Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > General Topics > The Pub

The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk

View Poll Results: Would you buy a front wheel drive Falcon.
Yes 32 8.40%
No 349 91.60%
Voters: 381. You may not vote on this poll

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-10-2008, 01:45 PM   #1
Go baby Go
Like no other..........
 
Go baby Go's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Over here.... Mod:FPV & XR Owners Club of Victoria
Posts: 1,016
Default 2008 Paris Motor Show: Falcon put on hold

Does anyone know anything about this?

2008 Paris Motor Show: Falcon put on hold
| October 3, 2008
FROM THE FLOOR - Ford insider has dropped a bombshell at today's Paris show media day, telling Robbo that even the Falcon is being re-evaluated.


Ford's new global rear wheel drive program, including the all-new Falcon due in 2013, is now "on hold" to raise further doubts about the long term future of the locally manufactured and designed Falcon.

The next Falcon was to be part of a massive new program to replace the old Lincoln Town Car, Mercury Marquis and Ford Crown Victoria with an all-new architecture to be jointly developed in Dearborn and Broadmeadows.

In July/August the then accelerating American financial crisis forced a complete re-evaluation of Ford's resources and lead to the current decision to prioritize development of a range of big front drive models based on existing platforms.

An ex-Ford designer (who commented on condition of anonymity) who worked on the program confirmed to Wheels that Ford has put the entire program "on hold".

"It was a global program, in which Australia played an important role. The decision for the Falcon was what form it would take and how much of the 'top hat" (body design) would be unique to the Falcon. They were looking at how to fit Falcon in with the American cars and to see if it could be exported to America.

"Dearborn favoured a (BMW) 5-series sized car (that is significantly shorter than the Falcon). If you plot the 5-Series over the decades, you'll see it remains much the same size, although it has recently been under pressure from the C Class/the much bigger looking new A4 and the 3-Series, which have all grown. The Falcon is outside that, because it is bigger on the inside and has a shorter wheelbase."

"The market turned down (for the Falcon) in Australia and now the US, and now they are looking at what could be achieved in front drive."

"Don't get me wrong, the (rear drive) cars are good enough that I think they could go back to it," he said.

When asked to comment, new Ford Australia boss Marin Burela told Wheels, "No decision has been made one way or the other. Like all things in our business we are looking at everything.

“Three years ago, who would have thought that we would be making small cars in America or the Focus in Broadmeadows (in 2010). The answer is, we need to look at everything going on - but it is not appropriate to say there is no longer a fit for a large rear drive car in Australia. We are evaluating everything."

"The world is changing, the focus at the moment is on fuel and emissions, we want to become more relevant for our customers when they are making choices."

I know it says "an Ex Ford person" so is it more than likley someone who really doesn't know anything or could it have merit? I'm just wondering if it is true?

__________________

A recent study found the average Australian walks about 900 miles a year.
Another study found Australians drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.
That means, on average, Australians get about 41 miles to the gallon.

Kind of makes you proud to be an aussie.
Go baby Go is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 04:56 PM   #2
mr smith
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,137
Default

Lets just say a "mate of a mate" told me about this a while ago. It's not all lies, except maybe Marin Burela's comments, a decision has been made. Look at it like a painting, the outline for Fords future has been drawn it's now just a matter of coloring between the lines.
Ford are looking at cars that sell, not at history, or the "enthusiast" who drives a 10 year old falcon. The bottom line is profit /share prices and they will do whatever is required.
mr smith is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:17 PM   #3
HSE2
7,753
 
HSE2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Tasmania..... Moderator: Tas FPV club
Posts: 5,128
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mr smith
Lets just say a "mate of a mate" told me about this a while ago. It's not all lies, except maybe Marin Burela's comments, a decision has been made. Look at it like a painting, the outline for Fords future has been drawn it's now just a matter of coloring between the lines.
Ford are looking at cars that sell, not at history, or the "enthusiast" who drives a 10 year old falcon. The bottom line is profit /share prices and they will do whatever is required.

What large FWD car has sold in this country while there has been a RWD competitor?
Ford aren't going to be able to covert this market. They aren't good enough to get people into Modeos or Focus FWD products let alone anything any bigger.
This is very simple. No large rear wheel drive platform in this country, don’t both competing in the segment.
Stick to the Focus and smaller products and be done with it.
Want proof. Start a poll and see who would by a FWD Falcon!
__________________
BREAKING NEWS: The Pity Train has just derailed at the intersection of "Suck It Up & Move On" after it crashed into "We All Have Problems" before coming to a complete stop at "Get the Hell Over It." Reporting LIVE from Quitchur Bitchin'
HSE2 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:20 PM   #4
Falcon Coupe
Clevo Mafia Inc.
 
Falcon Coupe's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 10,496
Chairman's Award: Chairman's Award - Issue reason: The exceptional contribution made to AFF over an extended period of time. Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Your tireless efforts behind the scenes in keeping AFF the place it is. 
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by HSE2
Start a poll and see who would by a FWD Falcon!
Poll added, this may be interesting.
Falcon Coupe is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:20 PM   #5
mr smith
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,137
Default

Stick to the Focus and smaller products and be done with it.

