Major Ford announcement

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by GT450

...the younger members of the forum will have a choice of new models and until they arrive let's not can the **** out of them or Ford for making a very very difficult decision, as none of us would work for less money. Think about it.
GT450

A rare piece of sensible opinion in this thread.

[Paull]

Well I am certainly to going to try my best to buy a new Falcon prior to cessation of local Ford operations. Why, because every little bit will help, it is a very good car and it will be a memory to keep a hold of.

[ryeman]

I guess there goes Bathurst/V8 Supercar racing before long...as a car nut prior to the 1st Falcon its a sad end to an era, but outside of RWD they have an ever improving line.

[Peuty]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

Ford played NO role in paving the way for the F6X?

Please, tell me more.

Please, stop posting.

[distortion]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

Why would Ford have spent millions promoting the EcoBoost when this decision was already 90% made? It comes back to too little, too late.

The large Aussie sedan has been on the way out for years, Ford knows it, and as such, has seen little point in tipping millions into keeping it on life support.

When nobody wants the product on offer, no amount of advertising will turn the tide.

This decision will be fantastic for other products within Ford Australia's lineup, as marketing effort will be able to be directed towards product that actually sells. Even though there's no massive campaigns behind Falcon there are still many sales related expenses that will no longer be required.



Given Falcon represents such a small portion of Ford dealer sales, why will they suddenly fold when the car vanishes? Ford has fantastic product with Fiesta, Mondeo, Ranger etc...and the lineup is set to expand!

Sure the large car has been on the way out for years, however they could make the most of what they had. Once again, no one buys a car they don't know about.

Sure the rest of Fords line up might do the same as it does now, but it may not. Most people I know won't buy Ford now, and are even less likely to if Ford does not manufacture here. I wont support a company that does not build here. It encourages other companies to abandon building in Australia like Ford is.

I think the flow on negative news about Ford will contribute to a dealership loss. Ford as a whole wont fold, but dealerships will.

Opinion only.

[xr6tjet]

they should have tried reproducing all the older falcon model designs and I bet that would have been a very high demand ? Its farfetched but I can dream right? such sad news, I can't imagine the roads without new falcons in 2016!

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by ryeman

I guess there goes Bathurst/V8 Supercar racing before long...as a car nut prior to the 1st Falcon its a sad end to an era, but outside of RWD they have an ever improving line.

Why does it spell the end for V8SC?

The beauty of the new V8SC common chassis is that it makes it far easier for a manufacturer to develop a race car. If Ford imported the Taurus as a replacement, it could run that.

Chrysler looks to be confirmed, Mercedes and Nissan are committed, rumours of yet another possible entry...the category is extremely healthy!

[TheSneakiness]

As a long time Ford fan and previous supporter I'm crushed.

The wife and I were thinking of buying a Falcon in the next 18 months but after telling her this she's put it on the backburner.

[Shonky.]

Originally Posted by shonkymofo

I feel sick

I will keep mine forever

image

Originally Posted by AU Mont

Well your gonna have to................. models that arent made anymore die a quick horrible death on the used car market just like the 380 did.

Might be a good time to sell?

I bought it cause I love it, not to sell it.

That and because I want Australians to be doing something more than digging holes in the future (no disrespect to our hard working miners)


.....besides, you mean like the Monaro?

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by distortion

I wont support a company that does not build here. It encourages other companies to abandon building in Australia like Ford is.

Have you abandoned every Australian company that has started to manufacture offshore, or has been purchased by a foreign company?

Companies stop manufacturing here when it becomes too expensive. It's patently obvious that it's no longer viable to build cars here, and Holden will eventually follow suit.

Before too long you will have to buy an imported car, just like so many other consumer goods we purchase these days are foreign.

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

Why does it spell the end for V8SC?

The beauty of the new V8SC common chassis is that it makes it far easier for a manufacturer to develop a race car. If Ford imported the Taurus as a replacement, it could run that.

