Announcement 6pm 29th March - F150 Is Coming to Australia

[Wretched]

I'd love to see them bring the Lightning here. Really has the potential to get some big sales. Although government policy is a set back.

[simon varley]

Lightning is outselling all expectations in the US so that will still be the first market to benefit if they increase production, but hopefully it will come here eventually

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Yeah, throw that in the who gives a rats bucket.

The whole basis for the F-Series popularity in the USA (Historically) is that they have offered an inexpensive, powerful, practical vehicle, to millions of hard-working folk in "Middle America."
Selling a couple of thousand of ridiculously overpriced conversions here, to a bunch of CUBs with TPS (Tiny-***** Syndrome), is pretty irrelevant.

Rather than a step forward, I see this as yet another sign of Ford retreating from the market, content to market a few niche vehicles.

I wonder what plans they have to Screw up the Ranger? They must surely be working on something, as it has been too successful for too long already.

Sad to think that within my Lifetime, Ford was at one point the number one selling brand in Australia, and built the number one selling car of all time.

And now they have the no2 selling vehicle. Such a massive fall

Originally Posted by Polyal

Its going to be interesting to see, as its main competitors all have V8's as noted previously....how many RAM/Silverado sales were people who used to buy XR8/SS?

With 3.5 only it smells a bit of the Raptor with a 4 pot but I guess we will see.

Lots of questions but glad they are giving it a crack, I too could see a Lightning in the stable.

The 3.5 EB is a cracker. It kills the V8 in every area bar the exhaust note. There's a reason it's the most popular engine choice in F-series.

Originally Posted by Wretched

I'd love to see them bring the Lightning here. Really has the potential to get some big sales. Although government policy is a set back.

It's simply not going to happen until Ford's new Kentucky Battery Plant comes on line within the next 2 or so years. The demand in the US for Lightning is just too great to be able to get any excess supply. It will probably come at some point down the track, but only when they can build enough of them.

The good thing is they haven't ruled anything out, and they want to get it all up and running with the 2 variants, and then go from there. Eventually the range will fill out with other models once it's all been worked out.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Yeah sure why not, if you want to prove a product and give it its best chance why not offer what the market seems to be asking for, not the half/half option?

The EB isnt a bad engine, but at this price point people want clout and all the NM's in the world wont sound like an 8.

Im sure they have done their research and I do hope it works out.

The EB is a great engine, and if it powers along at only 12L/100 all the better!

but your are correct - the sound means a lot to some.

Though personally despite my love of a V8 sound I've never owned one - practicality always gets in the way.

and as such I think Ranger will still sell a lot better than these F150s, especially if the price tag is what im Guessing it will be.

but there will be enough on our Roads to notice them, well they will be hard to miss

[russellw]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Yeah, throw that in the who gives a rats bucket.

The whole basis for the F-Series popularity in the USA (Historically) is that they have offered an inexpensive, powerful, practical vehicle, to millions of hard-working folk in "Middle America."
Selling a couple of thousand of ridiculously overpriced conversions here, to a bunch of CUBs with TPS is pretty irrelevant.

Rather than a step forward, I see this as yet another sign of Ford retreating from the market, content to market a few niche vehicles.

I wonder what plans they have to Screw up the Ranger? They must surely be working on something, as it has been too successful for too long already.

How about you do us all a favour and got haunt some other forum that gives a rats about your negative opinions about everything. In fact, how about I help you make that decision and just give us a break from you.

It's a good decision even if the volumes will be low with the only gotcha being the high cost of the unique to our version parts because of the low volumes but the RAM/Silverado have the same issues.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Wretched

I'd love to see them bring the Lightning here. Really has the potential to get some big sales. Although government policy is a set back.

I think by the time we could potentially get it, there could be an electric Ranger.
I recon that would sell better anyway.

Perhaps add a 2 door to mimic the same sizing as the previous Lightings

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Vesper Martini

The EB is a great engine, and if it powers along at only 12L/100 all the better!

but your are correct - the sound means a lot to some.

