Anyone else losing faith in Ford Aus?

ea90gl · 29-02-2008, 12:51 PM

Well what can I say, even as a long time ford supporter over the past weeks I'm starting to lose my faith in the Australian Ford company. The introduction of the BA showed us that Ford was starting to lift its game again and the offerering from FPV were promising in many ways. But slowly we have seen the FG which to me is a slack attempt at a new car having design cues from the BF, we've seen the last Fairlane released as some bog stocker with nothing special and even though FPV havn't released any official figures for the FG based models I mean what can we expect, small power increases and stripes? All this while we see Holden coming out with nice models that even the biggest Ford fans are giving great credit to. This has all been dissapointing to me and I hope Ford is doing this for a real surprise down the track but if things keep going like they are I'll probably be saying stuff Ford soon. All opinions welcome

**Polyal** · 29-02-2008, 12:56 PM

Sorry mate, if you think the FG is slack then you have NFI. Everyones entitled to their own opinion blah blah blah but no one has driven it yet!

Holden have done well, they knew they where in the poo and this global platform has saved them. Not only that but they now have access to basically any technology within GM; as long as they can prove the investment of course.

Ford (US) has only woken up in the last year or two, I think you will find FoA doing exactly what GMH have done.

Some people think these things can be done over night, just doesn't happen like that.

JPFS1 · 29-02-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ea90gl

Well what can I say, even as a long time ford supporter over the past weeks I'm starting to lose my faith in the Australian Ford company. The introduction of the BA showed us that Ford was starting to lift its game again and the offerering from FPV were promising in many ways. But slowly we have seen the FG which to me is a slack attempt at a new car having design cues from the BF, we've seen the last Fairlane released as some bog stocker with nothing special and even though FPV havn't released any official figures for the FG based models I mean what can we expect, small power increases and stripes? All this while we see Holden coming out with nice models that even the biggest Ford fans are giving great credit to. This has all been dissapointing to me and I hope Ford is doing this for a real surprise down the track but if things keep going like they are I'll probably be saying stuff Ford soon. All opinions welcome

I think you're over reacting and placing too much emphasis on show stoppers.

For me, the cars released by HSV are nothing special, they are just cars built from bits and pieces from the GM world parts bin like all other cars. What they have at their disposal is what dictates the product they can supply us.

These aren't the type of cars that are going to save Holden or rejuvinate the large car market in Australia, so it doesn't matter to me whether they release them to steal the limelight at the motor show.

A companies success shouldn't be measured by their ability to produce a 'wow' factor car that can't be bought off the showroom floor. Yes they might help in the perception stakes, but in this day and age when everything is going against big, heavy, fast gas guzzling cars, it might do more damage than good in the long run?

To compare a couple of niche HSV products to the new FG range isn't at all relevant. The FG range is what people can buy, these will be the models that will enable us to measure the success of Ford AUS and the path they've chosen.

Powdered Toast Man · 29-02-2008, 01:01 PM

I second everything Polyal said. Lets give Ford a chance, Holden have quite a lead on them globally but Ford are clawing it back.

sleekism · 29-02-2008, 02:06 PM

The way I see it 89% of Falcon sales and 81% Commodore are fleet so the WD-427 is going to mean nill all.

What is going to matter is when the fleet manager examines the fuel economy and safety options for Falcon vs Commodore which will be the deal sealer IMHO.

As for retail sales the G6E Turbo will provide something for all the cashed up Euro Snobs and Fairmont Ghia enthusiasts.

This will then mean there will be enough sales to continue the XR8 and XR6 Turbo for all the cashed up bogans.

My biggest concern is that they have badged it in Cubic Inches as opposed to the FPV method of badging it with kilowatt output.

So to the uneducated how is "BOSS 320" going to look against "WD 427"

mcnamg · 29-02-2008, 02:32 PM

As has been said many times on Here the styling of FG was signed off in 2004 so the BF design was a preview of the FG and not the other way round.

Fairlane died due to poor sales numbers and lack of export market as BA-BF was LHD compatible and neither is the I6 engine. Holden is only able to keep the Statesman and Caprice alive due to strong sales in the Middle East where they Buy them by the truckoad. When Ford goes GRWD expect a return of the Fairlane.

Your comment about Ford fans commenting about how nice a CONCEPT car looks sounds to me like something a one eyed fan would say. Just because we are Ford fans doesnt mean we can give credit where credit is due.

I think the FG is a great car and Ford has done a great job with both the interior and the exterior. I also think Ford is operating on the motto of "once bitten twice shy" after the AU disaster. It may take a couple more updates or new falcon models before Ford decides to dramatically change the design theme they now have as they can ill afford another AU.

