Why Ford can't sell Falcon?

[Fiesta_Man69]

Don't have the car in stock or ready to go within a week - most buyers in 2012 will walk across the road to the opposition. Only die hard enthusiasts are prepared to wait months for the right spec to be built and delivered and that's not working... and sales figures back this up.

The Falcon is an excellent product. It's time Ford backed it - from the EB up - made it, advertised it and sold it. If they're not prepared to do this then a quick death would be preferrable...

[JC807]

head office (ford US) want to kill the falcon and why wouldn't they(its a tiny market in comparison), but it needs to look like it fizzled out, not killed off.

if it was your business you would do the same. imagine little old Ford Albania spending all this money on R&D building local cars (which are loved by the locasl) when you can just sell them your model and perhaps even build it using their plant? However, if you just march in a shut it down, they will never want to buy your new product.

[RASER]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Been bought up at work many times by the union, dealers are continuing to question why they can't get the stock they need. Ford can't provide answers. Are they deliberately trying to kill Falcon off or what?

Yeap, u nailed it

FOMOCO have informed to FoA in a very subtle way, to continue to kill off all the Falcon models as they have been doing, LTD, Fairlane[not farm] std. V8's etc

They have also been advised to grab EVERY tax-grab/fund/grant/hand-out that they can get off tripping-over Gillard govco.

Don't know why they dont stand up like men [as Mitsubishi did] to kill it off NOW instead of playing games and waiting for nature to takes its course in 24 months time.

Bring in the F150's and other premium quality/value vehicles

[flappist]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

I've had some clients looking for new cars in the last few weeks.

1) G6E Ecoboost. No one in QLD has a new G6E Ecoboost in stock. Would have to order one to be built.

2) GT manual, neither of our local big FPV dealers have a manual GT in stock. Only Autos. Client told seeya next year if you want one.

3) Falcon base model tray backs... We have none of those either, only XR6's.

For a company that is struggling to make sales it really makes you wonder, what are Ford doing?????

Just had a quick look.
Huston Ford in Kingaroy have a G6E EB4.
It looks like the blue GT at Pacific Ford in Maroochydore (an AFF sponsor) is manual.
Carsales is full of cab chassis ready to be fitted with whatever trayback you want.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Been bought up at work many times by the union, dealers are continuing to question why they can't get the stock they need. Ford can't provide answers. Are they deliberately trying to kill Falcon off or what?

There has to be more in it then this.
Do the dealers want the model and not have to wait the 6 week build period cause a customer wants one now?
Or are they putting stock orders in the system and getting knocked back because Ford doesn't want to build them?

I remember when the Factory had a lot of cars stored out the back (they found one there that was over a year old) that were ready to go. Maybe the dealers are still in the old frame of mind were they could get something quickly and not have to pay the overheads that they would if they had to gamble on a model.

Either way Ford do need to look at a state system were they can have a model ready to go (in low numbers) were it keeps Ford's inventory low and the dealers overheads down.

Mind you I thought dealers could work with other dealers around oz to bring in models for the customer if they wanted.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by flappist

Just had a quick look.
Huston Ford in Kingaroy have a G6E EB4.
It looks like the blue GT at Pacific Ford in Maroochydore (an AFF sponsor) is manual.
Carsales is full of cab chassis ready to be fitted with whatever trayback you want.

So is that 1 G6E Ecoboost in the entire state and 1 Manual GT? Full of cab chassis? I just had a look theres 8 base models in QLD, didn't bother to see where they were but 8? The base model falcon ute tray back use to be the number 1 seller.... No wonder ute sales have died, they don't even bother stocking them (trying not to upset ranger!).

I just think its odd for them to complain and have all these down days when they don't even bother stocking run of the mill cars. The G6E Ecoboost is the biggest worry, this car is supposed to be their savior yet they don't even bother building them.

Dissapointed = me. Perhaps FORD PR would like to come on here and comment as to why they are holding stock back.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by vztrt

There has to be more in it then this.
Do the dealers want the model and not have to wait the 6 week build period cause a customer wants one now?
Or are they putting stock orders in the system and getting knocked back because Ford doesn't want to build them?

