Australian car production: where to from here?

BroadyFord · 23-05-2013, 12:55 PM

I know there are already a plethora of threads regarding the auto industry in general but I thought this could be something more positive whereby people can discuss the future of vehicle manufacturing in this country given we all share the same desire of a prosperous and strong local industry.

Basically as things stand:

1. Ford no longer in the picture
2. Holden about to introduce the refreshed VF Commodore with a commitment for 2 new vehicles in 2016/17
3. Toyota producing around 100,000 vehicles for local and export consumption, with plans for a 3rd model at Altona, possibly RAV4

So, where to from here?

GQ_Smooth · 23-05-2013, 01:06 PM

Without an export plan/commitment, the days are numbered. No one model sell 80K units per year anymore. Exports will only be successful if the build quality of our products is up to or above Euro/Japanese/Korena standards, as the prices of those exports will be on par if not higher than other nations. If we build a quality premium world engineering product, than our production is viable.

There needs to be a clear and transparent agreement with the manufactures and AMWU, that shoddy workmanship and practices are unacceptable as they damage future employment for all. I don't believe there is any need to lower wages.

malazn mafia · 23-05-2013, 01:16 PM

What would all ford's stock of pressings, tooling, equipment etc be worth? Maybe it could be sent overseas if bought privately and falcon / territory / wagon could live on somewhere as affordable transport, minus the ford badge, where emissions laws don't matter.

GT-spec15 · 23-05-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GQ_Smooth

Without an export plan/commitment, the days are numbered. No one model sell 80K units per year anymore. Exports will only be successful if the build quality of our products is up to or above Euro/Japanese/Korena standards, as the prices of those exports will be on par if not higher than other nations. If we build a quality premium world engineering product, than our production is viable.

This

End thread.

BroadyFord · 23-05-2013, 01:18 PM

Does anyone think there is a chance another manufacturer could pick up the plant?

oddnutz · 23-05-2013, 01:19 PM

deleted

Insidious · 23-05-2013, 01:47 PM

Well in about 2 1/2 hours time I will find out if i still have a job for the next 3 years.

malazn mafia · 23-05-2013, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadyFord

Does anyone think there is a chance another manufacturer could pick up the plant?

I would buy falcon even if it wore Tata or Great Wall or Geely badges for that matter. Ford can go to hell.

GT-spec15 · 23-05-2013, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadyFord

Does anyone think there is a chance another manufacturer could pick up the plant?

I really don't see how.

As was pointed out above, no single model can sell 80k+ here anymore, so the only way would be if it was exported as well.

Problem is, manufacturing costs are far cheaper in other countries, so I don't see why companies would be flocking to Australia as a production base.

TC200six · 23-05-2013, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadyFord

Does anyone think there is a chance another manufacturer could pick up the plant?

Another thing too. I wonder what's going to happen to the You Yangs proving ground?

351@GT · 23-05-2013, 02:03 PM

didnt take you long to change threads GT-spec15, nothing better to do?

GT-spec15 · 23-05-2013, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 351@GT

didnt take you long to change threads GT-spec15, nothing better to do?

Am I not allowed to post?

If so please advise.

Bossxr8 · 23-05-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TC200six

Another thing too. I wonder what's going to happen to the You Yangs proving ground?

Its staying open for testing of the other vehicles Ford are engineering for Asia.

XR Davo · 23-05-2013, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

What would all ford's stock of pressings, tooling, equipment etc be worth? Maybe it could be sent overseas if bought privately and falcon / territory / wagon could live on somewhere as affordable transport, minus the ford badge, where emissions laws don't matter.

Strange things do happen. MG/ROVER the Chinese bought and relocated the whole production facility only a small design office is still UK based. Chinese also tried to buy SAAB except GM wouldn't sell to them.

blackf6 · 23-05-2013, 02:34 PM

Word is Gilard is going to introduce the p76 again

Trump · 23-05-2013, 02:56 PM

I'll put this out there:

Holden are next, possibly within a year after Ford shuts the doors on Broadmeadows and Geelong.

GT-spec15 · 23-05-2013, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loud_Noises

I'll put this out there:

Holden are next, possibly within a year after Ford shuts the doors on Broadmeadows and Geelong.

It will happen, but I highly doubt it will be in 2017.

sam21 · 23-05-2013, 03:08 PM

sucks to see. sad day with most jobs going overseas. Hopefully they can keep it alive some how

ryeman · 23-05-2013, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teak81

Word is Gilard is going to introduce the p76 again

Dont you mean Abbott?

