Ford Australia; you're a disgrace

[LTDHO]

I guess Ford will be more visable to the public once FoMoCoAu has disolved. All effort will be put into the imports that will be sold here. F-trucks maybe?

Who knows?
Who cares?

Ford Aust is done.

[chevypower]

It's always someone else's responsibility to create manufacturing jobs. I never read anyone saying "it's my responsibility to open a factory and hire 1000 people." The only thing you can do is create an incentive for people to do that. Unions, big government, corporate taxes, regulations, subsidies to certain competitors do not incentivize people to open business. People say "why the hell would I want to deal with all that?" If western countries were business friendly, we would not be seeing factories close, we would be seeing new companies and factories opening up all over the place, which creates jobs. But somehow people think that taking profits away from businesses will help everyone else. How screwed up that mentality is. Big American companies are looking to invest in the BRIC countries, not here.

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by mcnews

The keyword in this is branding.... No matter if you can't buy one right now things like this are all about branding. And the failures here highlight why the Ford brand is in the shape it is right now. Branding is long term vision and brand building etc.

I'm going to quote this as I think poeple need to re-read it again!!! Mcnews has nailed it here!!


However, disgrace is a pretty strong word?

[XD ESP! XELR8]

The few guys I talked to we're happy as parking on the main straight lol

They did have a few last year, rapter and ranger..

Guys are right tho its mainly a pop top caravan 4wd show..

The dodge boys are there every year..

[Lincolnlsv8]

Originally Posted by DJM83

(This isnt directed at the above as such)

Of course they do EVERYONE and i mean EVERYONE has had a bad time with a Ford dealer because the read about it on the internerdz of heard about a bad story from dazzas cousins, sisters, mum that someone had a bad time.

I have purchased 2 new Fords in 2.5 years and i have not, i repeat NOT had one bad thing to say about either of them, they went out of their way and i even had my sat nav updated for NOTHING.

So its all well and good to bleat on about all the bad stories, no one ever takes into account the good ones.

In my case I have only had limited dealings with Ford dealers as my son did his mechanics ticket with Ford so until he moved to Darwin looked after all my rides but the last 4 occasions I have been to dealers they've been brilliant; in fact just 2 weeks ago Coffey Ford at Dandenong gave me the best price to service and change the plugs on my V8 explorer of anyone bar the Mustang specialist I ended up going to. Prior to that Frankston Ford did all the services etc on my Lincoln LSV8 and they were awesome.

[in_xcess]

Originally Posted by wrongwaynorris

Henry Ford invented mass produced motorcars that the general populace could afford for the first time ever . Ford Motor Company have been in continuous business for 110 years , are without any shadow of a doubt the most succesful automotive manufacturer in world motorsport , have held a world land speed record , 4 le Mans victories in a row , 176 Formula One victories , made the most succesful car in world motorsport history and are one of the top 5 recognisable brands in the world et al et al et al , I think somehow they may just have a modicum of exposure . Missing a few mickey mouse shows in a market that is 2% of their worldwide sales where they cant even capitalise on the exposure is hardly going to bring the whole house of cards down .

None of that means squat to the public in 2013... This argument is called 'resting on your laurels'.

Coke keeps advertising and keeps the brand circulating irrespective of what they have achieved, how much product they shift and whether its available or not. McDonalds hardly needs to keep marketing itself but does because it's the first rule of being in business... 'be visible'. People line up for Apple products because they want to be associated with the brand, it's part of a lifestyle - the only car maker to tap into a similar psychology is Jeep (Ford Australia should look to this as an example of what they could/should be doing).

If 100,000 people go through the gates of a caravan and camping show and there's no local Ford presence it's a marketing failure - especially when Ranger and Territory are relevant to the attending demographic... Let alone the opportunity to press the credentials of the Falcon as a great towing vehicle.

If I buy a new Ford it'll have nil to do with LeMans wins and lots to do with quality, price, brand reputation and dealer interface and support - maybe one out of four for Ford Oz in this criteria atm.

[pajoda]

Man, I just love how these develop. Ford marketing have their strategy and tactics, some may not like that (proof found above). Please consider buying something else if you are not happy and don't like the brand.

[cobramania]

This isn't aimed at anyone specifically, but has to be said. To all those who have made comments about the wingers complaining about Ford & to go elsewhere & buy something else, seriously get real.

There's such a thing called constructive criticism, none of the posts in here against Ford have been saying we hate Ford, we hope you go out of business.

Every negative post against Ford has been from someone who loves their Fords & want's the brand to overwhelmingly succeed.

