2014 Falcon - why do they bother?

[Rene.S]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums. Apologies if this has been discussed in part somewhere else, but I couldn't find much using search, and I felt it deserved its own thread.

I'm gutted at the news of the demise of the Falcon, however I'm very excited to see the new model next year.

What I don't understand is why Ford is bothering when the car will only be a two year model run? It seems like a lot of effort and expenditure for little return.

What are Ford's motivations? Are they really expecting to jump-start sales at all?

Is it a goodwill gesture to Australians to give them a last run of an iconic national vehicle?

Is the two-year production a form of extended redundancy, to give the workers notice in advance that they have to go?

Or perhaps (utter speculation) is it a pilot project for a new RWD sedan built in the states?

What are your thoughts?

[tranquilized]

Timing is all. The update would have been approved and financed before the decision to close manufacturing was made, so they'll just take the hit. It will be one of many -wrapping up operations here wont come cheap. The cost of the Falcon update (partly financed by the Aus government anyway) probably wouldn't factor in too highly in the scheme of things.

[turbodewd]

My thoughts are that it will be a great car! Im very happy with my 2008 FG Falcon....roll on the 2014 Falcon!

[TC200six]

Perhaps it could be a farewell facelift.

[AU Mont]

legit question

if falcon is costing them money how are they going to summon the courage to invest & pour more lost money into a new model that doesnt as it is?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by tranquilized

Timing is all. The update would have been approved and financed before the decision to close manufacturing was made, so they'll just take the hit. It will be one of many -wrapping up operations here wont come cheap. The cost of the Falcon update (partly financed by the Aus government anyway) probably wouldn't factor in too highly in the scheme of things.

Spot on. Plus they got a government grant to develop the model which has been spent and so the commitment has to be honoured.

[EgoFG]

Has there been any confirmation that the falcon will cease in Australia in 2016 ?
It has been confirmed not to be made here.

This will be at least an update to bring in line with the looks of the next model large Ford for Australia.
but perhaps ... (a lot of wishful thinking here) ... the 2014 falcon is simply the next step for a platform that will continue to be modified and produced as a worldwide Ford (or Lincoln).

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by AU Mont

legit question

if falcon is costing them money, how are they going to summon the courage to invest & pour more lost money into a new model that doesnt sell as it is?

Yeah, it intrigues me too.
When it comes to the bottom line the yanks are usually ruthless.
It must have something to do with a quid pro quo for taking taxpayer money.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by EgoFG

Has there been any confirmation that the falcon will cease in Australia in 2016 ?
It has been confirmed not to be made here.

This will be at least an update to bring in line with the looks of the next model large Ford for Australia.
but perhaps ... (a lot of wishful thinking here) ... the 2014 falcon is simply the next step for a platform that will continue to be modified and produced as a worldwide Ford (or Lincoln).

"The Falcon nameplate will be retired...in 2016"

[MAD]

The 2014 Falcon will probably be very closely based on the global rwd platform.
Certain parts of the design of the 2014 Falcon will be carried on in to future models for global production.

So it may only be a 2 year model run, but the engineering will live on afterwards.

[bobwm]

Has anyone heard anything about 2014 FPVs?

Assuming the FPVs are updated for the new model, do you think they'll warrant the funding for a different look? Or will there just be a GS type model with a Miami inside an otherwise XR looking car?

This post has got me thinking again - if there is a GT in the 2014 update maybe it will be badged Ford and called a Falcon, given the demise of FPV as an independent entity?

That's actually an exciting prospect. The first Ford Falcon GT since the EL. Or maybe even a Falcon F6 for the I6 folks. I do hope that the F6 and GT at have some differentiation from the XRs (beyond stripes).

I wouldn't mind trading in the FPV GS and picking up a Falcon GT to see out Australian manufacturing... Just have to convince the wife I guess

[AU Mont]

Originally Posted by ryeman

Yeah, it intrigues me too.
When it comes to the bottom line the yanks are usually ruthless.
It must have something to do with a quid pro quo for taking taxpayer money.

purely speculation, but maybe the current FG is 'the car' to hang onto, as the next model would be a lesser car with cost cutting measures implemented to limit the damage on Ford U.S's hip pocket?

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

"The Falcon nameplate will be retired...in 2016"

Apparently the CEO is now indicating that he is keeping the option open to continue the NAME beyond 2017.....fascinating speculation now!

[dimka100]

I think it’s a safe bet that for the next few years Ford AU Manufacturing will continue to run at a loss, after all there is no magic wand solution to the consistent loss Ford AU has experienced over the last 5 years as indicated by Ford Management at time of plant closure announcement.

