Mullaly confirms Falcon and Mustang to share platform from 2016

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by jpd80

I think the I-6 Vs V6 battle was fought and won by V6 years ago,
its versatility in FWD and RWD configurations makes it the winner.

Since the bulk of Ford's cars are now FWD it makes sense for them to pick the V6
but that doesn't mean that the I-6 can't stay with us for about 5 years more.............

But the I-6 reclaimed the honours after the alloytec was released

[Chopped]

^ But which one is quicker N/A ?

MOTOR

XR6

0-100km/h 6.76s
100km/h-0 41.58m
400m - 14.87 @ 154.48km/h
Fuel Consumption on test - 13.7l/100km (kerb weight 1728kg)

SV6

0-100km/h 6.46s
100km/h-0 38.42m
400m - 14.62 @ 157.28
Fuel consumption on test - 13.4l/100km (kerb weight 1736)

The fact is the SIDI V6 210kw is quicker and more effiecent than the FG I6.
(And it is slightly heavier !)

The I6 from Ford is really GOOD but not really GOD !!

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Chopped

^ But which one is quicker N/A ?

MOTOR

XR6

0-100km/h 6.76s
100km/h-0 41.58m
400m - 14.87 @ 154.48km/h
Fuel Consumption on test - 13.7l/100km (kerb weight 1728kg)

SV6

0-100km/h 6.46s
100km/h-0 38.42m
400m - 14.62 @ 157.28
Fuel consumption on test - 13.4l/100km (kerb weight 1736)

The fact is the SIDI V6 210kw is quicker and more effiecent than the FG I6.
(And it is slightly heavier !)

The I6 from Ford is really GOOD but not really GOD !!

Yet the FG was 2 seconds quicker round the track.

[Paxton]

Originally Posted by Chopped

^ But which one is quicker N/A ?

MOTOR

XR6

0-100km/h 6.76s
100km/h-0 41.58m
400m - 14.87 @ 154.48km/h
Fuel Consumption on test - 13.7l/100km (kerb weight 1728kg)

SV6

0-100km/h 6.46s
100km/h-0 38.42m
400m - 14.62 @ 157.28
Fuel consumption on test - 13.4l/100km (kerb weight 1736)

The fact is the SIDI V6 210kw is quicker and more effiecent than the FG I6.
(And it is slightly heavier !)

The I6 from Ford is really GOOD but not really GOD !!

It is quicker mainly because it has more power. If they did a test which had 98 in the I6's fuel tank, things would be different.

Wait until FGII. I have a feeling that the I6 will get a birthday to co-inceed with it's big brother's release.

Edit: Check that fuel consumption out. If this is from the Motor article I think it is, they mentioned that they drove the I6 harder because the I6 was a more rewarding car to drive. If I flogged my EF, and it returned 13.7/100, I'd be over the moon. For the I6 to come that close to the SIDI Direct Injection (Sound anything like saying ATM Machine?), Ford have done something right.

[Chopped]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Yet the FG was 2 seconds quicker round the track.

Hey....I left that bit out for a reason ! (doesn't help the SV6s cause!!)
(tyres maybe?)

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Paxton

It is quicker mainly because it has more power. If they did a test which had 98 in the I6's fuel tank, things would be different.

Wait until FGII. I have a feeling that the I6 will get a birthday to co-inceed with it's big brother's release.

Also I would like to see what the previous non sidi did in terms of times.

[Chopped]

Originally Posted by Paxton

It is quicker mainly because it has more power. If they did a test which had 98 in the I6's fuel tank, things would be different.

Wait until FGII. I have a feeling that the I6 will get a birthday to co-inceed with it's big brother's release.

Edit: Check that fuel consumption out. If this is from the Motor article I think it is, they mentioned that they drove the I6 harder because the I6 was a more rewarding car to drive. If I flogged my EF, and it returned 13.7/100, I'd be over the moon. For the I6 to come that close to the SIDI Direct Injection (Sound anything like saying ATM Machine?), Ford have done something right.

If they BOTH ran on 92 then who cares, the SV6 was quicker AND more efficient. (Does the SIDI run better on 98 ? (I have no idea))

I think the previous SV6 was in the low to mid 7s.

In the end, Both are very quick for 6s and would scare the hell out of some the earlier V8 models from both brands.

