FG X, The Last EVER Falcon - Picture & Discussion Thread

[Rodge]

I think its a good look but reserve judgement till I've seen it in the metal BUT how much new technology has it got...and before you all say it doesn't need new technology just look how well the VF is selling !

[Bobman]

Originally Posted by Bucket

There are a lot of cars out there still using incandescent lights. Contrary to popular belief, LED lights are not the pinnacle of Technical development in the automotive world.

They are actually. All you have to do is where automotive excellence comes from (Europe).

I can live with incandescent globes in the tail lights, but not the centre stop light. There is no reason why they could not have adopted an LED centre stop as another poster mentioned was used on 1995 Fairlanes.

That said, I'm still buying one.

[Slorta]

Originally Posted by Rodge

I think its a good look but reserve judgement till I've seen it in the metal BUT how much new technology has it got...and before you all say it doesn't need new technology just look how well the VF is selling !

The VF will outsell the Falcon hands down. And why, not because the VF is a better car (we all know it isn't) but because Holden advertises the VF.

For the last 4 years, Ford management have just wanted the Falcon to go away. Now their dream is nearly a reality.

An American CEO with Chinese interests. What hope did Ford Australia ever have ???

[V8 Ghia Mike]

They do.

Mike

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by Slorta

The VF will outsell the Falcon hands down. And why, not because the VF is a better car (we all know it isn't) but because Holden advertises the VF. It's as though Ford management just want the Falcon to go away.

Mate, get over it. The Commodore will continue to outsell the Falcon you're right there, but it has very little to do with advertising. That's been covered on these forums many a time.

[Slorta]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

Mate, get over it. The Commodore will continue to outsell the Falcon you're right there, but it has very little to do with advertising. That's been covered on these forums many a time.

It has little to do with advertising ? Then it must have something to do with........?

I went into a Ford showroom last weekend and they didn't even have a Falcon on the showroom floor. It's pathetic. If you never see it advertised, and the dealers don't display it, howz anyone going to know they sell them.

And that's why, they don't !!!

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Slorta

The VF will outsell the Falcon hands down. And why, not because the VF is a better car (we all know it isn't) but because Holden advertises the VF.

You can advertise a car all you want. But getting someone to hand over $40-60k of their hard earned (and usually borrowed) money requires more than a TV commercial. Look at the volume movers- XR6 vs SV6 for example. The SV6 comes standard with leather/suede interior, dual zone climate, blind spot monitoring, front park sensors, auto park, electric handbrake, rear radar (cross traffic warning in reverse), auto windows, remote start, then the little things like soft touch stitched dash & doors, lined boot, gimmicks like Mylink apps, the list goes on. The XR6 presently has none of that and they're still in the same price range. That's why VFs are selling, Holden have thrown every trinket they have at it and it seems to be working. And that's why the FH will need a heavier standard equipment list to counter what Holden are offering with VF. Advertising won't save you if the product isn't up to par.

[duaned]

Originally Posted by Slorta

The VF will outsell the Falcon hands down. And why, not because the VF is a better car (we all know it isn't) but because Holden advertises the VF.

Sorry but the VF is a much better car than the FG falcon, no question there. I do really hope the new Falcon comes close to the VF, I really do. I'm not a fan of the rear end treatment of the FH (Z) but that white one in the pic from Spyman has me thinking again about that statement. In the flesh I'm thinking it might look quite nice! I wont be buying one though, I am enjoying the change. But the missus wants a Kuga so I am entertaining that idea.

[Callum31]

I don't know about you guys, but I've never seen so many willing XR8 buyers, getting the feeling Ford won't have any idea about this and struggle to keep up with the demand. Secondly didn't someone here think that production has now started for the new Falcon ready for showrooms?

Thirdly the idea of the new emission laws coming in on November 2016 (Month before Ford closes) could be canned and if so, does that mean we could see the Falcon soldier on a little longer if sales are a success?