I remember when the Factory had a lot of cars stored out the back (they found one there that was over a year old) that were ready to go. Maybe the dealers are still in the old frame of mind were they could get something quickly and not have to pay the overheads that they would if they had to gamble on a model.

Either way Ford do need to look at a state system were they can have a model ready to go (in low numbers) were it keeps Ford's inventory low and the dealers overheads down.

Mind you I thought dealers could work with other dealers around oz to bring in models for the customer if they wanted.

Problem is most dealers will only swap cars... based on colour etc. E.g. if I want a black G6E and my dealers only got a white one they can swap the white for the black up the road (if the other dealer accepts). Sometimes they will sell to each other but its usually as Ive suggested above (swap).

[EgoFG]

I waited over a month for my EFII Futura

[flappist]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Problem is most dealers will only swap cars... based on colour etc. E.g. if I want a black G6E and my dealers only got a white one they can swap the white for the black up the road (if the other dealer accepts). Sometimes they will sell to each other but its usually as Ive suggested above (swap).

Must be different in Bris, up here the "drink" is alive and well.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

So is that 1 G6E Ecoboost in the entire state and 1 Manual GT? Full of cab chassis? I just had a look theres 8 base models in QLD, didn't bother to see where they were but 8? The base model falcon ute tray back use to be the number 1 seller.... No wonder ute sales have died, they don't even bother stocking them (trying not to upset ranger!).

I just think its odd for them to complain and have all these down days when they don't even bother stocking run of the mill cars. The G6E Ecoboost is the biggest worry, this car is supposed to be their savior yet they don't even bother building them.

Dissapointed = me. Perhaps FORD PR would like to come on here and comment as to why they are holding stock back.

So how many manual GTs, EB4 G6Es and utes do they want to buy?
More than one of each?

[mik]

Originally Posted by falconnut

Hate to say it but compared to cheaper, smaller and frankly lighter competitive alternatives the falcon just cant keep up.

The Ecoboost was a great idea implemented poorly (not trimming the nose down ect.)

Ford Global obviously want to kill the Falcon to sell their new fusion platform here and possibly the mustang as well.

I am not against global platforms but in this case their not even giving the falcon a fighting chance anymore.

Then theres the big issue of the falcon 6's terrible fuel efficently in the city and HUGE kurb side weight which is almost 2 tonne.

in a day and age of ev's and hybrids even the falcon is on the heavy side.

FG will probably be the last falcon though, such a shame we never got a newer model code

with respect, i think your assessment is flawed , falcon is similar weight as the commodore, my own take on the weight is also a safety thing, you can`t keep loading big family cars with safety gear and accessories and expect them to remain like a small car,

http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/ar...rticleID=48306

The all-new Ford FG Falcon has gained only 10 kilos despite a safer body structure and more equipment.


The new Falcon weighs just 10 kg more than the previous model.

The new Ford FG Falcon has gained only 10kg despite increased equipment levels, more safety features, and the strongest body structure yet for the locally built large car.

Ford Australia says the eighth-generation Falcon weighs 1704kg in six-cylinder form, which is heavier than the 1694kg outgoing model.

“The new body structure is the biggest contributor to weight,” says David Walton, Ford Australia’s vehicle package and ergonomics supervisor. “But the stronger body brings a significant improvement in crash [protection].”

The FG Falcon’s structure – also known as the body-in-white – is stronger in comparison with the BF Falcon’s, though it is also 21.3kg heavier.

A new five-speed automatic transmission also adds more weight than the outgoing four-speed auto.

Ford Australia’s engineers, however, have managed to shed weight in other areas to minimise the Falcon’s increase in mass.

The new front suspension, adapted from the company’s Territory soft-roader, makes the biggest saving. The Virtual Pivot Control Link set-up weighs 22kg less than the current arrangement, thanks to the use of aluminium and high-strength steel.

