Holden Desperate

[Chilliman]

Hmmm.....smells like desperation to me :

News

Holden urges state and local governments to buy Australian carsBy Stuart Martin
The Advertiser
November 21, 2009 12:01am
Text size
+ - Print Email Share Add to MySpace Add to Digg Add to del.icio.us Add to Post to Facebook Add to Kwoff What are these? CARMAKER Holden has urged local and state governments to ditch their imported vehicles and buy Australian-made instead.
The Victorian and South Australian state governments were the only ones to buy more local than imported cars this year, Holden's new chairman and managing director Alan Batey said in Adelaide yesterday.

The story was much the same in local government, The Advertiser reports.

It comes in the face of a 20 per cent drop in the domestic car market, sparked by the global economic downturn.

Mr Batey said in some government jurisdictions, the ratio was as low as 20 per cent local vehicles.
But he was not making a "blind request" to buy Australian.

"It's been a huge year for Holden on the innovation front - we are building a case to remove every possible reason not to buy an Australian car," he said.

"We're simply just asking for a fair go. I'm going to do everything I can to get ministers, mayors and public servants out of foreign cars and back into local products."

Mr Batey said buying Australian was also an issue for Holden, with the sustainability of local suppliers the company's biggest concern.

"A perfect example is tyres," he said. "With Bridgestone closing its Salisbury facility by next April, we will be unable to put Australian tyres on our cars."

The Holden boss has pledged to continue to support local companies and source as many local components as possible for the new Cruze small car, to be built in Adelaide next year.

Mr Batey called the decision to build the Cruze in Adelaide "perhaps Holden's most innovative decision".

"It is a bold plan to return to small-car production but we need to do it, we need to do it now. We know it is the right decision," he said.

Meanwhile, the federal and state governments yesterday announced an $11.7 million funding injection for SA's manufacturing sector.

The money, from the $40 million South Australian Innovation and Investment Fund established in response to the closure of Mitsubishi's Tonsley Park assembly plant in March last year, will be used to generate $78.3 million in private manufacturing and create up to 476 new jobs.

Grants range from $250,000 to $2.5 million and were made to assist the establishment and expansion of manufacturing capabilities. Eleven manufacturers will receive funding for projects, including:

DEVELOPMENT of an integrated research and development engineering, test and manufacturing facility for a new range of drill rigs (Boart Longyear, Lonsdale, 67 jobs)

BUILDING a facility to manufacture environmentally friendly building blocks (Benex Technologies, Lonsdale, 70 jobs)

BUILDING a mass production facility to manufacture Modpod demountable and flat-pack accommodation, storage and service solutions (Modra Hayes, Warooka, 80 jobs).

Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and Treasurer Kevin Foley said the first $14.4 million of funding, announced in February, was generating a total investment of $63 million and creating about 430 new jobs.

Senator Carr said the competition for support from the fund had been fierce.

[SSD-85]

The best thing that could come out of this plea is that governments go and buy Falcons hehehehe

[Rodp]

Why is it desperate to point out that many Government departments aren't buying local? You'd think, if anyone is going to support local industry it would be our government. Why they're buying imported cars at all puzzles me.

[jweb]

Originally Posted by Rodp

Why is it desperate to point out that many Government departments aren't buying local? You'd think, if anyone is going to support local industry it would be our government. Why they're buying imported cars at all puzzles me.

It’s quite a difficult predicament, I mean buy local and you most likely will be contributing to higher pollution, hopefully I do not get abused for saying that. But from what I recall most foreign cars, minsters drive are more fuel efficient(bar some) and produce lower CO2.Than comparative Aussie built cars.

But then in not purchasing the Aussie built cars they are not supporting the Australian economy as extensively.
Then there is the resale value, the difference may be minor in auctioning(please anyone tell me if I am wrong),If the foreign cars have better resale than the government would be using tax payers monies more efficiently and could use this money saved for other things to help the economy.

Just a few thoughts I thought i would throw out there, I for one think they should purchase LPG Aussie built vehicles, Or get them converted(2 birds with one stone), which would most likely solve some of the issues I stated above.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by jweb

Just a few thoughts I thought i would throw out there, I for one think they should purchase LPG Aussie built vehicles, Or get them converted(2 birds with one stone), which would most likely solve some of the issues I stated above.

