Falcon future to be decided in 6 months: Mays

[Road_Warrior]

A couple of articles, the first from GoAuto:

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2579090082A3E5

FORD will reveal the future of its long-running Falcon within six months, ending years of speculation about the Blue Oval’s plans for large car manufacturing in Australia.

That is according to Ford Motor Company design chief, J Mays, who told GoAuto at a function on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show in Germany that he would reveal what form the next-generation Falcon will take in “a couple of (motor) shows”.

Ford previously confirmed the current Falcon, a facelifted version of which will go on sale in October before the first four-cylinder model hits showrooms next February, would be the last not to share a global chassis architecture under the company’s One Ford platform-sharing strategy.

Former Ford Australia president Marin Burela also previously revealed that a decision on the next-generation Falcon – due to appear five years from now in 2016 – would be made either this year or early in 2012.

Now, Mr Mays has not only confirmed that, but promised Ford will make its decision public within months.

“This just isn’t the show talk about it, but it won’t be too far away,” he said. “Forgive me for that but if I take the lid off the paint jar everyone else gets upset with me.

“Hit me at a couple more shows and we can talk about it.”

Ford2016 Falcon center imageLeft: Ford Evos concept.

The next international motor show after this week’s Frankfurt show takes place in Los Angeles in November, followed by North America’s largest motor show, the Detroit show in January, which would seem to be the logical place to announce a future large car from Ford.

Another senior FoMoCo executive, Ford president of the Americas Mark Fields, confirmed the decision on the next Falcon would be revealed imminently.

“It’s important we’re clear on the direction we’re heading,” he said.

“The D-segment is shrinking but still very important. We don’t want to disappoint.”

Mr Mays admitted that basing Ford’s next all-new Falcon – and therefore its next new Territory – on the same platform as North America’s front-wheel and all-wheel drive Taurus, which shares its foundations with the Explorer and is also to be replaced by 2016, was one of a number of options Ford was now considering.

“We haven’t announced that,” he said. “We’re looking at a lot of different possibilities. That would be one potentially feasible one.”

Mr Mays reiterated his promise when asked about the future of rear-wheel drive for Falcon.

“Let me get a couple of shows further and we'll talk about it. I'm not saying (when), I am just saying we need a couple of more shows.”

Of course, another option would be to end local production of the Falcon, sales of which have plummeted even more dramatically than Australia’s large-car segment in recent years, and simply import the Taurus.

But that appears less likely given the costs involved in winding down manufacturing operations in both Geelong and Broadmeadows, the potential sales impact Ford’s status as a 100 per cent importer would have on both private and fleet sales of its other models, the dismal sales performance of the Taurus last time it was sold here, and the fact the Falcon nameplate is one of the oldest in the Ford world.

Furthermore, although a Taurus-based Falcon sedan range could not include a Falcon ute, which in that case would effectively be replaced by the Australian-engineered (but Thai-built) Ranger ute, Mr Mays all but confirmed the continuation of the 51-year-old Falcon as a uniquely designed model for Australia – at least on the outside.

Asked if any of the striking design cues of the sleek Ford Evos concept would filter down to the next Falcon, he said: “Let's put it this way … without me giving that answer away … you saw the new Mad Max car … you see the similarity on the front.

“I'll let you put the words together, but I'll just bring that up.”

Ford showed two modern interpretations of the Mad Max Interceptor at the Melbourne motor show in July. The small-scale Brookliner concept designed by Ford Australia's Simon Brook most closely resembles the Evos with its inverted trapezoidal grille and ‘angry’ headlights.

If the subtle hint from Ford’s global design boss is a guide, expect the redesigned 2016 Falcon to look like the aggressive Mad Max show car.

Apart revealing the Falcon’s future there, Ford is also likely to use the Detroit show to reveal its next-generation Escape/Kuga, which like the Evos concept will wear an upmarket new evolution of Ford’s ‘kinetic’ exterior design language.

And a more doom-and-gloom article from Carpoint:

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2011...x-months-26657

The future and the fate of the Ford Falcon – Australia’s oldest automotive nameplate – and the Broadmeadows factory that builds it will be decided within the next six months.

The global boss of Ford design, J Mays, told Australian journalists on the eve of the Frankfurt motor show overnight “in a couple of [motor] shows we can talk about it”.

The next major international motor shows are in Los Angeles in November, Tokyo in December and Detroit in January 2012. The US shows are logical venues for the reveal of a concept version of the next generation Taurus. The Falcon-sized US sedan has been widely tipped to replace the Falcon in the wake of record-low sales.