For everyone that says we should stop winging, go elsewhere & buy something else, note this:
People in here generally Love Fords, will buy a Ford (if it suits their needs), it's everyone else outside this forum that WILL go elsewhere & WILL buy something else, because outside these forums FORD is INVISIBLE to the general public.

The majority of us here who bash Ford marketing, dealers & to some amount build quality, don't do it because we hate Ford & want them to drop off the face of the Earth, we do it because we want Ford to be better, to succeed, to continue to build our favourite cars (locally built or imported doesn't really matter), we want 10's of 1000's more people wanting to own a Ford & being happy repeat customers.

Unfortunately most of those potential customers don't know Ford even exist, as I've said before & like others, out of sight, out of mind.
If products sold themselves, there'd be no need for advertising agencies, & commercial radio & TV wouldn't exist.

So instead of being negative about constructive criticism comments, how about getting off your high horses & coming up with some good strategies of your own, to help make Ford a better (preferably the No.1) brand of car maker.

This year to date:
Toyota have sold – 158,793 vehicles
Holden have sold – 81,904
Mazda have sold – 78,252
Hyundai have sold – 72,599
Ford have sold – 64,964

If Ford marketing & sales are so successful with their current strategy, why have they sold less than half the amount of vehicles that Toyota have?

[SS_01]

Originally Posted by cobramania

This isn't aimed at anyone specifically, but has to be said. To all those who have made comments about the wingers complaining about Ford & to go elsewhere & buy something else, seriously get real.

There's such a thing called constructive criticism, none of the posts in here against Ford have been saying we hate Ford, we hope you go out of business.

Every negative post against Ford has been from someone who loves their Fords & want's the brand to overwhelmingly succeed.

For everyone that says we should stop winging, go elsewhere & buy something else, note this:
People in here generally Love Fords, will buy a Ford (if it suits their needs), it's everyone else outside this forum that WILL go elsewhere & WILL buy something else, because outside these forums FORD is INVISIBLE to the general public.

The majority of us here who bash Ford marketing, dealers & to some amount build quality, don't do it because we hate Ford & want them to drop off the face of the Earth, we do it because we want Ford to be better, to succeed, to continue to build our favourite cars (locally built or imported doesn't really matter), we want 10's of 1000's more people wanting to own a Ford & being happy repeat customers.

Unfortunately most of those potential customers don't know Ford even exist, as I've said before & like others, out of sight, out of mind.
If products sold themselves, there'd be no need for advertising agencies, & commercial radio & TV wouldn't exist.

So instead of being negative about constructive criticism comments, how about getting off your high horses & coming up with some good strategies of your own, to help make Ford a better (preferably the No.1) brand of car maker.

This year to date:
Toyota have sold – 158,793 vehicles
Holden have sold – 81,904
Mazda have sold – 78,252
Hyundai have sold – 72,599
Ford have sold – 64,964

If Ford marketing & sales are so successful with their current strategy, why have they sold less than half the amount of vehicles that Toyota have?

I understand everything you are saying, but the market the OP is discussing, really doesn't contribute; from a private perspective that is. Which means, it makes no financial sense for a manufacturer / dealer to supply cars, take Sales Consultants out of the showrooms, and place them in a position that won't yield any results. I agree about marketing etc, but they need to pick the right area's to do so, and a Caravan show isn't one unfortunately.

As for the sales arguments, and the people that have said, Advertising has led Ford to be in a poor position, Ford as a whole is in a very reasonable position worldwide, its only the Australian made vehicles that are in a relatively poor position, due to high manufacturing costs here. As someone said, the Ranger is well known, and has mass credibility, to the point that they just can't manufacturer them quick enough, so they are doing something right.

Someone also noted that our market is over saturated, which is unbelievably true, but that only further increases the problems that are associated with marketing and advertising the brand. Advertising has completely changed, and when you look at how many companies are vying for your attention everywhere, the message gets lost in translation.

A lot of companies that are still doing okay in the motor industry, are the ones that consolidated a reputation from the 90's, and continue to thrive off of that in today's Australian market. Toyota being the master, Selling mass numbers, even though having inferior products.

I think Ford just need to build quality cars like the Ranger, win the awards, get the accolades, have it promoted in magazines, car blogs, youtube channels etc. (for free) saying how good it is, and the Sales will come. The introduction of Everest, and a range of other imports will help freshen up the cars on offer at the moment.

Volkswagen are a great example, they have continued to grow their market share year on year in Australia off very little advertisement in the market. Instead they build cars that earn them accolades like "World Car of the Year" and "Best Bang for your Buck" and ride the wave of excitement around them.