[chopstar87]

I like your enthusiasm Callum31... the but there is a lot of difference from someone saying that they will buy one on the forum or Facebook then someone actually going to drop $50-60k on a new car and buying one. sad fact...

and the falcon will sadly not go past 2016 no matter how many they sell (I thought it was Oct 16 that It was to finish, before the new emissions laws).. it will still be cheaper and more efficient to gets cars sent from overseas here and sell them, then building and selling the local falcon.

2 reasons why the commodore sells... one is that its a better equipped and is next gen compared to falcon, the 2nd reason is that magical badge on the front that a lot of Australians blindly love, the HOLDEN badge... and that's the sad truth, no matter how great the last falcon will be, the commodore will still be more loved, because its a Holden. its annoying and frustrating, but that's the truth... :(

This last falcon will be a good if not a great car, but its just a fill in model til 2016.. when ford Australia becomes a importer.. as Holden will a year later.

The real fight in the coming years is who will handle been a exclusive importer better.. Ford or Holden.. and I think Holden will struggle, because they will have lost the all Australian feeling it gives and sells at the moment (even thou most of us here know that it isn't all Australian at all now)

[Gadgetman]

personally, I think Ford wont have done enough with the new car. they will struggle because they want it to struggle and i bet production will cease by end of financial year 2015. Why? Because they want it to. They have for the last 3-4 years.

[tranquilized]

Originally Posted by chopstar87

2 reasons why the commodore sells... one is that its a better equipped and is next gen compared to falcon, the 2nd reason is that magical badge on the front that a lot of Australians blindly love, the HOLDEN badge... and that's the sad truth, no matter how great the last falcon will be, the commodore will still be more loved, because its a Holden. its annoying and frustrating, but that's the truth... :(

I think one of the biggest reasons the Commodore sells so much more than the Falcon, apart from the two you've mentioned, is it's far broader model range.

Ford's lack of wagon and V8 luxury model are the two biggest omissions. But Holden really have it covered - 3 levels of SS for example. More choice = more sales.

Never mind how much it actually costs Holden to offer this range, all we're talking about right now is the difference in sales numbers.

[joeyy17]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

You can advertise a car all you want. But getting someone to hand over $40-60k of their hard earned (and usually borrowed) money requires more than a TV commercial. Look at the volume movers- XR6 vs SV6 for example. The SV6 comes standard with leather/suede interior, dual zone climate, blind spot monitoring, front park sensors, auto park, electric handbrake, rear radar (cross traffic warning in reverse), auto windows, remote start, then the little things like soft touch stitched dash & doors, lined boot, gimmicks like Mylink apps, the list goes on. The XR6 presently has none of that and they're still in the same price range. That's why VFs are selling, Holden have thrown every trinket they have at it and it seems to be working. And that's why the FH will need a heavier standard equipment list to counter what Holden are offering with VF. Advertising won't save you if the product isn't up to par.

That's exactly why the VF's sell more, because of all the extras the Falcon doesn't have. And the main reason why Holden have more extras is that the Government likes to kiss their *****.

Evidence:

http://www.afr.com/p/national/govern...3lse6cNIradzzI

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/nati...087ba49755bb35

Plus this image says it all based on sales figures going on a slope for both parties.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

personally, I think Ford wont have done enough with the new car. they will struggle because they want it to struggle and i bet production will cease by end of financial year 2015. Why? Because they want it to. They have for the last 3-4 years.

They wont shut up shop until there is a replacement for the Territory ready to go. Broadmeadows is now, and has been for a while now, all about the Territory. Its what sells and Falcon is just the bit player now. Territory is worth too much volume for them to not have something like in the range, so until the new Edge or Everest is available, they will still be making cars.

[Uwish]

i am hoping for a new steering wheel in the XR8.
I mean every other manufacturer has a nice wheel. The Falcon steering wheel is **** house.
I am really wanting a new XR8.... Just a few things might not cut it.
Externally and driveline seem good to go. Just a few interior things will hold me back :(

[Professor Farnsworth]

not sure why people bag the FG XR wheel, it's the best wheel i've used in any of the 13 Falcons i've owned

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Slorta

Agreed, but they still won't advertise it. Ford Management haven't got the brains to see that advertising Falcons will sell Falcons.