Though personally despite my love of a V8 sound I've never owned one - practicality always gets in the way.

and as such I think Ranger will still sell a lot better than these F150s, especially if the price tag is what im Guessing it will be.

but there will be enough on our Roads to notice them, well they will be hard to miss

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

And now they have the no2 selling vehicle. Such a massive fall



The 3.5 EB is a cracker. It kills the V8 in every area bar the exhaust note. There's a reason it's the most popular engine choice in F-series.

Again no doubt the engine is the business, but unless I just see a different demographic most of the people buying these things are not that analytical.

If they can get some volume from the EB then well played, I fear its not going to get the same level of love simply because the others are V8...then throw in the Cummins factor for some.

The F series has a strong name so its got every chance to do well if they play it smart.

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Again no doubt the engine is the business, but unless I just see a different demographic most of the people buying these things are not that analytical.

I kind of agree, with the high purchase price the buyers are not worried about Fuel consumption, just like the top end Euros.

Ford made this call based on the much larger US market, and they still sell well there.

I guess the are not pandering to the complaints on social media "oh no V8 count me out" said by the guy driving a 20 year old XR8

[Fordman1]

Originally Posted by russellw

How about you do us all a favour and got haunt some other forum that gives a rats about your negative opinions about everything. In fact, how about I help you make that decision and just give us a break from you.

It's a good decision even if the volumes will be low with the only gotcha being the high cost of the unique to our version parts because of the low volumes but the RAM/Silverado have the same issues.

My favourite feature on this Forum Russell is “Ignore”.

Nuffies and Nutjobs get that beautiful flag against their username, it’s glorious

[Charliewool]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Its going to be interesting to see, as its main competitors all have V8's as noted previously....how many RAM/Silverado sales were people who used to buy XR8/SS?

With 3.5 only it smells a bit of the Raptor with a 4 pot but I guess we will see.

Lots of questions but glad they are giving it a crack, I too could see a Lightning in the stable.

Drive one!!
(Doesn’t smell in the least)
The ecoboost is an amazing bit of tech..
This thing totally blew me away…



Also driven most versions of Ram here… Both V8 & Cummins powered diesels..
The Ford is seriously streets ahead


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[FTE217]

Good news storey - happy to see and in RHD wins hands down no matter the engine in the big picture.
It will not only pick up new incremental sales but some from the RAM/Silverado buyer for they'll always be RHD conversions, nothing beats a ex factory product.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Charliewool

Drive one!!
(Doesn’t smell in the least)
The ecoboost is an amazing bit of tech..
This thing totally blew me away…

image

Also driven most versions of Ram here… Both V8 & Cummins powered diesels..
The Ford is seriously streets ahead


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The 3.5L Ecoboost was also good enough as the basis for the Ford GT also. It definitely has the pedigree and is no slouch.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Again no doubt the engine is the business, but unless I just see a different demographic most of the people buying these things are not that analytical.

If they can get some volume from the EB then well played, I fear its not going to get the same level of love simply because the others are V8...then throw in the Cummins factor for some.

The F series has a strong name so its got every chance to do well if they play it smart.

If the V6EB outsells the V8 comfortably in the good old USA, the home of the V8, then I don't see why it wouldn't be the same here.

And there is nothing stopping them introducing it later anyway. As they have said, they just want to get established and get vehicles out there, then they can worry about other variants later if the demand is there. Just having the 2 variants with the same driveline will significantly reduce complexity during start up.

[pwr4ce]

This news is sure to make everyone happy

https://www.ford.com.au/showroom/fut...3529_523767849

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

If the V6EB outsells the V8 comfortably in the good old USA, the home of the V8, then I don't see why it wouldn't be the same here.

Yeah but the markets are nothing alike, this is a pretty niche product here currently unless Ford thinks there is steady growth in the segment.

