Ford Motor Co. posts $100M profit
26 Apr, 2008
106 Comments 
Ford Motor Co. has today announced its first quarter earnings, posting net income of $100 million on total revenue of $43.5 billion, this is compared to a net loss of $282 million on revenue of $43.0 billion during the same period a year ago.
The news has seen Ford stock soar, closing the day up 88 cents, or 11.7 percent, to $8.40 a share.
This profit comes despite the company posting a pre-tax loss of $45 million in North America, compared with a loss of $613 million a year ago.
Overseas results have improved dramatically, amounting to a pre-tax profit of $739 million in Europe on revenue of $10.2 billion - these results do not include Jaguar and Land Rover which Ford has since sold to Tata Motors Ltd.
South America has also closed the first quarter with a pre-tax profit of $257 million, up from $113 million a year ago.
“In the past several years, we have substantially restructured these businesses. We believe this is an indication that our efforts to leverage Ford’s global assets across the world will bear fruit. Going forward, we remain committed to our key business objectives, including our goal of reaching North America and overall Automotive profitability in 2009 despite the challenging economic conditions.” Ford CEO Alan Mulally.
Unfortunately for Ford, not all its overseas interests are booming, with Volvo posting a pre-tax loss of $151 million, compared with a profit of $94 million a year ago.
Ford said Volvo was hurt by lower sales and changes in currency exchange rates, partially offset by cost reductions.
Ford, which posted losses of $2.7 billion in 2007 and $12.6 billion in 2006, expects the rest of 2008 to be challenging, cutting its full-year North American outlook for sales, but said it remains committed to its goal of returning North America and its whole auto business to profitability in 2009.
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April 26th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
isnt it amazing that north america is dragging the chain that much that it cancells out the great fortunes of ford Europe
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April 26th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Thats what I have said that USA has dampened Ford moving ahead! The sooner in true reality they assess designs that come out from all corners of the globe to tie in with an overall Ford look the better! This is why they have lagged and went backwards and Iam seeing evidence of designs such as new releases that will turn Ford around.
Andrew M,
What is story on Kuga, Iosis and Verve as these designs need to be fastracked quick and Ford should bite bullet and release and cross the tees and dot the i’s on quality and design protocol…..instead thay wait for feedback from a limited market which is not daring and scared on Ford’s behalf. Kinda like being a rabbit in front of an approaching truck late at night on a very dark road. THUS ASKING FOR TROUBLE!
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April 26th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Kinetic swoopy designs is key………not trashed up shyte dished up by some R&B or RAP artist like car designer that flies in face of familiar design nomenclature that we currently see in Fiesta, Verve, Mondeo, Territory. Lay down law Alan Mullaly with your designers as there is to wild a weird look lacking cohesion within Ford family!
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April 26th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
NM,
the Kuga has featured on the ford UK website for sometime now. the Kuga is not far off release.
ford UK really have their head screwed on right.
all ford AUS needs to do is beg to get the missing links in ford Aus’s product line up.
they have already filled the long time vacant seat for the mid sized with the mondeo and the seats vacated by the festiva and laser with some top notch products.
now they need the Kuga here to fill the medium SUV category.
the product line up for ford is looking strong and very decent both design and quality wise.
now its time for their marketing team to pull their fingers out and create some good sales as a reward to the great upcoming products created by their designers
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April 26th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
and what i detailed was for ford australia to benefit a little more.
for ford US to change their fortunes, they need a little more help.
well going by the latest survey results the quality of the yanks offerings has become top notch stuff, but they need to stop being so stubborn and realise that perhaps they dont design the best RWD platform and heavily commit to ford Aus’s design,
or realise that ford UK is the place to get your trannys etc
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April 26th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
I do agree but there seems to be a US cultural hassle that they wont listen and dish up more same same crap that flies in face of Euro stylish look. I can see it changing, SLOWLY……but the heartfelt US tugging on HQ mentality needs to be truly ignored as this is the reason for the trouble. Crap shyte average lookers that is so evident…go look at US website of Ford and serious the designs polarise people, are square crap, weirdo headlights or styling cues the smell of disaster! The sooner Mullaly railroads some of these designers to set genepool look across Ford family the better. I admit that there always is a cycle in life and business and Ford is at number 7 on the clock whilst for ages being at number 6….since 1998 been at number 6. Dont take my word for it….go look at US website and I can say I would “NOT” take one of there cars as shyte old boxed up mish mash! Drop a Kuga into pool, and baby I say……”Cool, deal done”. I do agree advertising has been lax, Holden and Toyota have dominated the print media well with deals and encouragement to buy there stock. Ford just wack a car pic there and a few little buy it now comments in tiny sized ad in obscure at rear of car section and think thats successful! If someone did that to me I would sack em!!!!
