How the wheels came off Ford - Page 2

Adamz Ghia · 04-09-2018, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndrome

The Mondeo was supposed to replace the Falcon.

No it wasn’t. They said from the very start Mondeo wasn’t a replacement. Not once did they even try to pass it off as a replacement.

Adamz Ghia · 04-09-2018, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

I always smile when I see these types of comments. What are Australian conditions?

Nearly every other mainstream auto maker builds global cars on global platforms. It's the only way to efficiently amortise the cost of developing, designing and building cars.

The terrain we drive through is unique to the world, outback roads are unlike any other roads on the planet, and I’ve seen a few, the bush, going from fog to dust to driving rain in the space of a couple of hours, wildlife, the list goes on. I’ve driven in a few places and have never come across anywhere remotely like Australia in terms of its extremeties.

Sadly, we will never get headlights as good as the AU. Those things in my opinion are still unparalleled.

prydey · 05-09-2018, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

The terrain we drive through is unique to the world, outback roads are unlike any other roads on the planet, and I’ve seen a few, the bush, going from fog to dust to driving rain in the space of a couple of hours, wildlife, the list goes on. I’ve driven in a few places and have never come across anywhere remotely like Australia in terms of its extremeties.

Sadly, we will never get headlights as good as the AU. Those things in my opinion are still unparalleled.

If you really believe that then you are very naive.

simon varley · 05-09-2018, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike_nofx

Yeah I agree here. Australian conditions with regards to headlights should be much better than other countries. We don’t have as much snow or fog to deal with. Sure we have big open roads, but use high beam for that.

so that explains why so many people only need to use one headlight these days.

Sprintey · 05-09-2018, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

The terrain we drive through is unique to the world, outback roads are unlike any other roads on the planet, and I’ve seen a few, the bush, going from fog to dust to driving rain in the space of a couple of hours, wildlife, the list goes on. I’ve driven in a few places and have never come across anywhere remotely like Australia in terms of its extremeties.

Sadly, we will never get headlights as good as the AU. Those things in my opinion are still unparalleled.

Saw a bushfire in the midst of a hailstorm whilst surveying in Tasmania. That was pretty unique.

SpoolMan · 05-09-2018, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndrome

You must have missed this thread.

https://www.fordforums.com.au/showth...ight=purchased

Nope I seen it, its about the constant Ford negativity from many, for business to work in this world the product has to be purchased.
We all loved our Falcons there gone now, I thought my BF F6 was the best car ever until I drove a GT mustang.

Sprintey · 05-09-2018, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoolMan

for business to work in this world the product has to be purchased.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...hows-suv-shift

Look at all the passenger fwd midsize sedans, where they matter, the US. They are declining very fast as SUVs completely dominate. Look at Mondeo, Focus, Fiesta sales here compared to their segments, like you say the product has to be purchased, but it's not being purchased in volumes equivalent to the best competitors. Look at the segments themselves in Australia, being overrun by SUVs. Wouldn't be surprised if all 3 are discontinued.

Dr Smith · 05-09-2018, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul22

They have insisted on a 'one size fits all' rather than refining the car to a particular market (headlight sufficiency for Australian conditions for e.g.).

Lol, that is not One Ford's fault that is because Holden and Ford, building cars in Australia put some of the best headlights on them. Many imported vehicles even today have less efficient headlights than Falcons and Commodores of years gone.

Brazen · 05-09-2018, 10:39 AM

Interestingly Australian build Camrys had unique larger headlights with seperate H4 high beams that neccessated a different front bumper to fit the larger headlights in.

Australia

USA

Nu66et · 05-09-2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndrome

The Mondeo was supposed to replace the Falcon.

Im sure Ford made it bigger just for us.