IMO there are people moving away from the LC70 and still old time XR8/SS buyers who will always want to have the top dog. FPV's own fortunes with the Barra vs the 5.4 show that logic doesnt always equate to sales but I guess we will see. I just hope they are not undercutting their own business case.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

Rather than a step forward, I see this as yet another sign of Ford retreating from the market, content to market a few niche vehicles.

Sad to think that within my Lifetime, Ford was at one point the number one selling brand in Australia, and built the number one selling car of all time.

Ford are still investing in this smallish market of ours, that's a good thing. Honestly didn't think we'd ever see an OEM supporting manufacturing of any type in this country again. Imagine the tug of war with the accountants to get a remanufacturing facility based out of Melbourne and not Thailand.

Retreating is what GM and Toyota did, as far as it relates to their Australian manufacturing/engineering operations anyway. In hindsight Ford have done well, they successfully pivoted from Falcon to Ranger and are a regular at the top of the monthly sales charts, they've given us bogans the only affordable V8 sports car on the market, they're supporting an Australian remanufacturing operation in addition to retaining a significant engineering base here. Not sure what more people want from this brand.

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Retreating is what GM and Toyota did, as far as it relates to their Australian manufacturing/engineering operations anyway. In hindsight Ford have done well, they successfully pivoted from Falcon to Ranger and are a regular at the top of the monthly sales charts, they've given us bogans the only affordable V8 sports car on the market, they're supporting an Australian remanufacturing operation in addition to retaining a significant engineering base here. Not sure what more people want from this brand.

Toyota didn't retreat at all, they moved from manufacturing (which was a token effort at best) simply because the cost to do so wasn't worth the effort once Ford and Holden closed.

They have kept their Port Melbourne (corporate and R&D) and Altona sites, they spent over $110m developing Altona to a full on R&D centre, with a focus on Hydrogen; they set up centre of excellence there. The have built a test track as well onsite to continue the R&D.
They have not closed shop, they are continuing work just like Ford.

[Hulsty]

Toyota also have production lines in Australia, not like years past but still a decent operation, their engineering and R&D presence in Australia is significant.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Wretched

Toyota didn't retreat at all, they moved from manufacturing (which was a token effort at best) simply because the cost to do so wasn't worth the effort once Ford and Holden closed.

They have kept their Port Melbourne (corporate and R&D) and Altona sites, they spent over $110m developing Altona to a full on R&D centre, with a focus on Hydrogen; they set up centre of excellence there. The have built a test track as well onsite to continue the R&D.
They have not closed shop, they are continuing work just like Ford.

Oh right, stand corrected on Toyota if that's the case. Haven't heard much about them lately.

Anyway, point is that Ford are still neck deep in this market and certainly not backing away.

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Oh right, stand corrected on Toyota if that's the case. Haven't heard much about them lately.

Anyway, point is that Ford are still neck deep in this market and certainly not backing away.

Exactly, I think both organisations see the outcomes from AU based R&D. We're a bright bunch. If it wasn't for Australia there'd be no ute and the Landcruiser would be what it is today.

I am not sure about Ford, but within Toyota the R&D centre on Bertie St (soon to be relocated to Altona) is treated with the white gloves. They are the money maker in AU. To bid for jobs within the greater Toyota world the standards (security + technology) they must meet are pretty high. I only worked with Toyota for 3 years but it opened my eyes to the behind the scenes work.

[Vesper Martini]

Holden/ Daewoo / Opel or GM whatever you want to call them - not so active here anymore

[Adamz Ghia]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Yeah but the markets are nothing alike, this is a pretty niche product here currently unless Ford thinks there is steady growth in the segment.

IMO there are people moving away from the LC70 and still old time XR8/SS buyers who will always want to have the top dog. FPV's own fortunes with the Barra vs the 5.4 show that logic doesnt always equate to sales but I guess we will see. I just hope they are not undercutting their own business case.

To be fair, no one have Ranger Raptor a chance with the 2.0, worked out quite well in the end.