[pajoda]

Originally Posted by cobramania

This isn't aimed at anyone specifically, but has to be said. To all those who have made comments about the wingers complaining about Ford & to go elsewhere & buy something else, seriously get real.

There's such a thing called constructive criticism, none of the posts in here against Ford have been saying we hate Ford, we hope you go out of business.

Every negative post against Ford has been from someone who loves their Fords & want's the brand to overwhelmingly succeed.

For everyone that says we should stop winging, go elsewhere & buy something else, note this:
People in here generally Love Fords, will buy a Ford (if it suits their needs), it's everyone else outside this forum that WILL go elsewhere & WILL buy something else, because outside these forums FORD is INVISIBLE to the general public.

The majority of us here who bash Ford marketing, dealers & to some amount build quality, don't do it because we hate Ford & want them to drop off the face of the Earth, we do it because we want Ford to be better, to succeed, to continue to build our favourite cars (locally built or imported doesn't really matter), we want 10's of 1000's more people wanting to own a Ford & being happy repeat customers.

Unfortunately most of those potential customers don't know Ford even exist, as I've said before & like others, out of sight, out of mind.
If products sold themselves, there'd be no need for advertising agencies, & commercial radio & TV wouldn't exist.

So instead of being negative about constructive criticism comments, how about getting off your high horses & coming up with some good strategies of your own, to help make Ford a better (preferably the No.1) brand of car maker.

This year to date:
Toyota have sold – 158,793 vehicles
Holden have sold – 81,904
Mazda have sold – 78,252
Hyundai have sold – 72,599
Ford have sold – 64,964

If Ford marketing & sales are so successful with their current strategy, why have they sold less than half the amount of vehicles that Toyota have?

I hear you, but I don't see much above as being constructive, I am a Ford fan too, don't get me wrong. There are stacks of reasons why others have sold more, I would not pin point that solely on marketing. If we want to help we could apply for a job at Ford to assist with their marketing for those passionate enough to do so. Don't be surprised if you encounter a corporate direction/ strategy that explain their position very clearly.

[cobramania]

Originally Posted by pajoda

Don't be surprised if you encounter a corporate direction/ strategy that explain their position very clearly.

Bingo, there's the problem, Ford's current strategy isn't working, & they seem to have their heads in the sand, I really wonder, do they want to be in Australia at all?

As has been mentioned, Ford Worldwide is in a good position, Ford sales & marketing in other markets are doing very well (US).

Forget Terry & Falcon, the Ranger is the only Ford selling in any numbers, 16,070 units to date this year coming in at 10th most sold vehicle.

Toyota Corolla & Mazda 3 have both sold over 30,000 units each to date this year & are No.1 & No.2. If small cars are all the go, where is the Focus &/or Fiesta sales, both are equally good cars (IMO) to the Corolla & Mazda 3.

The Ranger is the only Ford in the top 10, it doesn't matter what vehicles Ford bring here or how good they are. If people don't know they exist & how good they are, they won't buy them, current sales figures prove that. Ford have to make sure at EVERY opportunity (no matter how small), to make sure people know what they've got to offer & how good it is.

A sale's a sale. Only guessing here, but sell 1 Ranger in Australia & the profit could probably pay a Thai production line workers wages for a month?

[pajoda]

I agree that Ford have some very good products out there right now. The reason the Focus is the best selling car on the planet is because it is a very good car. I say again if we don't think they are doing it right apply for a job. My buy in here was regarding the continuous bashing, it doesn't really help. For those of us savvy enough to know what a good car is we do not need to be told via marketing.

[Express]

I do agree most people posting here do have Ford's success as the primary motivation for their comments.

But Ford in Australia is in a transition stage and while that is happening, marketing is not the main focus and possibly a hindrance.

Most companies factor in losses while restructuring because a short term loss (read a few years) will be recouped by the new long term business plan.

Understand, Ford here are changing because they (Parent Company) see the new way as the profitable way.

Once the new company structure takes full affect then you can expect marketing to increase and given they have some good global product available the customers will come with it.

If they lose anyone here because it’s not a local product or it’s the wrong type of performance vehicle or because they feel let down then so be it.

If the new product is good then new customers will fill the void of the disgruntled few as most customers are not forum members and they are not necessarily brand whores, they are people looking for good product at a good price.

Ford Australia are simply redesigning themselves and we have to be patient and wait, which is hard for those that have the blue Falcon blood coursing through their veins.




.

[JG34JA]

Originally Posted by 69XWGT

Ford Australia is a disgrace and you blokes can gloss it over how ever you like.

