Ford Kuga: coming or not?

Road_Warrior · 14-07-2010, 10:31 AM

Carpoint article:

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2010...g-or-not-20073

Quote:

Ford is on track to introduce an update of its Kuga compact SUV, which reignites speculation about its possibilities as part of the company's Australian lineup.

Having already impressed the press on a European drive programme two years ago, the Dualis-like Kuga shows potential as a significant seller for Ford in Australia, below the Territory and below the languishing Mazda Tribute-based Escape.

In fact at the 2008 international launch, the Kuga drew expectations that an Australian release would come relatively quickly, maybe as soon as 2009. That date might have slipped past, but the Kuga's market potential hasn't, even if Ford Australia doesn’t have it on the agenda. Communications manager Sinead McAlary says the company’s position has not changed since the international launch and it “has no plans at this point” of bringing the Kuga on board.

Given its generational advantages over Escape, and the fact it is built in AWD and 2WD form, the Kuga still has the potential of being an alluring product in the local Ford lineup.

According to Carsales Network experiences with the neat-looking SUV, it would appear to be a slightly bigger alternative to Nissan's similarly-styled Dualis that offers a diesel engine and a fold-down luggage capacity of 1355-litres.

The Carparazzi spy pics shown here don't give anything away where details of the facelift are concerned, but the suggestion that the front end will become a bit more aggressive seems reasonable.

The usual rear-end mods could be expected to apply. Basic specs are not expected to change, with the facelift Kuga sticking by the existing engine/transmission lineup, including manual and auto gearboxes as well as the 2.0-litre turbodiesel used in right hand drive versions.

The Facelifted Kuga is expected to be shown for the first time at next year's Geneva motor show.

Whilst I understand that the costs of European production of this car and exchange rates do not make a viable business case for FoA, Ford really need to do something with the Escape. Either replace it, or give it a facelift.

This mid-SUV segment is growing very fast.

irlewy86 · 14-07-2010, 11:43 AM

I wonder which would be cheaper on road Euro built Kuga or US built Escape.

Road_Warrior · 14-07-2010, 12:57 PM

Well the Escape, any day, but the thing is, they're selling next to none of them.

chevypower · 14-07-2010, 01:20 PM

I think Ford should get rid of the Escape and replace it globally with the Edge. Much better car. Kuga is smaller than both of them, so I think there is room for the Kuga and the Edge.

**Raptor** · 14-07-2010, 01:43 PM

Give it a few more years.

Kuga is built on the Focus platform. Focus is to be built in Thailand (Kuga too?).

Quote:

Ford has announced it will invest $450 million to build a new, wholly owned assembly plant in Rayong, on Thailand's eastern seaboard. The flexible facility will begin production of the next-generation Focus in 2012 for sale across the Asia-Pacific region.

That'll make the numbers stack up ;)

irlewy86 · 14-07-2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevypower

I think Ford should get rid of the Escape and replace it globally with the Edge. Much better car. Kuga is smaller than both of them, so I think there is room for the Kuga and the Edge.

But what about the Territory, wont anybody think of the Territory.

Road_Warrior · 14-07-2010, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by irlewy86

But what about the Territory, wont anybody think of the Territory.

Territory is just about to get a major facelift so I think some attention can be directed at some other segments.

phillyc · 14-07-2010, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor

Give it a few more years.

Kuga is built on the Focus platform. Focus is to be built in Thailand (Kuga too?). That'll make the numbers stack up ;)

Still think it would be better to bring it in sooner than later therefore building an audience for it.

Ford missed a golden opportunity with the first Focus by delaying it's launch here by 4years or so. Had it been launched soon after the global release it would've been segment leader in about every respect. I feel the same about Kuga.

Kuga will be getting Ecoboost engines in the next 12mths too.

Joe5619 · 14-07-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyc

Still think it would be better to bring it in sooner than later therefore building an audience for it.