I think the decision to keep manufacturing till 2016 (knowingly it’s at a loss) comes down to the following factors:
• Contractual obligations to current suppliers, component makers, utilities, ets
• Contractual obligation to government (state/federal) for their development cash handouts
• Contractual obligations to works unions and all the requirements associated with people, ets
• The risk of damaging the Ford brand in Australia, remember Ford want to continue making business in Australia

[EBII Fairmont]

Originally Posted by AU Mont

purely speculation, but maybe the current FG is 'the car' to hang onto, as the next model would be a lesser car with cost cutting measures implemented to limit the damage on Ford U.S's hip pocket?

Surely not AU Mont as these cars are more than likely already designed and ready if not close for testing. The car is to be released next year, would they seriously still be in the design phase?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by ryeman

Apparently the CEO is now indicating that he is keeping the option open to continue the NAME beyond 2017.....fascinating speculation now!

Got a link? Sounds bizarre.

[mik]

Originally Posted by dimka100

I think it’s a safe bet that for the next few years Ford AU Manufacturing will continue to run at a loss, after all there is no magic wand solution to the consistent loss Ford AU has experienced over the last 5 years as indicated by Ford Management at time of plant closure announcement.

I think the decision to keep manufacturing till 2016 (knowingly it’s at a loss) comes down to the following factors:
• Contractual obligations to current suppliers, component makers, utilities, ets
• Contractual obligation to government (state/federal) for their development cash handouts
• Contractual obligations to works unions and all the requirements associated with people, ets
• The risk of damaging the Ford brand in Australia, remember Ford want to continue making business in Australia

I don't know, maybe not, a lot of money in previous years has been spent on driveline engine upgrades, Ecolpi, Eco boost, diesel territory, etc, i'm thinking that any upgrades like exterior bodywork electronic safety additions/gadgets won't cost a huge amount, electronic gadgetry technology has been around for a while and a lot of it is already on some ford models now so it is simply a matter of implementation, a bit of interior up spec, i dunno, what do you think BossXr8 ?

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Got a link? Sounds bizarre.

It was just yesterday but I read widely and didn't note, pos Toby Hagon in Drive (Fairfax) not sure but the Ford spokesman left the option open.
With 40 months to go, just why would they close off that important option so early, particularly if the impossible Taurus name has no legs as a replacement.

[Lotte]

Google search indicates falcon has three years to live, territory is still being decided.

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by lotski

Google search indicates falcon has three years to live, territory is still being decided.

As I said he was apparently evasive on possibility ...I guess we just have to wait now for a lot of ? to be answered.

[Lotte]

Possibly missed it. But my Google fu is pretty high.
Happy to be corrected if I'm wrong though ;)

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by lotski

Possibly missed it. But my Google fu is pretty high.
Happy to be corrected if I'm wrong though ;)

Not at all..having stated the name is dead, why would he then avoid confirming it?
I'm just pd that I can't recall the link...lesson learnt.

[KIWI-1]

Ford is toying with revealing next year’s all-important facelifted Falcon early, and has also hinted the long-standing nameplate could stick around beyond 2017.
..
But the Falcon is still an important vehicle for Ford. And after Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux confirmed last week that the Commodore nameplate would live on after the current model is replaced by a global platform, Graziano also didn’t rule out the possibility Ford could continue with the Falcon badge beyond 2017 when it is expected the locally-produced large sedan will be replaced by a global car.

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...219-2eo9j.html

[Lotte]

That article it from February.... Pretty sure they made their decision.

[stang65]

You might be right but we can hope....

[ryeman]

Bugger...that seems to end that then, sorry for raising hopes.

[KIWI-1]

Originally Posted by lotski

That article it from February.... Pretty sure they made their decision.

My bad... personally I think the name should be retired.

[GQ_Smooth]

If Ford globally eventually manufacture a RWD sedan and chose to bring it to Australia, they may bring back the name, or even use it Globally (that's my 2 cents).

[ryeman]

Originally Posted by GQ_Smooth

If Ford globally eventually manufacture a RWD sedan and chose to bring it to Australia, they may bring back the name, or even use it Globally (that's my 2 cents).

In the US I think it would evoke low tech these days and v out of date.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by MAD

The 2014 Falcon will probably be very closely based on the global rwd platform.
Certain parts of the design of the 2014 Falcon will be carried on in to future models for global production.

So it may only be a 2 year model run, but the engineering will live on afterwards.

GRWD platform??!


Thats the whole reason why we are in the mess, there is no GRWD.

The facelift I would imagine is as good as paid for, suppliers locked in etc, so yes they can still pull the pin but that money isnt coming back so you may aswell try and recover what you can.