meeting the needs of certain people. In saying this I am sick of getting the impression that because i don't own a falcon I am not supporting Ford as best I can.

What i am trying to see is if i am the only one that sees that people seem to be singling out those that dont own a new falcon or can't/don't plan to buy one as being not true ford supporters.

Basically i'm sick of the FORD BASHING that seems to be going around.

K_Man · 02-07-2013, 09:55 PM

Glad I'm not the only one that feels that way. The Pub hasn't been the nicest place lately.

I could go on a decent rant, but I am not interested in a holiday.

Lets just all try and be a bit more optomistic though. What's done is done unfortunately. Lets at least try to look forward to 2014.

Itsme · 02-07-2013, 10:04 PM

Can see where you are coming from as I have owned falcons in the past & now own a Ranger(import)
Personally I don't care what others think, I choose to buy what I think suits me & I'm still a Ford supporter.

99AUXR · 02-07-2013, 10:19 PM

Downstairs at the moment two Falcons a Ranger and Mustang, (living at home with parents). Blue oval in this house hold till the end, regardless of country. For example the new ranger is an amazing step forward in its class especially the Wildtrak as it puts the FG GTP to shame in allot of areas for ~20k less. So if ford going global is going to provide us with a car that excels as much as the ranger, then exciting times ahead IMO.

b2428 · 02-07-2013, 10:38 PM

I'm just glad to see I'm not the only one out there. As you can see I own 3 Ford's and the misses has a micra soon to be a new pulsar sedan which I must admit isnt the most sporty car but is so nice to be in on a drive still, so quite and comfy, just sick and tired of the who har and want to see some positive instead of the negative

Trump · 02-07-2013, 10:41 PM

The reason the Pub has been chock full of vitriol and vociferous debate since Ford announced the cessation of local manufacturing is because a lot on this forum are blue blooded because of Falcon and don't give a rats rear end about the rest of the Ford range. As a result, the future isn't a Ford one for these people.

PS. I'm partially one of those, but if Mustang heads our way come 2015-16 at a decent price, I'll be a buyer.

b2428 · 02-07-2013, 10:42 PM

That's well and good for them but what why do the rest of us have to suffer. Each to their own as far as im concerned.

duaned · 02-07-2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2428

That's well and good for them but what why do the rest of us have to suffer. Each to their own as far as im concerned.

Well if you're suffering then why not do something more productive about it? Don't read the threads! Why cry all about it here? As you said you want to focus on the future, please do! Buy a new Falcon if you will. Put your mind at ease.

b2428 · 02-07-2013, 10:52 PM

Maybe suffering is the wrong word and I apoligise if it comes across as all whinging. Not my intent. It just seems that the pub has become all doom and gloom. I for one intend if possible to grab one last falcon, but I am also looking to the new phase that Ford takes one. Guess i'm more of a ford supporter till i die which includes such a huge soft spot for the falcon rather then a falcon or nothing supporter.

Crazy Dazz · 03-07-2013, 12:36 AM

So, you’re “totally gutted, feel terrible for those workers it effects and feel like i have lost one of my own,”
but are “sick of the carry on about the demise of the falcon”?
So not so “gutted” after all?

Hey, it’s a free country, if I want to believe I'm the King of England (despite all evidence to the contrary) that’s my choice. Similarly if people want to believe that they are true Ford supporters, all the whilst bagging Ford’s number one product and getting stuck into those that actually do support it, like I said it’s a free country.

That said, I'm not sure we need a thread to bleat that those who don’t support the Falcon are the ones hard done by?

mikeeman_ford · 03-07-2013, 06:25 AM

Years ago when they mentioned going to the "one ford" global platform, i was excited. Sure i love my falcon, and it will be sad to not have new ones, but, i love MY falcon, dont care for new ones.
The benefits of this change. More R&D into each car as they are global product. In theory cheaper spare parts (as there is more parts made globally) and what i like most, more people will have tuning products, better manifolds, exhaust's, NOS kits, you name it, as it is the same car globally, we can get a bolt on upgrade from the states (if the dollar is ok)

I am hopeful for 2 things though
1. they give us the mustang at a reasonable price
2. FPV (or equivalent) take the Taurus and make a beast of a car

Rodge · 03-07-2013, 07:23 AM

Its only natural that many people feel pretty upset at the moment and it will take myself and many other enthusiasts quite a while to get our heads around it after all some of us have invested huge sums of money, time, energy and enthusiasm into Ford's and FPV's over a very, very long period of time.
Its also perfectly normal that people want to vent their feelings a bit and get their sadness and frustration off their cheast.