I have every confidence Ford AU will do well and they are making all the right noises and are doing well financially compared to Holden

KBBossedXR · 29-02-2008, 02:45 PM

Ford/FPV in my opinion are and always will be playing catch up to Holden/HSV, unless they come up with an all new car that turns the market upside down. I was under the impression this was going to be an all new car but you can definately see the BA/BF in the FG but i still like the look and cant wait to see one in the flesh, a couple of my mates dont like the look from the photos so far especially the black/grey sections on the front bar that puts them right off.
It is little things like this that will stop people from buying a car even if it handles well goes like the clappers and the interior is great (i dont like the screen being so high on the dash) if they dont like the look on the outside they wont buy the Car its as simple as that.

Mighty Reds · 29-02-2008, 02:49 PM

Since when has the VE been the pinnacle of design, the SSV and Calais V are the only two that appeal to me. I like the FG range as a whole a lot more than the BA-BF too.

irlewy86 · 29-02-2008, 02:51 PM

ooooooo aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh

Holden slapped a 7litre into a commodore

So all Ford have to do is put a Shelby motor in a FG and hey presto problem solved

Alternatively come 2010 there will be the Hurricane line of V8's, which will make the W(anker)427 look pretty pathetic.

Look to the sig my friend

Fordmuscle1965 · 29-02-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mighty Reds

Since when has the VE been the pinnacle of design, the SSV and Calais V are the only two that appeal to me. I like the FG range as a whole a lot more than the BA-BF too.

Notice all the advertising that holden do normally feature these cars as the stock standard ones look lame as F%&K!

RATT · 29-02-2008, 03:03 PM

I still can't believe the negativity toward a car that no one here has really driven for any extended period of time.

All new? Well it's atleast 90% new. The BA was almost all new compared to AU as well. The VY was a facelift in comparispon.
The rear end of the VE still "looks" like the old VY! But it's nothing like it.

What about the "new" Mazda 6? Does anyone know that still shares its basic platform with the outgoing model? No one seems to care!

As good as the new Landcruiser may be, it still has a seperate chassis platform. No one cared to mention this either.

Or what about Subaru still using essentially the same boxer 4 for some time, and not to mention that 4speed auto is still the norm.

Lets give FG a chance to prove itself when its released. When the XR6 Turbo does a mid 13sec quarter standard at only $45k (or thereabouts), will everyone all of a sudden think FG was gods gift? Probably!!

Every new car will look like another car until you get used to it. Remember that.

All the showcars do is create something for people to brag about. Never mind the fact that not many, if any will be sold.

pb02 · 29-02-2008, 03:30 PM

As others have mentioned, it's way too early to even comment on the FG.

In regards to Ford Australia, I think they are going in a better direction than Holden. The focus (pun intended) is on small cars now. Ford have the new Fiesta coming out soon along with the upgrade Focus. Both look great and have outstanding safety records and are very economical. Territory has been, and will continue to be a winner. The new Mondeo is in a very tough class but I think will do well as people look at smaller cars that are more economical.
Holden have a bunch of re-badged Deawoo's as the small, affordable, and economical range...... Way to put all your eggs in one basket!
I think Ford are really gearing up well for the future given current trends...

ea90gl · 29-02-2008, 04:22 PM

some interesting comment here, as for the FG i am soley talking about looks which plays a big part of the car, yes i know its the interior ergonomics/mechanicals etc et that is a big part too and I havnt commented on that yet. Its not that I dislike the FG but you must admit Ford could have come up with something more creative and more attractive, something that kept the faclon origins but veered away more than the BF. Many people have commented that we should not comment on the FG until released but you also have to realise that we dont need the car to be released to comment on looks since we have allready seen extensive shots of it. And yes it might look better in the flesh but will not make a huge difference. As for the last fairlane I'm talking about the last ones made, i'm not really concerned why it got dropped but they sure as hell could have made the last bunch stand out and go out with a bang. with the HSV 427 you have to give credit to the fact HSV is actually listening to its fans and cutomers, at least they are making something that can stand out and will impress many people. Look at the coupe60, it was made to "reward" the fans and customers in other words once again Holden/HSV are actually taking steps to please. All this is not to say I love these cars, I would neither buy both or ever be interested in buying one but. I just hope that the FPV models dont just have the power upgrade and some stickers, give us something wild and never before seen

Poetic Justice · 29-02-2008, 04:25 PM

I don't believe it's a case of losing faith in Ford. It's more so understanding that Ford ma not be able to achieve certain things we would all like to see.

**TUF_302** · 29-02-2008, 04:32 PM

I will always have faith in ford, and will own many of them in the years to come!,Ford may not have the show stoppers that HSV do, but i think the FG is going to really bring us back up there with holden, and i think they are hiding the power figures of the FG FPVs for a good reason, i mean they have realised we need something to compete with the big vette powered VE's and our new boss osbourne really seems to no what he is doing, i say give it time and Ford Aus will be back stronger and better than ever!!

ea90gl · 29-02-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

This tread is stupid, the end.

