Ford to shed 240 local jobs, cut production as demand slumps - Page 7

vztrt · 15-04-2011, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gobes32

Get rid of full timers and replace them with temps?

Well if its anything like 06 they will be lining up at the door to take the money and run.

Road_Warrior · 15-04-2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

'Drive' journalists need a good punch in the face....

Please form an orderly queue behind me.

FPV · 15-04-2011, 08:05 PM

We just need to give it time, the product release gap is what has caused this (in other words not delivering what people want), but as said previously, this is not the same case as Mitsubishi. The switch between making a decision on engines for Falcon and Territory was bound to have some impact, and right now FOA is suffering, but we are nearly through the worst of it.

Territory is out in a month, Falcon facelift in 3rd/4th quarter. There is not much that we can say and do now except wait for them to come online and if possible buy them. Put simply, this production drop is needed, they can't keep making cars at the same rate if they are just piling up in the car park and they are not the models people are holding out for.

Now previously it has been said Falcon's future will be decided this year, but to make a decision prior to the major releases would be a mistake. Lets hope the decision really has been delayed until next year as JPD80 has said, and lets hope they have a strong run in the second half of the year.

Bossxr8 · 15-04-2011, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

“We are continuing to invest in the Falcon platform beyond the range of technology innovations and the refresh we are implementing in the next 12 months, demonstrating our on-going support for the large car segment in Australia.

“We are committed to the Ford brand and continuing to produce vehicles in Australia.”

Interesting. Spin for the media or...something else?

They are still planning future Falcon updates even after FGII on the current platform, so at least they haven't decided to just let it wither away until 2015. I would have thought they would have tried to keep basically the same car going until 2015, but they want another update after the next one.

Its lucky that Detroit are now making plenty of money cause it gives Ford some breathing space.

**Fordman1** · 15-04-2011, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

They are still planning future Falcon updates even after FGII on the current platform, so at least they haven't decided to just let it wither away until 2015. I would have thought they would have tried to keep basically the same car going until 2015, but they want another update after the next one.

Its lucky that Detroit are now making plenty of money cause it gives Ford some breathing space.

That needs approval ...

Lets hope the numbers for that Freshening stack up ...

Road_Warrior · 15-04-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

They are still planning future Falcon updates even after FGII on the current platform, so at least they haven't decided to just let it wither away until 2015. I would have thought they would have tried to keep basically the same car going until 2015, but they want another update after the next one.

How utterly bizzare.

A Mk II update this year and an MCE in what, late 2013? If they were shitcanning it, you would have to aks why bother?? As Barra says that MCE will require head office approval because of the capital that needs to be invested

robbo/region15 · 15-04-2011, 09:38 PM

My first post here,hi.

Being in the Tier 1, Supplier to Ford ,GM,Toy,Niss & Mitsi since the mid 80's,one can look back over that period and say Whoa! What happened to our Australian supply base of components?

Cost reduction has diminished our workforces,supply from overseas vendors cant be justified or guaranteed for Quality.Yet when theres a problem ,off i trudge to Barry Rd to sort it out.

Australian component manufacturers are doing it tough,[whats left of us],Car companys want it cheaper!Alas ,Vendor from the asia region.

We once had a work force of 700/24-7.
Today there is a Dayshift of maybe 30..........
My point being that we as a country are best to give up the manufacturing of components,as we will never compete with cheaper labour sources overseas,Cost Reduction is all that matters to "Them"..
For the record i drive a Ford[EF],but i fear the future is not written,as we have followed Ford on this 4 day week since 2008,unlike there EBA,we use our Annual Leave to cover the down days,this next period is going to be tough on everyone concerned.
Just my [worried] thoughts.

Bossxr8 · 15-04-2011, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

That needs approval ...

Lets hope the numbers for that Freshening stack up ...

Obviously, but at least they have planned for it and are determined to do it, but like everything Detroit has to approve it.

It would be a bad sign if they had of just decided to sit on their hands and do nothing.

Buntz · 15-04-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

They are still planning future Falcon updates even after FGII on the current platform, so at least they haven't decided to just let it wither away until 2015. I would have thought they would have tried to keep basically the same car going until 2015, but they want another update after the next one.

Its lucky that Detroit are now making plenty of money cause it gives Ford some breathing space.

That's because Falcon underpins the next Mustang. And the 2015 Falcon will probably become a 4-door Mustang. Wheel base is almost identical.

If 'One Ford' is anything to go buy... Mustang and Falcon can survive off one platform. And what they both do in R&D and PD testing will complement each other.

And yes. Local Ford products are being made warm by the light of Ford turning a profit. And a non too shabby profit at that.

**Fordman1** · 15-04-2011, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

That's because Falcon underpins the next Mustang. And the 2015 Falcon will probably become a 4-door Mustang. Wheel base is almost identical.

If 'One Ford' is anything to go buy... Mustang and Falcon can survive off one platform. And what they both do in R&D and PD testing will complement each other.

And yes. Local Ford products are being made warm by the light of Ford turning a profit. And a non too shabby profit at that.

Nice try at being positive as always !

Mmmmmm....Lets see... THAT Platform, does it / or will it exist ??

I'm a betting a big no

Lets see ....

Road_Warrior · 15-04-2011, 11:07 PM

I concur.

Smoke Pursuit · 15-04-2011, 11:10 PM

So which one of you work at Ford??

Lol.

**Fordman1** · 15-04-2011, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DASH GT

So which one of you work at Ford??

Lol.

I don't, but I have VERY good contacts

JPFS1 · 15-04-2011, 11:19 PM

The writing may look like it's written on the wall, but it's not and FordNA have given FordAUS enough lead time before the big call.