As has been suggested above there's a simple solution, if you don't like the thread topic perhaps its a good idea to think about whether you really want to read what's in there ?

sbcb · 03-07-2013, 07:27 AM

Train yourself to be really shallow, that way you won't stay bummed about anything for to long.

westy73 · 03-07-2013, 08:53 AM

Well I am Ford through and through..

Have owned 1967 XT Fairmont, 1973 XY Fairmont (converted to GT Replica),
1997 EL Falcon, 2004 BA Falcon, 2004 BA XLS Ute and 2007 AWD SR Territory.

The models that suit my needs are the large sedan or station wagon/ute. Unfortunately they won't be making these after 2016 so I won't be buying Ford products again but will have to retain the ones I have. This in not my doing but Ford's !! There is a market for large sedans/wagons/utes in Australia but they have chosen not to support it.

GT450 · 03-07-2013, 09:45 AM

Most here are proving the OP to be right as the bashing continues. No more Falcon , it's finishing , either buy one or get over it nothing you say on here is going to change that.
I look forward to whatever the new offerings may be not whingeing about about what they definitely won't be.
It was a hard decision for Fomoco to make and it's done, they didn't screw the government and the workers like Homoco are trying to do, I am with the OP , build a bridge , buy another brand but just stop bashing Ford. They are NOT leaving just NOT manufacturing.
GT450

vztrt · 03-07-2013, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2428

Basically i'm sick of the FORD BASHING that seems to be going around.

So the Falcon bashing that's been going on here for over 5 years was fine?

Once Falcon is gone the masses have to sook about something else.

westy73 · 03-07-2013, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT450

Most here are proving the OP to be right as the bashing continues. No more Falcon , it's finishing , either buy one or get over it nothing you say on here is going to change that.
I look forward to whatever the new offerings may be not whingeing about about what they definitely won't be.
It was a hard decision for Fomoco to make and it's done, they didn't screw the government and the workers like Homoco are trying to do, I am with the OP , build a bridge , buy another brand but just stop bashing Ford. They are NOT leaving just NOT manufacturing.
GT450

I for one am NOT bashing Ford. However the vehicles that suit my needs are large passenger sedans or wagons. Ford have decided not to make them here any more. They won't be importing large sedans either. So my needs are not met by Ford so I will have to retain my large FORD FALCON sedan as long as I can or TERRITORY in my case. Dumping your heritage is not a smart move in MY opinion.

GT450 · 03-07-2013, 10:10 AM

Not enough people wanted to buy Falcons and wagons that's why they are ceasing production, just too many other choices out there. At the moment we have no idea what the replacements may be. You make your choice as you see fit if it's not a Ford, fine but stop the complaining it's not going to change Ford future in Aus one iota.
There was Ford heritage before manufacturing in Australia and there more heritage will be post manufacturing,nothing stays the ame forever , that's life.
GT450

vztrt · 03-07-2013, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westy73

They won't be importing large sedans either.

I'm led to believe that there will be a large sedan coming after Falcon. Same for SUV.

westy73 · 03-07-2013, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

I'm led to believe that there will be a large sedan coming after Falcon. Same for SUV.

