Comments on: Melbourne Motor Show: Ford

By: astroturf

astroturf — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 09:05:10 +0000

i can honestly say the new falcon – in up market spec – looks great. the nteriors are neater than a commodore and all in all the transition in styling from BA-BF-FG is good…

HOWEVER…

the interior build quality is APPAULING… the interior side panel on the doors can be folded back on itself, shutlines are huge, the plastics between steering wheel pillar and instrument cluster are thin plastic and dual layered so when you touch them the clack on each other (which will be great on a gravel road with a ute)

basically ford have had to cut costs too much on finish quality. looks are great but finish is poor. same as BA/BF – they’ll be better when all the stuck on plastic bits have fallen off….

and the bonnet bulge on the sports models is simply comical… unbelievably ugly and built on the old theory that ford drivers are bogans…

to me, the biggest disappointment is that ford (USA) was bailed out 150 million AUD for development of this car with the proviso that ford work on global market for falcon and produce better environ. efficiency from the engines… now we hear there will be no export and engines will be US made – shipped over and installed here… sorry to the hundred odd ford mechanics who lose their jobs…

not good enough america

By: Duck

Duck — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:33:14 +0000

^^^^^^^Lets hope they do!!!!!!!

By: Al Juraj

Al Juraj — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:00:02 +0000

The Malibu (or even the Pontiac G6) will stand a chance against the boring Camry and ugly Accord. These products are a reinvention from GM, with great looks and performance at par with the competition. Bringing in one of those here in exchange for the Commodore is a brilliant idea.

By: Duck

Duck — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:43:58 +0000

Fred,
I quite agree with the Malibu thing! I saw the malibu on the Chevy website and it looks quite good! But i dont know if it would be better than a vectra or isignia.

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 23:00:24 +0000

Hi Andrew, The biggest disspointment for me when the BA Fairlane/LTD was released in 2002 was that it shared way too many Falcon parts. It simply did not look like it was 20k to 30k more the car. Remember the EL/EF series? The LWB stood alone entirely. Holden learnt and did well to ensure the two had seperate identites. Even the interior of the Fairlane was Fairmont Ghia. Also I think Ford missed the boat – literally with exports. Holden do not just produce the Statesman with the Oz market in mind but as much with the Middle East. If you have been there you would have noticed the Chevvy badged LWB everywhere. I am sure its not for the lack of wanting on Ford’s part, but makes you wonder just how much of a stumbling block Detriot is? We have the best rear wheel drive platform in the Ford world here in Australia. Pity we can’t share it. Imagine how good it would be for us to supply the States for the Crown Victoria replacement? Our biggest problem would be our capactity to reach demand. I am sure Geelong would benefit more with extra Falcon manufacturing than with South African bound Focus?

Then again, who knows what goes on in the corridors of power??

By: Andrew M

Andrew M — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:08:00 +0000

Rick,
QUOTE…………
“The truth is Ford thought the Territory would hurt the wagon hence no upgrade was planned. Hindsight is a wonderful thing Ford.”

well actually in terms of a business sense i think ford have played it well.
i mean they already know 99.9% of their wagons get sold to fleets at discounted prices so why invest in a product that is already sewn into contracts?
and since 99.9% of the current wagons do go to fleets i would actually say the territory “has hurt” the wagon.
and if you were a private buyer why wouldnt you opt for the similarly priced territory? i know i shore would.

but i agree with everything else you said

the fairlanes departure was purely because they didnt have fleet sales sewn up because lets face it, bugger all in the private sector need to go the LWB option anymore as you can get it all in the lower spec cars now.
holden can justify their statesman range to continue as they have plenty of fleets tied in. i betya if holden lost all its government contracts etc they too would be investigating its viability.
the chrysler 300c sells in the same numbers as the statesman last time i checked and im guessing it would be like 90% private sales for the 300c

By: Bavarian Missile

Bavarian Missile — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:04:13 +0000

Stop being a tease…….

By: Wheelnut

Wheelnut — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:54:25 +0000

I;d like to see Holden import the new Chevy HHR panelvan as it would make a perfect “Retro-Tech” Sandman

However; isn;t this blog about the new Ford Falcon?