I've been saying the same thing but few seem to comprehend the importance of it. It's the ONE thing that Ford Australia has going for it's long-term survival.

Really fleet sales are the majority of the Australian products' market now. And fleet managers are being pressured by the Green Vehicle Guide to buy imported petrol-electric cars and the like - when they really should be buying gas Falcons (and I guess, to be balanced, I should say gas Commodores too, I'll go and wash my mouth out later .

Holden's comment is just another milestone in the local industry's path down the gurgler.

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by jweb

It’s quite a difficult predicament, I mean buy local and you most likely will be contributing to higher pollution, hopefully I do not get abused for saying that. But from what I recall most foreign cars, minsters drive are more fuel efficient(bar some) and produce lower CO2.Than comparative Aussie built cars.

But then in not purchasing the Aussie built cars they are not supporting the Australian economy as extensively.
Then there is the resale value, the difference may be minor in auctioning(please anyone tell me if I am wrong),If the foreign cars have better resale than the government would be using tax payers monies more efficiently and could use this money saved for other things to help the economy.

Just a few thoughts I thought i would throw out there, I for one think they should purchase LPG Aussie built vehicles, Or get them converted(2 birds with one stone), which would most likely solve some of the issues I stated above.

Considering the volume of cars driven by government officials against the driving population as a whole, it's a drop in the ocean. They should be supporting local industry and local workers, bottom line - no excuses.

[Streets]

Originally Posted by Rodp

Why is it desperate to point out that many Government departments aren't buying local? You'd think, if anyone is going to support local industry it would be our government. Why they're buying imported cars at all puzzles me.

$$$. The thing about the local/state/fed government is that they'd off their own mothers (figuratively speaking) if it'd save them a buck and make them look good on the books.

Originally Posted by jixel 78

they just dont need 4.0 litres of natmo six

Not another 3.3. Please no.

[tezxr8man]

It was always an aussie car that the government departments and it was a good thing nw you see prius boxes of cr*p taxi's everywhere and i got pulled over by a Lancer Police car ( not a plain wrapper either)
its UnAustralian not to buy an aussie car in the 1st place let alone the government too

[jixel 78]

Surely Ford could have reduced the capacity of its locally made six to draw a `greener` market? I think this four cylinder Falcon rubbish is just a spin...Holden hit the nail on the head with its smaller number V6, and Ford has missed the biggest opportunity by not reducing capacity of its six banger alongside the LPG 4.0 and Turbo, they just dont need 4.0 litres of natmo six. Jesus even the 4.0T doesnt NEED that capacity.Three litres is plenty, and the software to make it so alongside the hardware cant be THAT expensive, can it?

[SSD-85]

Originally Posted by jixel 78

Surely Ford could have reduced the capacity of its locally made six to draw a `greener` market? I think this four cylinder Falcon rubbish is just a spin...Holden hit the nail on the head with its smaller number V6, and Ford has missed the biggest opportunity by not reducing capacity of its six banger alongside the LPG 4.0 and Turbo, they just dont need 4.0 litres of natmo six. Jesus even the 4.0T doesnt NEED that capacity.Three litres is plenty, and the software to make it so alongside the hardware cant be THAT expensive, can it?

From a marketing perspective this makes perfect sense. But given the 4l has been proven as a better choice for more realistic fuel efficiency, and that holden's 3l v6 is nothing but hyped up marketing rubbish that has rev its t!ts off to get anywhere really does beg the question; why on earth would Ford want to reduce the capacity if they can prove it's a better motor than its competitor?

[Green X]

Originally Posted by jixel 78

Surely Ford could have reduced the capacity of its locally made six to draw a `greener` market? I think this four cylinder Falcon rubbish is just a spin...Holden hit the nail on the head with its smaller number V6, and Ford has missed the biggest opportunity by not reducing capacity of its six banger alongside the LPG 4.0 and Turbo, they just dont need 4.0 litres of natmo six. Jesus even the 4.0T doesnt NEED that capacity.Three litres is plenty, and the software to make it so alongside the hardware cant be THAT expensive, can it?