Advertising won't sell a product that is un-sellable...commodore has the hammered in "aussie" aura that has been achieved through decades of brand establishment...even that is disappearing now and the commodore is selling the numbers that the Falcon had 4 years ago...


A few adverts now won't drive and increase in sales for the FH...

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

not sure why people bag the FG XR wheel, it's the best wheel i've used in any of the 13 Falcons i've owned

because #bagfalcon

[Slorta]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

personally, I think Ford wont have done enough with the new car. they will struggle because they want it to struggle and i bet production will cease by end of financial year 2015. Why? Because they want it to. They have for the last 3-4 years.

Dead right Gadget. And there lies the problem. What happened 4 years ago? The buck stops with the goose at the top.

Coincidentally, 4 years ago was was also the last of the great Falcon ads. So in case you've all forgotten, you to Graziano, here they are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDaLxN5FIjE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tuVW3HTiDk

Ahhhh......they were the days.

[Bobman]

Originally Posted by Nikked

because #bagfalcon

I think it's more to do with the lack of steering wheel options when you compare to BA/BF.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

They wont shut up shop until there is a replacement for the Territory ready to go. Broadmeadows is now, and has been for a while now, all about the Territory. Its what sells and Falcon is just the bit player now. Territory is worth too much volume for them to not have something like in the range, so until the new Edge or Everest is available, they will still be making cars.

Yet by comparison to 201X they have spent jack all on the Territory update. Its the cash cow and the volume seller but they give it stuff all. #angry

[anto]

Originally Posted by duaned

Sorry but the VF is a much better car than the FG falcon, no question there. .

Pff, why..because you own one ?

[martinijosh]

Well the VF is 6 years newer... one can only hope 6 years of additional devlopment would produce a "better" vehicle.

[galaxy xr8]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Yet by comparison to 201X they have spent jack all on the Territory update. Its the cash cow and the volume seller but they give it stuff all. #angry

Which annoys me to no end as well.

[fgpsi]

Hey spyman did you find that pic of the xr8 naked ?

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

I don't understand Ford's logic here. They release some slick looking front end images of the top models, plenty of positive press, now they send out an undisguised base model and a modest G6E model with temp plates hanging out of the boot to show off the rear. If they wanted to stir up interest, why not have an XR8 doing the rounds with less and less camo, preferably in a bright colour. What started as almost universal acclaim for the front end is turning into majority let down over the rear end because every photo we've seen has been taken on a camera phone from an awkward angle of a boring model. Come on Ford. Sure people are talking, but a lot of them aren't saying nice things and a first impression is hard to shake for a lot of people.

I don't fathom the logic here either, the cars are now all circulating completely uncovered inside and out, yet Ford have not even released rear end or interior shots yet. Another complete sales and marketing fail. But I guess when you don't want it to sell so you can pack up and leave ASAP then this is what you get.

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Yet by comparison to 201X they have spent jack all on the Territory update. Its the cash cow and the volume seller but they give it stuff all. #angry

Territory was facelifted only 3 years ago though, so it's not due for a change like Falcon is.

[spyman03]

Originally Posted by fgpsi

Hey spyman did you find that pic of the xr8 naked ?

Hey,
No but I've shot a new large car being tested here.....poss falcons replacement

That's all I'm saying ATM

I'll get back on the horse tomorrow

Spyman

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by Slorta

It has little to do with advertising ? Then it must have something to do with........?

Everyone has their own theory as to why Falcon sales are declining. I think the lack of advertising contributes to some extent, but with all due respect, I think you're off in la la land if you think that a comprehensive marketing program is going to save the Falcon.

Falcon isn't the value for money equation it once was when you consider that there are cheaper, better equipped, more practical and more fuel efficient cars around.

[fgpsi]

Originally Posted by spyman03

Hey,
No but I've shoot a new large car being tested here.....poss falcons replacement

That's all I'm saying ATM

I'll get back on the horse tomorrow

Spyman

Taurass

[spyman03]

Originally Posted by fgpsi

Taurass

Hey,
;-)


Spyman