“This just isn’t the show to talk about [the future of the Falcon] but it won’t be too far away,” said Mays.

“If I take the lid off the paint jar, then everyone else gets upset with me internally.”

When asked if it was inevitable that the Australian-made Falcon would be replaced by a US-made Taurus, Mays said: “We haven’t announced that, [but] we’re looking at a lot of different possibilities. That [combining Falcon and Taurus] would be one potentially feasible one.

“I do follow [Falcon sales figures] pretty closely. There’s not a big market for that size of sedan at the moment.”

Meanwhile Ford’s global Chief Financial Officer, Lewis Booth, told motoring.com.au that Ford Australia could prosper without manufacturing.

“I think Ford Australia will prosper with great products. Where you manufacture is a business decision,” he said.

“From an Australian [media] point of view, the manufacturing source is clearly a big discussion, but a customer is looking for a good deal and a good product. Our obligation is to provide them – wherever we build them [the cars] – with great product.

“The thing we can now do in Australia is provide [customers] with a complete range so they’re not just dependent on Falcon and ute and Territory.

"As the market changes it’s important that [Ford Australia] can participate across all segments,” Booth commented.

Despite numerous improvements to the Falcon – and sharper pricing – sales have been in steady decline over the past decade.

So far this year Falcon sales are at a new all-time low; just 12,583 sedans have been registered in the first eight months of this year, a 39 per cent drop on last year’s record low point. At its peak, Ford would have sold this many Falcons in six weeks.

I think Mays has underestimated the level of political interest and influence over whether the plant stays open or shut. Personally I don't think the assembly facilities will close and I don't think GovCo would let it happen - no government would want it to occur on its watch.

[HSE2]

I think there is a lot of positives to be taken from the Go auto edition of what J Mays has said.

[EDManual]

Sounds hopeful!

[Ford_The_Win]

I have a funny feeling that there's life in the old bird yet. I don't think Bailleu would let Broadmeadows close.

[Polyal]

Yeah thats not negative at all, its just official fence sitting.

IMO its going to be good news, if its taken this long to sort something out then they are working hard at it. The poo will hit the fan if they become a 100% importer and it will hurt the rest of the range IMO. In saying that how long can the Falcon live?

The will always be a D segment IMO, so "all" FoA need to do is tie in with the global effort and style it for our tastes, Id even be happy with the interior/drivetrain being a global effort, just keep RWD.

[phillyc]

Nice links Road Warrior. Thanks.

The usual doom and gloom from Carpoint as you said. Equally, some very positive stuff in the GoAuto article.

Very interesting about the Evos, Mad Max concept and Falcon. I thought when the teaser shot of the Evos was released it was the 2015 Mustang. But, the similarities to the FG bonnet bulge, the Mad Max concept and the Evos concept and the grill which could easily be Mustang or Aston Martin is VERY encouraging. I think Ford realise the FG is a great looking car, but it isn't bold enough for a 2015 car.

Asked if any of the striking design cues of the sleek Ford Evos concept would filter down to the next Falcon, he said: “Let's put it this way … without me giving that answer away … you saw the new Mad Max car … you see the similarity on the front.

“I'll let you put the words together, but I'll just bring that up.”

Ford showed two modern interpretations of the Mad Max Interceptor at the Melbourne motor show in July. The small-scale Brookliner concept designed by Ford Australia's Simon Brook most closely resembles the Evos with its inverted trapezoidal grille and ‘angry’ headlights.

If the subtle hint from Ford’s global design boss is a guide, expect the redesigned 2016 Falcon to look like the aggressive Mad Max show car.

PS I am expecting good news when the news is released. One Ford has meant a real elevation and appreciation of Ford Australia's capabilities in design and engineering. With greater synergies the Falcon will be even better priced, more advanced with more technologies and a number of body styles.

[Polyal]

Yes IMO FoA being FAP R&D headquarters = falcon living on if the numbers are not atrocious.

[R-Design]

So the next falcon is going to look like this? Right on, pull the other one...



Maybe this, mmm...it's already got the G6ET Rims:

[Polyal]

I think you can safely say that this front end is now a givin, look at the Tez and FG2 and its a preview...



Grill and squinty lights

[mcnamg]

It might not look exactly like that but I think that but I think what he was getting at is that there are some design themes in both vehicles that will translate into the future falcon

[bouka]

It is great to see the engineering and r&d talent and capabilities of Ford Aus being recognized.

This decision would have been due months ago and it comforting to see it has been delayed (several times).

The biggest threat would be One Ford and Thailand is an area that has seen, and continues to see, substantial investment from Ford.