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April 26th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
In my opinion the new Falcon will be not runaway success due to limited change from BF (current model) and change of market due to petrol prices. Ford should of read better the forecast ahead as a LPG turbo would of been a hit, a diesel Falcon offered in every model either as standard or an upgrade should apply! Ob design front on new Falcon, compared to the BF the front lights tooooooo same (as BF), rear lights toooooooooo same (AS bf), dash toooooooooo same (as BF). The rear lights should of been more upturned on bottom or much different from BF (Sonata, Aurion or Subaru Liberty) and front lights should of been standard like on bug eye range. Then I would of made Sports variants 2 circular lights separate like on Falcon some years ago which I liked a lot. Trouble with Ford is they are tooooooooooooooo paranoid very scared to flaunt it and are chicken to risk it and redefine where it is heading……………..I say problem is since AU 1998 day, Ford has been scared heaps to rock boat and do cool designs…..instead froze in front of lights like a startled rabbit waiting to be hit! WAITING AND WAITING!
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April 26th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
TYPO……..On design front on new Falcon.
Also model update has been old hat next to nil for Ford which makes me wonder…..where the hell have the gurus in Dearborn been as limited cutting edge looks coming out. This is why Hyundai is a threat as there range is marketted well and designs real good and balanced now. Ford is on number 7 on clock and its coming up and coming up real well!
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April 26th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Good on them!
If Ford keeps getting profits,(I hope they do) Ford will do just fine. Hopefully Ford here in Australia will report profits this year with the new Falcon instead of loses for the first time in ages.
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April 26th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
With rumours circulating around that cars from India and China (e.g. CHERY) will flood the Australian market in the next 3-5 years, Ford needs to position itself with a very cheap car to compete and enable it to be in mix.
The other problem with Ford is model differentiation. Look at current model Tornado, Typhoon, GT, GT-P, Super Pursuit and Pursuit and it is insane same look. And what does Ford do about it…..nothing yet and change CEO downunder. It all comes down to model look, model updates, model differentiation and marketting! Where have Ford been…. out to sea stunned at crap AU and letting Dearborn railroad its way. Poor old Henry Ford would turn in his grave if he seen where Ford is climbing up from currently (i.e. on way up!)
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April 27th, 2008 at 8:44 am
ANDREW M,
Go to Ford USA website…..the only car remotely would take is Ford Fusion and Ford Edge. Look at the rest of crap and I would bowling ball management down middle with a massive strike and knock all pins over. The rest of em are shyte lookers and ordinary! By identity problem within Ford family - have a look at Fiesta, it is nothing like model we are getting here! The model lineup over there to be realistically blunt is rubbish and seriously they would have to offer massive deal for me to walk out with Fusion or Edge…..rest of em they would have to pay me the purchase price and would still be in two minds to accept! Are you happy with model lineup there as I aint and you “cannot” surely like em!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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April 27th, 2008 at 9:24 am
cool,
Dingo has hijacked anothe IP Address
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April 27th, 2008 at 9:31 am
It’s Ford Oz and Ford Europe that are making the lions share of the money for Ford; which then goes to offset the losses being made by Ford US.. Same goes for Opel Vauxhall and Holden in relation to GM..
we’re doing all right it’s HO thats having problems
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April 27th, 2008 at 9:46 am
NM,
i know the ford US designs look crap, but its not really fords fault.
i mean take a look at the other US auto makers websites, and whether it be GM or toyota, they are all pretty typical bland yanky looking.
ford, like GM and toyota are only styling to what the yanks want.
i also feel model differentiation has gotten a lot better for ford Aus. they have clearly alienated the base XT so private buyers dont feel connected to the fleet/Taxi seller when shelling out for what will be the entry private models in the G6 and XR6.
i still love the look of the current typhoon etc, and ive always said all they need to do is just throw a few more body line at what already looks stunning.
if the BF series was released today and none of us had ever seen a BA series before, it would easily look up with the times and very much the part.
the only reason the BF series feels dated, is because we have been looking at it for a while now.
compare it against the opposition and its not really that dated.
the FG has become the best large car in OZ with out a doubt. yep sure as hell im pissed that they couldnt be bothered putting a decent LPG system in the E-Gas or even a Turbo version, but the opposition dont offer a stand alone version what so ever.
even though it is probably the best large car option, i do agree that it wont set sales records a light.
its not just the attributes of the vehicle itself that determine sales results, its the many other behind the scenes things such as marketing which ford really suck at.
i still laugh at the thought of a diesel falcon or commy.
i mean why would we want to shell out $5K extra for a diesel falcon that will return 2L/100k better. dont forget that it has now been announced by the motoring bodies that diesel wont save you a single cent, let alone pay off your investment.
the only thing worth buying a diesel in is a japper ute becaue it will save you at least 6-8L/100k. just ask someone who has a V6 japper and they will tell you they chew the juice compared to a diesel version.
to put it in simple terms a V6 japper will chew more than a V8 falcon or commy.
you wont save 6-8L/100k on a diesel falcon. Why? because that would mean you would be plodding around using only 2-4L/100k and quite frankly that wont happen
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April 27th, 2008 at 9:48 am
spot on wheel nut,
thats what i said too.
Ford Aus and Ford UK are takimg the company 5 steps forward, and Ford US are taking them 4 (some times 5 or 6) steps back
yep same applies to GM
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April 27th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Naughtyius Maximus, what’s wrong with the American Fords other than the Fusion and Edge? And you say all the American Fords other than the Fusion and Edge are crap. Why, What is wrong with them?
