Ford Fiesta’s future in Australia unclear, Focus cloudy too

[DJM83]

Still dont think the falcon is as good a quality as it once was. Nor IMO is it as good as a Euro Ford either. I still love mine though.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Still dont think the falcon is as good a quality as it once was. Nor IMO is it as good as a Euro Ford either. I still love mine though.

I would agree and you can trace a downward line as each model was released, certain materials such as carpets, trims and plastics were cheapened to account for features added elsewhere and the decline in sales. Check out the carpet on a AU series Fairmont compared to a FG G6E.

Having said that, as an owner of a Mustang and a FGX XR8, the Falcon is most certainly better made, both inside and out. (Just an observation, not criticism).

[roddy1960]

Originally Posted by Mercury Bullet

I thought you drove a Golf - my mistake.

Do you have a recent Falcon and Mustang to compare?
Everything I've heard is that American build quality on the Mustang is questionable.

Anto is just another one to reinforce that belief.

All I can add is my Falcon has now turned over 20,000 and it hasn't made a squeak. It's still as solid as the day it came out of the showroom.

G'day , My FG XR6 Mk1 and very early Mk1too April 2008 , same , not a squeak or rattle anywhere..Granted she's only just clicked over 70,000 ks because the original owner was overseas for a fair while but she's still 9 years old and in the 15 months I've had her , she's just lovely and bad build quality noise free , totally. Matter of fact my AU ll 's only real noise or rattle is the sway bar rubbers and an occasional squeak that goes away after a while behind the dash.. Falcons are okay as far as I'm concerned.. Cheers Rod.

[Hawkeye84]

Back on the topic.

Im sure there are other market reasons (growth of Hyundai, Kia, Mazda),

But a major internal factor/force that have killed the sales of these two is the Powershift Dual Clutch transmissions on these cars since production started in Thailand - which hit our shores in December 2012.

Factoring in campaign lag you can see that the sales started to dive since its peak in late 2012.

Even when the Class action suit that began in May 2016 and lately this year with news of the ACCC taking Ford to Federal Court over the transmissions, saw sales of Focus still hovering around 500 cars a month, so not affecting it much looking at sales figures from May 15 onwards.

What would be interesting is to see what the New Car Buyer Survey results will tell us. It would solidify if the Focus and fiesta quality ranking slipped

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Mercury Bullet

I thought you drove a Golf - my mistake.

Do you have a recent Falcon and Mustang to compare?
Everything I've heard is that American build quality on the Mustang is questionable.

Anto is just another one to reinforce that belief.

All I can add is my Falcon has now turned over 20,000 and it hasn't made a squeak. It's still as solid as the day it came out of the showroom.

I have had recent Falcons (BA, BF2 and spent significant time in FG) and all were pretty average, mechanically i had little issues (the I6 gave me no issues whats so ever) but everything else was poor, or, in my opinion for 50+ years of building the same car, i expected better.

Mustang, i have not lived with but initial impressions, not high quality but has advanced from previous iterations and is, from a new car standard a little better on average than the FG/X. However in saying that, only time will tell how long that quality will last or whether it will suffer the same fate as the locals, sagging panels and interior.

[Mercury Bullet]

Build quality and material quality are two different things in my opinion.

As for material quality I agree. Cars have been suffering from this for years.
I bought an EA Fairmont Ghia new in 1991 and it cost me 40 grand if I recall.
G6E's were still around the $40k mark in 2016 - 25 years later.
You only need to look at the quality of the wiring to see how they did it.

So yeah, in materials quality the Falcon has suffered.

As far as the workers are concerned with screwing the car together, I will take Australian quality every time.

[AG3]

From Motor Trend...

But here is Europe’s new Fiesta. Will it land here (U.S.) soon? Suddenly everyone at Ford comes over all taciturn. An engineer quietly told Motor Trend there’s no technical issue with its going global, but the PR department’s lips are sealed. We asked the question and got an answer to a different question. “We are introducing the new Fiesta in Europe and Middle East and Africa at this time and will have more to say about other markets at a later date. Fiesta remains an important part of our lineup.”

- http://www.motortrend.com/cars/ford/...n-spec-review/

I hope Ford lets us know as soon as possible if it's good new or bad news for Fiesta's future in Asia-Pacific.

[AG3]

According to earlier reports, the Focus's future in Australia is supposedly cloudy but it looks like Ford Thailand will also build the new Focus.
Perhaps its future is not that cloudy?
Some news regarding the mk4 Focus production in other plants (for global markets).

However, the company has confirmed existing plants for the current model, including Thailand and Europe, will continue to produce the new model for global markets.