[Chopped]

Wow.....this made news in the UK >

Australia mourns as Ford Falcon rides into the sunset
It could be the end of a motoring era as a legendary car falls victim to global belt-tightening

By Kathy Marks in Sydney
Sunday, 24 January 2010

It is one of Australia's oldest and most deep-seated rivalries, more divisive than religion, politics or even football. And it is determined before you're born: depending on your family allegiance, you'll either be Holden or Ford, the only two car brands that count in the suburbs.

It matters not that both companies are American-owned (Holden by General Motors), because for decades their Australian subsidiaries have built models specially designed for the home market: in Holden's case the iconic Commodore, in Ford's case the equally iconic Falcon.

Now the nation – or, to be more precise, half the nation – is in mourning following news that the all-Australian Falcon is to be unceremoniously ditched. The US parent company has decided that it no longer makes economic sense to manufacture different models for different countries. "Those days are gone," Ford's world president and chief executive, Alan Mulally, declared at last week's Detroit Motor Show.

The timing could not be worse for Falcon lovers, preparing to celebrate the big sedan's 50th birthday later this year. Three Facebook sites have been set up by outraged fans, with even Holden supporters urging Ford to save Australia's longest-running model, in the interests of healthy competition.

Nearly every Australian has fond memories of family holidays spent travelling in the roomy Falcon or Commodore. Lovers of the vintage models spend all their free time and thousands of dollars carefully restoring and modifying old bangers.

The Falcon was Australia's fifth-highest-selling car last year, with sales of more than 31,000, compared with nearly 45,000 for the top-selling Commodore. However, all large car models in Australia have suffered from flagging sales in recent years because of higher fuel prices.

There are also fears, which Ford has done nothing to allay, that the Falcon's demise will spell the end of local manufacture. The Falcon has been the mainstay of those operations, with Ford Australia employing nearly 5,000 people at its factories in Victoria.

Mr Mulally declined to reveal whether it was part of the company's long-term strategy to retain the Australian business, which lost $274m (£153m) last year. He said: "Australia is a very important market for us and we've worked hard to be competitive. No matter what, we're going to serve the Australian market."

The first Ford Falcon, the XK sedan, rolled off the assembly line in September 1960. The current model, the seventh-generation FG series, launched two years ago, will not be replaced when production ends in 2015, although industry watchers say the name may survive on locally- badged cars.

Last weekend dozens of Falcon owners staged a protest rally in Queensland, driving in convoy along the picturesque coast road between Cairns and Port Douglas. Organisers pledged to lobby American executives to continue producing the model.

"We'll let them know how strongly we feel about it," said Neil Newcombe, a diehard Falcon fan. "From an Australian point of view, we want to keep [the car] as Australian as we can." Another Ford owner said: "The Falcon is a great Aussie icon. It would be a crime to get rid of it."

Although some Holden fans have been gleeful about the Falcon's passing, others have expressed solidarity. "If they stop making the Falcon, Holden will suffer as well," one warned on Facebook. "We'll have some crap front-wheel-drive thing from the US, so even the Holden fans should show their support."

sourced > http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...t-1877282.html

More "could" journalism.

EDIT >

Queensland Times !

Aussies don't want Falcon scrapped
Andrew Korner | 25th January 2010

Ford enthusiast Mark Meesen is not happy about the decision to cease manufacturing of the Ford Falcon in Australia.

Rob Williams
AS FAR as Falcon devotee Mark Meesen is concerned, Ford’s plans to scrap the all-Aussie-made model are disastrous not only from a purist’s point of view, but also from a practical one.

The 37-year-old Tarampa smash repair business owner began a 15-year interest in the Falcon when he forked out for his first 1979 XD model back in the mid 1990s.

Since then he has bought, driven and enjoyed 10 different Falcon models, from high-powered V8 utes to classic coupes.

He said he was disappointed by news earlier this month that Ford’s American bosses were plotting an end to the Australian made Falcon, citing the need for a single, large-car model to suit a global market.

This was despite the fact the Falcon has become as popular as a meat pie at the footy since it was first built here 50 years ago.

In a move which could further frustrate the Falcon faithful, the iconic model could be replaced by the Taurus, a front-wheel-drive American import which was brought here in the late 1990s but proved unpopular.

