Ford Australia post-2016...what should it look like?

GT-spec15 · 03-06-2013, 12:01 AM

With big changes to the FoA landscape coming, I thought it would be interesting to hear views about what direction we would like Ford to take post-2016.

Do you want to see a return to F-series trucks?
Should Mustang be a part of the lineup?
What do we think about their USA SUV lineup?
Does Ford need another large sedan or is Mondeo about right today?
What can they do better from a marketing perspective?

As you'll notice in the thread title, there's no mention of Falcon/Territory. If you want to bash Falcon, don't. If you want to rant about the end of Falcon, don't.

Personally - I want Mustang here for a reasonable RRP, and F-series too. Both products are awesome and it's a shame the only way to get one here is to pay through the nose via unofficial channels.

From a marketing POV, I think the Fiesta stuff they've been doing is great for that target market. I would like to see similar energy directed towards commercials/family/sports cars.

Over to the floor!

Pepscobra · 03-06-2013, 12:10 AM

I'm pretty keen to see the Taurus SHO here to be honest... and Mustang of course.
I want to see the Territory name continue, obviously it will be on an imported new model.
F trucks would be nice, but I don't see the need. I think Ranger is the perfect sized truck for us.
But this might all be irrelevant to me... I won't be selling the FPV or Territory anytime soon.

Moby Vic · 03-06-2013, 01:27 AM

Ford is working on a truly global lineup, but I would imagine the smallest cars (designed for emerging markets) will stay out of the US and Australia. Everything else should be fair game.

Apparently they're working on a Ranger-based SUV. I suppose that could be a Territory replacement. http://www.caradvice.com.au/233618/f...-in-melbourne/

For some reason we don't get the Ranger over here, but I'm sure it would sell. Ford claims the EcoBoost F-150 and the Transit Connect can do what the Ranger does.

The next Taurus will have to be somewhat smaller and lighter. Perhaps it will be sold in the US and Australia.

The Mondeo will become what our current Fusion is.

I guess utes are completely out. That will no doubt hurt sales in Australia and South Africa.

UberKnee · 03-06-2013, 01:40 AM

Mustang and F-Truck hopefully added to the lineup, F350 work truck sounds good to me. We need a replacement for the utes after all, and if not sporty then just go ridiculously big. Not sure if there's any need for a Falcon replacement seeing as the market share that large cars takes up in Australia is down to about 4% or some ridiculously low figure like that.

GTP owner · 03-06-2013, 07:30 AM

what should ford australia look like?
Like this....

The Monty · 03-06-2013, 08:06 AM

Big car - Taurus
Sports Car - Mustang
Ute - Ranger
Small 4wd - Kuga
Medium car - Mondeo
Small/Medium - Focus
Small - Fiesta

Ambiente, Trend, Titanium and Sport in all categories to make it simple.
7 Models, 4 trim/extra levels = 28 in total.

turbodewd · 03-06-2013, 08:35 AM

The current Taurus is too big and heavy, if the next one can shed some weight it has a chance in this market.

For the first time ever I encountered a Sydney underground carpark that was just too small, i scraped the front bar once without knowing it. Now the Taurus is longer than the Falcon and wider and heavier...there's no chance of these being practical here.

The Monty · 03-06-2013, 08:56 AM

Whilst I agree, I dont really have many more options in the Ford stable if the falcon goes. Three baby seats across the bak, I cant go anything smaller, such as the Mondeo. If the Territory was going to continue I would get one for sure, but it wont.

GT-spec15 · 03-06-2013, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbodewd

The current Taurus is too big and heavy, if the next one can shed some weight it has a chance in this market.

For the first time ever I encountered a Sydney underground carpark that was just too small, i scraped the front bar once without knowing it. Now the Taurus is longer than the Falcon and wider and heavier...there's no chance of these being practical here.

I really like them but the weight shocked me!

I do hope the Explorer gets here - they are a sensational looking thing in the flesh and very well equipped.

**DJM83** · 03-06-2013, 10:19 AM

Can it include this? If only it was around the same price here, 43kUSD so around 46k here, id have one if that were the case. Show em whos boss in Landcruiser park (QLD 4x4 playground for those who dont know)
http://www.ford.com/trucks/f150/trim/raptor/

The Monty · 03-06-2013, 10:29 AM

If it could get better than 11 MPG I would be in for sure.

GT-spec15 · 03-06-2013, 10:37 AM

I frothed every time I saw a Raptor in the States - plenty around the California ski areas.

I reckon for $80k ish there'd be a market here.

**DJM83** · 03-06-2013, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

I frothed every time I saw a Raptor in the States - plenty around the California ski areas.

I reckon for $80k ish there'd be a market here.