Changing capacity can change the hole way a engine operates, look at the 3.0 Holden V6. ya need to rev the balls off it to get any power/ Toque and real life test's show the Falcon 6 is on par with the 3.0 Holden motor without DGI. Ford went down the road of reducing the 4.0 capacity in the past and it ended up back at 4.0.

keep the 4.0 liter Turbo, stuff the 4Cyl for the "Green" option stick a V6 Turbo diesel engine into the Falcon with a Diesel/LPG option.

[snappy]

Originally Posted by jixel 78

Surely Ford could have reduced the capacity of its locally made six to draw a `greener` market? I think this four cylinder Falcon rubbish is just a spin...Holden hit the nail on the head with its smaller number V6, and Ford has missed the biggest opportunity by not reducing capacity of its six banger alongside the LPG 4.0 and Turbo, they just dont need 4.0 litres of natmo six. Jesus even the 4.0T doesnt NEED that capacity.Three litres is plenty, and the software to make it so alongside the hardware cant be THAT expensive, can it?

Wash your mouth out

[FalconXR6]

Originally Posted by jixel 78

Surely Ford could have reduced the capacity of its locally made six to draw a `greener` market? I think this four cylinder Falcon rubbish is just a spin...Holden hit the nail on the head with its smaller number V6, and Ford has missed the biggest opportunity by not reducing capacity of its six banger alongside the LPG 4.0 and Turbo, they just dont need 4.0 litres of natmo six. Jesus even the 4.0T doesnt NEED that capacity.Three litres is plenty, and the software to make it so alongside the hardware cant be THAT expensive, can it?

Worst post I've ever seen.

[pauljh74]

Originally Posted by jixel 78

Surely Ford could have reduced the capacity of its locally made six to draw a `greener` market? I think this four cylinder Falcon rubbish is just a spin...Holden hit the nail on the head with its smaller number V6, and Ford has missed the biggest opportunity by not reducing capacity of its six banger alongside the LPG 4.0 and Turbo, they just dont need 4.0 litres of natmo six. Jesus even the 4.0T doesnt NEED that capacity.Three litres is plenty, and the software to make it so alongside the hardware cant be THAT expensive, can it?

Ford have run 2 different capacity 6 cyl motors in Falcons through most of the 60's up to and including the EA. How many 200 cu inch motors are out there in the second hand market from XA-XF? Bugger all. They dropped the 3.2 litre EA because it wasn't selling! The people voted and Ford did what was needed. Currently there are 4 engine configurations - E-Gas, NA 6 cyl, Turbo 6 and BOSS 290. Then add the higher output FPV versions. For the total market - including exports, we can't have too many engine options - this just dilutes the development funding pool. For those seeking lower running costs, the E-Gas is an excellent option rather than introducing a smaller motor that won't sell in big enough numbers to justify it. It will still have the big 4 litre block, so weight savings will be low.

[Stattic]

Originally Posted by jixel 78

Surely Ford could have reduced the capacity of its locally made six to draw a `greener` market? I think this four cylinder Falcon rubbish is just a spin...Holden hit the nail on the head with its smaller number V6, and Ford has missed the biggest opportunity by not reducing capacity of its six banger alongside the LPG 4.0 and Turbo, they just dont need 4.0 litres of natmo six. Jesus even the 4.0T doesnt NEED that capacity.Three litres is plenty, and the software to make it so alongside the hardware cant be THAT expensive, can it?

wow. that has to be the most uninformed rubbish ive ever read on AFF
looks like somebody has been watching too many holden commercials

[Watto_Cobra]

Originally Posted by Stattic

wow. that has to be the most uninformed rubbish ive ever read on AFF
looks like somebody has been watching too many holden commercials

+1

I was reading on a GM forum about the 3.0L Buick Lucerne before Holden released it's 3.0L Commodore. Pretty much the same results .ie. slower than the 3.6SIDI and generally similar economy.

Everything I've heard about the 2.0L Ecoboost says the fleet Falcon will spank the fleet Commodore in grunt, drivability and economy. We'll see when it's released, of course, but I wouldn't mind placing a bet.

[jixel 78]

Originally Posted by Stattic

wow. that has to be the most uninformed rubbish ive ever read on AFF
looks like somebody has been watching too many holden commercials

Oh well. Rear wheel kilowatts will kill the local industry, along with your tinkerbell AU champ. Look ahead a few years, you might see your nose.