Polites was the last CEO with any idea of the Australian market. The others have been yes men or septics

Maybe it's true that marketing goes on the back burner as transition occurs in the model range. With Mondeo, Focus and Fiesta, do we have enough marketing time/data to say whether the Euro (then Thai produced) small Fords are underperforming their Japanese rivals in Australia yet? With Ranger they have found the sweet spot for a class leading dual cab range - similar to Hilux.

The Australian market, as far as I can tell, is unique and traditionally has been dominated by the locals (locally produced and tuned 4cyl/6cyl/8cyl) and the Japanese in the volume sections - for example, Renault may sell extraordinarily well in small cars in Europe but this never translated here; and Opel has pulled out; and Holden ditched their small Euro cars for Korean.

[FGII-XR6]

I have said it before, if Ford were to display the Ranger at this show it would be a " look at our great 4X4 it will tow your van no problems but you can't have one" display, this would be a PR disaster of epic proportions.
no one in their right mind would spend good money promoting a product that sells so well that demand out strips supply, you would just breed resentment.
if this was a show where potential falcon buyers would be in abundance ( and the death sentence hadn't been announced) the out cry would be justifiable but this is just the gimmie tribe screaming because they can't look at a product they probably wouldn't buy

time to put up or shut up, who in the whinging brigade will be ordering a ranger class vehicle in the next 3 months? this will show who is serious and who are the selfish vehicle voyeurs

Originally Posted by in_xcess

None of that means squat to the public in 2013... This argument is called 'resting on your laurels'.

Coke keeps advertising and keeps the brand circulating irrespective of what they have achieved, how much product they shift and whether its available or not. McDonalds hardly needs to keep marketing itself but does because it's the first rule of being in business... 'be visible'. People line up for Apple products because they want to be associated with the brand, it's part of a lifestyle - the only car maker to tap into a similar psychology is Jeep (Ford Australia should look to this as an example of what they could/should be doing).

If 100,000 people go through the gates of a caravan and camping show and there's no local Ford presence it's a marketing failure - especially when Ranger and Territory are relevant to the attending demographic... Let alone the opportunity to press the credentials of the Falcon as a great towing vehicle.

If I buy a new Ford it'll have nil to do with LeMans wins and lots to do with quality, price, brand reputation and dealer interface and support - maybe one out of four for Ford Oz in this criteria atm.

[HEMI POWER]

Originally Posted by trublu

Ahhh the old crap dealer syndrome, well my Ford dealer is OK & so is my Ranger.

There not to bad for a THAILAND build car.
But on a sour note I recently bought a Kia after reaching out to Ford dealers for a Territory and for the sales and price the KIA one.Been a Ford man for many years and owning 4 cars the Fords are slowly getting out numbered in the driveway.Sad but True.

[in_xcess]

Ford Australia has forgotten the adage that 'cost is what you pay, value is what you get' when it comes to the emotional bond customers have with their cars.

Let's not forget the original post was about the absence of an 'on the ground' presence by Ford at a large Melbourne leisure show where there was an opportunity to have direct interface with the public about the product. It seems the preoccupation to market online has contributed to Ford's INVISIBLE = IRRELEVENT to many in the market.

Just like a football club, Ford is my team and I will barrack for them till I die. But just as I'm entitled to criticise my footy team when they don't win, I'm entitled to criticise Ford when they aren't doing well.

I buy my Ford's second hand... but when I look to buy the last Falcon new I won't be going on to Facebook to commence the journey, I want to talk to someone, see the car in all its glory and drive it for real. I don't wanna know about how it can park itself and whether SIRI knows where to bury a body... but I guess I'm not the type of customer that Ford wants - therein lies the dilemma, the product is marketed in a way that doesn't match the client.

[wrongwaynorris]

" this is just the gimmie tribe screaming because they can't look at a product they probably wouldn't buy "

Exactly Nail , Head .

[Itsme]

The 4WD and caravan show at Sandown raceway is more about selling 4WD accessories & caravans, not all manufacturers vehicles were present..... no big deal!

[2011G6E]

One: Ford isn't exactly rolling in it lately.
Two: They hardly have a lineup of suitable vehicles to make into campers or for towing. Not much use showing the soon to be executed Territory, and the Ranger is actually the only game in town at the moment pretty much. Despite claims by enthusiasts, people don't buy V8 Falcons to tow horse floats and big boats.

I don't think it was actually a lack of will by Ford, it was a lack of substance to show there.

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

Are you serious? the can't get enough rangers to fill orders as it is so you expect them to throw many at a show that won't increase the bottom line?
if you want a ranger go to a dealer lay your money down and wait till they can fill your order , don't expect it tomorrow.
Ford are trying to make a profit not to promote a vehicle they can't get enough of.
the disgrace is the selfish attitude of demanding people at these shows who mostly aren't buyers but expect the world as some kind of god given right

Exactly...the only time I'd be maybe a bit disappointed was if it had just been released or was a big update......other then that.....they are acting like a company watching there dollars closely......unlike some others locally.

