Major Ford announcement

[Professor Farnsworth]

let's try again

NO BICKERING

[Vormund]

Well before the lock I was just going to say this is not the time to discuss the "why's".

I just want to say thank you to the people of Geelong and broady for their work over the years.

[fpvgeetee]

very sad time indeed I will ways take care of my GT and never let it go :( still cant believe it...where do we go from here? shattered. The GT is everything I've known growing up...from having xy GT's at my wedding to finally owning my own GT. Very sad. So looks like I own one of the last N/A GT's :(

[Sprint]

[Mighty Reds]

Lets be annoyed about the decision today but also thankful that we got to enjoy what made the Falcon great for over 50 years.

[FacultY]

Its been a good run guys. I havent liked how mangement have been operating the last few years and its clear Graziano has done what he has set out. I enjoy my xr6 and will continue to support the Australian Automotive industry and will move to a VF when im due for a new car.

[buddy92]

Im going to have to keep mine forever.

My FG XR6 is my first ever car I've owned. I feel proud to have this as my first car. I've not been around the "car" era long ( 3 years ) but it's sad considering I grew up in Fords, driving my brothers EL around and, Dads XR8. Good times.

:(

[lalo1003]

Quick question, sorry if I sound like a newb but I'm new to this. I'm only 19 and I bought a second hand FG at the start of the year from a dealership.

When I purchased it I was told about the AHG 5year warranty plan. I agreed to it which added about $1700 to my finance.

If Ford is ceasing production of the Falcon by 2016 will they still honour their warranties beyond 2016?

Another one I'm curious about, what will happen with spare parts etc? Say 2017 I need a new diff or gear box whatever, will Ford still supply new spare parts as usual?

Thanks,
Luis

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by Mighty Reds

Lets be annoyed about the decision today but also thankful that we got to enjoy what made the Falcon great for over 50 years.

Absolutely.

Local auto manufacture was a massive part of building this country over the past 50 years and more. My grandfather walked off the boat from Greece in 1962 and onto the Holden production line. He talks about it with such passion to this day - it supported his family for a long time.

[Trump]

An interesting commentary in The Age:

http://www.theage.com.au/comment/why...523-2k2n4.html

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by lalo1003

Another one I'm curious about, what will happen with spare parts etc? Say 2017 I need a new diff or gear box whatever, will Ford still supply new spare parts as usual?

My understanding is that manufacturers have to provide parts support for 10 years or thereabouts. After that supplies will dwindle over time.

I'm not sure what happens if an operation actually shuts down though, so good question.

[2011G6E]

Those of who have been into cars since the seventies will surely remember the great wailing and nashing of teeth that accompanied the death of the "Kingswood" nameplate. People at the time said it would be "the death of Holden", how "insulting" it was, how "bad for the company image". They went from one sort of car...a large old fashioned sedan with primitive underpinnings...to a modern European inspired sedan with pretty much the same room inside but which actually handled like a modern car.

People adapted, and they ended up loving the new car.

Ford went from the big old fashioned XC to the more compact XD...once again, there was critisism of the XD shape...too square, too small, too different. Ford could have...and considered I believe...using a different name other than Falcon for the completely new shape XD. Maybe they saw the backlash that happened to Holden and took note...who knows?

Once the Falcon nameplate is "retired", the world won't end, people won't stop driving Fords...they'll just stop driving new Falcons.

As for suppliers all "going to the wall" as some fear...I thought basic items like wiper blades and seat belts (mentioned in one news report on TV) and other small bits all came from the same place anyway for Ford and Holden here in Australia.

Ford dealerships will look pretty much like they do now, they'll employ the same number of people they do now...it's just there'll be one less model on the lot, and a lot more new models to replace it.

It's sad, but no company can put up with the losses that Ford has reported, and the taxpayers shouldn't be required to endlessly support a business just to allow them to keep making one model in a big range when it can be easily replaced by ones already built overseas by the same company.