Dingo[AKA Matty Lever] are you an A Current Affair journalist? Because you have “aca” written under website.
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April 27th, 2008 at 9:53 am
its a step in the right direction for ford and congrats. Hopefully they will throw a carrott or two out ford oz’s way.
Got to drive the FG and boy is it a stunner to drive, very nice!
Is it me or does matty lever sound like dingo?
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April 27th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Excellent point Matty Lever… $100mil profit for a multi-national car manufacturer aint much to right home about
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April 27th, 2008 at 10:23 am
well it got you to write about it didnt it TP?
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April 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Ford only made $100mil profit?Ha Thats how much Toyota spend on Yaris advertisment in Tasmania
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April 27th, 2008 at 10:24 am
or is that “right” about it?
im thinking you may have spelt it write/right as you are the learned bugger around here
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April 27th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Your not write, your wrong
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April 27th, 2008 at 10:37 am
When you are in 2 of the worlds most competitive automotive markets being the US and Europe..$100M Profit is something to write home about
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April 27th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Quote: Wig Wam - Ford only made $100mil profit?Ha Thats how much Toyota spend on Yaris advertisment in Tasmania.
and how many Yarii have they sold in Tassie this year…? probably more than they have the Pr[etent]ius Hybrid
but its not a very good return for a Sub $20K runaround
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April 27th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Ford just need to burn out the deadwood an Dearborn.The average person can only name 1 or 2 models from Fords US lineup and Ford US seem to resent the fact that everywere else the Fords are top notch.Ford Aust do not get the same level of support from the US as Holden does from GM and can still build a car thats just as good or better.Come on Dearborn get your act together
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April 27th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Haha nice stats Dingo. Wheelnut $100mil is NOT something to RIGHT home about, its pitiful. Toyota compete in all the markets, so your excuse is nothing but that, an excuse!
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April 27th, 2008 at 11:18 am
TP = Dingo?
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April 27th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Dingo,
you didnt need to tell us it was that time of the month,
because youe mindless dribble and nagging proves you body is changing.
do you have shares in toyota?
i ask because i dont see why you get so excited over sales figures.
even then shareholders dont want to know how much toyota discounted their vehicles to fleet buyers.
at least a good profit per unit display would have been more usefull
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April 27th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Well thats a relief to see Ford overall make a profit, it should wake up some top brass in Ford US a bit to change their direction in their cars, I agree completely their range is subpar.
Though I believe its all Europe pushing Ford across the line so much take them out and Ford probably won’t exist.
AndrewM, but NAmerica reports losses after losses, is it really what the Yanks want? or are they forced fed these krud over and over again.
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April 27th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Toyota spent $100mil on TRD Aurion reserch and development,but we have only sold 9
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April 27th, 2008 at 11:57 am
You obviously aint looking in the right places… Ive seen plenty of TRDs in the richer areas (in Sydney, that means coastal areas)… they dont want to be another bogan in a FPV/HSV.
I think Toyota might not sell the most cars this month Dingo, they ONLY had double the market share in previous periods… this could be a close one I agree haha!
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
i agree with you jobber,
but Ford US’s competition offers very similarly styled vehicles.
i agree they should change, but can lepards change their spots? yanks are pretty stubborn when it comes to acknowledging they have inferiorities
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
thats right TP,
in the coastal suburbs where all the ritiree’s are who have grown up with a corolla and now want to show a wild side ha ha ha ha ha ha
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Dingo,
do you get a cut of the profit?
i buy the vehicle that suits me not the one that is sold on the back of the stock sells stock philosophy
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
also dont forget to thank the fleet buyer in your little speech for the purchase of the many discounted hilux’s and corollas
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Dingo Says: [April 27th, 2008 at 12:14 pm ]
I am the Profit !!
I am the Walrus; coo-coo-ca-choo!!
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
if Dingo is the profit how come he doesn’t make any sense
if dingo is the prophet yet he doesn’t have many disciples
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Yeah its hard for US but I think the losses are a good catalyst to look at changing.
Though I believe the Global Platform initiative may turn the tide, when the next model after the FG comes along if it does, it should come out with a left hand derivative, and Ford can follow in GM’s footsteps and bring in the Falcon into the states…. As long Osmond doesn’t put the Yank feel into that car of course :S.
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Oz. Says:
April 27th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Naughtyius Maximus, what’s wrong with the American Fords other than the Fusion and Edge?
LOL OZ….GO LOOK AT USA WEBSITE AS THE CARS THERE BY FORD ARE CRAP. TROUBLE IS LOTS OF PEOPLE ON HERE ARE TOO MUCH IN DENIAL THINKING THE FORD CARS ARE HOT - THAT IS FUNNY AS
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Dingo are u a shareholder in Toyota or work in Toyota? Ive never heard anyone so death passionate about a particular brand.
