Falcon, Lincoln and Mustang, and RWD

[Nikked]

Falcon, Lincoln and Mustang, and RWD:

It seems that the Falcon is going to share something in common with other models, yes that is a fact. One Ford is an aim of reducing specific parts, so that profits are higher, and development costings shared over multiple projects. You could argue, that the territory is already a working example of One Ford existing in Australia.

But there is much speculation that the future of the falcon lies within sharing a platform with something US based. Its often considered (mainly by media) that it will be a re-badge of the Taurus, but, there are slim chances of that, more later.

Working on a theory of the Falcon sharing with the Mustang, and a speculated RWD Lincoln platform carries some weight. The Mustang is the only other car currently produced by Ford anywhere, that shares similar drive train layouts to the falcon, with the 2015 mustang even going to gain a 4 cyl Eco Boost.

Lincoln have expressed interest in a model, based on the suspected future mustang platform.

Lincoln product planners would very much like to get their hands on this new RWD platform with the goal of building a new flagship sedan.Lincoln is currently struggling and its most direct rival, Cadillac, has several models with RWD. Their entry-level ATS, for example, should give the BMW 3 Series a run for its money along with other German competitors.

Carbuzz

Now, we a possibility of a RWD sedan, and a possible basis for a future falcon.


And should be pointed out, that Ford Australia have been praised for there development work. With the T6 (and Everest SUV derivative), Figo, EcoSport and a Small China Market car, all developed at Broadmeadows.

And, there has been small whispers of Ford Au being involved in the Mustang its self, and "other" projects, both for local, and overseas use.

Remember the "Mad Max" show cars? Seems a bit funny that they were developed solely as just a what if for Max's new ride...both concepts share many similarities with the proposed styling direction of the Mustang...

Mad Max Concepts

However, she refused to comment on what role - if any - the Ford Australia team may or may not play in the future of the Mustang moving forward.

"Our design team in Australia are involved in a whole range of programs, some of which may never see the light of day in Australia. They are no longer just involved in designing cars just for Australia."

Drive

“They are contributing to major programs that we are working on, whether they are sold in Australia or not,” Mr Mays said in Paris. “We have got them involved in four different programs at the moment.

Next Falcon is just starting to shape up, and they’re contributing to that as well. We have a global team, and a global design competition on the design programs, and the Broad meadows team, along with Cologne and Dearborn, are all working on derivatives.”

Goauto

FORD has underlined the key strategic importance of its Australian manufacturing and engineering operations, amid ongoing concerns surrounding falling Falcon sales and its future viability.

The Melbourne-developed T6 Ranger and Figo light car – the latter a runaway success in India, with annual sales exceeding 75,000 units – were singled out as the only examples Ford could talk about now, although “many more projects are under development”, according to Mr Baumbick.

Go Auto


Draw what ever conclusions you want, but, there are some very positive signs for Ford Australia, and the post 2016 falcon. Under One Ford, unit production costs will go down. And the Falcon is already gaining common components to other platforms (EUCD etc)

And for those thinking about the Mondeo or Taurus being the replacement of choice...

Using Road_Warrior's "Taurus Theory", you can count out the current Taurus as a direct replacement.

The D3 platform is an SUV platform developed initially by Volvo but Ford borrowed it and substituted its more expensive parts (alloy suspension arms) for pressed steel units to keep costs down.
Secondly, the Taurus, along with the rest of its platform-mates, is built only in LHD configuration. This means that, in order to allow it to be complied and sold for use on public roads in Australia, Ford would need to stump up the cash for the design, engineering, testing and certification to make the vehicle in RHD form, purely to allow it to be sold in our market. This is a physical barrier that can not be overlooked and would be a deal breaker in itself

.

Taurus Theory link*unable to link, "falconforums" is deemed a bad word on AFF



Then there is the Mondeo, a car already sold here in Australia, and doesn't match falcon sales. There will be little chance of it making up 1400-odd monthly sales, on top, of what it all ready sells.

Then, you have the Territory and Ute to replace...

And, finally, to close...

On a global scale, the falcon is not doing as bad as what many believe.

Falcon 2011 sales: 18,741
Total Australian market 2011: 1,008,437

Falcon sales consists of 1.8% of the market share...

Now, in America...

Mustang 2011 sales: 70,438
Taurus 2011 sales: 63,526
Total US market: 12.8 million

So those figures show that the Mustang only holds .5% of market share...whilst the Taurus only .4%...

When looked at like that, the Falcon is doing quite good in Australia, selling just under 3 times more % of units then the mustang, and more importantly, the Taurus...

So, the falcon (profit margins aside) has some viability due to market share, something Ford Au can't loose.