Major Ford announcement

[Lotte]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

As much as I live, breathe, and love Falcons, I have to say it is over. Your energy and your fight is better spent convincing the powers that be that keeping the assembly plants open by giving them something else to build is a way forward, is doable, and is viable.

Giving up never changed anything. There's probably a quote about a much harder battle that was fought and won, but it's nearly my bed time, and finding it will be effort.

If people want to fight the good fight, let them. Having a cause is better than having no cause. And fighting for the more extreme option, usually results in a middle ground being met. Kind of like proposals in a business. Push the ridiculous agenda, and use the stable, moderate (ie: your actual) agenda as a deal point.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by Brazen

On a radio program yesterday they said Telstra would order 1200 wagons tomorrow if they were still around, but it goes to show that maybe it is possible to get some fleet momentum behind a keep Falcon production going campaign.

Im sure they would love to buy 1200 wagons at a heavily negotiated discounted price where Ford makes bugger all.

[mik]

If it was only one obstacle the falcon and territory had to over come to stay viable to build in oz then it might be feasible to try something , but sadly after the GFC car companies are in severe bean counter mode, , for Ford that means making cars the cheapest way possible for the best return(thumbs down for Australia on that one).
it is a very hard task in the current environment, this why so many are building cars in the cheap cost/labor countries , no matter how good our local cars are they are between a rock and a hard place, Ford is following its business plan to cut cost , that is all there is to it, and it would seem gm is doing the same with holden.

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by stevz

To rub salt into the wounds they have an advertisement for some Hyundai buzz box preceding each of these videos.
Is this carsguide's idea of a sick joke?

&$@# High Undies. Soulless buzz boxes. We have enough korean whitegoods in our laundry rooms and kitchens. How about 200% tariffs like the koreans themselves impose on car imports and let's see how many still want to gangnam style in their High Undies i30. There has got to be a way to convince govco to reinstate tariffs on imported cars, on at least countries we don't have free trade with, or this nation is doomed.

[mik]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

&$@# High Undies. Soulless buzz boxes. We have enough korean whitegoods in our laundry rooms and kitchens. How about 200% tariffs like the koreans themselves impose on car imports and let's see how many still want to gangnam style in their High Undies i30. There has got to be a way to convince govco to reinstate tariffs on imported cars, on at least countries we don't have free trade with, or this nation is doomed.

check out this paragraph from our govs web site.
high quality trade deals what a joke, no wonder the country is stuffed.

The government will not enter into any trade agreement that falls short of the benchmarks set by the WTO or the benchmarks we set ourselves of high-quality, truly liberalising trade deals that support global trade liberalisation.

[V8 Ghia Mike]

Originally Posted by RHR

This falcon add FTW

http://video.carsguide.com.au/238693...ea=videoindex3

The BA. One fine looking car

Seriously, what happened with the advertising for Falcon? Those old ads are sensational! Do you think that the adverts were chopped intentionally to assist in the death of Falcon. I watch Foxtel 99% of the time and can only recall a couple of late night GT ads in the last few years. Other imported Ford car ads yes, but Falcon, nothing....

I saw the new Kuga ad tonight and damn, it's a nice looking car. But not really the vehicle for a late night spin through the hills, me thinks.;) I'd be tempted if it had a V8 option, but nope...we really are completely limited for future purchased of a large V8 Ford sports sedan and this terrifies me.

Mike

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by mik

check out this paragraph from our govs web site.
high quality trade deals what a joke, no wonder the country is stuffed.

The government will not enter into any trade agreement that falls short of the benchmarks set by the WTO or the benchmarks we set ourselves of high-quality, truly liberalising trade deals that support global trade liberalisation.

Globalisation Schmoblalisation... This world will never be a level playing field. One person wins and ten others suffer in so called "free trade". Is WTO what the WTC stood for? not glorifying terrorism but if thats what it stood for, the bloke made his point.

[JG66ME]

In 1972 Ford Motor Company of Australia had a huge portfolio of products.

Ford Escort, Sedan, Wagon and Van, CKD assembled in Sydney
Ford Capri 1600 and 3000GT, CKD, assembled in Sydney
Ford Cortina, UK design with Australian modifications to allow inline 6. Sedans and wagons.
Ford Falcon, Fairmont, Fairlane, LTD, Landau, Sedans, Wagons, Coupes, Utes, Vans.
Ford Transit CKD with local inline 6 versions.
F series trucks.
D Series Trucks 4 ton GVM to 24 ton GVM.
Tractors from the Ford 2000 to the 7000 turbo
Farm implements.