Sorry, that's just being realistic.

[krypto71]

As a Geelong resident, I feel most for the workers who will lose their jobs. As I've read, thankfully Ford have done the right thing and given all the staff members plenty of notice. I hope they will also have some kind of re-skilling program that allows the staff opportunity to support the product to the end, whilst building a bright future for themselves and their families.

I will more than likely hang onto my 03 XR8 for many more years now, and try and get another Falcon before they are no more.

It won't be the same to drive through Geelong, once the big blue Oval on the Highway is gone. I shudder to think what will stand in its place down the track.

41 years ago, my parents brought me home from hospital in a Falcon, 4 years ago, I did the same for my son, but who knows what my little bloke will bring his first born home from hospital in, in the years to come.

I'll miss the Falcon nameplate here. I'll no doubt aspire to own a new Mustang down the track, and an explorer will more than likely be a great family option for me.

I wish good luck to all the employees, not only at Ford, but also the many Ford suppliers. Thats the harshest part of this reality. Peoples livelihoods.

Steve

[GT-spec15]

Ford dealers have a very bright future.

It's seems cruel to say it...but they will do better without the Falcon once a medium-large replacement is sourced. I have spent a lot of time in USA over the past three years, and the current Explorer/Taurus are fantastic cars.

Taurus may need a different badge if it was ever sold here though...!!

[james22]

Originally Posted by lalo1003

Quick question, sorry if I sound like a newb but I'm new to this. I'm only 19 and I bought a second hand FG at the start of the year from a dealership.

When I purchased it I was told about the AHG 5year warranty plan. I agreed to it which added about $1700 to my finance.

If Ford is ceasing production of the Falcon by 2016 will they still honour their warranties beyond 2016?

Another one I'm curious about, what will happen with spare parts etc? Say 2017 I need a new diff or gear box whatever, will Ford still supply new spare parts as usual?

Thanks,
Luis

Ford stated that warranty's will not be affected and they will continue to service and warrant vehicles up to 2026. Which will be the minimum 10 year term required after the 2016 models

[4stanger]

Sad day,
sad week for me, the old family dog passed away earlier this week :(
Isn't Ford continuing with engineering and R & D in this country?
I will continue to support Ford into the future whether it is a vehicle purchase that suits my needs or buying parts and service for my current and future Fords.
What would the chances be for a 2016 GTHO Falcon to finish off with!

[dom_105]

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

An interesting commentary in The Age:

http://www.theage.com.au/comment/why...523-2k2n4.html

I for one rather the Falcon badge be retired if it is not going to be used on an Australian-built RWD sedan.

Same with Commodore.

[OCTANEBOSS]

Its a sign of the times and a sad day for Ford lovers and those that will lose there jobs soon, the mining boom is over and my job goes in 4 months too. Its to good day to reflect on how you can support Australian businesses and manufacturing by buying local if possible, its hard. Looks like I will be buried with my Boss.
... i will give up my GT but they have to prise from my cold dead fingers...

[xisled]

Originally Posted by Arnaldo

Sad day,
sad week for me, the old family dog passed away earlier this week :(
Isn't Ford continuing with engineering and R & D in this country?
I will continue to support Ford into the future whether it is a vehicle purchase that suits my needs or buying parts and service for my current and future Fords.
What would the chances be for a 2016 GTHO Falcon to finish off with!

They are basically not going to release anything else by the looks of things.

[Trump]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

Those of who have been into cars since the seventies will surely remember the great wailing and nashing of teeth that accompanied the death of the "Kingswood" nameplate. People at the time said it would be "the death of Holden", how "insulting" it was, how "bad for the company image". They went from one sort of car...a large old fashioned sedan with primitive underpinnings...to a modern European inspired sedan with pretty much the same room inside but which actually handled like a modern car.

People adapted, and they ended up loving the new car.