Many future programs, including updated Falcon are being worked on, and let me tell you, this whole 'One Ford' thing, well it's not really, it's more like '4-5 Ford', but that doesn't roll off the tongue as well...

and in closing, which i've not seen anything mentioned about it here, the big boys have just left, they've been here sussing out the latest...mmmmmm

Road_Warrior · 15-04-2011, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DASH GT

So which one of you work at Ford??

Lol.

What you talkin' 'bout Willis?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

and in closing, which i've not seen anything mentioned about it here, the big boys have just left, they've been here sussing out the latest...mmmmmm

O rly. Do tell...

Bossxr8 · 15-04-2011, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

That's because Falcon underpins the next Mustang. And the 2015 Falcon will probably become a 4-door Mustang. Wheel base is almost identical.

You really shouldn't make those assumptions and try to pass them off as fact. Nothing has been decided yet.

JPFS1 · 15-04-2011, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

What you talkin' 'bout Willis?

O rly. Do tell...

well let's just hope we filled them to the rim with what ever tickles their fancy and they went back happy as larry.

**Fordman1** · 15-04-2011, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

The writing may look like it's written on the wall, but it's not and FordNA have given FordAUS enough lead time before the big call.

Many future programs, including updated Falcon are being worked on, and let me tell you, this whole 'One Ford' thing, well it's not really, it's more like '4-5 Ford', but that doesn't roll off the tongue as well...

and in closing, which i've not seen anything mentioned about it here, the big boys have just left, they've been here sussing out the latest...mmmmmm

From what I hear,

Here lies the disconnect between Product Development and manufacturing.

ie: Disneyland and the real world.

Lets see what the real world reveals

Road_Warrior · 15-04-2011, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

well let's just hope we filled them to the rim with what ever tickles their fancy and they went back happy as larry.

LOL. Fair enough.

jpd80 · 16-04-2011, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

They are still planning future Falcon updates even after FGII on the current platform, so at least they haven't decided to just let it wither away until 2015. I would have thought they would have tried to keep basically the same car going until 2015, but they want another update after the next one.

This has all changed very recently, public perception is now swinging heavily against Falcon
and I suspect that FoA are worried that a series II FG won't be enough to improve sales.
The fact that they are re balancing lower says that FoA has no confidence in new Territory
or EcoLPI to lift sales numbers, that being the case they won't be doing any further updates....

Dr Smith · 16-04-2011, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

well let's just hope we filled them to the rim with what ever tickles their fancy and they went back happy as larry.

Well the easiest way to judge would be if the local boys, after waving good bye at the private jet tarmac, turned and come home happy or sad....

All this would change if the honchos just let Ford Oz build a RHD version of a high-end large car for export...higher margins for a large car so less stress on currency fluctuations and small enough volume that it's not worth bothering the US plants but big enough volume to keep Australia up around 100,000 units per year. Either way, Ford have to kill the bad press NOW with some form of announcements otherwise the Mitsubishi saga will repeat at Campbellfield. I guess Terry release needs some clear air but they cannot wait much after this at all....

jpd80 · 16-04-2011, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

well let's just hope we filled them to the rim with what ever tickles their fancy and they went back happy as larry.

Hopefully someone put a Lincoln badge on the proposals too........

Are we talking just one vehicle or two?

Dr Smith · 16-04-2011, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

Hopefully someone put a Lincoln badge on the proposals too........

Exactly.........and we get all the high tech in a local Falcon while the world gets it from us.....and maybe fwd, rwd, awd..I don't mind...

jpd80 · 16-04-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Exactly.........and we get all the high tech in a local Falcon while the world gets it from us.....and maybe fwd, rwd, awd..I don't mind...

We need to get rid of "old Gil" in marketing and put someone in their than can do stuff

* old Gil is the salesman from Simpsons...LINK

ED Classic · 16-04-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forda

I'm not sure some flash-in-the-pan marketing program is going to change the situation here.

The large RWD Family car segment is now a small, boutique, market.

Holden aren't doing anything right by flooding the market with cars at below cost. That's a sure-fire way to put yourself out of business altogether.

Yes agree

Buntz · 16-04-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

Nice try at being positive as always !

Mmmmmm....Lets see... THAT Platform, does it / or will it exist ??

I'm a betting a big no

Lets see ....

At least I'm trying.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

I don't, but I have VERY good contacts

The janitor?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

You really shouldn't make those assumptions and try to pass them off as fact. Nothing has been decided yet.

Exactly. So how about all this doom and gloom, nay saying being peddled about be taken with the same grain of salt? Or I will just full on annoy everyone with my unfounded optimism.

**Fordman1** · 17-04-2011, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

The janitor?

No a 'trying' rocket scientist that drives an ED Falcon .....

naddis01 · 17-04-2011, 09:24 AM

Going back to the original topic...

Am I missing something?

Am I right in thinking current production is set at 260 vehicles/day over a 3 day week. So 780/week.

After the change it will be 209/day but over a 5 day week. So 1045/week.

So production is actually increasing. Where is the problem (other than the obvious job losses)? Or am I totally off the mark?

Road_Warrior · 17-04-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naddis01

Going back to the original topic...

Am I missing something?

Am I right in thinking current production is set at 260 vehicles/day over a 3 day week. So 780/week.

After the change it will be 209/day but over a 5 day week. So 1045/week.

So production is actually increasing. Where is the problem (other than the obvious job losses)? Or am I totally off the mark?

Its ramping up for 5 day/week production for new Territory stocks but will be returning to 3 days in June.

**Fordman1** · 17-04-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Its ramping up for 5 day/week production for new Territory stocks but will be returning to 3 days in June.

6 Non production (down) days in each of May, June, & July. Prior to downbalance which starts July 12.

This next week is all 'down' also.