Dont get me wrong, but yes Toyota as a corporation is probably superior, but it doesnt mean its products it churns out are too. profits are good but to who?, For us consumers I don’t really give a 2 cents worth unless the product is good for me. Unless what I said in the previous para…
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
LOL OZ….GO LOOK AT USA WEBSITE AS THE CARS THERE BY FORD ARE SHOCKERS. BLAND, BORING THEY ARE….AND THEN YOU PEOPLE SAY TOYOTA’S ARE BORING AND BLAND. SORRY BUT US FORS’S LOOK TRIPLE MORE BORING THEN CAMRY / AURION!LOL….GET A GRIP! TROUBLE IS LOTS OF PEOPLE ON HERE ARE TOO MUCH IN DENIAL THINKING THE FORD CARS ARE HOT - THAT IS FUNNY AS SEE THE COMMENTS AS TOO SELF CENTRED AND NOT LOOKING AT OVERALL LONG TERM PICTURE. USA FORD CARS ARE SHYTE AND THAT IS REASON FOR SOME DEMISE!
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April 27th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
NM,
but the reality is im not looking to buy a US Ford.
why do i care what the eggs look like in china when im here in OZ
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April 27th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Andrew M,
I know. What Iam clearly pointing out is Dearborn HQ has too much push to design cars as they see fit….and have trouble blending euro look into range in Ford family. So a weak US market as it would be the case will only reinforce the same dogma regimental lets run things from Dearborn and not Aussie Ford even more. Holden stepped up and upped the ante and Ford Aust have sat hands tied by head office. You can run around this comment however you see fit - the problem is head office and direction of Ford family nomenclature worldwide. Have a look at USA Ford Flex….how does that fit in? And wouldnt Ford USA be better served removing Expedition, Explorer and Escape for our Territory (updated of course). Ford is staring at writing on wall as sitting idle when should be harder taking hard yards!
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April 27th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Toyota paid Fisher & Pickel $100mil for use of some of there design Q’s True
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April 27th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
fords lineup is crap in the US they have the fusion tuarus and edge then te 10 year old focus there crappy 4 wheel drives the hidoeus flex and the only thing that looks good are the F sereis trucks
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April 27th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
o,
i agree.
the F series trucks do look good. they look tough and mighty, just the way such vehicle should look.
NM,
i know what you are saying mate, but the way you put it is like you are saying ford australia and UK’s range is crap just because the US stuff is tasteless.
it is the credible success of ford UK that is rubbing its way into australia not the stuff from the US, so dont get your knickers in a knot.
yes the US need to pick their act up as they are by far the weakest link in the ford chain. every other branch is well above par.
as i said it is ford US that is undoing the great work coming from the UK, AUS and Sth African facilities
yes i would be great if the US could see past their own stubborness and take on the falcon platform, but as long as we have the falcon where i can buy it (right here in OZ) im not going to go on a big mission.
the ones that should be pissed are the US costomers
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April 27th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
“Ive seen plenty of TRDs in the richer areas (in Sydney, that means coastal areas)… they dont want to be another bogan in a FPV/HSV.”
TP, why are HSV and FPV driver bogans!? Id rather be seen in either one of them than a OVERPOWERED FRONT WHEEL DRIVE CAR! The TuRD AURION!
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April 27th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
i was going to go but, but, but………….
yeah what ever ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
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April 27th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
NM said: “LOL OZ….GO LOOK AT USA WEBSITE AS THE CARS THERE BY FORD ARE CRAP. TROUBLE IS LOTS OF PEOPLE ON HERE ARE TOO MUCH IN DENIAL THINKING THE FORD CARS ARE HOT - THAT IS FUNNY AS”
How do you know they crap, have you experienced them before? Second, who on here thinks Ford cars are hot? Aren’t you a Ford fan? I do like Ford cars NM, they called Falcons! LOL
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April 27th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Andrew M, were you going to Perth?
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April 27th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Duck - that is the TRD Aurion, the one that beat the Holden CV8 in Targa Tasmania… oooch !!
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April 27th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
OZ…..why easy answer. Cause most on here say Camry and Aurion boring. The cars on USA website or more boring.
ANDREW M…..what Iam saying is USA is prob pinnacle market. As Dearborn set agenda, they say ya or nay on platforms, car designs and influence car designs around the globe. Go read one of current mags that talks of mismatching cars from one area that dont tie in with another and read Mullaly’s comments which mirror what I have said for ages on design.
Trouble is you are so jaded and tad twisted and caught up in yourselves to see reality. OZ….my comment has nothing to do with driving a USA Ford as that is irrelevant. Whats relevant is first impression and on that note USA Ford’s are bland as watching paint dry and make Aurion look hot as! And yet you both argue back and miss point or question whatever….LOL
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April 27th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
typo….USA website are more boring!
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April 27th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Lets hope its one of Rios ,Im sure they would be interested to find out what sort of low life they have working for them,let alone the guys in the wet mess that would love to thump him,I bet he wouldn’t have the balls to say what he said to me Friday night in front of them.He really is a just a key board bully!
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April 27th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
LOL……………………Rio. Who cares and who wants to know. You are shadow sparring yourself fool!
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April 27th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
It is very very easy to change your IP address, you dont have to change computers… It might take a minute or two at the most, so banning anyone that way is pointless.
And honestly, with the sh*t that comes from NM, Oz, Dingo, “Think Again” and many, many more, the site would be much better without the comments.