The revised (Control Blade) rear suspension is ever so slightly lighter, too, and an all-new intake manifold for the in-line six-cylinder engine sheds another four kilograms courtesy of composite materials that are even lighter than the previous design’s aluminium casting.

Weight is one of the biggest enemies for handling and fuel economy, though the Falcon’s extra 10kg will have no adverse affect according to Ford Australia.

The car maker is confident this will be the best-handling Falcon yet, while official fuel consumption figures prove the large car’s fuel efficiency has improved on its predecessor.


would you really expect a big versatile family car to be more economical than a small car? how can you compare? as for the nose thing having a bit more sheet metal i see that as a safety enhancer !
as far as the fuel economy goes, yes the smaller vehicle is gonna win, but when you look at the versatility thing you comprimise a lot for a bit of fuel cost and lose the versatility of the falcon, or the commy for that matter, did i mention towing? ask mr toyota the towing capacity for the prius hybrid........................... what`s that you say? towing not recommended therefore no towing specifications listed?
hmmm my assessment, bigger family car = versatility, good safety, excellent performance, reliability, a little bit more fuel cost.........conclusion = big car wins !

[barra240t]

Dash GT, I can see stock out there that could be available, if cars are not available they are either sold, not available for swap or the spec you want hasn't been built. This doesn't just happen with Falcon, it happens with a lot of models, and not just in the Ford world either.

If you need a hand let me know.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by flappist

So how many manual GTs, EB4 G6Es and utes do they want to buy?
More than one of each?

1 of each....

cant get any of them...

HSV have solved the GT problem with a manual GTS. As for the other 2 they will buy Toyotas probably.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

1 of each....

cant get any of them...

HSV have sold the GT problem with a manual GTS. As for the other 2 they will buy Toyotas probably.

Ah well.

When I was younger I used to go "hunting" on Friday and Saturday nights. Sometimes the high quality "game" was a bit scarce so I settled on lesser.
It was all good until the next morning.......

The lesson I learned was; if the thing you want is difficult to obtain then try harder as compromising and just grabbing what is easy will always end badly.

[The Yeti]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

1 of each....

cant get any of them...

HSV have solved the GT problem with a manual GTS. As for the other 2 they will buy Toyotas probably.

Mate, done the same I got a couple of rangers in 2010 but that was the last new fords I got, delivery was just way to long

good luck with the toyotas though, delivery used to be crazy, though with the slow down in mineing you might be OK

for the record the new commodore is a VERY good car you guys wont be dissapointed with the GTS

I think Ford and its dealers need to understand the diffeance between stock and over stocked, they seem to go from one extream to the next

[falconnut]

Originally Posted by mik

blablabla

your saying 1.7t is light just because its 'safer' what kind of argument is that?

my old car only weighs 1500kg and is just as 'safe'

the FG is a HEAVY car hence the bad fuel economy.

Ford Australia should have used the V6 Ecoboost more power better enconomy.

I guess it will get replaced by the mustang

[OBW351]

I know it is not about the falcon but my father in law and I inquired about a wildtrak ranger and they told us 12months wait. WTF!!! who wants to wait 12months let alone 2months

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by OBW351

I know it is not about the falcon but my father in law and I inquired about a wildtrak ranger and they told us 12months wait. WTF!!! who wants to wait 12months let alone 2months

Yep... Thats out of Ford Australia's control, but Falcon on the other hand isnt. Why put all your marketing dollars into Focus and Ranger that you cannot supply but forget about Falcon and Territory (which you have a tap you can turn up and down).

Makes no sense. Just proves the theory that they are out to kill Australian production.

[Mr Hardware]

Originally Posted by falconnut

your saying 1.7t is light just because its 'safer' what kind of argument is that?

my old car only weighs 1500kg and is just as 'safe'

Surely you're not suggesting that an AU is anywhere near as safe as an FG. Surely no-one would be that ignorant

Sources
http://www.ancap.com.au/results?make...&vehicleyear=1
http://www.ancap.com.au/mediarelease?id=53

Amazing what they can do in ten years

[dimka100]

Safety does not equal weight! yes safety features do add extra weight but that does not mean the end resulted car needs to be heavy.