**FTE217** · 05-09-2018, 02:20 PM

Mr Ford has the new CEO fixing the problem, Mr Jim Hatch ett I mean Hackett.
Cut cut cut range - FSeries/Ranger and Mustang company now.
You got to wonder why Toyota/Mazda/MB/BMW/Audi/VW and the likes keep EXpanding their ranges.

Syndrome · 05-09-2018, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

No it wasn’t. They said from the very start Mondeo wasn’t a replacement. Not once did they even try to pass it off as a replacement.

When Ford killed the BF MkIII wagon they clearly indicated that the Mondeo wagon was being offered to buyers who were previously Falcon wagon buyers.

https://www.themotorreport.com.au/ca...oad-71157.html

https://www.goauto.com.au/news/ford/...-24/17966.html

Enough said.

**Fordman1** · 05-09-2018, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndrome

When Ford killed the BF MkIII wagon they clearly indicated that the Mondeo wagon was being offered to buyers who were previously Falcon wagon buyers.

https://www.themotorreport.com.au/ca...oad-71157.html

https://www.goauto.com.au/news/ford/...-24/17966.html

Enough said.

And it was a much better car too.

Blueford260 · 05-09-2018, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkyard-Dog

You can't really expect people to buy cars they don't want. I guess Ford don't actually understand that.

So what type of product or products do you think they should build to please everyone?

Adamz Ghia · 05-09-2018, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndrome

When Ford killed the BF MkIII wagon they clearly indicated that the Mondeo wagon was being offered to buyers who were previously Falcon wagon buyers.

https://www.themotorreport.com.au/ca...oad-71157.html

https://www.goauto.com.au/news/ford/...-24/17966.html

Enough said.

https://www.motoring.com.au/fords-fa...arrives-50383/

mr smith · 05-09-2018, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Ford offloaded their premium brands so they could stay afloat during the GFC without having to be bailed out by the govt.

They are still one of the top 10 most valuable auto makers in the world.

I wouldn't say the wheels have fallen off.

Not true, they needed to stay afloat to ensure the Ford family stayed in control, a bailout would have seen the end of that. They have a different class of share that ensures they remain running the show.

mr smith · 05-09-2018, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon varley

the future isn't really internal combustion engines anyway. we are in a transition period now to EV and fully autonomous, and there will be a lot of pain and suffering on the way for all the companies. those that come out on top may well not be the conventional car makers we have come to know and love (and hate)

Full autonomous wont happen..why would we want more cars on the roads with no one in them? Its our generation of the flying car.

Sprintey · 06-09-2018, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordman1

And it was a much better car too.

I know which I'd trust more mechanically over the long term...

Vesper Martini · 06-09-2018, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndrome

When Ford killed the BF MkIII wagon they clearly indicated that the Mondeo wagon was being offered to buyers who were previously Falcon wagon buyers.

https://www.themotorreport.com.au/ca...oad-71157.html

https://www.goauto.com.au/news/ford/...-24/17966.html

Enough said.

lets clarify, this was the The BF wagon in 2010. and most would have already migrated to the Territory from the wagon.
The Mondeo on offer was only 3rd gen at that time.
When the end of Falcon was announced I don't recall Ford stating it has a replacement.

Vesper Martini · 06-09-2018, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamz Ghia

https://www.motoring.com.au/fords-fa...arrives-50383/

That's from a Journo (Ive never heard of) - not Ford.

Try this
Ford confirms no replacement for Falcon and Territory when Broadmeadows factory shuts in October
https://www.news.com.au/technology/i...ff887d4816f001

**Fordman1** · 06-09-2018, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprintey

I know which I'd trust more mechanically over the long term...

Yeah maybe leaf springs on the front would help too.

**FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0** · 06-09-2018, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndrome

When Ford killed the BF MkIII wagon they clearly indicated that the Mondeo wagon was being offered to buyers who were previously Falcon wagon buyers.

https://www.themotorreport.com.au/ca...oad-71157.html

https://www.goauto.com.au/news/ford/...-24/17966.html

Enough said.