2013 all the eggs are in one basket that has the Falcon and Territory (SUV version of Falcon). That is it. And nobody wants to buy them.

Those that can afford to buy a new Falcon don't want one. Those that want one cannot afford to buy one.

Ford USA is bleeding a loss keeping Ford Aus going. Of course they are going to shut it down.

Blame who you want. That Australian Jack Nasser got rid of trucks and tractors. Ford Basildon in Essex was the largest tractor plant in the world. Now Fiat own it. When you see an Iveco truck, that used to be a Ford. Ford Trucks USA became Stirling and promptly went broke.

I have done my bit. I cannot count the number of Ford cars I have owned. Up until recently I had 13 cars, 9 trucks and 3 tractors and that does not include daily drivers. I have owned new EA, EF, EL, AU2 XR6, BAXR6 and FG XR6.

I even had Ford cars written into my employment contract. The company policy is GM but I have a Ford.

I have decided the marriage is now over.

My next car will be a BMW 328i M Sport.

[FGX-351]

Originally Posted by stevz

They don't seem very 'random' to me. It is the same ad before each video.

I've monetized my YouTube account to run ads and the way they set it up is to run ads of a similar nature to the video content.
That way the person viewing the video may be more inclined to click on the ad.

Not sure if it's set up the same way but thats one of teh ways it's done on YouTube.
Agreed though it isn't fun to watch. :(

[FGX-351]

Originally Posted by lotski

Giving up never changed anything. There's probably a quote about a much harder battle that was fought and won, but it's nearly my bed time, and finding it will be effort.

If people want to fight the good fight, let them. Having a cause is better than having no cause. And fighting for the more extreme option, usually results in a middle ground being met. Kind of like proposals in a business. Push the ridiculous agenda, and use the stable, moderate (ie: your actual) agenda as a deal point.

I agree, it was a campaign a few years ago that brought back "Hey Hey" for example.
Apple to oranges with the car industry but a large number of people spoke and the powers that be listened.

I'll happily participate in any campaign to keep the Falcon and more importantly those plants running to keep Australian workers in jobs.

V8 til 98!!!!!!

[2011G6E]

I think the last export Ford was the little Capri convertible wasn't it? That's a long time between drinks.

I think the F trucks...priced well and brought up to our expected standards of course...would sell really well.
The old F100's used to be massively popular and still are, even though the newest ones are pretty damn old now. The number of imported F trucks I see out here towing big vans and especially those set up as "fifth wheelers" is simply amazing. The people who bought them from importers have paid usually up around or over a hundred grand, so if they could buy one for a reasonable amount more than the Yanks pay for one, they'd walk out of the showrooms.

[LTDHO]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

...... the only way the Falcon will continue to be built is if they double or near on triple sales every month for the next 2 years. No amount of people asking for it to stay without putting their hands in their pocket will help unfortunately.

That's exactly what I was going to say.
If Australian business all got behind Ford and updated their fleet with Falcons, surely that would help. Especially if there was an incentive to do so.

There are lots of businesses out there that have fleets of more than 10 and are due to upgrade the cars in the next 18 months. So we’re talking 100’s of Falcon’s per month. Adding cheap simple things will help. Make the Falcon ute the cheapest on the market (or at least match price with Hilux)

Commodore is 4th best seller, no reason Falcon can not be in top five also.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Auslandau

...... the only way the Falcon will continue to be built is if they double or near on triple sales every month for the next 2 years. No amount of people asking for it to stay without putting their hands in their pocket will help unfortunately.

It is rather hypocritical for people to demand Ford take on a debt to continue making the Falcon when they themselves are not willing to take on a debt to buy one.

A basic FG2 XT is about $30k and will last at least 10 years of average driving.

Unfortunately too many want a GT instead of an XT and as they can only loan $30k will buy a second hand one. Now this is their choice and someone has to buy the second hand ones but if the current situation continues there will soon be no second hand ones that are not stuffed.

[Joe5619]

Guys, it is over. The fat lady is singing!!

I was walking over to my very nice FG XR6T (bought new) from a distance last night thinking what an awesome machine! Long live the Aussie built Falcon..

[Kable72]

No the fat lady hasn't sung. She is due to sing, but hasn't done so yet. If people want to fight for the Falcon or at least fight for our working men and women in broadmeadows then let them do it.

[Lotte]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

Guys, it is over. The fat lady is singing!!