“Aside from the effect it could have on our jobs and economy, there could be issues with having spare parts readily available,” Mr Meesen said.

“One of the great things about the Falcon was that the parts were always readily available. With imports, we often have trouble in that regard.

“The manufacturers would need to guarantee that they are going to supply back up-parts if they were going to expect people to drive a car like the Taurus.”

It’s not just the convenience of the Falcon that will be missed, but the character.

So sought after are models like the 1971 XY GT now that a restored version could cost in the vicinity of $500,000.

Other rare models like the Cobra can also sell for exorbitant sums of money.

Mr Meesen’s history of Ford ownership includes XD, XE, AU, Fairlane, BA and BF models.

He currently has a 1966 XP coupe and a 1977 XC coupe in his garage, awaiting restoration.

He plans to restore the XC as a replica of the car that Allan Moffat drove when he won at Bathurst in 1977.

“I’ve got a close family association with the Falcon; my grandfather worked as an upholsterer in Ford’s Geelong factory in the early 1960s and my uncle worked in the engine plant in the 1970s,” he said.

“Dad always drove an XY V8 and now both of my brothers own the same model.

“I’ve always just liked the shape, I suppose, and just the car itself. Falcons have always been good reliable cars.”

The Falcon was the fifth highest selling car in Australia in 2009, with 31,023 sold compared to 44,387 Holden Commodores.

Ford’s Melbourne factories employ 4700 people to engineer and design Falcon and Territory models. Panels and engines are produced at Geelong, with assembly completed at Campbellfield, a suburb in Melbourne’s north."



sourced > http://www.qt.com.au/story/2010/01/2...-to-scrap-car/

[cosmo20btt]

Originally Posted by Chopped

Wow.....this made news in the UK >

Australia mourns as Ford Falcon rides into the sunset
It could be the end of a motoring era as a legendary car falls victim to global belt-tightening

By Kathy Marks in Sydney
Sunday, 24 January 2010

It is one of Australia's oldest and most deep-seated rivalries, more divisive than religion, politics or even football. And it is determined before you're born: depending on your family allegiance, you'll either be Holden or Ford, the only two car brands that count in the suburbs.

It matters not that both companies are American-owned (Holden by General Motors), because for decades their Australian subsidiaries have built models specially designed for the home market: in Holden's case the iconic Commodore, in Ford's case the equally iconic Falcon.

Now the nation – or, to be more precise, half the nation – is in mourning following news that the all-Australian Falcon is to be unceremoniously ditched. The US parent company has decided that it no longer makes economic sense to manufacture different models for different countries. "Those days are gone," Ford's world president and chief executive, Alan Mulally, declared at last week's Detroit Motor Show.

The timing could not be worse for Falcon lovers, preparing to celebrate the big sedan's 50th birthday later this year. Three Facebook sites have been set up by outraged fans, with even Holden supporters urging Ford to save Australia's longest-running model, in the interests of healthy competition.

Nearly every Australian has fond memories of family holidays spent travelling in the roomy Falcon or Commodore. Lovers of the vintage models spend all their free time and thousands of dollars carefully restoring and modifying old bangers.

The Falcon was Australia's fifth-highest-selling car last year, with sales of more than 31,000, compared with nearly 45,000 for the top-selling Commodore. However, all large car models in Australia have suffered from flagging sales in recent years because of higher fuel prices.

There are also fears, which Ford has done nothing to allay, that the Falcon's demise will spell the end of local manufacture. The Falcon has been the mainstay of those operations, with Ford Australia employing nearly 5,000 people at its factories in Victoria.

Mr Mulally declined to reveal whether it was part of the company's long-term strategy to retain the Australian business, which lost $274m (£153m) last year. He said: "Australia is a very important market for us and we've worked hard to be competitive. No matter what, we're going to serve the Australian market."

The first Ford Falcon, the XK sedan, rolled off the assembly line in September 1960. The current model, the seventh-generation FG series, launched two years ago, will not be replaced when production ends in 2015, although industry watchers say the name may survive on locally- badged cars.

Last weekend dozens of Falcon owners staged a protest rally in Queensland, driving in convoy along the picturesque coast road between Cairns and Port Douglas. Organisers pledged to lobby American executives to continue producing the model.