Taken from the article linked by Adamz:

Quote:

“We are not suggesting for a moment Mondeo is a direct Falcon replacement,” said Ford Australia marketing boss David Katic.

“We are not expecting diehard rear-wheel drive fans to jump into Mondeo.

“But obviously consumers who are looking for a medium to large car Mondeo is a great option.”

What was it you said again, Syndrome?

mcsweenyfives · 08-09-2018, 11:48 AM

IMO, people are to influenced by journalists and others that have an interest or a bias towards another manufacturer. People need to get out and drive the cars and make their own minds up. My last four cars are Ford's (2005 & 2012 territory, 2014 lw2 focus sport, 2017 md mondeo titanium)and except my 2012 territory titanium they have all been great cars. I had to fight with Ford for a few days for a warranty issue with the sz but the dealer also helped there.

Pick your dealer and if you don't like them go to another. It's a bit like going to the doctor. They will all sting you. They are there to make money first.

Ford got slammed for the gearbox issue and I think Ford au has learnt from that. The dealerships seem to have changed in their approach to customers.

I am happy to keep going back. But don't you do it cause I said so, go and drive them and not just at one dealer, go to many. So many different experiences.

People have just got lazy and act like sheep. Because someone else does it, it must be the thing to or not to do.

Imo Ford brand is a great product.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

Crazy Dazz · 08-09-2018, 02:19 PM

Don't know enough details about the European or UK markets, but suspect its the same but worse to what they have faced elsewhere. They've gone from being one of the Big 2 or Big 3, to one of many, with much more competition. Plus there was always more native competition in Europe.

And yes, they are losing the premium they always made on luxury trim levels. Why buy a top of the line Mondeo, when you can get into a BMW for the same money?

kevino · 08-09-2018, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcsweenyfives

IMO, people are to influenced by journalists and others that have an interest or a bias towards another manufacturer. People need to get out and drive the cars and make their own minds up. My last four cars are Ford's (2005 & 2012 territory, 2014 lw2 focus sport, 2017 md mondeo titanium)and except my 2012 territory titanium they have all been great cars. I had to fight with Ford for a few days for a warranty issue with the sz but the dealer also helped there.

Pick your dealer and if you don't like them go to another. It's a bit like going to the doctor. They will all sting you. They are there to make money first.

Ford got slammed for the gearbox issue and I think Ford au has learnt from that. The dealerships seem to have changed in their approach to customers.

I am happy to keep going back. But don't you do it cause I said so, go and drive them and not just at one dealer, go to many. So many different experiences.

People have just got lazy and act like sheep. Because someone else does it, it must be the thing to or not to do.

Imo Ford brand is a great product.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

How has the support been on your Focus sport (or is it a manual?)?

mcsweenyfives · 08-09-2018, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevino

How has the support been on your Focus sport (or is it a manual?)?

I have a manual. But it's had a few recalls without any issues.

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

jpd80 · 08-09-2018, 04:41 PM

A few years ago, FoA sent a memo to Dearborn spelling out the need for autonomous vehicles.

Unfortunately, there was a typo that lead them to think Australia wanted anonymous vehicles.....

NX74205 · 08-09-2018, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Don't know enough details about the European or UK markets, but suspect its the same but worse to what they have faced elsewhere.

Ford Fiesta is the best selling car in the UK. Ford Focus 3rd best.

Ford is the number one selling brand in the UK.

https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/amp/ca...rs-and-losers/

rjk74 · 09-09-2018, 09:55 AM

https://jalopnik.com/ford-is-blowing-it-1828861110

prydey · 09-09-2018, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjk74

https://jalopnik.com/ford-is-blowing-it-1828861110

that article says to me that the author, Ryan Felton is a bit like J.Dowling. He either doesn't like Ford or has been burnt by Ford in some way. It just sounded very bitter to me. There may have been some facts along the way, but much of it seemed to just be his opinion.