Major Ford announcement

[BigKerp79]

I wonder how long before Holden follows suit.

[russellw]

Originally Posted by FPVS3

I haven't read all the info Russell, any news on the FPV future?

The question was asked during the full media briefing and Bob responded by saying that no decision has been made in regard to FPV at this stage.

What that translates to is anybody's guess. Could mean we see an FPV Focus (unlikely given how good the ST is); an FPV Ranger (stranger things have happened - think TRD Hilux); and FPV only Mustang (like the 2001 Cobra we got under the previous FTE banner_ or the badge could disappear like the aforementioned FTE one.

Time will tell.

Cheers
Russ

[Whitey-AMG]

Originally Posted by pottery beige

I'm out in me shed having a beer with my Falcons.. sad beers..

Yes....
I kinda felt weirded out this arvo jumping into the GT for my drive home. All of a sudden the GT just felt just that much more special and unique. When I got home - I parked BLUEY in the garage as I normally do..... But today..... I didn't just jump out and walk into the house.....I kinda just stood there and looked over the GT and felt kinda sad and sorry. A lifetime of falcon ownership for me and my family just came flooding into my mind.
I have toyed with the idea of selling the GT many times..... Today - the GT looked back at me and said.....CAN I STAY ?
This Falcon GT will now stay with me for a very long time.....so i too stayed in the garage and sank a couple of beers with my neighbor whilst we stood around talking FORD $&;:.......

[kts350]

Wow terrible day for Aus manufacturing in general, I'm a Holden man but feel deeply sadden by the news this morning when i heard. I just got off the phone with a mate who is Ford and he is nearly in tears over it he said it feels like a family member has died.
I can see where he is coming from as well as I will feel the same if the Commodore goes and we all know there's a big chance that will happen.
I also feel really bad for the all the people working for Ford and the flow on manufacturing industry it's going to be tough time for a lot of people.
Hope Ford sends the Falcon off in style in 2016 with a big banging FPV GT after being the longest serving name plate in Aus motoring it really deserves it.

[b2tf]

Apologies for what might be a long winded post but it's probably the only comment I will make on the topic.

Well straight out after hearing the news this morning I was shocked, quite sad but also not overly surprised. I think when you strip it back a lot of us have realised that this day was a matter of 'when' - not 'if'.

There has been a lot of talk about who is to blame for this, well frankly I feel there are a number of groups to 'blame' if you must say it that way.

First and foremost is the media. The continual beatups, overexadurations (even today the headline reads 'Ford flees Australia'), and constant bashing of the product and the industry have done nothing to help save the public image. Unfortunately as we know, enthusiasts make up their own mind - the general public often do not - rather they are impacted on by what they read and see, and when it's not positive neither is their attitude towards Ford and the cars they make.

Secondly is the Government - taxes, free trade, loss of contracts etc - it doesn't seem right seeing the local police driving round VW and Hyundai vans when for so long we're used to seeing Falcons and Commodores. This never ending push to be seen as 'green' is going to hurt - and I question for what gain. Government departments should wholly and solely be driving Australian built cars, using Australian made products and supporting Australian business. The flip side of this is that the public then cries foul when they spend $1 extra than what they could have using a cheaper alternative, so they in a sense cannot win.

But thirdly, and perhaps most of all to blame - is us. We have had it too good for too long in this country with the cars we drive and the choices we have. We compare a $30k falcon to a $60k european car and demand the tech, the features, and the safety and the options that they have - but we expect it for no more than what we pay now. That is not viable in any industry but when we steer away from our local options and fill our garages with imported products what more can the manufacturers do. We build some outstanding cars in this country but the sad fact is that at the end of the day we simply do not support them.

This is a sobering and scary time for anybody caught up in this - we lament the fact we will no longer be able to buy a car we love, but for so many more people that car is their livelihood - its what puts food on the table and pays the bills. I am more depressed for them than I am for people like us who are simply losing a great car.

I guess the only thing left to say is Thank You Ford Australia - thank you for so many years of great cars, that get us to work safely, let us blow off steam, give us a passion and a lifestyle, and have contributed so much to our country as a whole. While this is a decision no company ever wants to make, I for one feel like they are doing their absolute best to contain the damage from this and look after their people, and I sincerely hope that no matter what vehicles they have to offer, that Ford continues to be a player in the Australian market. I will always have passion and trust in the brand, and I just hope that in the future they continue to be a staple in garages all over the country.

Thanks for the memories.

[FairmontGS]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

Mate it's a 20 page discussion.

Read back and you'll find content lamenting the end of Falcon, debating why it came to this, discussion on what could have extended its life.....and much more.