"We'll let them know how strongly we feel about it," said Neil Newcombe, a diehard Falcon fan. "From an Australian point of view, we want to keep [the car] as Australian as we can." Another Ford owner said: "The Falcon is a great Aussie icon. It would be a crime to get rid of it."

Although some Holden fans have been gleeful about the Falcon's passing, others have expressed solidarity. "If they stop making the Falcon, Holden will suffer as well," one warned on Facebook. "We'll have some crap front-wheel-drive thing from the US, so even the Holden fans should show their support."

sourced > http://www.independent.co.uk/news/wo...t-1877282.html

More "could" journalism.

EDIT >

Queensland Times !

Aussies don't want Falcon scrapped
Andrew Korner | 25th January 2010

Ford enthusiast Mark Meesen is not happy about the decision to cease manufacturing of the Ford Falcon in Australia.

Rob Williams
AS FAR as Falcon devotee Mark Meesen is concerned, Ford’s plans to scrap the all-Aussie-made model are disastrous not only from a purist’s point of view, but also from a practical one.

The 37-year-old Tarampa smash repair business owner began a 15-year interest in the Falcon when he forked out for his first 1979 XD model back in the mid 1990s.

Since then he has bought, driven and enjoyed 10 different Falcon models, from high-powered V8 utes to classic coupes.

He said he was disappointed by news earlier this month that Ford’s American bosses were plotting an end to the Australian made Falcon, citing the need for a single, large-car model to suit a global market.

This was despite the fact the Falcon has become as popular as a meat pie at the footy since it was first built here 50 years ago.

In a move which could further frustrate the Falcon faithful, the iconic model could be replaced by the Taurus, a front-wheel-drive American import which was brought here in the late 1990s but proved unpopular.

“Aside from the effect it could have on our jobs and economy, there could be issues with having spare parts readily available,” Mr Meesen said.

“One of the great things about the Falcon was that the parts were always readily available. With imports, we often have trouble in that regard.

“The manufacturers would need to guarantee that they are going to supply back up-parts if they were going to expect people to drive a car like the Taurus.”

It’s not just the convenience of the Falcon that will be missed, but the character.

So sought after are models like the 1971 XY GT now that a restored version could cost in the vicinity of $500,000.

Other rare models like the Cobra can also sell for exorbitant sums of money.

Mr Meesen’s history of Ford ownership includes XD, XE, AU, Fairlane, BA and BF models.

He currently has a 1966 XP coupe and a 1977 XC coupe in his garage, awaiting restoration.

He plans to restore the XC as a replica of the car that Allan Moffat drove when he won at Bathurst in 1977.

“I’ve got a close family association with the Falcon; my grandfather worked as an upholsterer in Ford’s Geelong factory in the early 1960s and my uncle worked in the engine plant in the 1970s,” he said.

“Dad always drove an XY V8 and now both of my brothers own the same model.

“I’ve always just liked the shape, I suppose, and just the car itself. Falcons have always been good reliable cars.”

The Falcon was the fifth highest selling car in Australia in 2009, with 31,023 sold compared to 44,387 Holden Commodores.

Ford’s Melbourne factories employ 4700 people to engineer and design Falcon and Territory models. Panels and engines are produced at Geelong, with assembly completed at Campbellfield, a suburb in Melbourne’s north."



sourced > http://www.qt.com.au/story/2010/01/2...-to-scrap-car/

Well it is more sensational to write this than say Falcon Mustang to be reunited.

[Brazen]

Burela seems to keep hinting that Falcon could be front wheel drive...

Sydney Morning Herald 25 January 2010

"Front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive ... the response has been very mixed," Ford Australia president Marin Burela said.

"There's been a lot of feedback to date ... but the jury's still out there on rear-wheel-drive, front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive.

"There are those who are very strong large-car enthusiasts who take the view that says rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive is the answer [for the Falcon], [and there are] those who are just looking for the comfort of a large car and are not disturbed by having a front-wheel-drive [Falcon]."

If Falcon was going to be paired with the Mustang, wouldnt he be saying 'customer response indicates that people want the Falcon to maintain the legendary performance, roadholding and towing ability which can only achieved by keeping Falcon rear wheel drive". Instead he seems to be CONSTANTLY saying that people dont care if the Falcon is front wheel drive or that enthusiasts think that all wheel drive is superior (by utter coincidence the Taurus is FWD and AWD....).