Ford missed a golden opportunity with the first Focus by delaying it's launch here by 4years or so. Had it been launched soon after the global release it would've been segment leader in about every respect. I feel the same about Kuga.

Kuga will be getting Ecoboost engines in the next 12mths too.

I disagree.. If you can't do it properly don’t do it at all. You'll kill the brand before it ever really starts. I say, wait until we can have the right spec, price & availability & then do it.. If that is 2-3 years away, then wait 2-3 years, dont rush it in & get it all wrong.

Road_Warrior · 14-07-2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe5619

I disagree.. If you can't do it properly don’t do it at all. You'll kill the brand before it ever really starts. I say, wait until we can have the right spec, price & availability & then do it.. If that is 2-3 years away, then wait 2-3 years, dont rush it in & get it all wrong.

There are feasible arguments both for and against.

Bring an inappropriately specced car to market or one that is too expensive and it won't sell. Wait too long to bring the right priced and specced car to market and you run the risk of the market forces bypassing your offering by the time it is released. The end result of those two different paths is essentially the same; Ford would be left with stock and financial liabilities.

Given the level of content in soft roaders in the same category, i.e. X-Trail, Outlander, Rav4 etcetera, in order to make the Kuga competitive on price, Ford would need to decontent it to the level which would not make it competitive with those cars in the segment. It is clear that private buyers are the main ones buying this car, and that they expect decent levels of content in them. Henceforth I can see why Ford don't want it - yet.

But hell, something has to be done about the Escape.

Franco Cozzo · 14-07-2010, 07:45 PM

I reckon they should bring it over, the small SUV segment is heavily contested and they shift a lot of them. Plus more competition is always a good thing

RSgerry · 14-07-2010, 09:16 PM

the Kuga is a nice looking bus. saw one in europe a few months ago and was quite impressed. much better looking than the aged and bland Escape.

dannyhilton · 15-07-2010, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillyc

Ford missed a golden opportunity with the first Focus by delaying it's launch here by 4years or so. Had it been launched soon after the global release it would've been segment leader in about every respect.

Once again, I agree 100% with your opinions. If Ford brought the original Focus, I have no doubt in my mind it would have sold like hot cakes. It would have slowly gained an audience, and even though the looks were polarising in its day and it would have been overpriced, it would have slowly become the market leader. Ford overall would have benefited from this IIRC.

Ford needed the Kuga here years ago, I for one would be driving on. Given the choice out of anything in the Ford stable, right now the Kuga would suit me best. Fingers crossed its to come with the Thailand built Focus!

Joe5619 · 16-07-2010, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyhilton

Once again, I agree 100% with your opinions. If Ford brought the original Focus, I have no doubt in my mind it would have sold like hot cakes. It would have slowly gained an audience, and even though the looks were polarising in its day and it would have been overpriced, it would have slowly become the market leader. Ford overall would have benefited from this IIRC.

I'm sorry, no car that (in your own words) "looks were polarising in its day and it would have been overpriced", would be market leader!! You're just dreaming.. And how does those missed few years effect it now??? IN NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM!!

I'm going to say it again, no point doing something if you cant do it right!! You run the huge potention of doing far more damage than good (Tauris from the 90's or iphone 4 anyone??).. Ford would be very very wise to wait 2-3 years & do it right from the start!!

phillyc · 16-07-2010, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe5619

I'm sorry, no car that (in your own words) "looks were polarising in its day and it would have been overpriced", would be market leader!! You're just dreaming.. And how does those missed few years effect it now??? IN NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM!!!

When it came, it's looks were polarising - actually i would say advanced - and was still overpriced. Instead they continued on with a not cheap Laser which was bland in looks. Joe, I think your confusing market leader with volume leader. Eg Golf/Mazda3 versus Corolla. Those years missed would've help to establish recognition of the Focus name.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe5619

I'm going to say it again, no point doing something if you cant do it right!! You run the huge potention of doing far more damage than good (Tauris from the 90's or iphone 4 anyone??).. Ford would be very very wise to wait 2-3 years & do it right from the start!!