Not what you read from motoring mags. They say there is a market for large sedans yet Ford OZ are canning that market. My point is really if there is a market and you are manufacturing cars here for that market why stop ? They ARE making enough to make money out of them but it's the amount of money they make that is the problem.
Remember the void for large sedans in OZ has been one created by Ford USA. They obviously DON'T see a market for them yet I buy them. I doubt they will import a large sedan and everyone has been saying the market numbers are too small to do so hence why manufacturing has ceased in OZ. I will ***** and moan about it as long as I like, got nothing to do with bagging Ford either but because I am BLUE BLOODED through and through and I for one love the Falcon and Territory products. Telling me to suck it up GT450 will make no difference. Will always stay true to Ford OZ manufactured products because I love THEM and love their HERITAGE. Period.

vztrt · 03-07-2013, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westy73

Not what you read from motoring mags. They say there is a market for large sedans yet Ford OZ are canning that market. My point is really if there is a market and you are manufacturing cars here for that market why stop ? They ARE making enough to make money out of them but it's the amount of money they make that is the problem.
Remember the void for large sedans in OZ has been one created by Ford USA. They obviously DON'T see a market for them yet I buy them. I doubt they will import a large sedan and everyone has been saying the market numbers are too small to do so hence why manufacturing has ceased in OZ. I will ***** and moan about it as long as I like, got nothing to do with bagging Ford either but because I am BLUE BLOODED through and through and I for one love the Falcon and Territory products. Telling me to suck it up GT450 will make no difference. Will always stay true to Ford OZ manufactured products because I love THEM and love their HERITAGE. Period.

I don't get my info from mags. The large car segment is a small market so using a car that is produced in large quantities somewhere else and importing it will lead to a better ROI for Ford (not Australia).

westy73 · 03-07-2013, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

I'm led to believe that there will be a large sedan coming after Falcon. Same for SUV.

Ranger SUV apparently which is no comparison to a Territory. Sorry.
Drum rears I mean come on. At least that's what I have read about it.

westy73 · 03-07-2013, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

I don't get my info from mags. The large car segment is a small market so using a car that is produced in large quantities somewhere else and importing it will lead to a better ROI for Ford (not Australia).

Sorry I thought motoring mags had their fingers on the pulse as they are about the automotive industry.

westy73 · 03-07-2013, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

I'm led to believe that there will be a large sedan coming after Falcon. Same for SUV.

What is your source for this information ?

vztrt · 03-07-2013, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by westy73

What is your source for this information ?

The industry itself.

mikeeman_ford · 03-07-2013, 01:14 PM

I think we should all just wait and see.

Taurus is meant to be the replacement for the falcon, i heard rumor the explorer is making a comeback

but we dont know until it happens. They are right to do what they are doing, the R&D for one car for one market is too expensive.

I just hope they can retain some sort of assembly plant to keep jobs here

CyberWasp · 03-07-2013, 01:41 PM

I don't think anyone is complaining that the R&D is to expensive for one market.
People are complaining that the R&D would be justified for a world market, and that Falcon hasn't been given a fair chance, and does not share the same technology that is available in all the other Ford Mo Co models.

We have a team of 1200 designers and engineers staying beyond 2016 but they couldn't come up with a plan to showcase this.

Yes the market has changed, but cars like the Chrysler 300C show it can be done and be viable.

Countries like England show that cars can be manufactured in economies with a strong dollar. It only takes one good idea to kick things off. Look at the Range Rover Evoque. They can't make them fast enough.
Is anyone telling me that our designers can't make a Territory that could rival this car and be sold world wide if given the chance.

mikeeman_ford · 03-07-2013, 01:48 PM

i was surprised that they offloaded the territory, that was more of a shock, as they have been a great seller

vztrt · 03-07-2013, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

Is anyone telling me that our designers can't make a Territory that could rival this car and be sold world wide if given the chance.

Well they are doing that sorta with the Ranger SUV.
I guess with a real budget they can make world class vehicles (Ranger ute winning the best ute in the world as an example).

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeeman_ford

i was surprised that they offloaded the territory, that was more of a shock, as they have been a great seller

No Falcon = No Terri. They're not that similar and they wouldn't be able to sell the extra 1200 units a month in the Aussie market. Exporting it as well might have worked.

westy73 · 03-07-2013, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

The industry itself.

Do you have direct quotes from Ford people or is this third/fourth person ?
You have FoMoCo's ear ?