I would love to see some confirmation of the Mustang theory, because I continue to be very sceptical that its in the works.

[ltd]

I'm just amazed that someone actually believes Motor for times; it's like believing that Drive is an honest, unbiased publication.

[banarcus]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Burela seems to keep hinting that Falcon could be front wheel drive...



If Falcon was going to be paired with the Mustang, wouldnt he be saying 'customer response indicates that people want the Falcon to maintain the legendary performance, roadholding and towing ability which can only achieved by keeping Falcon rear wheel drive". Instead he seems to be CONSTANTLY saying that people dont care if the Falcon is front wheel drive or that enthusiasts think that all wheel drive is superior (by utter coincidence the Taurus is FWD and AWD....).

I would love to see some confirmation of the Mustang theory, because I continue to be very sceptical that its in the works.

I dare say that most people don't care whether it is in fact a RWD or a FWD car. Next time you take your boat to the local ramp or your trailer to the local tip, have a look at what other people are using, mainly Jap utes or 4x4. It's sad to say that the target audience have an abundance of choice these days which are capable at towing a load and carting the not so traditional Australian family these days.

[Chopped]

Originally Posted by ltd

I'm just amazed that someone actually believes Motor for times; it's like believing that Drive is an honest, unbiased publication.

It's the only times I could find ! : (should I believe them when they say the F6 and G6ET are absolute rockets?)

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Burela seems to keep hinting that Falcon could be front wheel drive..

I would love to see some confirmation of the Mustang theory, because I continue to be very sceptical that its in the works.

I'm with you....

I'm not completely convinced either..

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by Chopped

Wow.....this made news in the UK >

Australia mourns as Ford Falcon rides into the sunset

It matters not that both companies are American-owned (Holden by General Motors), because for decades their Australian subsidiaries have built models specially designed for the home market: in Holden's case the iconic Commodore, in Ford's case the equally iconic Falcon.

Up until VE the commodore has never been an Australian design, not anywhere near as much as the Falcon, anyway. I wish people would do a bit of research instead of regurgitating someone else's garbage. That's not aimed at you chopped, but whoever it was you thought was worthy of quoting.

Originally Posted by Brazen

Burela seems to keep hinting that Falcon could be front wheel drive...



If Falcon was going to be paired with the Mustang, wouldnt he be saying 'customer response indicates that people want the Falcon to maintain the legendary performance, roadholding and towing ability which can only achieved by keeping Falcon rear wheel drive". Instead he seems to be CONSTANTLY saying that people dont care if the Falcon is front wheel drive or that enthusiasts think that all wheel drive is superior (by utter coincidence the Taurus is FWD and AWD....).

I would love to see some confirmation of the Mustang theory, because I continue to be very sceptical that its in the works.

How can you be skeptical over something that Ford haven't announced? MB never said "Falcon", it was only added by the author of the article you quote. It's very stupid to assume, after putting words in other's mouths.

What he is saying is quite clear; they may offer a large FWDAWD. In fact they will. Why would they make Falcon FWD when Taurus already fits the bill??

Falcon (and it's luxury/sports models) will remain under the GRWD umbrella, not under a rebadged Taurus. It seems this is the part you don't want to believe.

It is very futile to think Ford will abandon the rwd layout.

[Ghiadude]

so mondeo out and taurus in?

[Nikked]

Lets break this down, Ford US currently has these large passenger cars:

-Ford Taurus
-Ford Crown Victoria
-Mercury Grand Marquis
-Lincoln Town car

Of those 4, 3 use the same panther platform, this platform will be all but abandoned after 2011. Ford Export these cars to the middle east, the crown Victoria is a widely popular Cop car and taxi. And the Lincoln town cars is the most used car as a base for Limos.

Now, we have the mustang, that is due for a all new model in 2014. It would be plane silly to think that the ageing platform will stay. The mustang needs IRS to keep up.

Ford also have these Crossover SUVs:

-Ford Flex
-Lincoln MKT

Both on the same platform.

Ford Australia have managed to develop a capable platform that offers load carrying ability, a good base for comfort, class leading performance and crossover SUV duties.