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April 27th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Might want to read your own posts too NM
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April 27th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
well done Ford for turning things around and at least anouncing a profit. People on this blog and especially TP and his mates have no idea on anything automotive or business. Like life in general any business has peaks and troughs. Remember not so long ago Holden were out of business in Australia until GM bailed them out with a billion dollars. Ford have been down but its not all their fault.i am sure they didnt see the oil prices surging so dramatically just like everyone didnt see it. They will fight back.
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April 27th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Good to see hard work and good looking models rewarded because Ford lost it’s way a few years back but it appears to be back on track everywhere but in the US……this will probably be my last post on this web site because I’m being censored for comments that don’t contain anything offencive and am tired of writing for nothing ….so bye bye and good luck with all the censorship thing but it’s gotten too boring for me !!!!!
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April 27th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
my comment where i said but, but, but, and then laughed my head off, was in reply to BM’s comment which was removed for some reason?????
she said i was gonna go back to the show today and get some info BUT, etc etc etc
it was a half smart reply to hers
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April 27th, 2008 at 6:40 pm
NM,
have you taken a look at the GM US, and Toyota US sites?
it aint much better there either unless you like a cadillac with rodeo headlights and many other bland design cues through out their entire range.
im not trying to deny that ford US has some pretty ordinary stock that they sell, i have totally agreed with you. i just dont see how you can sit there and tar the much better UK and AUS lineups with the same brush.
its like you are holding it against ford AUS/UK because ford US has bland automobiles
the trouble is you are wearing over sized granny knickers that are sooooo knotted up that you are becoming sensitive about a problem in australia that doesnt exist.
gee mate, settle down, pick that wedgie, and then once your granny knickers arent knotted, you will stop over reacting.
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April 27th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
On another note congrats to Ford in the US for its 9 millionth Stang .Here is what Autoblog said
“The Mustang passed yet another landmark less than a week after its 44th anniversary on April 17 when production reached nine million units. The milestone Mustang, a GT Convertible, went to a dealership in Iowa for delivery to its lucky customer. As Ford’s longest running nameplate, the Mustang had one of the best starts of any production car with over 22,000 sold on the first day and more than one million sold in the first two years. It’s had its ups and down over the past 40+ years, but it’s safe to say that the Mustang has enjoyed an upswing in popularity since its retro-restyle a few years back.” end quote!
Gee I wish Ford Australia would take a leaf out of the Yanks books and do something similar!Give us something Retro, Aussie dollar is strong I know but what about making something for Ford US here in Australia {like GM are doing with the Camaro here in OZ}reinventing another Retro Ford label in the US selling it back to the Yanks and re-badging it here in Australia as a GT we really want! Maybe even a Coupe finally! Oh a girl can dream……
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April 27th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
BM, Totally agree that Ford OZ needs to do a good retro muscle car or something similar!!!
and also agree that Friday comments were disgusting and unacceptable…..hopefully everyone can settle down and stop ruining what should be some fun for all of us!!!
OK got to for tonight but your such a sweetheart i might hang around for a few more days to see if things settle down and we can go back to ribbing each other without offending….cya Babe
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April 27th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
ANDREW M,
It appears your Ford hat is superglued firmly on. If your happy with where Ford is; then you live in a fools paradise by claiming it comes down to marketting = your not as smart without your Ford hat off! So maybe get off saying Toyota’s like Camry are bland and boring as your yardstick your using is wedgy-ing you quite well with a focussed on one car mentality.
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April 27th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Wheelnut……Not only is your girl a sweetheart but from some of her comments she is also crazy about you!!!
OK……..Now I’ve really got to go for tonight coz I’m running really late!!!!!
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April 27th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
LOL ANDREW M…..yeah Toyota US and Holden US are miles in front of Ford for style and look. Hell the Matrix Toyota shytes all over Ford Fusion and the Avalon is ahead on style of Ford offerings. Nearly the same with GM. Obviously you are happy with Ford being where it is…. and style is with Toyota and Holden more. Seems like you are doing a cool job of wedgy-ing yourself to believe what you want to believe. That is Ford’s designs are just down to marketting and other things’ and nothing to do with ugly cars. So next time I hear you say Camry / Aurion are ugly I will remind you the twice as ugly boring cars in the Ford US market you try to uphold.
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April 27th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
BM, import it or get a copy of unique cars and theres plenty of current model stangs, 500’s people selling
I dont think Ford will waste money (given they are floating on the redline already) by stocking retro muscle cars only to clash with their muscle Falcon counterparts.
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April 28th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Antispam word Falcon {ok}…………Carl,your sooooooooooooooo right,I hate calling him by his blog name{Wheelnut}he has been the man that has saved me,my rock,my hero the man that means the life anchor.He comes across as on this site as the knowledgeable but quiet type,but he is the softness of men,the most understanding yet stand-up hero I have ever experienced,not to mention the funniest person I have EVER met.Im the luckiest woman on Earth to have him in my life,and 6 months ago never thought I would have this happiness! I maybe his goddess,but hes my saviour! Yep hes asked me to marry him so you can imagine what Ive said!,imagine waking from a nightmare to a dream you won’t want to escape,Im there!Hes sooooooooooo special!
