A must read

JPFS1 · 23-04-2008, 10:18 PM

This article gives great insight into the future direction of Ford and how it's going to affect Ford Australia (when you read between the lines).

Really highlights the financial pressure Ford is under and should make people realise why things have happened the way they have in Australia.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/21/news...ion=2008042205

jeremyevans · 23-04-2008, 10:22 PM

yep. unfortunately this is how it's going to be all over the world soon.

**Elks** · 23-04-2008, 10:41 PM

I actauly agree with the strategy. Made great cars and brand them FORD.

The concept of investing $ in an Aston Martin or Jaguar to make them 1st calss (which they have done by all accounts) then making a second string (maybe second rate) car and calling it a Ford is IMO flawed. To the great unwashed all that meant was there Ford was not as good as it could be.

I sat in a G6E Turbo and thought. Damn this is nice. I don't know the jingles and stuff yet as we are pre launch. To me that is secondary. You can't sell stale bread. Your products must be the best they can be.

I wish them well.

Falc'man · 24-04-2008, 02:52 AM

Good read

The assembly line, the idea of simplification, is what spurred Ford's success. So it's ironic that they (Ford) are the only manufacturer furthest away from this idea and way of thought. Up until now.

Jayden · 24-04-2008, 03:19 AM

How did they manage to screw it up so bad to begin with. must have been hibernating while the rest of the world was working to stay ahead of the game. Im surprised about them learning how important CAD is from Mazda, isnt most of the automotive software American? talk about slow dinosaurs.

I like how the CEOs spend a day axing out a global car. yeah..sounds real promising. what do they do the rest of the year :P

hopefully they've learnt once and for all and will bring about a Detroit renaissance. ie. cool cars.

Russ · 24-04-2008, 10:45 AM

Why not just stick with the models that are popular and selling and try to perfect those. It amazes me why all the car manufacturers seem more concerned about who has the most KILLER WASPS under their bonnets and much less concerned about the list of faults on the cars these new models will supersede. Whatever happened to the old saying " Look after your customers and they will look after you " Why not invest more in what you already have before throwing away money on a gamble which may or may not pay off. Sure they have to keep up with the times and styles and offer the latest gadgets etc.... but just how much technology do we need. Maybe if they kept things a little more basic the road toll might be reduced too, more hands on steering wheels and less playing with the 6 stacker knobs and sub woofer volume. I can see Ford Australia going like Mitsubishi just did, sure this will cost jobs and no doubt have a devastating effect on a lot of other businesses as well but unfortunately Australia seems to be the first place the manufacturers look when it's time to cut costs. I have been FORD man for years and hope to be able to have that choice in the future. They have some great cars available and I would just hate to see them screw it up and watch another famous icon disappear.

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