Ford have already waited those 2-3 years. The right diesel is now available and the Eco-Boost petrol will arrive in 6-12mths. Waiting any longer than that will be silly. Because they would then better waiting for the all-new model in what? 4 years time? Have a look at the Tiguan sales and the newly release Ix35. Ford are missing an important segment.

phillyc · 16-07-2010, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyhilton

Once again, I agree 100% with your opinions. If Ford brought the original Focus, I have no doubt in my mind it would have sold like hot cakes. It would have slowly gained an audience, and even though the looks were polarising in its day and it would have been overpriced, it would have slowly become the market leader. Ford overall would have benefited from this IIRC.

Ford needed the Kuga here years ago, I for one would be driving on. Given the choice out of anything in the Ford stable, right now the Kuga would suit me best. Fingers crossed its to come with the Thailand built Focus!

Thanks. An older colleague of mine wants a Kuga and has been hopeful for the past 12mths that one might come. He is a GMHolden man, but his wife wants a car that is easier to get into and out of and will be trading his VE.

He is prepared to wait a little longer, otherwise will look at Dualis, Ix35 & Tiguan.

Road_Warrior · 16-07-2010, 11:10 AM

I am slowly coming around to the conclusion that canning the Focus production might not have been such a hot idea.

The reason being that production of that car meant more than just production of the Focus - they could have produced a car like the Kuga and another vehicle (say, a Transit Connect variant) as they would have shared the same platform and driveline componentry. This sort of manufacturing redundancy would have allowed costs to be spread over three models.

Jason[98.EL] · 16-07-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I am slowly coming around to the conclusion that canning the Focus production might not have been such a hot idea.

The reason being that production of that car meant more than just production of the Focus - they could have produced a car like the Kuga and another vehicle (say, a Transit Connect variant) as they would have shared the same platform and driveline componentry. This sort of manufacturing redundancy would have allowed costs to be spread over three models.

I have a question on that though

what cars would those be competing against in both ford au and other manufactureres ( please note i don't follow the smaller cars to well )

could it also be that they didnt like the idea of having to re-tool for 3 cars rather than 1

Jason

Road_Warrior · 05-08-2010, 12:05 PM

Time to revisit this subject.

Another month of dismal sales by Ford I think highlights some areas in its lineup that are letting the side down.

Judging by the figures, small and medium CUV and SUV vehicles are booming. Which makes sense. Not everyone who wants the benefits of an SUV such as the driving postition and cargo options wants a bohemoth.

Ford's entry in this area is the Escape, which should have been pensioned off ages ago. Simply going on looks alone, it is miles behind the Japanese. And let's not go anywhere near the features list.

Now, Ford has said that it is not cost-effective to import the Kuga at this time. The Kuga I feel would be a huge hit here and would fill a void in the lineup.

I am inclined to disagree with Ford's logic.

Take for example two of Kuga's would-be competitors: the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Nissan X-Trail. The high-series versions of those cars will set you back roughly 40 grand. More if it's the X-Trail Ti.

Cost is obviously not scaring buyers off, because they are selling well - it would seem therefore that people are willing to drop that sort of coin for these types of cars. There were 9,109 compact SUV's sold in Australia in July, and 6,968 medium SUV's. Ford, of course, doesnt get a piece of this action. Or very very little.

A quick check of a couple of Ford retail websites in Europe reveals the following pricing:

Germany (where it is made) from 27,000E

UK from 20,495STG

Taking the simplistic and inaccurate approach of an internet currency conversion returns $38,000 and $35,582 respectively. However we know this is horribly inaccurate because Ford does not pay full retail price for cars from one of its own factories...so the true unit cost to Ford would have to be substantially less. Given the content level of the Kuga's high end competitors, Ford may not have to worry too much about decontenting the car to make it competitive on price.