In fact if you look at all the latest trend of cars being released this/next year you will see they are all loosing a significant amount of weight while further improving on safety. E.g. Next Golf, new Mazda 6, VF Commodore, latest Range Rover, ets ...

[Shonky.]

Originally Posted by flappist

Are you prepared to pay RRP to have it available then and there or do you still want to be able to screw every last cent out of them?

Car dealers are in business to make money not sell cars and losing a sale that would not have made a profit is a GOOD thing.

The only car I have bought off floor stock in the last 10 years was my first F6 which I only owned for a few weeks before dumping because I made a mistake buying a povvo.

Every car I buy has all the factory options etc that I WANT not a compromise to save a couple of dollars.

From what I understand one is more likely to pay RRP for a vehicle that is not there and has to be ordered, rather than the reciprocal (pay a premium for a car to be in stock) Naturally this is why yards don't hold too much stock now. I guess that was my point. The savings associated with JIT is measureable, the cost is not.

And like you I will not compromise an inch when it comes to spec/configuration. Once again, hence my point if you combine being fussy and impatient (me) then no stock = no sale

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by RASER

Yeap, u nailed it

FOMOCO have informed to FoA in a very subtle way, to continue to kill off all the Falcon models as they have been doing, LTD, Fairlane[not farm] std. V8's etc

They have also been advised to grab EVERY tax-grab/fund/grant/hand-out that they can get off tripping-over Gillard govco.

Don't know why they dont stand up like men [as Mitsubishi did] to kill it off NOW instead of playing games and waiting for nature to takes its course in 24 months time.

Bring in the F150's and other premium quality/value vehicles

See ya

[flappist]

Originally Posted by shonkymofo

From what I understand one is more likely to pay RRP for a vehicle that is not there and has to be ordered, rather than the reciprocal (pay a premium for a car to be in stock) Naturally this is why yards don't hold too much stock now. I guess that was my point. The savings associated with JIT is measureable, the cost is not.

And like you I will not compromise an inch when it comes to spec/configuration. Once again, hence my point if you combine being fussy and impatient (me) then no stock = no sale

Exactly.

In the bubble car market most models have no options other than colour so when you drive past the yards look like a packet of lollies. 4 bubbles equal one GT in cost so it is easy to have one of each of 8 colours for the price of 2 GTs

Now lets see what we need to have a GT "collection"

Well there are 10 colours.
Stripes or no stripes. (2 options)
auto or manual (2 options)
4 or 6 spot brakes (2 options)
Leather or cloth (2 options)
Satnav or not (2 options)

So 10x2x2x2x2x2 is 320 cars in stock.

Oh you want to be able to choose a GT-P, GT-E, GS, GS Ute, F6, F6-E, F6 Ute or GT-RSpec as well?

The most common FPV sold by far is an auto GT with stripes which is why that is the most common config you will find in the showrooms.

I would be prepared to bet beer that "auto GT with stripes" makes up more than 66% of GT sales and more than 50% of FPV sales.

In the same way when I bought my ute I wanted a blue XRT manual with leather. There were none anywhere and mine was the first manual FG2 anything that the dealer had been even asked about.

I could have had any number of autos with or without the luxury pack as they were the big sellers so thats what everyone stocked.

I chose to wait 6 weeks and get what I wanted rather than compromise and regret later. I did that with my first F6 and ditched it after only a few weeks as it was just not what I expected after my GT-P.

The dealers are running a business not a car show........

[barra240t]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

I've had some clients looking for new cars in the last few weeks.

1) G6E Ecoboost. No one in QLD has a new G6E Ecoboost in stock. Would have to order one to be built.

2) GT manual, neither of our local big FPV dealers have a manual GT in stock. Only Autos. Client told seeya next year if you want one.

3) Falcon base model tray backs... We have none of those either, only XR6's.

For a company that is struggling to make sales it really makes you wonder, what are Ford doing?????