BroadyFord · 23-05-2013, 04:38 PM

It's ironic that Ford chooses to shut down on a day the Australian dollar plummets to its lowest level in years.

Too little, too late...

tweeked · 23-05-2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

What would all ford's stock of pressings, tooling, equipment etc be worth? Maybe it could be sent overseas if bought privately and falcon / territory / wagon could live on somewhere as affordable transport, minus the ford badge, where emissions laws don't matter.

You can't make a car out of what Ford makes themselves - To get the squillion suppliers to all sell just isnt going to happen.

**Fordman1** · 23-05-2013, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadyFord

It's ironic that Ford chooses to shut down on a day the Australian dollar plummets to its lowest level in years.

Too little, too late...

Not good enough ...

It needs to be at 60 c to be anywhere near competitive.

malazn mafia · 23-05-2013, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tweeked

You can't make a car out of what Ford makes themselves - To get the squillion suppliers to all sell just isnt going to happen.

You're right. just remembered the parts that make a Falcon... Dana diff, ZF transmission, denso (toyota?) air-con compressor, mitsubishi alternator, sanyo radio, sumitomo looms, hella lamps, futuris seats, bosch modules, fabrics with chinese writing, cheap no-brand korean HVAC motor...

302 XC · 23-05-2013, 06:13 PM

I don't understand how a business can close by sitting on their hands ???
If ford are struggling to sell cars ,do they advertise how good they are ???
Are they doin deals to get people to buy ???
Its like their all sitting back waiting for the people to come in ,in droves ....
Local Nissan dealer ,has cars out the front of lot, on the grass footpath,on the vacant block next door, big windscreen sized prices
Big adds in the papers,everywhere you look theres some Nissan adds ....
Does it work, yep
There out selling holden

Oz52F1 · 23-05-2013, 06:23 PM

Have you driven a Ford lately?........

GT-spec15 · 23-05-2013, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 302 XC

I don't understand how a business can close by sitting on their hands ???
If ford are struggling to sell cars ,do they advertise how good they are ???
Are they doin deals to get people to buy ???

It's not a matter of a lack of deals/sales. Everything is 'on sale' these days anyway.

If buyers have moved away from a vehicle type, slashing it's price won't see them come back in droves - all it does is kill your profit margin on those you actually sell.

I have lost count of the friends/family I know who now run a dual cab 4wd or SUV as a family car. Once upon a time they drove Falcons and Commodores. Remember - the Territory was developed to try and cater for this market shift towards SUVs.

302 XC · 24-05-2013, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

It's not a matter of a lack of deals/sales. Everything is 'on sale' these days anyway.

If buyers have moved away from a vehicle type, slashing it's price won't see them come back in droves - all it does is kill your profit margin on those you actually sell.

I have lost count of the friends/family I know who now run a dual cab 4wd or SUV as a family car. Once upon a time they drove Falcons and Commodores. Remember - the Territory was developed to try and cater for this market shift towards SUVs.

I agree ,but IF you don't sell a product you don't make a profit
Profit/profit margins don't mean a thing,if you can sell the cars ....
Small profit high turn over is better than no profit no turn over
The whole SUV,dual cab 4x4 thing, ford make them too
Maybe its just the better deal on the day .....
Id buy a ford dual cab 4x4 if it was price comparison and quality of Nissan/Toyota
But its a hard stack goin against Nissan/Toyota when they are the two biggest selling dual cab 4x4 manufacturers out there
My point is, if you cant sell against your competition,you need to step up to the plate,not complain you might close because of bad sales

Nikked · 24-05-2013, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teak81

Word is Gilard is going to introduce the p76 again

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryeman

Dont you mean Abbott?

Nah...this sounds more like the work of Clive Palmer...first titanic...then the P76

jpd80 · 24-05-2013, 07:42 AM

I see this morning there are questions about the funding given to Ford for the 2014 model,
it looks like the media are questioning the value of the Federal government's $39 million
as well as the Victorian governments contribution to make up the balance of around half
the cost of developing the car.

It seem motor companies are becoming adept at getting money and then cutting staff or closing production.
I doubt either of those scenarios were fully explained to government officials ahead of receiving funding....

would I be wrong in suggesting that some in government are both disappointed and angry at this turnaround?
Given the intention of funding to continue Australian production and secure jobs for the industry, I can understand the mixed feelings...

Trump · 24-05-2013, 07:44 AM

Disappointed... you give pollies too much credit jpd80