Using our falcon platform alone means that ford US has the ability to build six Cars on one platform. It would be downright stupid for Ford to not consider a GRWD platform based on Australian knowledge. Add our cars into the fold, that brings nine models potentially derived from one platform.

Why would ford us try to implement a RWD platform for the mustang only? That's Bonkers.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Ghiadude

so mondeo out and taurus in?

look what happend last time they did that

[futura97]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Burela seems to keep hinting that Falcon could be front wheel drive...

<snip>

I've got no problem with a fwd falcon...














































As long as it is also rwd :p AWD turbo falcon ftw!

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Nikked

Why would ford us try to implement a RWD platform for the mustang only? That's Bonkers.

They also have the DEW platform, while it was expensive a decade ago,
some senior staff inside Ford would have liked Taurus to ride on a platform
shared with Jaguar XF . Maybe Ford looked at the DEW and E8 Falcon
and saw a way of making an affordable platform out of mix 'n match...

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Burela seems to keep hinting that Falcon could be front wheel drive...



If Falcon was going to be paired with the Mustang, wouldnt he be saying 'customer response indicates that people want the Falcon to maintain the legendary performance, roadholding and towing ability which can only achieved by keeping Falcon rear wheel drive". Instead he seems to be CONSTANTLY saying that people dont care if the Falcon is front wheel drive or that enthusiasts think that all wheel drive is superior (by utter coincidence the Taurus is FWD and AWD....).

I would love to see some confirmation of the Mustang theory, because I continue to be very sceptical that its in the works.

You really enjoy laying the boots into Falcon don't you.

The thing I don't understand is Marin saying people won't care if Falcon is FWD, yet it has basically become a joke among car enthusiasts. People basically laugh when a FWD Falcon is mentioned, and Holden fans make jokes about it to Ford fans. Its so obvious the Falcon would become nothing but a joke if it was FWD. It would sell as well as the Aurion does. Plus no ute, no V8's, no FPV's. It would be dead in the water.

The media would have a field day saying how dumb it is, and the general public would stay away in droves. It would be corporate suicide, and FoA know it. How they could even consider it is beyond me, especially when GRWD makes so much sense.

[vztrt]

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...0125-mt2q.html

Ford on front foot

JEZ SPINKS
January 25, 2010

Ford is asking Australians whether they would buy a front-wheel-drive Falcon as it braces itself for the loss of the model's long-running rear-drive layout.

The question forms part of a new market research campaign the local car maker is conducting ahead of the next-generation Falcon's launch in either late 2014 or early 2015.

Ford Motor Company's global chief executive Alan Mulally last week confirmed the next Falcon would end the nameplate's decades-long run as a model designed and developed exclusively in Australia.

It will instead be based on a new global large-car platform, likely to be shared with the US market's Taurus — currently a front-wheel-drive.

Ford said initial results from the research, which will continue throughout 2010, suggested no clear preference for either a front-drive or rear-drive Falcon.

"Front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive ... the response has been very mixed," Ford Australia president Marin Burela said.

"There's been a lot of feedback to date ... but the jury's still out there on rear-wheel-drive, front-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive.

"There are those who are very strong large-car enthusiasts who take the view that says rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive is the answer [for the Falcon], [and there are] those who are just looking for the comfort of a large car and are not disturbed by having a front-wheel-drive [Falcon]."

[jpd80]

Apparently respondents at a Ford clinic recently said that they liked a RWD
Falcon and that if Falcon went FWD, they would probably buy a Toyota instead.
Most were open to Taurus so long as it was AWD....

Switching a 4300 lb car for a 3700 lb one would do wonders for fuel economy...not!

[Bossxr8]

Yep. AWD totally defeats the purpose of changing from RWD for fuel economy, by making it much worse. Makes zero sense.

[cosmo20btt]

When people were asked if they would buy a FWD Falcon & they said yes, but these buyers would not care if they were RWD as well, but buyers that say RWD or AWD will not buy a FWD. So if Falcon goes FWD then it has half it's market straight away & the loss of ute another big loss. And even if they brought out a AWD Falcon, who's going to pay the premium price when the market has a lot more desirable cars available for similar coin.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by cosmo20btt

When people were asked if they would buy a FWD Falcon & they said yes, but these buyers would not care if they were RWD as well, but buyers that say RWD or AWD will not buy a FWD. So if Falcon goes FWD then it has half it's market straight away & the loss of ute another big loss. And even if they brought out a AWD Falcon, who's going to pay the premium price when the market has a lot more desirable cars available for similar coin.