Oh and Joober,what I was trying to say FORD Aus need something new………I advertise in Unique Cars so I know what it provides,sometimes you have to hang your arse out there to see what you get!
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April 28th, 2008 at 6:32 am
ANDREW M says “im not trying to deny that ford US has some pretty ordinary stock that they sell, i have totally agreed with you. i just dont see how you can sit there and tar the much better UK and AUS lineups with the same brush.
its like you are holding it against ford AUS/UK because ford US has bland automobiles”
NM RESPONSE….What Iam saying is Ford have good stock, but HQ in Dearborn still hand tie rest of world with rules and regulations and design philosophy too much! It has taken ages and ages (many many years) for UK, Sth Africa to get good stock and cool designs. My point is Hyundai have updated excessively, Holden has to lesser extent and Ford has sat idle! Take out the great work on Verve, Kuga, Iosis, Fiesta and there is next to nothing new! That to me says HQ is stubborn and regimental!
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Good to hear Ford moving forwards again. I agree with some comments on here the GT needs to be the pinnacle muscle car for Ford again. Otherwise ditch the V8’s and use the F6 or XR6T as the current Ford OZ hero cars. Poor marketing on Fords part to have the XR8 being walloped by the XR6T. What are you thinking Ford!
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April 28th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Agree Westy, Both cars are comparable in power and seems like the turbo sixes are getting better times too, even tho its clear to say, there will be people who just love the roar and feeling of a v8 car, the xr8 being the ‘budgeto’ alternative to the FPV range at least gives something to those who cannot pull up enough for a GT
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April 28th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Joober,
Yes my sentiments exactly. The only way people will own and XR8 is if
a) they can’t afford a GT (but then there is the F6 and I reckon it will make the GT look like a tortoise)
or
b) as you say they just like the sound of a V8.
If I was in the market for a V8 sporty car from Ford I would expect it to be easily as quick as a 6pot. In this case though the XR8 is a sloth and that is bad bad marketing from Ford. As all reviews I have read so far say it just doesn’t pull like the XR6T. Once it winds up it goes ok but just bogs down getting away. If I had 46K to spend I would go the XR6T as it will give HSV’s a run.
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April 28th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I think it was Drive that I read Ford are/were thinking of ditching the V8 ,again !!!!!! As pathetic as it is in the GT currently I don’t think getting rid of the V8 again is such a good idea,Ford need to fill that want that GT owners need although it needs to be something worth dropping in the engine bay of Australia’s epitome Muscle Car name, the famous GT. But I guess if we don’t get the 5.0ltr that their currently contemplating along with some forced induction attached then the GT will be axed too. Rod Barrett needs to have a long chat to Bill Osborne and what we as enthusiasts demand, I mean whats the point of FPV building their name to end up with a line-up of V6s and diesels in 2010,how much of a Hero car will that look like !Gee you may as well give us FWD too……..hehehe
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April 28th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
i had an FG on order but have ditched it in favour of a chrysler, it is a pathetic attempt by ford and FPV to build a V8 muscle car, but thats what happens when you put poms ( prodrive) in charge of something they know nothing of or dont want to know!
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April 28th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
So we picked the 300 up yet Tonyn ? Is it fighting with the GT in the Garage ? Hope your weekend improved babe!
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April 28th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
NM,
i think you knickers are that knotted that your wedgie has reached the “atomic” stage and hence your vision is being distorted to a degree where you seem to not be able to read properly what im saying.
i mean you had like 4 posts in a row and on the last one it seems you slightly got my point.
i wouldn’t take any US styled vehicle as they are all designed with a set square.
so apart from the kuga, verve, iosis, fiesta, mondeo, etc etc etc the rest of the range is crap?
well what the hell else is there in the range.
that description includes light car, small car, medium car, large car (new falcon has great gear in it too), medium SUV, SUV (when territory gets face lift)
what else do you want?
too bad for ford US if they dont want to accept the better offerings that ford AUS and UK are throwing back and forward.
i see what you are getting at, but there is no point in discussing ford US because i dont have shares in them. yes it would be great for ford if those tools over there werent soooo stubborn in accepting the better gear that is else where in their stables, but get over it.
just to reiterate and ill put it in bold because i know your wedgie must be really starting to pull your eye lids down……….
I AGREE WITH YOU THAT FORD US STOCK IS VERY BLAND.
what is your proposal of what should happen?
i say Ford US should take it on the chest like a man and accept the better products that are else where in the stables?
do you agree or disagree with that statement?
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
ANDREW M,
Gee your a hard dude….dude.
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Andrew - the focus is also a great little car, pity though what the yanks have done to its exterior and interior. Foul. They certainly know how to coc k a car up.
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
He sounds like hes had a hard day NM………your right though a tad harsh I thought too!
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Sorry never finished last post….your obtuse as.
