Next Ford Fiesta to be built in Thailand - Page 3

Steffo · 21-10-2007, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paxton

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.

The Fiesta is a car in the market I currently shop in and a car I have previously owned (2005 WP Zetec) and a car I would own again. A car I like also.

And yes, I know what people think. Its because of the way people think that certain manufacturers are even able to sell one car. And believe me, with an Australian built Fiesta, there would be no lack of quality to 'bag out.'

DirtyHarry · 21-10-2007, 07:38 PM

The current Honda Civic is built in Thailand - and there are no quality problems there. I don't see why Ford can't duplicate their success.

Bossxr8 · 21-10-2007, 07:45 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.

Its not cheap labour thats making the move such a great idea, its the free trade agreement with Thailand that will allow Ford to get the car without having to pay tariffs on it. Dropping the price 1-2k will make the Fiesta so much more cost competitive its not funny, as the small car market is the most cost sensitive market there is.

Quality will not be a problem at all, its a Mazda/Ford joint venture and Thai built vehicles already available in Oz are well regarded in terms of quality, and the Fiesta will continue this.

Steffo · 21-10-2007, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Its not cheap labour thats making the move such a great idea, its the free trade agreement with Thailand that will allow Ford to get the car without having to pay tariffs on it. Dropping the price 1-2k will make the Fiesta so much more cost competitive its not funny, as the small car market is the most cost sensitive market there is.

Quality will not be a problem at all, its a Mazda/Ford joint venture and Thai built vehicles already available in Oz are well regarded in terms of quality, and the Fiesta will continue this.

I can't believe people think it will even be comparable to the models built in Cologne and that there is any motive behind this except cheapening on labour costs.

At $15,990 the Fiesta LX is the cheapest European car you can buy in Australia and that's something that's going to be lost. Something that can be an extremley strong selling point if marketed correctly.

colossus · 22-10-2007, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffo

I can't believe people think it will even be comparable to the models built in Cologne and that there is any motive behind this except cheapening on labour costs.

At $15,990 the Fiesta LX is the cheapest European car you can buy in Australia and that's something that's going to be lost. Something that can be an extremley strong selling point if marketed correctly.

I agree with your first paragraph - the only motive, is of course cost.

However most people (as in most sheep-like people, not us) in this small car segment couldn't give a rats where a car is built. They look at price point then the badge, then the reputation.

All they see is a Ford badge and whatever that means to them (average car to most) hence why 'big' dollars for a tiny fiesta is out of the question. Case in point the "Holden" Barina - poor car, woeful safety, yet they sell up a storm, all due to their price. It is a cheap, crap runabout - seems to be what people want in the micro segment. (Although the Barina's reputation is now starting to hurt it).

As for building it in Australia the build quality would be even worse and you'd have to pander to trade unions. No wonder they went for Thailand.

apolloxbgt · 22-10-2007, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steffo

I
At $15,990 the Fiesta LX is the cheapest European car you can buy in Australia and that's something that's going to be lost. Something that can be an extremley strong selling point if marketed correctly.

Maybe they could get holden to market it for them,thats the only way it would be marketed properly.