I wouldn’t be surprised if this works out well that they expand the range going forward, V8’s included.

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Wretched

Exactly, I think both organisations see the outcomes from AU based R&D. We're a bright bunch. If it wasn't for Australia there'd be no ute and the Landcruiser would be what it is today.

I am not sure about Ford, but within Toyota the R&D centre on Bertie St (soon to be relocated to Altona) is treated with the white gloves. They are the money maker in AU. To bid for jobs within the greater Toyota world the standards (security + technology) they must meet are pretty high. I only worked with Toyota for 3 years but it opened my eyes to the behind the scenes work.

Reminds me of circa '04 when Ford Australia introduced the Territory, then a year later Ford US launched a similar new product being the Freestyle. Lots of talk at that time about how the Australian designers and engineers had shown up their US counterparts - and likely on a smaller budget. Incredible talent in this country, Toyota are wise to have held onto it.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

And now they have the no2 selling vehicle. Such a massive fall

There’s no convincing some, the reason Ford made this happen is because enough people yelled loud enough and pointed to Ram sales

The 3.5 EB is a cracker. It kills the V8 in every area bar the exhaust note. There's a reason it's the most popular engine choice in F-series.

Absolutely, they take to a drive in drive out tune that would make a Ram owner green with envy…

It's simply not going to happen until Ford's new Kentucky Battery Plant comes on line within the next 2 or so years. The demand in the US for Lightning is just too great to be able to get any excess supply. It will probably come at some point down the track, but only when they can build enough of them.

The good thing is they haven't ruled anything out, and they want to get it all up and running with the 2 variants, and then go from there. Eventually the range will fill out with other models once it's all been worked out.

Forward orders of Lightning are massive, I think Aussies will be waiting years to get access to anything like decent BEV supplies of anything.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

If the V6EB outsells the V8 comfortably in the good old USA, the home of the V8, then I don't see why it wouldn't be the same here.

And there is nothing stopping them introducing it later anyway. As they have said, they just want to get established and get vehicles out there, then they can worry about other variants later if the demand is there. Just having the 2 variants with the same driveline will significantly reduce complexity during start up.

This was my though also, get to the market with the most impressive engine, then evaluate other introductions later on.

While Ford have left the V8 for now, some might see this as a bad move considering the RAM and GM are V8's, on the other hand it could give them a point of difference. A V6 might appeal to those who don't want a V8 for the real or perceived fuel consumption penalty.

[CyberWasp]

Let the American Public iron out the kinks with the Lightning.
By the time it gets here in 2-3 years it will have better batteries and motors ect.
I wouldn't mind one that looked something like this.

[Paull]

F250 with the 7.3 Godzilla, please and thank you Mr Ford.

[blue sleeper]

Originally Posted by Charliewool

Drive one!!
(Doesn’t smell in the least)
The ecoboost is an amazing bit of tech..
This thing totally blew me away…

image

Also driven most versions of Ram here… Both V8 & Cummins powered diesels..
The Ford is seriously streets ahead


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

How does it go off-road out of interest?

[EBSXR6]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

At around $100k might give the Thai Raptor a bit of a biffing

Raptor a Sports off road vehicle, F150 more of a workhorse with a lot bigger towing capacity.

[Charliewool]

Originally Posted by blue sleeper

How does it go off-road out of interest?

Off the highway here, practically all the “roads” are dirt and river rocks..
Drove it up my 5km dirt stretch.. Quite steep and it rode better than my Rhino side by side that has full gas suspension and 12” travel..
Drive our RAV4 daily up and down, and shakes the hell out of you at more than 15-20 kph.. The Rhino I can do 50 comfortably, the Raptor I did 50 effortlessly!
Not my vehicle so didn’t push it harder… The torque.. Terrific, but the Fox suspension was the really impressive bit… For such a huge (to me) vehicle.. Incredible! (If we were staying, I’d buy it in a heartbeat.. asking US$68k)