I think Alan Mullaly should say….well better products are coming outta Europe, Australia and UK and get the cane out in Dearborn and say “OK we gotta change the perception of our designs here as we have some cars that are average and not selling in great numbers”. I would then kick arse to make sure we get Euro inspired designs and not boxed up rubbish that Dearborn has spoon fed onto US market. Alan should also say “Why have we got the Fusion in US which flies in face of other small offerings and we got to fast track the Kuga, Verve, Iosis, (ANDREW M…..you will get my point as there is no etc etc etc like you try to tell me on new models). I think US should put the heavies over here and truly get Aussie market up to speed as nothing has happened of major note since Osbourne there. Like were the hell is the Mondeo wagon…..hmmmm. Ford muck around taking ages to do these decisions whilst Toyota, Hyundai/Kia and Holden overtake Ford. I think you need to truly wake up and not personal attack me and face it as Ford being overtaken!
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
We go to US market…..what the hell is Fusion doing in range and Fiesta does not remotely follow any styling cue! Are you happy with that cause Iam not and so you should be same!
I have had a look at Toyota and GM USA websites….it just reinforces why Ford is lagging crytal clear and I suggest you defog your glasses!
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
NM,
dont take my insults personally.
sorry if you took offence but i thought your were good for a little slinging of mud.
my phrasing or your ways was all in good fun.
being from the same back ground of employment as i am, i would have thought you would have been to pay out on your self and others with out taking it so deeply.
the undies comments were all in good fun.
perhaps when i do that next time, i should end the sentence with one of these
any way………
the way i see it is that i agree with you 100% in the way your last post phrased your ideas
ill say it again…….
i say Ford US should take it on the chest like a man and accept the better products that are else where in the stables?
do you agree or disagree with that statement?
for part of your posts on the topic i felt that you were saying that the designs from the US are going to rub off on Ford OZ
ford OZ has comitted to the Kinetic way of designing, so i dont think the bland american ways are going to head here.
also like i have said many times on many different posts, i also feel that they should pull the finger out and get the kuga etc here
once again do you agree with this yes or no?
i say Ford US should take it on the chest like a man and accept the better products that are else where in the stables
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
ANDREW M,
Dude, it was the knickers comment that was bit over top I thought.
All cool mate!
Hell yes I agree Ford US should cop it on chin and accept that better products elsewhere….trouble is Dearborn has been stubborn, regimental and not listening! Since 1998 I would say it has been like this! I have read that Ford want to assess market when Kuga, Iosis, etc is released in other markets and assess then to bring here…..I liken this to a public servant approach or Yes Minister mentality. To me it aint good enough!
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
ah come on mate,
i thought the knickers in a knot comment was clever.
through out that whole discussion it didnt seem to me like you were even reading what i had posted.
i would post things and say yep i agree with you, and then you would carry on like i was trying to make out the US range is stunning and we should all lobby for it to come here.
at one point i was banging my head on the desk when i would post things like this………
“yes the US need to pick their act up as they are by far the weakest link in the ford chain. every other branch is well above par.
as i said it is ford US that is undoing the great work coming from the UK, AUS and Sth African facilities
yes i would be great if the US could see past their own stubborness and take on the falcon platform, but as long as we have the falcon where i can buy it (right here in OZ) im not going to go on a big mission.”
and you would reply with stuff like this………….
“It appears your Ford hat is superglued firmly on.”
“Trouble is you are so jaded and tad twisted and caught up in yourselves to see reality.”
and you have said all that at the same time posting identical stuff to what my opinion is like this……..
“I think US should put the heavies over here and truly get Aussie market up to speed as nothing has happened of major note since Osbourne there.”
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April 28th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Its a simple case of…..”Well gee it has not been runaway sucess in US and we got to rethink here and now our strategy on the Ford family globally. I say we have to make sure our checklists, suspensions and mechanicals and design parameters are fully followed and we release some exciting new cars. Not next year, or the year after….but start soon as possible. But its change we need and fresh vibrant style fit for todays driver. If we nail the issues now and pour over and over every conceivable issue from A through to Z then we return to where Ford once was”
If Ford do not do this then they will be overtaken at warp speed. Mr Osbourne needs to be more philosophical and stronger in regards to getting our share and getting Dearborn to brake the shackles of US control across other global markets! There is some seriously exciting stuff coming…………and not from USA! Get jiggy with it FORD USA! Dam regimental, stubborn, old school dills!
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April 28th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
Andrew M…..ummm yes ok. I read some posts of yours so there! I scan over other stories too! Sorry dude. We are sorta in sync! I guess I never got invited to 2020 Summit and knotted knickers….LOL
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April 28th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
You two talking pants as usual.. Ha Ha. sorry couoldn;t help it.
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April 28th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Refer Andrew M’s comment. So gave him a chuckle!
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April 28th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
until yesterday i thought the 20 20 summit was the indian 20 20 league. ha ha ha ha ha ha
silly me i got scammed actually paying for 2020 summit tickets thinking i was gonna see Gilly smack some balls around ha ha ha ha ha
dare i say it but the one part i dont agree with you on is that toyota and Holden are getting better models here quicker than ford.
i mean where is toyotas diesel passenger vehicle? there are plenty around elsewhere in the world. and what about toyotas AWD corolla?
and then there is Holden……..
you cant sit there and tell me that holden getting daewoos here quick smart is a great move for the future
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April 28th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
ooopps sorry, i forgot to put this thing at the end
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April 28th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Another area Toyota missing out on is Wagon and sport cars (not sporty saloons). Wagons are completely off the list in australia (We do have the Avenis here) unless you want a thirsty 4WD. Same goes for Holden new VE sportwagon excepted.