I was walking over to my very nice FG XR6T (bought new) from a distance last night thinking what an awesome machine! Long live the Aussie built Falcon..

That's the kind of attitude I thought people despised
I thought we were a nation that stood up for and fought for what we believe in.

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by lotski

That's the kind of attitude I thought people despised
I thought we were a nation that stood up for and fought for what we believe in.

But what is it worth? The reality is Falcon sales are woeful at best. Unless people buy it what is there to fight for?
It is Ford that didn't want to invest in the Falcon so why should people buy a product that the company doesn't even care for?

[Kable72]

Originally Posted by Wretched

But what is it worth? The reality is Falcon sales are woeful at best. Unless people buy it what is there to fight for?
It is Ford that didn't want to invest in the Falcon so why should people buy a product that the company doesn't even care for?

It's worth 1200 jobs and our nations automotive heritage. Unless something can be done, what good is Australia to the rest of the world apart from being a consumer nation?

[Lotte]

More than 1200 jobs when you consider the external jobs affected.
If falcon were advertised then maybe sales would be up.
Personally I think it has less to do with not wanting to invest in falcon, and more to do with wanting out of the country, so they can sell their own vehicles here.

Whats the point? The point is standing up for what you believe in. It's what I teach my girl guides, and God forbid I reproduce it'll be what I teach my kids.

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by lotski

I thought we were a nation that stood up for and fought for what we believe in.

We are a nation that lives by SUPPLY and DEMAND.......
No demand - no need to supply. That is what is called economic belief......its the western religion...has been for quite some time.

[Lotte]

No advertising, no demand.
basic marketing 101.

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Kable72

It's worth 1200 jobs and our nations automotive heritage. Unless something can be done, what good is Australia to the rest of the world apart from being a consumer nation?

So how low can Falcon sales go before it is time to let it go?
Ford doesn't see a future in Falcon (and Territory to a point) so Ford are to keep the plant open, run it at a loss just to keep a few token employees there?

Ford is a business, simply put they're there to make money if they don't then the whole thing collapses (not long ago they were in a bad situation).
I would rather AU close up shop than lose Ford globally.

Why haven't people fought hard for other organisations that have closed their doors over the years?

If we're to compete with overseas then we can't just assume we keep going the way we are. Companies, governements and employees need to get together to work towards keeping investment alive in this country.
You can't keep striking to demand outrageous pay increases when the money isn't there, you can't keep taxing companies and overloading them with red tape if you want them to remain here and employ Australians and if you want people to buy your product you have to actually make something they want.

A little bit of hard work could have gone a long way but Ford decided it wasn't worth it.

[Kable72]

Originally Posted by lotski

God forbid I reproduce it'll be what I teach my kids.

I'm so sorry but I had to laugh really hard there

But you're right it's worth alot more than those at broadmeadows counting the ripple effect that will inevitably happen. None of us want the Falcon to be gone and to save our Falcon, the government needs to be a lot fairer on our export to import tariff. Why is it that we charge very little for products coming into the country when those same countries we export to charge us a fortune. It's like it's all too hard when it reality it shouldn't be. They're making it difficult for our future to become a nation that we can be proud of our product. How can we be proud of something that doesn't exist? This is the beginning of local production ceasing to exist. A lot of our product is already australian only as almost none of our stuff being exported. For example, does anyone know if we export Bundy Rum?

[Kable72]

Originally Posted by Wretched

So how low can Falcon sales go before it is time to let it go?
Ford doesn't see a future in Falcon (and Territory to a point) so Ford are to keep the plant open, run it at a loss just to keep a few token employees there?

Ford is a business, simply put they're there to make money if they don't then the whole thing collapses (not long ago they were in a bad situation).
I would rather AU close up shop than lose Ford globally.

Why haven't people fought hard for other organisations that have closed their doors over the years?

If we're to compete with overseas then we can't just assume we keep going the way we are. Companies, governements and employees need to get together to work towards keeping investment alive in this country.
You can't keep striking to demand outrageous pay increases when the money isn't there, you can't keep taxing companies and overloading them with red tape if you want them to remain here and employ Australians and if you want people to buy your product you have to actually make something they want.

A little bit of hard work could have gone a long way but Ford decided it wasn't worth it.

Whilst I respect what you're saying, the reason we can't compete (in the automotive industry at least) is because we don't charge people to export their cars here. If we were to export our cars here, that wasn't endorsed by the parent company, we would be charged a fortune and our cars wouldn't sell purely for the fact that the tariff would cause the car to be worth more than your average house. Our 35k falcon would be worth 90+ in some countries because they protect their own. Australia does not.