Ford went from the big old fashioned XC to the more compact XD...once again, there was critisism of the XD shape...too square, too small, too different. Ford could have...and considered I believe...using a different name other than Falcon for the completely new shape XD. Maybe they saw the backlash that happened to Holden and took note...who knows?

Once the Falcon nameplate is "retired", the world won't end, people won't stop driving Fords...they'll just stop driving new Falcons.

As for suppliers all "going to the wall" as some fear...I thought basic items like wiper blades and seat belts (mentioned in one news report on TV) and other small bits all came from the same place anyway for Ford and Holden here in Australia.

Ford dealerships will look pretty much like they do now, they'll employ the same number of people they do now...it's just there'll be one less model on the lot, and a lot more new models to replace it.

It's sad, but no company can put up with the losses that Ford has reported, and the taxpayers shouldn't be required to endlessly support a business just to allow them to keep making one model in a big range when it can be easily replaced by ones already built overseas by the same company.

Sorry, that's just being realistic.

The biggest difference between the teeth gnashing of the late 70s and today is back then, it was the retirement of a nameplate, the Commodores and the XD's were still built here (with a massive amount of local componentry) whereas now its the end of the line. The consequences of today's announcement are far greater than going from one nameplate to another...

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by Arnaldo

Sad day,
sad week for me, the old family dog passed away earlier this week :(
Isn't Ford continuing with engineering and R & D in this country?
I will continue to support Ford into the future whether it is a vehicle purchase that suits my needs or buying parts and service for my current and future Fords.
What would the chances be for a 2016 GTHO Falcon to finish off with!

Zero.

The GTHO badge is owned by a private party. Apparently he offered it back to Ford some time ago but they refused. As for engineering/R&D yes. This decision affects manufacturing, but other arms of the Australian operation will remain, which is fantastic news.

Sorry to hear about your pup too :(

[lalo1003]

Originally Posted by james22

Ford stated that warranty's will not be affected and they will continue to service and warrant vehicles up to 2026. Which will be the minimum 10 year term required after the 2016 models

That's a relief to hear that, thanks for your reply.

Thanks,
Luis

[JC]

The reality is, Aussies get paid too much for imports not to be cheaper and therefore more attractive (ie our average wage and therefore production costs, which dictate final pirce, are higher than overseas, especially in the cheaper Asian markets). Dick Smith pushes "Buy Aussie", but most Aussies can't afford to "Buy Aussie" when the imported product is better value for money.... Shame, but it is what it is.

On a slightly related note, will V8 supercras use the Modeo shell, or will we get the Taurus shell like in Nascar (AWD Taurus police interceptor style car would be great in RHD).

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by shonkymofo

I love my car you and your friends built.

Thank you

Plus 1.

[Mighty Reds]

I might be naive but I would like to think that Ford is showing the Falcon badge some respect by putting it out to pasture rather than on another car that doesn't deserve the nameplate.

[xisled]

Maybe this could open up the world to FPV.

If the cars are global, we might see a FPV mustang.

[blackf6]

Pull out the old tooling and build some xa-xc coupes and sedans.

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by JC

On a slightly related note, will V8 supercras use the Modeo shell, or will we get the Taurus shell like in Nascar (AWD Taurus police interceptor style car would be great in RHD).

Who knows at this stage...

Obviously Ford has another few years to use the FG bodywork for racing, but beyond that, let me fetch my crystal ball.

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by teak81

Pull out the old tooling and build some xa-xc coupes and sedans.

Shut up and take my money!

[BA GT-HO]

Ahh Jeez..

First of all I feel very sorry for all involved down there, that is a nasty situation to be in, I know what manufacturing is like, I've been doing it for all my life. It is at times vicious sadly.

I have owned 6 Falcons from E Series through to B Series. Not one of them has ever badly let me down, they are really good value for money. It is going to be very strange indeed to see the Falcon disappear altogether.

Not sure I ever really want to sell the XR8 now. It is so fun to drive.

Goodbye Falcon, it's been emotional.