Ive seen a cpl round here, i pulled up at a car wash once seen this massive caravan, i was like what the hell could actually pull that thing, low and behold there was an SVT Raptor up front.

strobe · 03-06-2013, 10:48 AM

Saw a raptor in Sydney traffic the other day, some landscaping company (I think). Man it looked sick.

tezxr8man · 03-06-2013, 10:54 AM

I'm Dreaming a bit but they should keep the factory here and make low volume performance cars like GT500's or GT supercars or something like that for the righthand drive markets.
cars that aren't so much about profitability more about drawing intrest to the brand and pushing the boundaries

flappist · 03-06-2013, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turbodewd

The current Taurus is too big and heavy, if the next one can shed some weight it has a chance in this market.

For the first time ever I encountered a Sydney underground carpark that was just too small, i scraped the front bar once without knowing it. Now the Taurus is longer than the Falcon and wider and heavier...there's no chance of these being practical here.

That are smaller than a Falcon ute or any of the quite popular land crabs etc. One carpark in Sydney does not represent all of Australia.

Windsor220 · 03-06-2013, 11:29 AM

I dont think they will bother with a large car. Just Mustang for the performance buyers.

Lotte · 03-06-2013, 12:31 PM

Dave reckons he's spotted a raptor getting around narre Warren/Berwick area. If they brought it here I'd be a happy camper.

BrisVegas · 03-06-2013, 01:05 PM

Ka, Fiesta, Focus, Fusion
C-Max, S-Max
EcoSport, Kuga, Explorer
Ranger, Ranger wagon, F-trucks
Mustang, Falcon/Lincoln sedan GT

Maka · 03-06-2013, 01:49 PM

Ford Australia post-2016...what should it look like? Beyond 2016, Ford should look like a lean, mean fighting machine ready to take on all competitors in every market segment it can profitably, with vehicles that appeal to all buyers!

cheers, Maka

LeadFoot81 · 03-06-2013, 02:56 PM

My ideal range would be:

Ka
Fiesta (full range as per UK)
Ecosport (AWD option as per South America)
Focus
Kuga
Mondeo (full range and badged as Fusion like in the US)
Mustang (full range as per US)
Ranger
Endeavour/Everest
Explorer

prydey · 03-06-2013, 03:15 PM

forget taurus. i believe the new version will be LHD only.

most likely scenario is fusion, either rebadged as mondeo as it currently is, or left as fusion.

large car segment is dying a slow death. importing a large car won't resurrect it.

with global models post 2016, ford should be able to respond much quicker to the market, and bring updates to the market in a much shorter timeframe. there are numerous benefits to having a global lineup.

fgpsi · 03-06-2013, 03:18 PM

I'd consider buying a mustang

Hsv killa

fte50 · 03-06-2013, 04:42 PM

Ford Australia post-2016...what should it look like?

It should look like a company whos new products dont appeal to the nation and families it betrayed, and always struggling to gain ground in market leadership.
But most of all, it should look like a company whos products can never outsell those that are made in Australia.

Wretched · 03-06-2013, 04:57 PM

What will it look like?
Depends on how they go about expanding their range.
Get the right products in and they should do well.

Already we're seeing with the right products the sales can be strong, just need decent supply. Focus, Ranger and Fiesta have sold well and should continue to do so in the long term. If Ford AU are smart about getting other models (C-MAX, Territory replacement, Mondeo, etc) and with a good option range they should be onto a winner and look at increasing market share.

Can't wait to see what does come in post 2016.

Nikked · 03-06-2013, 04:59 PM

Ford could really come out fists blazing and attack the market if they really wanted...sadly, the best thing about the loss of the manufacturing operation here is that money can be freed up to introduce more models.

In addition to the Everest and Mustang, beef up the Micro, SUV and MPV selection. Hell...even bring out the MKZ here badged as a Ford LTD...

Ka

B-Max

Edge

S-Max

MKZ

fte50 · 03-06-2013, 05:05 PM

Wow, the complete range above looks like vommit .... to think the MKZ is 2nd to KIAs styling !

**SSD-85** · 03-06-2013, 05:31 PM

I think it has become painfully apparent that the Australian market is not interested in sedans. Period.

So anything with a hatch or a styleside is all we will see from Fords lineup.

**DJM83** · 03-06-2013, 05:39 PM

Edge and S-Max look fantastic, KA isnt too bad either.

I had a look at a Kuga Titanium today then had a look at a Territory Titanium, i know which one id drive home in.

jpd80 · 03-06-2013, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagleheart

I think it has become painfully apparent that the Australian market is not interested in sedans. Period.

So anything with a hatch or a styleside is all we will see from Fords lineup.

but more than hatchbacks, I think Ford's future lies with its many SUV and crossovers:
Ecosport, Kuga, Edge, Explorer and Everest.

Trucks like Ranger and maybe a diesel F250 back like it should be now..