Ford Launch Global Performance Brand?

LeadFoot81 · 23-12-2014, 12:12 PM

According to this article from car and drivers website:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/ford-pe...icles-by-2020/

Fomoco has unified it's global performance operations under the banner 'Ford Performance' which makes for a smooth branding transition here in Oz.

The reason I put a question mark in this thread title is because I'm confused...it seems like no one's mentioned it yet? Is it for reals?

Blueford260 · 23-12-2014, 12:32 PM

Did see that on Facebook the other day.
I thought it a bit strange that they shut FPV here and now it's this totally new thing world wide Ford Performance.
I wonder how many meeting and focus groups they had to come up with that

LeadFoot81 · 23-12-2014, 12:38 PM

Yeah I don't think FPVs name was ever a problem, more the business model of building something in one factory, then shipping it to another factory which added bespoke performance parts.

**kypez** · 23-12-2014, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeadFoot81

Yeah I don't think FPVs name was ever a problem, more the business model of building something in one factory, then shipping it to another factory which added bespoke performance parts.

Yes, but why retire a badge/name only to have it sprout up again albeit not the same but awfully similar.

LoudPipes · 23-12-2014, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kypez

Yes, but why retire a badge/name only to have it sprout up again albeit not the same but awfully similar.

It’s called progression and happens in business all the time to give the illusion of freshness.

**DFB FGXR6** · 23-12-2014, 12:50 PM

The idea is to merge all of Fords performance brands under the one name.

Australia had FPV. The US has had many performance names (SVT, Ford Motorsport) and Europe RS/ST. "Ford Performance" ties these all together and in is line with the One Ford policy.

LeadFoot81 · 23-12-2014, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kypez

Yes, but why retire a badge/name only to have it sprout up again albeit not the same but awfully similar.

Similar for us, but in the US it replaces SVT and for the rest of the world it's a new brand. Globally the Ford Racing brand comes under the banner as well (according to the article)

ST, RS and GT models all fall under Ford Performance and it may be headlined by a new GT40. Interesting times.

FPV GTHO · 23-12-2014, 12:58 PM

From what I've seen "Ford Performance" has replaced Ford Racing

GTP534 · 23-12-2014, 01:22 PM

When Sinclair Ford had an information night for the new Mustang earlier this year they mentioned their new branding would be "Sinclair Ford Performance" and all performance Fords would come under this umbrella.

All the FPV signs have come down now so they'll probably ramp up the new branding.

**kypez** · 23-12-2014, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoudPipes

It’s called progression and happens in business all the time to give the illusion of freshness.

Agreed.

My thoughts were When you retire a brand or something such, its fraught with issues. So in this case, maybe Ford could have spent some time figuring out the Global strategy prior to killing off FPV. Or could have said FPV will be getting rebranded with new models coming up.

The number of people who have come up to me saying there is no performance division to Ford anymore unlike HSV/AMG/M etc, and that they will only offer whitegoods on wheels (like Toyota) moving forward is because of this. (Similarly, people come say, Oh Ford is closing down now so what will you buy?!)

Edit: I dont think its a great idea to always say Goodbye and then come back with a new name. People like consistency. They dont like change.

**kypez** · 23-12-2014, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeadFoot81

Similar for us, but in the US it replaces SVT and for the rest of the world it's a new brand. Globally the Ford Racing brand comes under the banner as well (according to the article)

ST, RS and GT models all fall under Ford Performance and it may be headlined by a new GT40. Interesting times.

Agreed. I was just saying that it might have been good to do here with the brand going through so much change with the manufacturing closure. At a Global scale, yes, its all new. Locally, I'm just saying it could have helped soften the blow.

"Ford are keeping design studios in Australia and FPV will be rebranded as FP." Might make a few more people feel a little more warm a fuzzy about the brand. IMO.

LeadFoot81 · 23-12-2014, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kypez

Agreed. I was just saying that it might have been good to do here with the brand going through so much change with the manufacturing closure. At a Global scale, yes, its all new. Locally, I'm just saying it could have helped soften the blow.

"Ford are keeping design studios in Australia and FPV will be rebranded as FP." Might make a few more people feel a little more warm a fuzzy about the brand. IMO.

Yeah...Ford Oz are still finding their feet when it comes to the nuances of promoting themselves.

Hopefully the Ford Performance Brand sticks and becomes recognised globally like BMW M, Mercedes AMG, Audi S Line, etc (no I'm not comparing Fords to expensive Euro products, just using examples of brand recognition)

rancidpunx · 23-12-2014, 03:33 PM

This is all very well and good as long as Ford Performance models make their way down under in right hand drive.

LeadFoot81 · 23-12-2014, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rancidpunx

This is all very well and good as long as Ford Performance models make their way down under in right hand drive.

Fiesta and Focus ST are already here, Focus RS will join them too.