Could be onto something.
mr smith is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:22 PM   #6
HSE2
7,753
 
HSE2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Tasmania..... Moderator: Tas FPV club
Posts: 5,128
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe
Poll added, this may be interesting.
I reckon you could have gone further with the poll on the no side.
__________________
BREAKING NEWS: The Pity Train has just derailed at the intersection of "Suck It Up & Move On" after it crashed into "We All Have Problems" before coming to a complete stop at "Get the Hell Over It." Reporting LIVE from Quitchur Bitchin'
HSE2 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:22 PM   #7
mr smith
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,137
Default

Lets add that the original post mentions Falcon on hold. If there is RWD it will be Falcon, as FWD badged as something else.

Last edited by mr smith; 06-10-2008 at 05:31 PM.
mr smith is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:24 PM   #8
TC200six
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Brisbane, Qld
Posts: 3,321
Default

I voted no, I do not want them to abolish RWD Falcon!

FWD Ford Falcon - Australia Says NO!
TC200six is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:32 PM   #9
MAGPIE
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
MAGPIE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Shakey Isles
Posts: 3,428
Default

No way would I buy a RWD Falcon

There are three reasons why I buy Falcons

Size
Power
Rear Wheel Drive

If they turn the Falcon into bum dragger's I'll buy the last of the model and keep it till I die.
MAGPIE is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:44 PM   #10
The Mighty Red
.
 
The Mighty Red's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sunshine Coast
Posts: 1,250
Default

I voted NO without hesitation, Australians as a whole dont want front wheel drive cars.....they were practically giving the magna away and still couldnt sell it
__________________
---------------------------------------------
The Mighty Red is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:46 PM   #11
seduced_xr
BF XR6
 
seduced_xr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 1,809
Default

we better start stocking up on FG/BF falcons and storing them :P. once they make FWD thatll be it.
seduced_xr is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:49 PM   #12
irlewy86
Meep Meep
 
irlewy86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Southside
Posts: 1,513
Default

Would I buy a FWD Falcon if it was light years above the competition. YES
Would I buy a FWD Falcon if it was similar to Aurion/380/Mazda 6. NO
Would I buy a FWD Falcon Ute. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Would I continue buying RWD. YES

If their is no longer a business case for RWD then I can't argue with the decision to axe it. But the car that replaces it better be a marked improvement. If it only delivers the marginal space/ecconomy improvements like the current Aurion does whats the bleeding point?
__________________
Thundering on....
irlewy86 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:53 PM   #13
HSE2
7,753
 
HSE2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Tasmania..... Moderator: Tas FPV club
Posts: 5,128
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mighty Red
I voted NO without hesitation, Australians as a whole dont want front wheel drive cars.....they were practically giving the magna away and still couldnt sell it
Australians do buy front wheel drive cars. The market for the large wheel drive segment is shrinking and will continue to shrink.

With products like the Mondeo the question for Ford must be how would a FWD Falcon offer anything more?

I Ford bothered to import the full spec Mondeo it would surpass the G6E easily in terms of features and appointments. The front wheel drive Falcon is already here. There really isn't that much in terms of size.
__________________
BREAKING NEWS: The Pity Train has just derailed at the intersection of "Suck It Up & Move On" after it crashed into "We All Have Problems" before coming to a complete stop at "Get the Hell Over It." Reporting LIVE from Quitchur Bitchin'
HSE2 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 05:57 PM   #14
Melz
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Melz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Some say.......
Posts: 3,830
Default

I wouldn't buy a FWD Falcon... but then again I don't think I would buy a new Falcon either :(
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy Clarkson
“The Americans lecture the world on democracy and then won’t let me turn the traction control off!”
Melz is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 06:54 PM   #15
Jason[98.EL]
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Jason[98.EL]'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: GEELONG
Posts: 7,946
Default

voted no

i hate to think what the falcon would be like if it went fwd

i know i only have an el but i do hope it stays rear wheel drive in the hope i can purchase a new falcon one day

Grimus
__________________
no longer have a ford but a ford man at heart
R.I.P 98 EL MAY YOU HAVE A GOOD LIFE IN FALCON HEAVEN

[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Jason[98.EL] is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:04 PM   #16
Powdered Toast Man
Professional Mouse Jockey
 
Powdered Toast Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SE Vic
Posts: 3,185
Default

I guess I'll start off the affirmative posts. I would buy a FWD Falcon but not a performance model. But only as long as it is still a good handling car. i.e. Magna/380 like not like the Camry.

But I'm actually in agreement with Mel at the moment, I don't think I would buy a new Falcon at this point in my life RWD or FWD, or Commy or any large car. My BA is too big for my needs but the 3V keeps enticing me to drive it :evil3:
__________________
Isuzu MUX for towing horses - currently no Fords in the stable

Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana. Groucho Marx
Powdered Toast Man is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:13 PM   #17
Redrum
Force Fed Fords
 
Redrum's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Victoria
Posts: 5,556
Default

I would never purchase a front wheel drive car for myself of any manufacturer!
__________________
2021 Focus ST-3 Mountune Enhanced
Redrum is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:17 PM   #18
GTP534
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
GTP534's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sydney
Posts: 3,874
Default

I voted yes, but I need to qualify it. If we're talking a Ford Taurus type of FWD Falcon then forget it. But if we're talking Mondeo based that's a different story. I've seen the Mondeo here in Brunei and it is a decent looking car, a good size and well equipped. I'm sure if Broadmeadows has input a FWD Falcon would have best in class handling. The other thing is, if they go FWD wouldn't that leave the way open for high performance AWD variants?