[MONSOON]

Who cares about greener/efficient nonsense, All Australian goverment should be buying Australian made vehicles as a priority (where possible). So no Prius', no Corolla's, No lancer's, no 300c diesels, no soft roaders etc... If they NEED a sedan or wagon, it SHOULD be Australian made(even if they are Camry's), only exception should be if they NEED a 4wd to perform offroad work duties

[bigdude1011]

Originally Posted by MONSOON

only exception should be if they NEED a 4wd to perform offroad work duties

And a Territory doesn't do this?

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by bigdude1011

And a Territory doesn't do this?

I think he is talking about real 4wding...

[MONSOON]

Originally Posted by bigdude1011

And a Territory doesn't do this?

The territory is not a ute either, which was a major part of the offroad work vehicle catogory I was talking about.

[XR Martin]

I dont buy the 'greener' excuse either. (for buying overseas)
When you incude the whole carbon miles debate, anything imported is going to pollute alot more than anything built locally.

[SSD-85]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

I dont buy the 'greener' excuse either. (for buying overseas)
When you incude the whole carbon miles debate, anything imported is going to pollute alot more than anything built locally.

x2. I'm sure that the oil-guzzling ships that bring them here arent terribly "green".

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by Scotty85

x2. I'm sure that the oil-guzzling ships that bring them here arent terribly "green".

Pretty much, these ships a low speed diesels that burn crude oil in the open sea, they only burn proper diesel when they come into port as they are too dirty and would create lots of pollution.

Originally Posted by burnz

well he should be (press conference)
without puplic support/anger the pollies will go unacountable,
they badger us the buying public to support local buisiness, but dont stand up them self.

I seem to remember in a press conference where ford improved the XT fuel economy and reduced its emission's and he challenged the government to buy the FG XT now that Ford did what the government wanted (instead of buying omegas that released more CO2 and used more fuel).

[svo supporter]

To throw the cat amongst the pigeons, I think it's a rather clever marketing stragedy. Perhpas Ford Aust should come up with a similar plan of attack to sell more of there cars to the Aust public.

Think about it. Holden is spreading their product through the media and the Gov't, but Ford doesn't appear to be doing the same. Then add in, a Ford forum is going on about this media sell, but not going on about the lack of advertising of this brand.

[Gobes32]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

To throw the cat amongst the pigeons, I think it's a rather clever marketing stragedy. Perhpas Ford Aust should come up with a similar plan of attack to sell more of there cars to the Aust public.

Think about it. Holden is spreading their product through the media and the Gov't, but Ford doesn't appear to be doing the same. Then add in, a Ford forum is going on about this media sell, but not going on about the lack of advertising of this brand.

I think you would find that Marin Burela is doing just that, however, he does not feel the need to call a press conference to announce every single thing Ford does or doesn't do........

[burnz]

Originally Posted by Gobes32

I think you would find that Marin Burela is doing just that, however, he does not feel the need to call a press conference to announce every single thing Ford does or doesn't do........

well he should be (press conference)
without puplic support/anger the pollies will go unacountable,
they badger us the buying public to support local buisiness, but dont stand up them self.

[whales]

Why pick on cars, everything the government buy is imported just about and then they preach to the public that they should buy Australian. For an example the Vic. Gov. are buying trains from germany or somewhere like that when there is a company in Dandenong that build them.
It all comes down to the dollar

[Chilliman]

My two cents: Yes Australian Government Departments should buy Australian made where possible - but the press announcement by Holden smacks of desperation to me. And in typical Holden spin they almost try to make out that they are the only 'Australian' manufacturer out there.

And what's this drivel about Cruze production being their most 'innovative decision'? It will be another loss making venture if it happens at all - there's a little something about the South Korean Government, a state bank, and a $4Billion loan facility that needs to be re-paid.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by whales

Why pick on cars, everything the government buy is imported just about and then they preach to the public that they should buy Australian. For an example the Vic. Gov. are buying trains from germany or somewhere like that when there is a company in Dandenong that build them.
It all comes down to the dollar

Regard what has happened (and is happening) to our once great rolling stock industry as a harbinger of what's on the way for the car industry. The rail/tram industry went quicker because it wasn't protected but left to the wolves.