More like that post was stupid, another thing I reckon is that going by the many negative comment on so many threads around here alot of people would like to see better things come out of ford too but probably dont have the guts to post of a Ford forum. Go through threads and you'll see what I mean. BTW I still respect Ford and what it has done and its also good to see many people keep positive, I just hope no one thinks this thread was started to have a go or offend anyone, remember its all about expressing an opinion and seeing what others have to say

HSVKILLA · 29-02-2008, 04:37 PM

You want my opinion,get over yourself and harden up FORD is the biggest and best thing to ever happen to me,so to read these types of start up threads makes me wonder about easily pushed turncoats

:

T3rminator · 29-02-2008, 04:40 PM

I'll stick my neck out and agree with ea90gl. Ford is burying their heads in the sand. They may not want to compete with Holden on the power front, but guess what their customers compare their cars to when it comes to performance?

Holden is giving their customers what they want.... Ford are hanging onto the faith of the die hards.... I'm afraid that is not sustainable.

ea90gl · 29-02-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSVKILLA

You want my opinion,get over yourself and harden up FORD is the biggest and best thing to ever happen to me,so to read these types of start up threads makes me wonder about easily pushed turncoats

:

????? to read them types of posts makes me wonder if you're that one eyed narrow minded fan that tells him self Ford is the best to sleep better at night

HenryV8 · 29-02-2008, 04:57 PM

2 things:

1. The FG looks pretty damn good to me. Even before release it looks like a better option than VE. Quite apart from the its better looks, inside and out, it looks like the 6s will not only have better torque and power than the VE and Aurion, but better fuel economy as well. This should be a very marketable car.

2. Ford is not just a Falcon company anymore. With its European stablemates, Focus and Mondeo, Ford Australia has the best overall range of product that it has had in decades. This can only improve when they start Australian assembly of the Focus.

This is before you even start looking at things such as Ford Australia's future role as Ford's rear wheel drive development centre and the current chairman's fresh and encouraging perspective regarding LHD versions and exports.

It seems to that Fords Australia's dark days are coming to an end, and the future looks very promising.

djst · 29-02-2008, 05:00 PM

I think fords whole approach is not as much focused on Holden,as in previous times,but they are looking more towards the future kinetic design approach, and profitability as Toyota are modeled.
Toyota are number1 in oz,and moving very quickly on GM as number1 in the World.
GM just posted one of the biggest losses in history of 42 billion
I think Ford are refocusing their attention and their approach from that of the past.

Nikked · 29-02-2008, 05:01 PM

the only thing Holden have on ford are marketing and power outputs, the current F6 can still give a 6l HSV a run for its money, the new falcon looks fresher, and going to be safer. FPV are not releasing figure because it will keep HSV guessing, and look what they have done. 370kw HSV/holden are running scared, they pully of show stoppers to draw media and public attention away from the Ford stand, because if you lookcloser you'll see that the FG is going to be serious compition.

Mighty Reds · 29-02-2008, 05:04 PM

Just curious if I go to Holden and ask them what they have in a high powered 6 what will they have on offer, a 195kw SV6 yet if I goto Ford I can buy a 270kw XR6 Turbo.

How is Ford not catering for people wanting power, they have both V8's and turbo sixes where Holden only have the V8 option.

irlewy86 · 29-02-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djst

I think fords whole approach is not as much focused on Holden,as in previous times,but they are looking more towards the future kinetic design approach, and profitability as Toyota are modeled.
Toyota are number1 in oz,and moving very quickly on GM as number1 in the World.
GM just posted one of the biggest losses in history of 42 billion
I think Ford are refocusing their attention and their approach from that of the past.

Thank god, someone can see the bigger picture.

DOC · 29-02-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ea90gl

but if things keep going like they are I'll probably be saying stuff Ford soon. All opinions welcome

Someone needs a hug, and a blown Boss.

HSVKILLA · 29-02-2008, 05:40 PM

you wanted peoples opinions,well you got mine.

ea90gl · 29-02-2008, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOC

Someone needs a hug, and a blown Boss.

you can keep your hug mate but hand over that blown boss

ea90gl · 29-02-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSVKILLA

you wanted peoples opinions,well you got mine.

thats fine

:

BHDOGS · 29-02-2008, 06:04 PM

Holden have big pushrod v8s a big wow this argument is as old as time itself if i buy an e-series work it to 400rwkws for the same price as a new holden hsv can i then say my cars better or does it have to be a stock fg i compare it to? honestly this argument is pointless just like my whole post

BadMac · 29-02-2008, 06:09 PM

Not losing faith, but starting to worry that Ford Aus might be following Mitsi out of Aus (too many corners cut on FG for my liking). If they had gone more Iosis less BF then they would have kept me interested (however I will still wait till I see it in person before passing final judgement).