But, as someone who was brought up in the 60's and 70's it would be a sad day for me if the RWD Falcon bit the dust.
GTP534 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:18 PM   #19
flappist
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,077
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Redrum
I would never purchase a front wheel drive car for myself of any manufacturer!
Ditto
flappist is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:20 PM   #20
4Vman
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
4Vman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 14,654
Default

Now name and shame the ones who voted yes...
Should make it a public poll.....



__________________
335 S/C GT: The new KING of Australian made performance cars..
4Vman is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:31 PM   #21
dishpig
Only an xr6...
 
dishpig's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 539
Default

Thing I never got with all this is if they did go to FWD what would happen with the ute. FWD utes are usless and would be extremelly dangerous.
__________________
Veiw my car here

TICKFORD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>FPV
dishpig is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:33 PM   #22
Elks
Donating Member
Donating Member3
 
Elks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 4,523
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by irlewy86
the marginal space/ecconomy improvements like the current Aurion does whats the bleeding point?
We have Aurions at work and I can see NO place where it is better than a Falcon.

It has more KW at 7000rpm.
It is narrower in the cabin.
It has terrible blindspots.
Soft floating suspension.
Turning circle of a small truck.
Steering column seems to be made of rubber.
It may have a slightly larger boot but the shape of a Falcon is more useful.

At this point the voting is 61 to 9in favor of RWD. 9 voted FWD!! I know Ford have developed some groovy double knucke front end that stops torque steer. But this is a consevative segment of the market (remember FPV still sell more V8's than T6's depite the turbo being faster) and should be treated with great care.

I will not be buying a front wheel drive anything as long as their is a RWD alternative.
__________________
Oooh baby living in Miami....
Elks is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:45 PM   #23
mr smith
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,137
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dishpig
Thing I never got with all this is if they did go to FWD what would happen with the ute. FWD utes are usless and would be extremelly dangerous.
Its called Ranger.
mr smith is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:47 PM   #24
dishpig
Only an xr6...
 
dishpig's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 539
Default

I'd rather a falcon ute then a ranger
__________________
Veiw my car here

TICKFORD>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>FPV
dishpig is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 07:51 PM   #25
Buzz Box
Wheel Wally
 
Buzz Box's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ballarat
Posts: 883
Default

Case and point look at the sales figures.......

Commodore & Falcon always in top 10.

Wheres the Magna/380 and Camry/Aurion?
Buzz Box is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 08:02 PM   #26
XAGSV8
Member 178
 
XAGSV8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Rockhampton
Posts: 1,385
Default

I voted yes. It would be sad to see RWD go but I won't be looking at a performance model. It would only be a work/family car for me so it would not matter. I already have my toys.
__________________
1972 XA GS Fairmont

1963 Morris Mini

1999 NU Fairlane Ghia
XAGSV8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 08:24 PM   #27
fmc351
let it burn
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: QUEENSLANDER!!!!!
Posts: 2,866
Default

49 million* cars sold worldwide in 06 and again in 07. Somehow I think Ford shareholders will care more about how to get 1% more of that (490,000 additional units), than keep a RWD in Australia because enthusiasts think its awesome.
http://www.metrics2.com/blog/2006/12...es_no3_re.html


I voted no, but Ford dont give a rats what I or you think.


$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$


*some of the numbers include light trucks, but you get the picture.
fmc351 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 08:38 PM   #28
mr smith
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,137
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by dishpig
I'd rather a falcon ute then a ranger
If talking new, may not have an option.
mr smith is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 08:40 PM   #29
mr smith
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,137
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by fmc351
49 million* cars sold worldwide in 06 and again in 07. Somehow I think Ford shareholders will care more about how to get 1% more of that (490,000 additional units), than keep a RWD in Australia because enthusiasts think its awesome.
http://www.metrics2.com/blog/2006/12...es_no3_re.html


I voted no, but Ford dont give a rats what I or you think.


$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$


*some of the numbers include light trucks, but you get the picture.
Someone is listening.
mr smith is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 06-10-2008, 08:40 PM   #30
Zed7fiddy
Temporary Australian
 
Zed7fiddy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Central Queensland
Posts: 3,281
Default

Sweeeeeet, i knew for were goin nuts a few years back when they handed us the AU, but, i thought things were goin well wehn they released the BA/F series, i fear they dropped th eball slightly on the FG, and their sticker package specials are continuing to prooove this...

Now, Frotn wheel drive, even the Tog Gear crew said this was apalling, the crowd agrees, lets hope ford was watching tonights episode
Zed7fiddy is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 05:26 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL