Next Ford Fiesta to be built in Thailand - Page 2

LeadFoot81 · 18-10-2007, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffo

http://www.mazda.com/investors/stockinfo/situation.html

Explain your point? Based on the above, as far as I can see, Ford is the above-and-beyond commanding voice in the Mazda world. They own 33.7% of the shares and the next largest holder is 5.3%. They have 33.7% of the say of what happens, and the next largest voice has 6 times less then that. Directors and management are irrelevant.

I'm not very business minded, but even if Ford own a 33% stake in the company, dont all the other companies/people that make up the rest of the 67% stake have to agree with Ford? (And who would agree with Fords commandment to make cheap nasty cars?) Mazda probably couldnt even if they wanted to!

ANYWAY... most people think this is a good move, I'm interested to see if the Fiesta ST/XR4 will be euro sourced while the bread and butter mdoels will be Thai (the same way Focus is Sth African, and the XR5T is euro)

Thai built Fiestas and Australian built Focii open the door for performance models (FPV can afford to play with them and make some money)

FordFella · 18-10-2007, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6_190

Are you serious? Holden's rebadged Daewoos are exactly that, terrible cars built to a price, when you can pay $13,490 for a crappy Barina with a 2 star safety rating or you can pay $15,990 for a Fiesta with at least a 4 star safety rating with superior road handling, superior design, superior build and finish quality.

I don't dislike them because of the Holden badge, I dislike them because they are a cheap and inferior product. Iwould much rather buy a Japanese or european designed and backed car.

As for the Fiesta being built in Thailand, who cares, as long as the quality doesn't drop off (which it won't if Mazda are involved) and they are still developed/ designed in Europe. We import cars from there already anyway.

Sorry - I was being facetious. Thankfully the prices will go down for the Fiesta, and one of the key reasons they don't sell - limited stock - will disappear. Looking at some stats the Fiestas quality is pretty ordinary already - should improve. However there is still the issue of the media lashing out at this. Remember, there is a generalisation that all Asian cars (bar Japanese) are crap quality. Rascist pigs!

LeadFoot81 · 18-10-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordFella

Sorry - I was being facetious.

Im always doing that! Glad Im not the only one!

Paxton · 18-10-2007, 06:05 PM

Go and drive anything Honda besides the Accord Euro and tell me that Thailand can't build a decent car. There are others, but Honda are probably the biggest investor (at least from our end) in Manufacturing in Thailand. Last time I checked, Honda's quality was right up there.

It could be worse, the Tribute and Escape come from Taiwan.

marcosambrose · 18-10-2007, 08:12 PM

Honda Accords built in thailand....

it'll be fine, just be 2 grand cheaper which consumers will love.

Dave_au · 18-10-2007, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Im sure BMW and Audi do it.

BMW yes (3 series sedan built in South Africa), Audi no (from a reasonable knowledge of the Audi range - not sure on the Q7 though).

I doubt there is a problem with a ford being built in Thailand, provided the quality control measures are in place. Quite a number of Japanese manufacturers, including Toyota, Honda and Nissan also run Thai factories, with little production flaws.

That said, if I was to buy a prestige car from a German car brand, and paying essentually more because of the german name, I would want the car to come from Germany, or depending on pricing and specifications, Western Europe.

SirHenry · 18-10-2007, 09:29 PM

Lets hope the new Festy emerges with the same good build quality that it should especially being built in conjunction with Mazda. It could a be a damn sight worse they could have said they were replacing their highly successful german made small hatch with a korean made heap oops sorry guys that was gm and the barina hehe I know which one I'd still buy.

Walt Kowalski · 18-10-2007, 10:00 PM

Fantastic news for the ping pong ball manufacturers.

Apparently each Fiesta will come with a PP Ball dispenser.

FordFella · 19-10-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirHenry

Lets hope the new Festy emerges with the same good build quality that it should especially being built in conjunction with Mazda. It could a be a damn sight worse they could have said they were replacing their highly successful german made small hatch with a korean made heap oops sorry guys that was gm and the barina hehe I know which one I'd still buy.

Umm I haven't exactly heard great things about the Fiesta's build quality. A lot of people have had problems with them - suprising considering that they are built in Germany. And no-one come up and say "But I've got a Fiesta and its fine" - you're lucky. Perhaps Australia just gets all the dud ones they didn't want lol.

phillyc · 19-10-2007, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Fantastic_Ford

The fact Mazda are involved, and the '2' will be built at the same plant can only be a good thing. We get to keep the Euro Design and Ford badge, with Mazda build quality, lower waiting times for orders, cheaper parts, AND Thai import pricing, its a win, win, win, win, win, win!

Yeah, what you said!

Steffo · 19-10-2007, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Fantastic_Ford

I'm not very business minded, but even if Ford own a 33% stake in the company, dont all the other companies/people that make up the rest of the 67% stake have to agree with Ford? (And who would agree with Fords commandment to make cheap nasty cars?) Mazda probably couldnt even if they wanted to!

To have undisputeable control, no one can say a thing against you, you need 50% + 1 share. Not the other 67%. To have their say go unchallenged, Ford need to get another 16.3% of votes + 1 share for them.

Realistically though, their share gives them enough power to do what they want.

ea_monty · 19-10-2007, 09:44 PM

i work 4 ford and to be exact the focus and fiesta are both made in south africa. the paint quality is very and were i work we always have to strip the cars and respray them.

Ives · 19-10-2007, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordFella

Umm I haven't exactly heard great things about the Fiesta's build quality. A lot of people have had problems with them - suprising considering that they are built in Germany. And no-one come up and say "But I've got a Fiesta and its fine" - you're lucky. Perhaps Australia just gets all the dud ones they didn't want lol.

But I've got a Fiesta and it's fine.

LeadFoot81 · 19-10-2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordFella

Umm I haven't exactly heard great things about the Fiesta's build quality. A lot of people have had problems with them - suprising considering that they are built in Germany. And no-one come up and say "But I've got a Fiesta and its fine" - you're lucky. Perhaps Australia just gets all the dud ones they didn't want lol.

Dont know where you get your info from kid, but we have a Fiesta and build quality is excellent.

ClevlndStemer · 20-10-2007, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ea_monty

i work 4 ford and to be exact the focus and fiesta are both made in south africa. the paint quality is very and were i work we always have to strip the cars and respray them.

my sister has a fiesta and the paint quality on that is 100 times better than that on the BA/BF falcons we have. Even the guy that came to fix dents in her car, he said lucky she has this car as the paint quality is so much better than anything local.

BlackLS · 20-10-2007, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ea_monty

i work 4 ford and to be exact the focus and fiesta are both made in south africa. the paint quality is very and were i work we always have to strip the cars and respray them.

Focus perhaps. You may want to check the build plate of the next Fiesta.

LeadFoot81 · 20-10-2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordFella

Umm I haven't exactly heard great things about the Fiesta's build quality. A lot of people have had problems with them - suprising considering that they are built in Germany. And no-one come up and say "But I've got a Fiesta and its fine" - you're lucky. Perhaps Australia just gets all the dud ones they didn't want lol.

Actually in addition, where exactly have you heard all these bad things? My father in law works at a Ford dealership and has admitted (begrudgingly lol) that nothing goes wrong with Fiestas and they're better built than most of the Ford range (better than Falcon, Territory, Sth African Focii) the worst thing they get is the odd waterpump problem. General fit and finish is as good or better than my brother in laws BA XR6!

MAGPIE · 20-10-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ea_monty

the paint quality is very and were i work we always have to strip the cars and respray them.

Can you elaborate as I'm struggling to believe this

scooby · 21-10-2007, 10:35 AM

I have a Fiesta and a Focus.
Fiesta: build quality-excellent, paint-excellent, country of origin- Germany
Focus: build quality-average, paint-below average, country of origin-South Africa

Steffo · 21-10-2007, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooby

I have a Fiesta and a Focus.
Fiesta: build quality-excellent, paint-excellent, country of origin- Germany
Focus: build quality-average, paint-below average, country of origin-South Africa

And in a few years its gonna be...

Fiesta: build quality-appling, paint-horrible, country of origin-Thailand.
Focus: build quality-average, paint-below average, country of origin-South Africa.

Piotr · 21-10-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ea_monty

i work 4 ford and to be exact the focus and fiesta are both made in south africa. the paint quality is very and were i work we always have to strip the cars and respray them.

The Fiesta is NOT made in south africa. They are built in cologne germany

LeadFoot81 · 21-10-2007, 01:06 PM

Steffo get over it! Wait until the Thai Fiestas hit our shores before bagging them out.

If you havent got anything constructive to post don't bother.

LeadFoot81 · 21-10-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooby

I have a Fiesta and a Focus.
Fiesta: build quality-excellent, paint-excellent, country of origin- Germany
Focus: build quality-average, paint-below average, country of origin-South Africa

I've heard the paint in particular is no good on the South African Focii, wonder if the the Oz built Focus in 2010 will be any better?

Steffo · 21-10-2007, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Fantastic_Ford

Steffo get over it! Wait until the Thai Fiestas hit our shores before bagging them out.

If you havent got anything constructive to post don't bother.

In the same way that you're predicting they'll be good, I'm predicting they'll be bad. So stop with the double standards, if you're allowed to think and say they'll be good, I'm just as allowed to think and say they'll be bad.

LeadFoot81 · 21-10-2007, 01:18 PM

Yeah but you keep going on and on about it, like you have a personal vendetta against either Thailand or Ford. Why EXACTLY will the build quality be SO appaling?

You're not even the least bit interested in discussing the POSSIBILTY this could be even REMOTELY a good thing for Ford Oz.

In a cut throat segment Ford could have the upper hand (for the first time in a long time/ever)

The difference between you and me, is that I dont just mindlessly dribble on every second post:
'Fiesta good. Thailand good.'

Two words, mindless dribble. Give me a proper discussion and Ill respect what you're saying.

Steffo · 21-10-2007, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Fantastic_Ford

Yeah but you keep going on and on about it, like you have a personal vendetta against either Thailand or Ford. Why EXACTLY will the build quality be SO appaling?

You're not even the least bit interested in discussing the POSSIBILTY this could be even REMOTELY a good thing for Ford Oz.

In a cut throat segment Ford could have the upper hand (for the first time in a long time/ever)

The difference between you and me, is that I dont just mindlessly dribble on every second post:
'Fiesta good. Thailand good.'

Two words, mindless dribble. Give me a proper discussion and Ill respect what you're saying.

Why do you think they're moving production to Thailand? Its not because Thailand has this awesome reputation for building ultra reliable cars. Its because they're getting cheap labour. And cheap labour usually results in cheap product. In all aspects. I'm sure you've heard that saying, 'You get what you pay for.'

I'm much more excited about the prospect of the Focus being built in Australia then the Fiesta being built in Thailand. In my opinion, that can/will be much more beneficial for Ford AUS then a Thai-built Fiesta. Now if they built the Fiesta here... mmmm.

FordFella · 21-10-2007, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Fantastic_Ford

Actually in addition, where exactly have you heard all these bad things? My father in law works at a Ford dealership and has admitted (begrudgingly lol) that nothing goes wrong with Fiestas and they're better built than most of the Ford range (better than Falcon, Territory, Sth African Focii) the worst thing they get is the odd waterpump problem. General fit and finish is as good or better than my brother in laws BA XR6!

I heard it from..... Drive

. Ok then disregard everything. Then again, being better than the Tezz and Falcon doesn't say much.

scooby · 21-10-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote: 'cheap labour usually results in cheap product'
Mate, 'cheap' is a relative term.
So what if the Thai Ford workers are getting paid $10 a day. To them it's a decent wage, the cost of living is much,much lower than here. Most factory workers in Thailand are thankful to have a job and will make an effort to put in a decent days work. They also get plenty of benefits from working for a huge corporation like Ford.
The average Thai can live comfortably on $200 a month.

LeadFoot81 · 21-10-2007, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffo

Why do you think they're moving production to Thailand? Its not because Thailand has this awesome reputation for building ultra reliable cars. Its because they're getting cheap labour. And cheap labour usually results in cheap product. In all aspects. I'm sure you've heard that saying, 'You get what you pay for.'

I'm much more excited about the prospect of the Focus being built in Australia then the Fiesta being built in Thailand. In my opinion, that can/will be much more beneficial for Ford AUS then a Thai-built Fiesta. Now if they built the Fiesta here... mmmm.

Good luck with all your future endeavours Steffo.

Paxton · 21-10-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffo

Now if they built the Fiesta here... mmmm.

You would still bag out the 'lack of' quality.

I would go to a Honda dealer, and drive an Accord (US Spec, not Euro). Drive it with an open mind, and you will find that the quality is as good as the Accord Euro, the only Japanese made Honda in our Local Market.

Do you actually think that the people in the market for a cheap 4 Cylinder run about care about quality? I don't. People care about price first, brand second, and then perceived quality third. Get over the production location of a car that you probably won't own anyway.