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:54:15 +0000

What Holden needs is the Chevy Malibu and simply replace the cross insignia with the round lion. It’s a real contender from GM once and for all, and with the new Accord and 6 on the way, they need more than twice the Epica’s worth.

By: troy

troy — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:10:22 +0000

If holden dont need to replace the astra, they DO need to fix all of its failings!

does it still require timingbelt changes every 50 thou to be safe??

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:51:05 +0000

Duck, Point taken. I agree with you on the Astra. Having said that I was dissapointed to see the Vectra go. Holden must be concerned though? Ford has had it tough for sometime but finally appear to be prepared for real battle. I hope they find a way to bring back the long wheel base sedans especially seeing that it was Ford who first kicked off ther trend to stretch the base model 40 years ago. And whatever the reasons are behind the wagon, if only they took a leaf out of Holden’s book and catered for both the fleet and the private buyer.

By: Duck

Duck — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:30:57 +0000

Rick, Holden do not need to replace the astra! I’ll agree with you that they definetly have to replace the epica, though, propably with that Isingia. Yes i hope they replace the barina with the european Corsa! And HOLDEN probaly will bring out a series 11 Commy when the FG Falcon comes out.

By: Oz.

Oz. — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:15:47 +0000

Frugal One, go away, just because you don’t like it means your alone. Everyone else thinks it’s good. Keep your anti-Aussie comments to your self

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 04:51:34 +0000

Let’s face it. Come May when the FG hits the streets it will cause the VE to age overnight. Holden needs a Series II real quick. Plus it needs a Fiesta challenger. And a Astra replacment. Not to mention that Epica thing has to go. The new Territory is 12 months off but still streets ahead of Captiva. Ford is in good shape. Although the loss of Fairlane and LTD is an unforgiveable stuff up on Ford’s part. As is not having a wagon in the new model. Ford says the BF MkIII will continue for fleet purposes only. The truth is Ford thought the Territory would hurt the wagon hence no upgrade was planned. Hindsight is a wonderful thing Ford.

By: Frugal One

Frugal One — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:51:03 +0000

The House of Representatives -

Resolution 269

Cheers

F-0

By: Bavarian Missile

Bavarian Missile — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:46:33 +0000

Frugal every one is entitled to their opinion but in what way don’t you think this measures up.Fine for you to make that comment but what are you backing it up with?

Seems to me the finish is getting better on all fronts in Australian manufacturing.Try being a little more positive.

Ive always thought Fords product was better finished off than Holdens .But hey that’s my opinion! Sort of like BMW and Merc, Merc just that bit better. Thats coming from a Bavarian Junkie!

By: Frugal One

Frugal One — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:41:30 +0000

*IF* i was in the market for a large car it would be last of my choices.

1st. would be VE 2nd. the Aurion.

In any case like most of the other punters not interested in a large-gas-guzzler with applaing buld quality and resale.

Cheers

F-0

By: Alec

Alec — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:57:38 +0000

Frugal One, part 2!!

Its comments like yours that really give local cars the uphill battle.

One of the main arguments for dredging Port Philip Bay is to prevent Melbourne becoming a ‘Backwater’, however, I think there is a greater chance of this great city becoming a backwater if Ford was to close down and put all their componant suppliers and employees out of business!!

From what I have seen, this car is every bit as good as its competitors!!

By: Alec

Alec — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:51:11 +0000

Frugal One,
After seeing the car in the metal at the motor show, my opinion has changed SUBSTANTIALLY.
It is extremely well finished,
Extremely comfortable,
Extremely roomy,
the leather on the G6E Turbo was some of the best leather I have seen/felt on a car at that price,
It looked modern and a whole lot better in the metal than in any of the magazine pictures I have seen.
In fact after sitting in almost every car at the motor show, the Falcon interior really SHAMED many MUCH more expensive cars.

By: Frugal One

Frugal One — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:26:40 +0000

Take it from me the Falcon is doomed!

It really has nothing new, and does not even look bang-up-to-date fresh or exciting.

The Commodore and even Aurion have it all over this.

Countdown to shut-down is away and ticking….

NOT WORTH COTY IN ANY SHAPE-WAY-OR-FORM!

Cheers

F-0