Major Ford announcement

[I6DOHC]

Truly one of the darkest days for Australia I've seen in my time.

We live in a country full of patriots, that show that patriotism by buying imports and supporting other countries skills/manufacturing in doing so.

This has been happening across many industries over many years, all with Government assistance. My belief was that while the big 3 auto makers remained local, manufacturing here, there was still hope. Unfortunately, not to be.

It's now fast tracked the end for the local manufacturing industry. I hope all Australians take great pleasure in investing in every country other than their own. The next generation I'm sure will be ever thankful.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Mr Graziano was sent here to do the deed.

I have said this all along. Ford have not tried with Falcon in particular. Territory was just lucky it had an update in 2011 which they were committed to. The game changed sometime in 2010 from my point of view, especially in regards to Falcon and how they stocked it.

They have the bloody Mondeo on the ecoboost add FFS.

I feel very numb, I did my studies in Geelong, I moved to Geelong to work for Ford. I did it, then realised that things for me where not secure enough so I moved state and industrys (auto is not the only one feeling the pain, seen the mining lay offs?).

I have friends still there and I wish them all the best. How can you keep your chin up for another few years?

I dont care much for the rest of the Ford range, yes its nice but the reason I love Ford mainly was for the Falcon. I certainly dont feel compelled to buy another Ford but I still have a passion for the company.

Its a very dark day.

BTW, how dare any member here say ill of another for simply not buying a new Falcon! What its our civil duty? It's and Fords problem was not being able to grow its share, not keep its hardcore supporters. Its evident that Ford NA really never had any great intentions of making much of an effort.

Good luck to all involved.

[SJG351]

Originally Posted by Brazen

What really gets me, is that it feels like they didnt even try towards the end. No price drop, no campaign to boost sales. Sorry just angry.

Yep, they could hemorrhage money from every orifice like GM/H?

[Cheese3]

The move means Ford will not go ahead with the updated versions of the new Falcon Sedan and Territory SUV next year as planned.

http://www.news.com.au/business/ford...-1226648895882

Thats false , the update is going ahead still

[Tock]

Originally Posted by BionicXR6T

In a way.....we are all victims of the decisions of this sham of a government!!....carbon tax, tariffs and a general lack of concern for manufacturing in this country....its no wonder they are closing up :(

Completely misdirected - this has been on the cards for years and this government, along with previous governments, had continued to pump money in to the sector (rightly so).
Yes, I feel the state and federal governments have a lot to answer for with tariffs and ensuring fleet cars are Australian, yada yada.
Carbon PRICING has NOTHING to do with this decision.

Poor marketing, slow response to consumer demands, changing demographics, high dollar. Those are some real factors.

[Brazen]

If the update goes ahead, then never say never?

Look at the I6 plant that was set to close down and later the decision was reversed. This could just be the catalyst needed to get government support. Labor or Liberal could claim they are the hero that saved manufacturing.

I hope the close date is 2016 not 2013, that gives plenty of time to overturn especially with a vastly improved model next year.

[Cheese3]

John Button started this rot , Labor has blood on it's hand . . .

[zipping]

Sad day really feel for those who will lose jobs and its so sad to think after 2016 I will never buy another new Falcon.

Only 2 days ago a Ford telemarketer rang me to find out my thoughts on my F6. I think its a fantastic car and told her I won't be selling it. Def won't be now guess I better save for a GT to go with it.

[saber]

Anyone got a link to the press conference?

[Cheese3]

Originally Posted by Brazen

If the update goes ahead, then never say never?

Look at the I6 plant that was set to close down and later the decision was reversed. This could just be the catalyst needed to get government support. Labor or Liberal could claim they are the hero that saved manufacturing.

I hope the close date is 2016 not 2013, that gives plenty of time to overturn especially with a vastly improved model next year.

The update is going ahead .

[Smoke Pursuit]

Yep the government are partly to blame. Federal, state and local... Hardly any of them run any aussie built cars now, they buy imports....

Government should have forced Aussie built cars only, instead of this rubbish they went on with having to buy "Green" cars that met some stupid criteria that even the EcoLpi did not meet (one of the greenest cars around).

Anyhow it is what it is. I am very dissapointed I have only ever owned Aussie built Fords till I bought the Ranger, I have given the company alot of support but they have left me dissapointed too over that time. Great cars, poor build quality, and worse after sales service.