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

.....they are acting like a company watching there dollars closely.....

...which I believe is the point with them at the moment...

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by wrongwaynorris

" this is just the gimmie tribe screaming because they can't look at a product they probably wouldn't buy "

Exactly Nail , Head .

Nah they will, in about 3 years time when one has about 60k kms on it.

[Bobman]

Will be very lucky to see Ford Australia survive until October 2016.

And for those bashing the OP, he has a point. They could have had a couple Territorys there with the 2300kg tow pack etc.

Ford saving money? Lol. The beancounters are a huge reason why the company is folding in. There's nothing to save anymore.

[FGII-XR6]

Originally Posted by Bobman

Will be very lucky to see Ford Australia survive until October 2016.

And for those bashing the OP, he has a point. They could have had a couple Territorys there with the 2300kg tow pack etc.

Ford saving money? Lol. The beancounters are a huge reason why the company is folding in. There's nothing to save anymore.

no it's everyone saying we want one, ford should make one and we will buy it, in 3 years when it is second hand. no one is buying new falcons

[302 XC]

Originally Posted by Forevermore

The same could've been said for Ford & its Falcon as little as 15 years ago. And how the mighty have fallen.

Besides, if any business had the attitude of seeing a show where its product can be seen by people as being irrelevant, then that is hardly the route to market domination...

Being in business,you DONT have to attend every weekend event to get sales
IF you have a product that you cant keep demand up you DONT promote it,if you have problems fulfilling orders
That's the fastest way to send new customers packing
Just because an event mite have prospective customers,and many weekend events are full of dreamers,tyre kickers, doesn't mean you automatically spend money and be there,you choose your battles
Do you know what sorta money and involved it takes to go to decent events,the cost ,wages,its not $50 a site and free workers,many of these events cost thousands if not more,risky much
Businesses are selling more threw electronic media that many are selling at events,so you don't have to have presence to get sales
Only a business owner can see where to be or not be and where to spend the best marketing dollar for the best return

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by chevypower

It's always someone else's responsibility to create manufacturing jobs. I never read anyone saying "it's my responsibility to open a factory and hire 1000 people." The only thing you can do is create an incentive for people to do that. Unions, big government, corporate taxes, regulations, subsidies to certain competitors do not incentivize people to open business. People say "why the hell would I want to deal with all that?" If western countries were business friendly, we would not be seeing factories close, we would be seeing new companies and factories opening up all over the place, which creates jobs. But somehow people think that taking profits away from businesses will help everyone else. How screwed up that mentality is. Big American companies are looking to invest in the BRIC countries, not here.

If it goes too much the other way you will end up like Bangladesh where the value of a worker is nothing, building collapses and kills 700 workers, who cares?

Or countries like Kenya offering big tax breaks for X amount of years, company sets up operates until tax break time is over, fires all the workers and moves onto the next place offering the same.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

If it goes too much the other way you will end up like Bangladesh where the value of a worker is nothing, building collapses and kills 700 workers, who cares?

Or countries like Kenya offering big tax breaks for X amount of years, company sets up operates until tax break time is over, fires all the workers and moves onto the next place offering the same.

Well it has to be balanced, but if you are enticing enough for companies to open up there, the job vacancy to people-looking-for-work ratio is good for employees. Naturally, the employees then have the power and the government and unions don't need to threaten anyone.

[Crazy Dazz]

These shows are generally rubbish, simply a big money earner for the organisers. You pay to get in, you pay for everything, the demonstrators are all paying through the nose.

I’d be much MORE critical of Ford Marketing if they wasted money on something like that, promoting what exactly?

Ford has NEVER been anymore that a bit player in this market, and at the moment they really have not much to offer. Toyota, Nissan, etc, have a stable of Recreational 4wds & Caravan Tugs, whereas Ford has the Kuga (which is not really much of either) and the soon to be defunct Territory.

MAYBE, if in the future Ford replaces the Terri with a new Explorer (and it’s not 3 tonnes of junk) and we get the “new mid-sized SUV” then Ford will actually have something to promote.

[302 XC]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

These shows are generally rubbish, simply a big money earner for the organisers. You pay to get in, you pay for everything, the demonstrators are all paying through the nose.

That's correct ,and many of these smaller events eventually close,because many retailers who go don't make enuf to cover the cost and pull out,which either increases the cost for those left or theres no enuf to attend
Most of those attending usually have the same show deals at the dealers anyway