- http://www.caradvice.com.au/563062/2...north-america/

2019 Focus sedan

-Autoblog

[hackney]

I can see Fords problem here,the issue with Fiesta & Focus is they are just not selling in sufficient no's to warrant them continuing in Aus.Their transmission woes really in many ways "did it in for them" (& Fords handling of the issue was atrocious.)for these respective vehicles,people are just not confident in purchasing them.Both are great cars to drive,but everybody is purchasing Korean & Japanese,really cannot see them gaining traction to any degree in this country.UK is a different story,Fiesta #1,Focus#2(consistently.)Cheers

[AG3]

Originally Posted by hackney

I can see Fords problem here,the issue with Fiesta & Focus is they are just not selling in sufficient no's to warrant them continuing in Aus.Their transmission woes really in many ways "did it in for them" (& Fords handling of the issue was atrocious.)for these respective vehicles,people are just not confident in purchasing them.Both are great cars to drive,but everybody is purchasing Korean & Japanese,really cannot see them gaining traction to any degree in this country.UK is a different story,Fiesta #1,Focus#2(consistently.)Cheers

With Ford's current Asia-Pacific Focus lineup being EcoBoost-powered, all automatic models now use the traditional 6-speed torque converter automatic. This will most likely be carried over to the Next Focus.

[hackney]

Originally Posted by AG3

With Ford's current Asia-Pacific Focus lineup being EcoBoost-powered, all automatic models now use the traditional 6-speed torque converter automatic. This will most likely be carried over to the Next Focus.

Still won't help though,their sales are average @ the best of times.Buyer confidence is not there either.New transmission or not it is not going to help them,shame because they are really both good vehicles in their respective classes.I just get the feeling Ford might well pull the plug on at least the Fiesta,not sure about the Focus though,it certainly can hold its own in its segment(not sales though.).Cheers

[Brazen]

Rename it Laser for the new model and start afresh

[eb2fairmont]

Not much to say because productions shifting to china

[AG3]

Originally Posted by eb2fairmont

Not much to say because productions shifting to china

The next North American-spec Focus will be sourced from China. Other regional plants building the Focus now will also build the new one.

[borough]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

It would be a good time to remarket Fords small range now they aren't the Falcon car company.

They are the Ranger motor company now.

[AG3]

Does anybody know if the Figo/Ka caught testing around Geelong has anything to do with the next Fiesta possibly being phased out of Asia-Pacific/ASEAN markets?

- http://www.motoring.com.au/spy-pics-...eelong-107503/


The 2018 Fiesta won't be global.

"The previous model was a global Ford product, and with the new generation, we are targeting only Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

- http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-say...ear-97094.html

[csv8]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Rename it Laser for the new model and start afresh

Rename Fiesta Escort ? or Focus Cortina ?

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by csv8

Rename Fiesta Escort ? or Focus Cortina ?

Festiva and Laser

[au2000]

Name change might not be enough, the whole reaction by ford to the cvt issues and how customers have been treated is what's really caused the issue IMO, not many average everyday customers would trust buying a small ford ATM, just thank god they have the ranger n mustang or ford would have nothing right now

[eb2fairmont]

Spare a thought for Holden. They have nothing

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by eb2fairmont

Spare a thought for Holden. They have nothing

Astra sold 1580 last month. I couldn't find how many Focus wee sold. but iI think its less.

[AG3]

Originally Posted by csv8

Rename Fiesta Escort ? or Focus Cortina ?

The issue is not the name, it's the current-outgoing Fiesta's PowerShift DCT option. Something they got rid of on the new but NOT global 2018 Fiesta.

About the Escort name, it's already being used on the low-cost (Ford Australia-developed) C-segment sedan they sell in China.

Maybe Ford should evolve the Escort into a Fiesta alternative they can sell in other markets.


PS: I think Ford shouldn't taint the Cortina name.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by au2000

Name change might not be enough, the whole reaction by ford to the cvt issues and how customers have been treated is what's really caused the issue IMO, not many average everyday customers would trust buying a small ford ATM, just thank god they have the ranger n mustang or ford would have nothing right now

Ford don't have CVT, I think your referring to the dual-clutch auto Ford call it power shift VW call it DSG.

both have had issues.

On the radio this morning were angry Ford customers involved in the Class action. They are still driving cars that randomly go into limp mode

Ford are blaming their driving style..

[AG3]

Originally Posted by Bevsta007

Ford don't have CVT, I think your referring to the dual-clutch auto Ford call it power shift VW call it DSG.

both have had issues.

On the radio this morning were angry Ford customers involved in the Class action. They are still driving cars that randomly go into limp mode

Ford are blaming their driving style..

The part that annoys me the most is Ford replaced the PowerShift dct with a conventional torque converter automatic on the new 2018 Fiesta but decided to only sell it in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

[au2000]

I stand corrected, but you get my point,
not to mention its in the age today that the ACCC is charging Ford over its handling of customer complaints

http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/a...26-gxiyks.html

The consumer watchdog alledges that Ford "engaged in unconscionable and misleading or deceptive conduct, and made false or misleading representations in its response to customer complaints."