One other thing: Wiki is claiming that the Kuga has started assembly in Argentina. If this is the case, then this presents an opportunity to obtain this car from a low cost manufacturing base.

aussie muscle · 05-08-2010, 12:11 PM

imagine owning a Ford Kuga and a Ford Cougar...!?!

The Snout · 05-08-2010, 12:50 PM

Why is it that every competitor seems to be able import a modern compact SUV, except Ford.

BrisVegas · 05-08-2010, 02:15 PM

Kuga SHOULD have been here from the beginning of it's model cycle. It competes with both the trendy cheapies like Kia Sportage, IX35 and so on and also measure up nicely against the Freelander, X1, Tiguan etc.

The Escape is the biggest joke in the Aus Ford lineup right now. Please Ford, quit fart-arsing around and get the Kuga here now.

Road_Warrior · 05-08-2010, 02:58 PM

And to make the Escape's cause look even worse, look what is about to arrive:

Caradvice gave it an absolute rave review:

http://www.caradvice.com.au/76884/20...ortage-review/

Seduce XR6 · 05-08-2010, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aussie muscle

imagine owning a Ford Kuga and a Ford Cougar...!?!

Imagine being a middle aged woman Cougar & owning a Ford Kuga

Seduce XR6 · 05-08-2010, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

And to make the Escape's cause look even worse, look what is about to arrive:

Caradvice gave it an absolute rave review:

http://www.caradvice.com.au/76884/20...ortage-review/

I just so hate to say it but ummm well this thing looks pretty good

Front half is just sexy, rear is ok.
Come on Ford quick bring the Couger over, OOPS no not her the Kuga

csv8 · 05-08-2010, 04:40 PM

FORD can get the Focus RS here, why not KUGA ????????????????????????????

Rastus · 05-08-2010, 05:16 PM

It's a spew to think how many compact SUV's have been released since we first saw the Ford Iosis X Concept, some with similar design cues. Yet the Kuga is a non starter here.
Disappointing to say the least. And this is in a boom segment...what are Ford thinking?

JPFS1 · 05-08-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Taking the simplistic and inaccurate approach of an internet currency conversion returns $38,000 and $35,582 respectively. However we know this is horribly inaccurate because Ford does not pay full retail price for cars from one of its own factories...so the true unit cost to Ford would have to be substantially less. Given the content level of the Kuga's high end competitors, Ford may not have to worry too much about decontenting the car to make it competitive on price.

One other thing: Wiki is claiming that the Kuga has started assembly in Argentina. If this is the case, then this presents an opportunity to obtain this car from a low cost manufacturing base.

It looks cheap when that is the ONLY cost factored in.

How about the cost to get it here...? Any idea how much that would cost?

The various taxes etc...

If they could do it viably, i'm sure they would... there's a whole host of logistics and training requirements at dealer level that must be considered also.

I'm sure it's on the agenda though.

Kuga Titanium sounds pretty good?

Dr Smith · 05-08-2010, 05:46 PM

I tend to agree, Kuga should be here now. Of course I don't suggest you sell at a loss however I'd sacrifice profit by sourcing from Europe now and in the mean time building a presence and reputation. When sourcing switches to Thailand then the profits can come but you have a head start with getting it to market earlier rather then waiting.

Road_Warrior · 05-08-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

It looks cheap when that is the ONLY cost factored in.

How about the cost to get it here...? Any idea how much that would cost?

The various taxes etc...

If they could do it viably, i'm sure they would... there's a whole host of logistics and training requirements at dealer level that must be considered also.

I'm sure it's on the agenda though.

Kuga Titanium sounds pretty good?

Ford seems to be able to make the logistical costs add up for the Mondeo, even with its poor showing in the charts, and have now made it add up for the Focus RS, so I don't see how they can't take care of the logistical and infrastructure costs behind the Kuga.

As for the Kuga Titanium - where do I sign? (sorry for the massive pic, hyuk)