If you have an issue with a particular post, let me know. Otherwise, it just seems a robust discussion on a big day for the Australian car scene to me.

Like I said, you get home and wonder why the rest of the world isn't the same as you..

[Olbucko]

Originally Posted by Kable72

I wanna drive to broadmeadows the day it shuts. A cavalcade of Falcons to see off their birth place. That would be a sight to see.

My XM would like to go down to Broadmeadows for it's 52nd birthday in 2016

[MethodX]

A sad day for Aus culture and Aus auto history.

But the way some of your ford "fans" act, it is kind of deserved sometimes, anything GM do is automatically rubbished, when they build the cars most similar to Ford.
As if its 1978

[Trump]

Originally Posted by supershifty

I awoke this morning to the bad news - it feels like I was told of the death of a good friend. Frankly, I'm saddended and gutted. Never thought I'd feel this way about a brand. If Microsoft or Intel went down the tube I wouldn't give a rats - Ford Falcon is a part of my life, and I'm very passionate about the brand. There's none better in my book.

There's something that has bothered me in this thread and many other threads about supporting the Ford brand - "why don't you buy a brand new one and support them" for example. Fact is, I can't. The newest Ford I've ever owned is my '97 XH. I love it. It's all I can afford. Life's crap got in the way - like buying a house, uni fees for my daughters, not really important stuff hey? Not all of us are flush with cash - enough with the banging on about buying a brand spankers new Ford. For those that can afford it, I praise you - means I can hopefully buy your 2nd hand looked after one in a few years time!

Cheers!

Awesome post mate, for it highlights an issue that has been completely glossed over in today's discussion. The fact of the matter is, most no one can actually afford a new car lest they finance it (personal loan, novated lease, hire purchase etc). The car companies have come to count on people borrowing ever increasing amounts to keep buying new cars every few years or so. The car companies are in it to make money like any business enterprise, but along the way, they neglected to check what the real cost of buying a new car every three years or so was to their non-fleet customers.

[ltd]

So many to blame for Fords demise; governments who messed with tarriffs in an orgy of economic nirvana, governments who signed one way free trade agreements, governments who stopped buying local and started buying cheaper imported crap - Australia the unpatriotic nation.
Then there's the plethora of people who never actually bought a new falcon although, they have supported the brand by buying second hand so they're not so bad.

What makes it worse though and is indeed an indictment on the forums as they are, is the unlimited number of self-flagellating idiots who can't fall over themselves quickly enough to say; "I told you so".
Perhaps those of you so concerned should consider getting a job at A Current Affair or Today Tonight, obviously your talents for tasteless "gotcha" moments is being wasted here.

Sorry to those affected by this news, to all of us who've celebrated our fords and what fun they've bought us as they've transitioned the steel they've been made from to becoming a mate, we can all give one last hurrah to Ford and try to buy the last model to enjoy for years to come.

To those who are just here to deride Ford remember one thing; no one is impressed by those who gloat at the demise of others.

[buggerlugs]

It is a very sad day but you sensed it coming. I can see and understand Fords plan for the future. Manufacturing in this country is dying a slow and painfull death. I'm sure the people at Holden and Toyota would not be jumping for joy with this decision and I bet Holdens big brother will be watching with interest..............

[richlove]

This news makes me want to hunt down an AUIII XR8 Ute in Silhouette with leather, momo, auto and factory body kit even more. The last of an awesome looking ute.

[mr smith]

I feel OZ will be slowly heading down a slow road of decline until much like the US everyone wakes up, takes a haircut and gets on with being a value adding country.
Service jobs and banks wont save us when the mines slow down and we realise we don't make a thing.
I feel sick not only for the Ford plant shuts, I have been working next to many over the past decade, but also for where we are heading as a country.

[buggerlugs]

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1...-lament/?cs=62

[FPVS3]

Originally Posted by russellw

The question was asked during the full media briefing and Bob responded by saying that no decision has been made in regard to FPV at this stage.

What that translates to is anybody's guess. Could mean we see an FPV Focus (unlikely given how good the ST is); an FPV Ranger (stranger things have happened - think TRD Hilux); and FPV only Mustang (like the 2001 Cobra we got under the previous FTE banner_ or the badge could disappear like the aforementioned FTE one.

Time will tell.

Cheers
Russ

Ta Russ. I'm in London atm, think I'll go for a walk and see what it's like with no Falcons.....Oops! NO WAIT, I might get hacked up!

[ivorya]

I find it interesting that in Bob's speech he went on to say that we are 2x more expensive to build here than in Europe and 4x more than asia. This has me thinking.....

If the markets were open (where's tom waterhouse), i'd put money on an asain factory building our new car.
May not be called Falcon, but, as Holden say's, designed - engineered in Australia, for Australian's.