But Ford has hit back at the allegations and defended its actions in looking after customers with affected gearboxes.

"The ACCC alleges that Ford misrepresented to customers who made complaints that the issues with their vehicles were caused by the way the driver handled the vehicle, even though Ford was aware of systemic issues with the vehicles from at least 2013," ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in a statement.

In addition to this the ACCC is claiming that Ford then made the situation worse by on-selling any affected vehicles it reclaimed without full disclosure of the problems with the transmission.

This kind of media coverage & customer service is what's killing the Focus & Fiesta, You can't repair this kind of PR damage overnight.

[Peterwl]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Good on you for the brand loyalty, I wish I was as forgiving of Ford. That is a rather short list there. But take those Ford coloured glasses off and try driving both mustangs in stock form , ignoring what badge its wearing. Nothing to write home about, their beauty is skin deep, quality doesn't feel all that great, just about on par with the VF Commodore, which is just barely average (versus woeful for VE and older). I don't recall the last time I have seen a Current model Focus RS/ST or Fiesta ST. Plenty of old XR5 from back in the Ford glory days still putting around though. They are not competitively priced for what they are, and objectively , the Japs and Germans have the Hatch and performance hatch market stitched up and the sales numbers speak for themselves...

I agree with you with regards the Mustang and the short comings of the Ford small car range.

I went to the biggest Ford dealer in South West Sydney last Sunday ( also a Hyundai franchise ) to do a second test drive in the Hyundai 130 1.6 litre Turbo SR, which I will end up buying soon. ( an excellent drive ).

I later went to the Ford sales section and sat in a few of the 12 to 15 Mustangs they had sitting there. They probably had a lot more in their huge storage yard out back.

I did not like even sitting in the Mustang, awful seating position with very poor view of the outside world. Give me the Falcon’s “ flawed ” seating position any time !

The seats are small, cheap, and uncomfortable ! I would not like to drive a Mustang from Sydney to Brisbane ! I am sure the Air Con and Audio are far better than the Falcon and it looks a little better, but that’s where it ends.

The sales lady asked if I would like a test drive of the V8 Mustang and I said NO ! I sensed she was not used to getting a knock back for such an offer. I said I would be interested in a low klm FG II XR6 if they had one on the used car lot. She said that the rare trade ins they get of FG II’s, they are re sold in days.

I had a look at the Ford Focus and was instantly turned off when she admitted that they had Idle Stop Start. The Hyundai does NOT.

My 10 cents, if the Mustang is to be a better volume seller, the 4 cylinder one has to be a $37,000 drive away price and the V8 model a $50,000 drive away deal.

This cannot be heresy on a Ford forum, BUT, I would rather acquire a mint condition low klm FG II XR6 etc, rather than a new Mustang ( 4 or 8 cylinder ).

[LeadFoot81]

Steering the convo back somewhat on topic; Peterwl did you compare the i30 against Fiesta or Focus ST? If so, why did you go with the Hyundai?

[Peterwl]

Originally Posted by LeadFoot81

Steering the convo back somewhat on topic; Peterwl did you compare the i30 against Fiesta or Focus ST? If so, why did you go with the Hyundai?

The entire Focus range has "Idle Stop Start", so that disqualified Focus. I am sure they are good small cars for those who can tolerate Idle Stop Start.
There is a new younger generation that accepts it, and think that it is normal.

The Fiesta looks a smaller almost "Micro" car compared to the i30, I did not enquire about it, but I assume it has Idle Stop Start as well.

The Hyundai in both Elantra 1.6 turbo and i30 turbo are a better drive than I was expecting. The turbo gave me the impression that it is working "off idle".
It felt like I was driving a 2.5 or 3.0 litre N/A motor in a body weighing 1350 KG. It had the torque to "hang on " to lower gears.

[Peterwl]

Correction and appologies

It felt like I was driving a 2.5 or 3.0 litre N/A motor in a body weighing 1350 KG. It had the torque to "hang on " to UPPER gears.
__________________

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by Peterwl

The entire Focus range has "Idle Stop Start", so that disqualified Focus. I am sure they are good small cars for those who can tolerate Idle Stop Start.
There is a new younger generation that accepts it, and think that it is normal.

The Fiesta looks a smaller almost "Micro" car compared to the i30, I did not enquire about it, but I assume it has Idle Stop Start as well.

The Hyundai in both Elantra 1.6 turbo and i30 turbo are a better drive than I was expecting. The turbo gave me the impression that it is working "off idle".
It felt like I was driving a 2.5 or 3.0 litre N/A motor in a body weighing 1350 KG. It had the torque to "hang on " to lower gears.

Fair enough. The (outgoing) Fiesta ST doesn't have stop/start, but it is 2 doors only, however pretty good re interior space IMO.