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April 28th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Andrew M…
Shock horror….The Captiva disproves that theory as glowing reviews and sells in droves. Short term, models you refer to are negative yes….long term they will nail car manufacture there and Captiva is evidence of this!
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April 28th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
NM,
but from what ive read, its only the top of the range captiva that seems to disprove that theory. apparently from what ive learnt it isnt made along side the lower spec models.
there is also the complaints list on this website that raises concearns over incorrectly diplayed fuel figures right through to worrying noises.
yes i also agree that the daewoo rebadging concept will get better but that too will not happen over night.
i can see fords u beaut line up coming before someone with guts in GM puts a better plan forward to get rid of the poor status of the epica, barina etc.
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April 28th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Thanks no name,
i also forgot the wagon range that toyota dont offer here, yet is offered else where in the world
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April 28th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Bear in mind your Avensis down under is not the same as ours. You ‘Avensis’ here is called the ‘Corolla Versio’. Confused,… you will be.
I think we even get a Corolla (Auris) Wagon here!!
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April 30th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Andrew M - Holens new CEO Mr mark Reuss [who I believe camefrom Opel] has made re-introducing a range of Opels including the Vectra and the Corsa back into Australia and getting rid of the Dawooos - except for the Captiva.
Because he has noticed that the huge discounts dealers are having to offer inorder to move excess slow selling stock is eating into the savings that Denny “The Moron” Mooney thought they could make by initiating such a plan
The idea was doomed from the start because when Mooney was the CEO at Pontiac he believed the Sigma was perfect platform for the Commodore yet now the VE is replacing the Sigma as the G8.. which gives you an indication as to how good his judgement is
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April 30th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Wheelnut,
just to make it clear, i wasnt trying to fry holden about the daewoos, i used them in a comparitive point.
i think the corporate and economical idea of trying to utilise daewoo was a good one, but unfortunatly those that make these decisions make it from the office and not the factory foor to be able to truely evaluate the situation.
if daewoo were at the same stage as what their korean cousin hyundai is at, then it would have been good for holden.
unfortunately holden tapped into daewoo whilst they are only at the stage hyundai was 10 years ago.
has the switch back to opels been confirmed?
i know the new CEO has said he wants to switch back to the better gear, but i half feel that descision is over his head considering the investment that has been put into daewoo.
daewoo will come good, but i dont see it happening for 2 more generations.
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May 1st, 2008 at 5:55 pm
The decision hasn’t been confirmed as yet but its expected to be within the next couple of months,.. particularly considering HSV want to import the new Vectra and Corsa [Opel GT?] to add a 6s and 4s to their range
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May 1st, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I wouldn’t bet anything on GMH going back to Europe for their small cars. GM HQ will make the decision, and guess what region GM had its biggest profit growth? Yep out of Korea.
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May 1st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Very well getting the Euor superior product but it comes at a higher cost than the Korean equivilent. Is the average Auatralian going to pay a small premium for the Euor car..mmmm doubt it somehow, but time will tell.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 6:29 pm
The fact that the Euro Sourced small cars like the Fiesta Focus and Golf are easily outselling the Barina and Viva shows that Ozzies are willing to pay a prepmium if they can see that the build quality is better the features are greater etc because in the end they want value for money…
Which could explain why the once all mighty corolla isn;t as popular as it was or Toyota [fans[ would like to believe
Its lead/dominance is gradually becoming less and less every month
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May 2nd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Ah but how many Corollas do you see compared to Barinas, Vivas. Probably more. I’m sure one of the blinkered Toyota nurds will no doubt provide the skewed sales figures.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Wheelnut who exactly are you kidding? As you would expect, the new Corolla has experienced an upturn in sales… its not going to get toppled in the distant future, because there isnt any decent competition which can match Toyota. Same can be said about many categories which Toyota now top or at close to topping
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May 2nd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Hey TP i’m a Euro bod. The Corolla is no-where near the top of the here. So is it really that good otr is it more the case as I stated average people don;t care what they look like in a car.
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May 2nd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
The market is changing and small economical cars are taking over with petrol prices squeezing the bigger cars. This is clear from my research.
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August 27th, 2008 at 12:26 am
While things have been slim one must wonder about the logic applied to why Ford stopped making a RHD version of the Explorer which was getting a growing audience in Australia, UK & Japan, biting into sales of Toyota as well as Nissan.
It was esentially a knee jerk reaction & not to mention a bad one. The longer a model remains out of a certain market the harder it is to ever re-establish itself within that market again.
This is something that definitely should be rectified post haste, it is bad management to say the least to have a situation where you have potential substancial market for your product but do not make it available.
Open your eyes people & listen to your potential customers or they will go elsewhere & Ford will be left with their pants around their ankles.
Cheers
Grae
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