Chrysler looks to be confirmed, Mercedes and Nissan are committed, rumours of yet another possible entry...the category is extremely healthy!

Do you think the educated iGen care a hoot about it or RWD?

[drpopper]

It's very sad ... The thing is if they had of made a diesel version of the falcon and a terry ute they probably could have kept going. As it is I fear now everyone knows that the Falcon and terry are dead ducks sales might collapse completely.

[frd906]

Delete

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

Have you abandoned every Australian company that has started to manufacture offshore, or has been purchased by a foreign company?

Companies stop manufacturing here when it becomes too expensive. It's patently obvious that it's no longer viable to build cars here, and Holden will eventually follow suit.

Before too long you will have to buy an imported car, just like so many other consumer goods we purchase these days are foreign.

And within 20 years we'll be like Greece! They dont even produce their own milk on a commercial scale.

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by ryeman

Do you think the educated iGen care a hoot about it or RWD?

Many educated iGen myself included are car enthusiasts, and crave RWD.

Just look at how well received the Toyota 86 has been - an affordable well performing RWD car!

The new direction of V8SC with new manufacturers has opened the sport up to a whole new audience. Many of my friends who formerly considered it a dumb bogan sport are now excited about it.

[distortion]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

Have you abandoned every Australian company that has started to manufacture offshore, or has been purchased by a foreign company?

Companies stop manufacturing here when it becomes too expensive. It's patently obvious that it's no longer viable to build cars here, and Holden will eventually follow suit.

Before too long you will have to buy an imported car, just like so many other consumer goods we purchase these days are foreign.

If I find out that a product is made here, I'll always buy it over foreign. Even if it was formally Australian made and owned.

Just accepting that we should all buy imported goods and not Australian made, is part of the problem. We shouldn't accept it. We should all be buying Aussie made, but most wont because they are told Aussie goods and cars are for Bogans and everyone wants to be 'cool and european'.

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

Many educated iGen myself included are car enthusiasts, and crave RWD.

Just look at how well received the Toyota 86 has been - an affordable well performing RWD car!

The new direction of V8SC with new manufacturers has opened the sport up to a whole new audience. Many of my friends who formerly considered it a dumb bogan sport are now excited about it.

The sales numbers are THE answer.

[distortion]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

Many educated iGen myself included are car enthusiasts, and crave RWD.

Just look at how well received the Toyota 86 has been - an affordable well performing RWD car!

The new direction of V8SC with new manufacturers has opened the sport up to a whole new audience. Many of my friends who formerly considered it a dumb bogan sport are now excited about it.

Imagine if Ford and created a mid/small RWD sedan with good looks... escort nameplate or the like... could have done well!

[block58]

Originally Posted by Rapid_Axe

The wife and I were thinking of buying a Falcon in the next 18 months but after telling her this she's put it on the backburner.

This is part of the problem. Since before the release of FG motoring journalism has reported the end of the Falcon. Which, like it did with your wife, puts people off buying the Falcon.

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by distortion

If I find out that a product is made here, I'll always buy it over foreign. Even if it was formally Australian made and owned.

Just accepting that we should all buy imported goods and not Australian made, is part of the problem. We shouldn't accept it. We should all be buying Aussie made, but most wont because they are told Aussie goods and cars are for Bogans and everyone wants to be 'cool and european'.

The simple fact is the buying public is not stupid, and when foreign goods are of a superior quality they will flock to them.

People are happy to buy Aus made, but only if it's either better value for money, or higher quality. Unfortunately, we usually suffer on both those fronts compared to imports.

Only a very small minority of the public will buy local product merely out of blind 'national pride'.

[1971]

Originally Posted by ryeman

I guess there goes Bathurst/V8 Supercar racing before long...as a car nut prior to the 1st Falcon its a sad end to an era, but outside of RWD they have an ever improving line.

v8 supercars have been a joke for years,the way they treat ford,its all for holden,hope they got what they wanted.hope ford tell them to stick it.walk away nexted race.