Let's see if some hot Stangs, Fusion/Mondeo, and big daddy GT40 come here too.

FPV GTHO · 23-12-2014, 03:52 PM

If there's a new GT/GT40 type supercar, it won't be coming considering GT350 won't be coming either

LoudPipes · 23-12-2014, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kypez

Agreed.

My thoughts were When you retire a brand or something such, its fraught with issues. So in this case, maybe Ford could have spent some time figuring out the Global strategy prior to killing off FPV. Or could have said FPV will be getting rebranded with new models coming up.

The number of people who have come up to me saying there is no performance division to Ford anymore unlike HSV/AMG/M etc, and that they will only offer whitegoods on wheels (like Toyota) moving forward is because of this. (Similarly, people come say, Oh Ford is closing down now so what will you buy?!)

Edit: I dont think its a great idea to always say Goodbye and then come back with a new name. People like consistency. They dont like change.

I’m not saying I agree with it as I honestly haven’t given it any thought.

And you are right, it’s not always wise to change from something people know and associate with.

Still changes in product naming in the car industry is common and if the product is good and the change is well advertised then the old generation customers will come on board with the new.

I do agree with what LeadFoot81 has said, Ford as a global brand should have a global performance arm like the Euros do.

It doesn’t matter where in the world you’re shopping - an AMG etc. is known for what it is.

In 5 or 10 years I would like to think Ford Performance will be recognised as easily worldwide.

Rancidpunx is on the mark, not much point in the name change from an Aussie perspective if Ford doesn’t release the performance models here.

LeadFoot81 · 23-12-2014, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

If there's a new GT/GT40 type supercar, it won't be coming considering GT350 won't be coming either

GT350 is a Mustang derivative that isn't coming here (until further notice).

It comes down to whether there will be a RHD GT super car for global consumption, and Ford Oz/selected dealers are willing to take the challenges of offering such a product on our shores.

malazn mafia · 23-12-2014, 06:13 PM

The name isn't complete without the 'Vehicles' at the end and the silver/blue angry bird oval logo. Come on Ford, at least give Ford Aus some recognition for once...

CyberWasp · 23-12-2014, 07:05 PM

It has to have 3 letters or it just doesn't sound right.
AMGee, HSVee, FPVee.
FPee sounds like an abbreviation for something you need after too many beers.

FPV GTHO · 23-12-2014, 08:14 PM

Its not FP though, its Ford Performance. Just like Ford Racing before it wasnt FR.

malazn mafia · 23-12-2014, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPV GTHO

Its not FP though, its Ford Performance. Just like Ford Racing before it wasnt FR.

Meh should have stuck with Ford Racing instead then. Its like bmw changing its M division to S division for Speed for instance.

last fairlane · 23-12-2014, 09:06 PM

Changing the name of a model doesnt always work
look at Nissan Pulsar changed to Tidda doesnt make any sense at all
and it took them 20 years to work that out
how many lost sales over those 2 decades
but then look at the red lion changed from Kingswood to Commodore
and sales eventually took off but it was a huge gamble
it took them a few years to get back in the sales again
the product didnt help much
just my thoughts
John

danzvtil · 23-12-2014, 09:15 PM

All these comments, seriously make it seem like Ford AU run every Ford division worldwide. Ford Performance might possibly have nothing to do with FPV, its past organisational structure and products. Why does everything have to connect to the past? Im sure Ford Performance will sell to people who may have never considered an FPV.

1TUFFUTE · 24-12-2014, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kypez

Yes, but why retire a badge/name only to have it sprout up again albeit not the same but awfully similar.

And I'm also pretty sure when they weighed up the memories of 20aussies vs enthusiasts worldwide......using the universal word "performance" wouldn't have been that hard of a Descission to make.

1TUFFUTE · 24-12-2014, 07:55 AM

And my personal thought is if they were ever thinking of rebranding or going for a refresh......NOW is the time. NEW worldclass mustang taking the world by storm....along with current and coming hot fiesta and focus models. Amoung other things like their new supercar

and even the raptor models!

Good thinking ford

GTP534 · 24-12-2014, 09:54 AM

I for one would like to see some stability with "Ford Performance" if that's what the performance arm ends up being called.

Too many management revolving door/reshuffles don't inspire confidence. HSV seems to be a pillar of stability when compared to FPV previously.

I would just love to see them have stability and maybe as it's a global Ford thing, we can expect that.

XR Martin · 24-12-2014, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by last fairlane

Changing the name of a model doesnt always work
look at Nissan Pulsar changed to Tidda doesnt make any sense at all
and it took them 20 years to work that out
how many lost sales over those 2 decades

John

They brought back the Pulsar name because they knew the car was awful and were hoping it would sell on the name alone.
People have seen through it however, hence its bearly sold to anyone other than the rental companies.

And it was only 7 years that the Pulsar name went AWOL.