1) G6E Ecoboost, I think I saw you wanted black, there are a couple out there, quite a few more in other colours. Reason being? We had a little thing called G6 Limited, no point ordering G6E when it is so close to G6E in spec.

2) Depending on colour there is stock out there, not heaps, why? Because dealers sell a lot more auto's and it is a safe bet keeping an auto in stock to a manual, just the way it has always been

3) Yes there is a limited number of base ute out there, stock will begin to pick up again from this month forward, a lot more are being built right now.

Ford will never stock floor stock like they used to 5 or so years ago, its simply too expensive and they want to stay in business. It is a risk, but an educated risk. Be happy you are supporting a brand that wants to be here for the long run instead of shooting it down.

Again, I'm happy to help out if you want more info on the vehicles you are chasing.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by flappist

The dealers are running a business not a car show........

This.
People forget that floor stock is expensive and of course, dealers are going to cater for most popular models...
maybe one unique/ nice looking higher series for "gotta have right now" walk in buyers, but covering the field?
Forget about it, that's a sure way to get stuck with odd bods that most buyers don't want.......

[GT69]

Wasn't everyone told to order their GT's earlier in the year, because the RSpec was put on priority....IE there would be no other GT's built until RSpec was finished with?

As for the rest, I hate waiting, but if its what I really want, then It just makes the arrival even more exciting.

[mik]

Originally Posted by falconnut

your saying 1.7t is light just because its 'safer' what kind of argument is that?

my old car only weighs 1500kg and is just as 'safe'

the FG is a HEAVY car hence the bad fuel economy.

Ford Australia should have used the V6 Ecoboost more power better enconomy.

I guess it will get replaced by the mustang

my S2 AU weighs 1580 kg, not all that far behind the fg, the Fg has significantly more safety features, heavier stronger body structure as per the the article i posted, bigger brakes ,more air bags, more power,more gears, yes blah blah.
and if we really want cheap running costs the ECOLPI and the ECOBOOST 4 potter would both rape your AU , as for the v6 EB yes it`s probably a good thing, but how much better fuel economy than the the barra? in a big car probably not significant i suspect.

[Buntz]

Surprised this thread hasn't been locked by now. It has typically resulted in a "falcon is inferior" debate.

[Bossxr8]

Its normal to expect dealers not to stock rare vehicles that sell in small numbers, but some of the vehicles buyers are waiting months and months for are good sellers, especially LPi utes which are in high demand, and supply times are just silly. Its driving my local dealer nuts trying to get LPi utes and petrol Territorys, cause Ford only want to supply diesels.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by barra240t

1) G6E Ecoboost, I think I saw you wanted black, there are a couple out there, quite a few more in other colours. Reason being? We had a little thing called G6 Limited, no point ordering G6E when it is so close to G6E in spec.

2) Depending on colour there is stock out there, not heaps, why? Because dealers sell a lot more auto's and it is a safe bet keeping an auto in stock to a manual, just the way it has always been

3) Yes there is a limited number of base ute out there, stock will begin to pick up again from this month forward, a lot more are being built right now.

Ford will never stock floor stock like they used to 5 or so years ago, its simply too expensive and they want to stay in business. It is a risk, but an educated risk. Be happy you are supporting a brand that wants to be here for the long run instead of shooting it down.

Again, I'm happy to help out if you want more info on the vehicles you are chasing.

The thing is though, being a locally built product people expect better delivery times... My clients have walked away from Ford, the one wanting the Falcon ute bought 2 last financial year, so while they arent huge fleets they are still better then the typical private 7 year turn over buyer. Having cars in stock use to give Ford a bit of an edge, because people could have the car now, instead of having to wait 3 months for it to land in Australia.

Ford had a tendency many moons ago of stocking the wrong cars that people didnt want, like BA Fairmonts.... Surely their systems would be good enough to give them a turn over of each specific model / colour and you would atleast stock 15 - 20 % of monthly sales at all times in the more popular cars, e.g. blue XR6 Turbos! Cars are still very much a touchy feel purchase... not something people are prepared to buy sight unseen, or undriven unfortunately.