[AdamXR6]

I guess all the closet ford people who are probably whining now should have bought a ford, not a mazda , hyundai, all supposed fans but didnt buy a ford did they.

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by distortion

Imagine if Ford and created a mid/small RWD sedan with good looks... escort nameplate or the like... could have done well!

Absolutely!

We are just such a small market. Unless you can secure a good export deal (Hello Holden), it's simply not possible to create a car for Australia alone anymore.

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by block58

This is part of the problem. Since before the release of FG motoring journalism has reported the end of the Falcon. Which, like it did with your wife, puts people off buying the Falcon.

So how are they going to sell the update now considering the depreciation IN THE MARKET?

[Whitey-AMG]

I feel sick..........i just vomitted..........

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by block58

This is part of the problem. Since before the release of FG motoring journalism has reported the end of the Falcon. Which, like it did with your wife, puts people off buying the Falcon.

That's because anybody with half an interest in cars has seen what was coming...since before the release of FG.

Take a look at sales figures since the golden days of the EL.

[FPVF6X201]

Sorry if already posted (didnt read all 10 pages). Just got this email from Ford:

Hi Robert


Today Ford has announced a plan to transform its business. Firstly, we wanted to inform you directly that there will be no changes to the way our customers buy and service our cars.
We are committed to our long history of serving Australian customers with the very best vehicles that deliver cutting edge technology at an affordable price. Unfortunately, due to challenging market conditions, we are unable to do that longer-term while continuing to manufacture locally. As a result, local manufacturing operations will cease in October 2016.
We remain committed to the launch of new versions of the Falcon, Falcon Ute and Territory in 2014. We will stand behind these products, offering service, parts and technical support through to at least 2026.
Whilst we are changing our structure, our commitment to Australia remains strong. We will continue to offer a full range of great vehicles with affordable technology and a great driving experience. We also remain a significant employer in the Australian market, with more than 1500 team members, and our 200-strong dealer network. Our local team’s role as a global centre of excellence for vehicle development will continue to be an important focus for our business.
For more information on today’s announcement, please visit www.ford.com.au/about/newsroom.
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Relationship Centre at customers@fordcrc.com.au or via phone at 133 673. Alternatively, please speak to your local Ford Dealer.
Regards

[fordOwner]

It's like the foreseen prediction for an extinction of a famous Australian animal with a specific death date for the last remaining animal and nothing can be done about it.

Will this mean our falcons will go up in value in the future like the Australian Valiants?

[Nikked]

I think its disgusting some of the posts in here...

Some seem happy that they "predicted" this and are seemingly rejoicing in the fact. That, and yhe sinking in of the teeth over the "bad" desisions etc.


The focus should be on victoria...and how its going to effect families and buisness connected to the industry. Australia is going to loose one of the longest continual manufacturer's...sad day indeed.

There is little joy in this, but we have to chin up and appreciate the glorious past and one final hurrah!

[DavoFX]

Well, I'm a Landie nut and have been for a quarter century, so I feel for you all. And if it makes anyone feel better, Land Rover have been farting around for so long I can barely remember when they were a proper 4wd company instead of making shiny cars and promoting them with skinny elves in short dresses. So as much as a shock as this is for the enthusiast, believe me you'll all find a way to carry on.

The one-and-only Defender's death has been announced regularly for the last decade or so, and I don't even care anymore. I'll just continue working on mine to keep them going for as long as possible.

Now that I've just got a very cheap and very nice BA wagon I'll do the same with that. I'll start stockpiling Genuine parts and collecting whatever else I can. I really think Ford hit the bullseye with these wagons and I don't see anyone else building something like these in the future.

The company has most certainly done the right thing by giving their workers a lot of time to make plans. We all know that usually closures are kept a secret until the disaster hits.