I know this is stating the obvious but hopefully the once seemingly inevitable Falcon being built on Taurus platform in Thailand with some specific design cues for Aus will not eventuate.

Still is where my money would be.

One thing is certain in my mind, that Ford Aus is doing a great job of being David and there is still hope against Goliath.

I also really like the design direction of Ford Global.

Either way the decision needs to be made for the sake of those working at Ford Aus and associated manufacturing. For the sake of morale amongst the other obvious reasons.

Supporters of the brand and local content need to support it with their wallets and get behind the brand instead of the constant bickering, whinging and complaining. This is one aspect of the Ford supporter base I still have difficulty understanding. Just my opinion and observation.

We should be proud of our local part of the Ford world.

[Polyal]

With the Evos...are the bonnet and front quarters one piece? There is a line under the badge on the flank horizontally, I wonder how it would differ to a full production version.

Bouka the front end of the Evos is bloody fantastic, and would look great as part of a global effort.

[Gobes32]

Much like the Torana concept and the VE, it's all about styling cues. Meanwhile, Mr Mays was very smart and diplomatic with his responses. I can see Broadies becoming an assembly plant rather than the full manufacturing business we see now.

[aussie muscle]

The Falcon-sized US sedan has been widely tipped to replace the Falcon in the wake of record-low sales.

i thought the taurus was bigger than falcon???

[Polyal]

Sorry and too add.....it does my head in why Ford has not bothered creating a true GRWD car. Merc and BMW have been doing it since day dot and they seem to do well enough with a global design being accepted in all markets. Surely there is an opportunity for a falcon sized global sedan, atleast the architecture anyway. That is my glimmer of hope.

US can use it for Lincoln, we have our falcon, and perhaps even then use the Falcon or a Lincoln style in other countries. Ahhh I want to know now..

[Rodge]

Thanks for the thread and links Road Warrior. Have been a bit depressed since reading the Sept Wheels mag on the weekend which was full of FPV Taurus this, last falcon that, end of inline six this and Falcon's farewell that.

Its good we will all know one way or the other in the near future.

[Ford_The_Win]

Originally Posted by aussie muscle

i thought the taurus was bigger than falcon???

Much bigger. About Fairlane sized if memory serves me correctly.

[Rodge]

Taurus so called SHO is a heavy beast and then there's the inherent inefficiency of deliverying power through AWD. If they go that direction I for one, doubt I'll follow.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Ford_The_Win

Much bigger. About Fairlane sized if memory serves me correctly.

Not only that, it has less interior space than the Falcon, so much for FWD bringing space-saving efficiencies with it.

[Rodge]

Facelifted Taurus due out soon, you be the judge...
http://www.ford.com/cars/thenewtaurus/

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Facelifted Taurus due out soon, you be the judge...
http://www.ford.com/cars/thenewtaurus/

Ford has made no secret of the fact that this is their new global design language: they have discarded the use of the 'kinetic' design theme. The Toreass (and the SZ Territory) are the first of many vehicles that will have these styling cues.

[Polyal]

The next mondeo through the spy pics also has the headlight shape, that will be the most telling example IMO as its more global than both the taurus and tezz

[mcnamg]

When is the next all new Taurus due and what platform will it ride on? The D3 platform is pretty old now.

[HULK EF]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Facelifted Taurus due out soon, you be the judge...
http://www.ford.com/cars/thenewtaurus/

damn those 20's on the SHO look small!!! needs 22's!

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by mcnamg

When is the next all new Taurus due and what platform will it ride on? The D3 platform is pretty old now.

Supposedly going to be merging onto the CD4 platform (perhaps in a stretched form) come say 2014.

[Falc'man]

That's just the facelifted model so it's pointless judging it as it won't be anything like what we might possibly end up with.

The reason the current Taurus is heavy is they needed to beef it up quite a bit take Ecoboost power. It's all-new platform won't have such compromises.

[BroadyFord]

I think that if the next-gen Falcon is built here, it will almost certainly be the last one built here IF the government does not commit to more funding for the auto industry once this round of cash dries up in 2020 (assuming Abbott doesn't axe it before then).

[Rodge]

Agreed Falcman but if we're served-up anything like that heinous design support will be very sorely tested. Lets face it, American style tastes are often quite different.

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by Rodge

Agreed Falcman but if we're served-up anything like that heinous design support will be very sorely tested. Lets face it, American style tastes are often quite different.

Looks are subjective after all. I actually like it, it looks more aggressive than FG.

[Flat Top]

id get your orders in for the Ute now?? my guess is volumes may not carry past mid year to support , and Ranger will eat away some sales making it difficult to warrant production ??
just ba guess Trev