Sadly the worse people for the company will survive - Ford CRC... Biggest bunch of p*$&# I have ever dealt with!

[Ford_The_Win]

Well, that's devastating. What an enormous loss for Geelong and for Ford fans everywhere.

[2011G6E]

Changes have always needed to be made to our motor industry.

There's nothing magical about being able to build cars in your country and it's certainly not as "vitally necessary" as government would have us believe...we only have a tiny population, and can't sustain a lot of makers, much less really afford to have special models just for us, although some of our unique ADR requirements haven't helped with bringing cheap imports here.

In the seventies people here were quite happy to pay up for any old poorly-equipped stuff that Ford and Holden dished out, as they were heavily protected by governments from the big bad world outside our borders. Then they relaxed that and buyers became aware that some makers overseas actually included all the things that had only been expensive options until then in Australian cars. Of course they're going to buy foreign.

Now it's even better...cars from overseas are staggeringly well equipped and well built, and sharply priced. The local makers needed a kick up the backside to wake them up and let them know they weren't selling to a captive audience anymore, and rightly so.


Australians will still be able to buy Fords of all sorts...they just won't be able to buy a Falcon.

[costas]

live feed of announcement is here guys:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-05-0...-stream/167392

[GT-spec15]

Long time coming.

Had to happen.

Ancient vehicles and ancient technology.

High dollar.

Cheaper imports.

Do the math.

Very sad though...feel for the many families who will be affected.

[Tickford Rebel]

So what will happen to V8 supercars?? If there's no Falcon teams I aint watching or going to anymore events... Could never switch to another team. Yuck!!

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Yep the government are partly to blame.

You can actually thank the Govt for Ford/Holden lasting as long as they have.

These operations have been on life support for many years in the name of keeping jobs alive...but the party had to end.

If I were a Ford/Holden manufacturing worker I would have been looking to re skill/change job years ago.

[calmeister]

Even the editor of our local paper is lamenting the decision.
http://www.southcoastregister.com.au...mories/?cs=203

Sad day indeed, my dad would be in tears if he was still around.

[BroadyFord]

Ford confirms after tax loss of $141 million in 2012.

1200 jobs confirmed as gone - less than I thought.

[james22]

I just heard on the radio... Sad day... I swore alot :-(

[prydey]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

Ancient vehicles and ancient technology.
.

obviously that '66 model in your sig is the most recent one you've driven.

[bobthebilda]

Originally Posted by Charliewool

What about us?.. Australian Ford Forums?...
Will it become a "vintage" forum?.. A memorbillia forum?
Like the forum for old steam trains, or WW2 fighter planes?

Theres always Redhotpie, oasisactive or even swingers heavens forums.

We can all find the love that we failed to get from here.

[BroadyFord]

October 2016 shut down confirmed. This will be PAINFUL.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

You can actually thank the Govt for Ford/Holden lasting as long as they have.

These operations have been on life support for many years in the name of keeping jobs alive...but the party had to end.

If I were a Ford/Holden manufacturing worker I would have been looking to re skill/change job years ago.

I agree to an extent, its the business model Ford was running that made no sense.

[cobramania]

Very sad day indeed, no doubt Holden will follow soon. I think it was just last week there was talks of Holden going back to the Government for more cash handouts.

One good thing we have to look forward to is, Ford will still survive globally & we can still buy Ford.
GM as a whole & in the US is still on tender hooks, if the US &/or Global economy heads South again, GM could easily be a total goner worldwide.
Ford US still remained reasonably strong right through the GFC, & there's still some good global platform cars, that may come our way.

[richo77]

Absolutely gutted.

[just_pazz]

Pfft listening to that ****** Graziano just eff off Ford from this country entirely you may as well as your brand is now dead to many people.

[GT-spec15]

Originally Posted by prydey

obviously that '66 model in your sig is the most recent one you've driven.

Far from it.

Tell me more about Ford being on the front foot in terms of vehicle technology.

At a time when they should have developed a diesel Territory they made that stupid F6X thing. Finally they do a diesel but it's too little too late - ditto the EcoBoost Falcon. By all accounts a great package, but the ship has sailed, the market has voted with their wallets, and Falcon is cooked.

[block58]

Just announced on the live feed, 2014 Falcon and Territory are going ahead!

[TC200six]

The media finally got the story they were so desperately waiting to report for years.

Wish Ford would hurry up with the 2014 facelift Falcon, so there will be something positive.