[Dusty1]

Yeah....sad day indeed.

My diesel Territory is a fantastic car and people don't buy them because they are a Ford. People want something else, so they choose elsewhere. Mainly European in the Territory market I reckon.

My XR6, does exactly what it needs to do, when I want it to. Again, it's a Ford and that's it for a lot of people. Ford was building the car that a lot of people don't want.

Me, I've got twin boys (21 months) and a 4 year old daughter. Not many other cars that can fit three child seats across the back seat. Commodore or something I imported. The Commodore just didn't float my boat, that hopeless thing of the window switches in the centre, was a big thing for me, always hated it.

My Territory is a lease car. I'll probably buy it next year. The Falcon will be gone in a year after that, and I'll get a dual cab Ranger.

Except for fleet, police and taxis not many private buyers get new. I didn't buy the Falcon new, did the Territory. Same goes with the Commodore, there might be a wait for the Sportswagen, but I doubt there are too many Commodores going to private buyers. Can't last for Holden either. More tech for the Holden, that's just lipstick on a pig.

Sad day for the employees and us owners.

[KIWI-1]

Originally Posted by GT-spec15

My understanding is that manufacturers have to provide parts support for 10 years or thereabouts. After that supplies will dwindle over time.

I'm not sure what happens if an operation actually shuts down though, so good question.

Not sure it's 10 years - try buying a BA diff oil seal...
Possibly irrelevant anyway as so many parts are sourced from overseas now anyway?

[Kable72]

Originally Posted by buggerlugs

http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1...-lament/?cs=62

That is a beautiful article that isn't a ragfest on the falcon. Thank you so much for posting.

[flappist]

ENOUGH

Any who want to troll here pressing emotional buttons will also get a holiday

[b2tf]

Originally Posted by flappist

ENOUGH

Any who want to troll here pressing emotional buttons will also get a holiday

C'mon, I'm not seeing anything here that is designed to upset anybody. This was always going to be a very emotive thread.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Kable72

That is a beautiful article that isn't a ragfest on the falcon. Thank you so much for posting.

Agreed, great article that one.

[Professor Farnsworth]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Do you guys think (although id say details would be already in concrete at Ford) Ford may cut back changes to the new falcon where they can ie not adding/changing stuff that might not be needed/cost more now its going to be the last?

Was thinking that as well. Either that, or they might possibly go all out and make something spectacular.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Professor Farnsworth

Was thinking that as well. Either that, or they might possibly go all out and make something spectacular.

Hopefully the later.

[Fpv V8]

Well that is a very sad day for the Australian automotive industry. While I am unsure how our auto industry will end up like, one thing that I am sure of, is that in 50 years time I will still be PROUDLY driving my AUSSIE BUILT FORD FALCON.
THE BEST MODEL OF CAR THIS COUNTRY HAS MADE!

[Madaya]

I tried to help. I purchased my 2010 Ute, with the happy thought that I am supporting Australian jobs. I've always said, even when I win the lotto, I would still purchase good Aussie cars.

[Vormund]

One particularly strange thing about this is that I don't think there has been a closure announced well before a new model was due to be released?

I can't think of any....usually a new model comes out, it tanks and then a while after they wind it up. Mitsubishi with the 380, Nissan with the last Pintara. Chrysler was a bit different, it was the parent company troubles in that instance.

[Fpvboss335]

Very sad really but it only means I'm never selling my Fpv's
Lets see next year what Fpv have for us

[OCTANEBOSS]

Dont want say to much before the wake but are interested in knowing what this announcement has on the future of parts supply, pricing and availability of the later model falcon parts. Will aftermarket suppliers be keen to manufacture spares, does anyone know what extent Ford Australia will back up there previous model spares.

[landau460]

I wish to hell I could buy a new falcon well I much more like the G6E lol that's showing my age... But I'm flat out trying to live with the cost of $&@" I did go into finance for my GT and very nearly paid it off. To support Ford with my money would barely get me An xt which I would like but it's not what I want I would rather a GT..../P but obviously can't afford. Truth be if every member off this forum bought a new Ford Falcon it probably wouldn't save Ford anyway even with the help it would give.
I read a few posts else where in this forum saying Ford is dead to them. I know everyone is differant so to those people you can leave the Ford camp and choose what ever vehicle floats your boat ......
I know this has been a while coming.....
I hope Ford do right by us here in little australia by bringing us real cars not only little stuff.....


If this can happen to such a big industrie what hope is there....

When I was a kid everything was about brand name and to a greater extent that has mostly gone ...... I feel like it has gone now




I am so gutted

Sorry for the rambling