I wonder how much of this is Ford trying to convince itself
that the market is ready to accept its FWD vehicles.

It must be a real head scratcher to the Dearborn brass that
Camry+Aurion sells well enough but a Taurus is a no go.....

They want to try but past experience tells them that without
the Falcon name any FWD replacement would fail.

[Nikked]

Jez likes trying to turn urine into gold.

He needs a new story, that article is basically the same as his other two.

"The next falcon wont be a falcon but it will, it will be a re badged Taurus even though there has been no strong hint that it will, but some dude on the net heard it from some bloke that new someone that read that Marin Burela said Falcon and Taurus in the same paragraph"

Can i have a job at drive now?

[Chilliman]

Originally Posted by jpd80

I wonder how much of this is Ford trying to convince itself
that the market is ready to accept its FWD vehicles.

It must be a real head scratcher to the Dearborn brass that
Camry+Aurion sells well enough but a Taurus is a no go.....

They want to try but past experience tells them that without
the Falcon name any FWD replacement would fail.

The FWD/AWD/RWD market research by Ford fails to take into account the significance of the cultural peculiarities of the Australian Automotive landscape.

Just looking at the Aussie made entries - the Toyota Aurion/Camry, Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon.

Ford and Holden are both considered Australian (Holden more so) by the public. This is both good and bad as there are many that wouldn't touch the local RWD product as they consider them to be 'Bogan' cars (Bogan = Redneck for those in Dearborn), but that doesn't stop them selling as a lot of Australians ignore the Bogan tag or are actually proud to be a Bogan. For these people RWD is important.

As for Toyota, they are still a Japanese car maker in the eyes of most Australians, but they sell to people who are seduced by Toyota's percieved reliablity (even though they are the most recalled brand in the US for 2009). These poeple aren't car enthusiasts and couldn't care less what wheels are driven - if the wheels weren't on the outside of the car they wouldn't even know what a wheel was. Another thing to consider is that for a FWD car it doesn't matter how big it is - it will be cross-shopped against medium FWD cars. That's partly the reason why Toyota's 'game changing' Aurion has had so little impact.

Marin makes a lot of noise about being in the large car market because, though it is shrinking, there are fewer players - BUT putting Falcon onto a FWD platform will effectively drag Falcon into the medium car market. It won't matter that its classified as a large car for VFACTS, Falcon would have lost one of its unique selling points in RWD and will be percieved as one of the bigger medium cars on the market by the general public putting into direct competition with cars like the Mazda 6, the Subaru Liberty, Volkswagen Jetta, and Toyota Camry.

And its for these reasons that I believe the decision to keep Falcon RWD will be taken.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Chilliman

Marin makes a lot of noise about being in the large car market because, though it is shrinking, there are fewer players - BUT putting Falcon onto a FWD platform will effectively drag Falcon into the medium car market. It won't matter that its classified as a large car for VFACTS, Falcon would have lost one of its unique selling points in RWD and will be percieved as one of the bigger medium cars on the market by the general public putting into direct competition with cars like the Mazda 6, the Subaru Liberty, Volkswagen Jetta, and Toyota Camry.

And its for these reasons that I believe the decision to keep Falcon RWD will be taken.

Yes - Changing people's perception is key to that.

The smartest move Ford can do with FG II is the Ecoboost I-4, people will see it as an
alternative to Mid sized cars while the I-6 and V8 variants keep the large car buyers happy.
A good way for Ford to have its cake and eat it too.....

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

You really enjoy laying the boots into Falcon don't you.

Not at all, I have owned Fords all my life and was a Ford fan enough to buy an AU brand new. I was also instrumental in getting my work to change its national fleet of Hiluxes to LPG RTV utes which unfortunately never happened due to it having production cancelled. So I really consider myself a Falcon fan.

My issue is that we need to critically analyse what the CEOs and management are saying. Remember these ex-accountants are probably more focused on meeting their quarterly performance bonus rather than securing the long term rear-wheel-drive architecture of the Falcon.