[DJR-351]

I have felt sorry for the poor buggers in the Ford AU marketing department for a long time now, the amount of flak they have copped here and elsewhere is amazing......why is it so hard to understand that they have been doing exactly what they were told to do by their boss ?....

Originally Posted by lotski

No advertising, no demand.
basic marketing 101.

There is no doubt in my mind they will be thanked for doing such a good job....

[Lotte]

Originally Posted by Kable72

I'm so sorry but I had to laugh really hard there

But you're right it's worth alot more than those at broadmeadows counting the ripple effect that will inevitably happen. None of us want the Falcon to be gone and to save our Falcon, the government needs to be a lot fairer on our export to import tariff. Why is it that we charge very little for products coming into the country when those same countries we export to charge us a fortune. It's like it's all too hard when it reality it shouldn't be. They're making it difficult for our future to become a nation that we can be proud of our product. How can we be proud of something that doesn't exist? This is the beginning of local production ceasing to exist. A lot of our product is already australian only as almost none of our stuff being exported. For example, does anyone know if we export Bundy Rum?

If you knew me and my other half, you'd probably still laugh. Between my smarts and interest in making things go boom; and his accident proneness, it can only result in disaster

I do know we export vb. No idea why.
But you're right, it's a multitude of reasons, the Swiss cheese effect.

[Kable72]

Originally Posted by lotski

If you knew me and my other half, you'd probably still laugh. Between my smarts and interest in making things go boom; and his accident proneness, it can only result in disaster

I do know we export vb. No idea why.
But you're right, it's a multitude of reasons, the Swiss cheese effect.

I'm sure you'd make beautiful fingerless and burn victim children

They really export that stuff? Of all of our locally made alcohol they export that?

[TMC]

Originally Posted by JG66ME

In 1972 Ford Motor Company of Australia had a huge portfolio of products.

Ford Escort, Sedan, Wagon and Van, CKD assembled in Sydney
Ford Capri 1600 and 3000GT, CKD, assembled in Sydney
Ford Cortina, UK design with Australian modifications to allow inline 6. Sedans and wagons.
Ford Falcon, Fairmont, Fairlane, LTD, Landau, Sedans, Wagons, Coupes, Utes, Vans.
Ford Transit CKD with local inline 6 versions.
F series trucks.
D Series Trucks 4 ton GVM to 24 ton GVM.
Tractors from the Ford 2000 to the 7000 turbo
Farm implements.

2013 all the eggs are in one basket that has the Falcon and Territory (SUV version of Falcon). That is it. And nobody wants to buy them.

Those that can afford to buy a new Falcon don't want one. Those that want one cannot afford to buy one.

Ford USA is bleeding a loss keeping Ford Aus going. Of course they are going to shut it down.

Blame who you want. That Australian Jack Nasser got rid of trucks and tractors. Ford Basildon in Essex was the largest tractor plant in the world. Now Fiat own it. When you see an Iveco truck, that used to be a Ford. Ford Trucks USA became Stirling and promptly went broke.

I have done my bit. I cannot count the number of Ford cars I have owned. Up until recently I had 13 cars, 9 trucks and 3 tractors and that does not include daily drivers. I have owned new EA, EF, EL, AU2 XR6, BAXR6 and FG XR6.

I even had Ford cars written into my employment contract. The company policy is GM but I have a Ford.

I have decided the marriage is now over.

My next car will be a BMW 328i M Sport.

Back in the 60's I think they even assembled Falcons near North Fremantle. Somewhere near where the Matilda Bay Brewery is. The building is heritage listed and is still there.

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by lotski

That's the kind of attitude I thought people despised
I thought we were a nation that stood up for and fought for what we believe in.

I did stand up. I went out & bought a new one!!!

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Kable72

Whilst I respect what you're saying, the reason we can't compete (in the automotive industry at least) is because we don't charge people to export their cars here. If we were to export our cars here, that wasn't endorsed by the parent company, we would be charged a fortune and our cars wouldn't sell purely for the fact that the tariff would cause the car to be worth more than your average house. Our 35k falcon would be worth 90+ in some countries because they protect their own. Australia does not.

Putting that aside cause I do agree to a point (I don't agree with blanket tariffs but something does need to be done).
The issue stems a little deeper, Ford from what I remember reading had no plans to export, LHD was never built into the platforms.
Again it goes back to Ford's willingness to invest in the Falcon which was evident they didn't see the need to.