Ford cuts 350 jobs
22 Aug, 2008
130 Comments 
Ford Australia has today announced that it will cut up to 350 jobs, or 15 per cent of its Australian manufacturing workforce from mid-November. The company blames a slump in large car sales for the downgrade.
Those affected will include workers from both the Geelong and Broadmeadows plants. However Ford spokeswoman Sinead McAlary said job losses would be voluntary and evenly split between the two plants.
Ford Australia believes the increasingly volatile price of petrol, plus economic factors such as interest rates have changed Australian’s desire for large cars.
The 350 jobs would result in a production slow down of about 20 to 25 per cent. Essentially this means instead of 52 Falcons and Territorys produced per hour, that number will be reduced to 40 units. The Blue Oval will now produce only 285 cars per day, as oppose to the current 365.
The Territory has seen a noticeable slow down with only 1028 of the SUVs sold last month, compared to 1555 in July 2007. Meanwhile Ford sold 3448 new FG Falcons last month, an increase of only 262 cars over the same month last year.
“We expect the total industry to soften for the second half of this year, It started in July and we anticipate that we’ll see more of these actions across the industry for the rest of this year.” McAlary said.
This is the second announcement of job losses by Ford, following the earlier announcement that 600 jobs would be lost when local six-cylinder engine production ends in 2010.
Ford’s announcement comes amid last week’s Government report into the Australian car manufacturing industry, which called for a reduction in import tariffs from 10 per cent to 5 per cent by 2010, as well as a move towards more environmentally friendly cars.
The report also suggested the federal government should bring forward its $500 million green car fund to start in 2009.
The good news however, is that Ford will hire at least an additional 300 staff when the company starts local production of the Ford Focus in 2011. Production is expected to increase by roughly 40,000/pa from 2011.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 11:05 am
its a real shame that Ford didn’t drop the 2.7 Ford/Peugeot diesel unit into the Territory a year ago. A lack of funds could be the only reason for not doing this, given their substantial losses over the last few years.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Geoff Polites (God rest his soul) had put plans in place for diesel Falcon and Territory before he moved on to Jaguar.
Along came Tom Gorman and knocked that on the head.
Geoff was incensed when he found out.
Now here we are. The best product made in OZ, with the best fuel economy (unfortunately minus a diesel >:-( ) and piss-poor marketing and false public perception is costing Australian jobs.
That’s it kRudd and Bracks, kill our local products except for your precious Camry hybrids.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 pm
When will sombody at Ford listen in relation to its marketing…. ??? Why would’nt you own the best car ever made in Australia for an extra couple of hundred bucks a year ( in fuel ) over an imported 4cyl ?
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
“Ford Australia believes the increasingly volatile price of petrol, plus economic factors such as interest rates have changed Australian’s desire for large cars.”
Where as a Ford owner I would “believe” it is to do with ordinary build quality, more warranty claims on three Fords then any other brand I have owned and the single worse and quite appalling dealer experience with my local Ford dealer, which Ford never addressed, much less fixed.
I “believe” from my experience that petrol has nothing to do with it. An aussie built Focus won’t make me buy Ford. They need to learn about quality and customer service.
Dan
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
There is a fundamental difference between a decline in DEMAND for large aussie sedans and a decline in DESIRE for a large aussie sedan. The desire to own these cars has NOT diminished, people still like large aussie cars, this hasn’t changed, however the demand has reduced for a variety of factors, mainly the increasing fuel costs leading many people to believe (I personally feel irrationally) that they cannot afford to keep running a large car. Through the use of more advanced drivetrain technologies it is very possible to make these large aussie sedans have the same if not better fuel economy then the smaller cars running around our roads, and if this happens and people realise “hey I CAN still afford to have my large aussie sedan” then the demand will come back massively, because the DESIRE to own these cars has NEVER declined! Holden has realised this and are actively working towards achieving this goal, Toyota had already realised this with the aurion and made a huge effort to make the aurion no more expensive to run then the camry (something they largely achieved and will no doubt further improve in time) and I think ford has realised this aswell, however unlike holden and Toyota which have the funding to achieve these things, Ford US has closed of ford australia’s bank accounts and as such they don’t have the money to develop the kinds of technologies they need to make the goal of a large car with better fuel economy then a small car a reality. It’s a shame
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Good point Dan. If ford wants to be accepted as a REAL competitor to the imported cars you can buy for even a couple of grand more, improve the quality, reliability and customer service. The FG has lifted quality, but not to a high enough standard in my view. For example:
Ford Falcon XT: $36,490.
Honda Accord V6: $38,490
Now the Accord will be more reliable, has better build quality, it has more airbags, it has more features, and it is just as big as the FG. Before you go and say that the Ford Falcon has a 5 star safety rating, that was with curtain and side airbags, as the XT only comes with front airbags. The accord comes with 6 airbags standard on each model. I know all about these features because I have just had to order a large V6. I compared a G6E to the Accord V6 Luxury, and you know which one I bought. The accord, for all of the reasons I stated above. Reliability, build quality, more features and size. It was also cheaper to put an Accord V6 Luxury on the road, than it was a G6E. I know I am on a lease, but I get to choose what car I get, and the Accord was over $3000 dollars cheaper per year to run. Yes, it is amazing and how times have changed, it is cheaper to drive an imported car over an Australian Car. I will never buy another Australian car, I drive a VZ Berlina until next month, and I doubt will be a Holden or Ford again. Just my 2cents.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I also forgot to mention. This shows where the Australia car industry is headed, down the drain at this rate.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:39 pm
Aw:
Unfortunately, it’s slowing starting to seems that way.
The Territory has been around for years now and has remained largely unchanged, it’s no surprise at all that sales are declining.
A clever move would have been for forget about the fuel-guzzling turbo models and to go with diesel variants instead.
It’s flawed thinking that will be the end of the Australian car industry. As it stands, the cars are actually pretty good when you consider the size of our nation, it’s just the brains behind the operation that are letting everyone down.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Yeah, but nothing will come from it with the brains unless they are removed straight away. It is a realisation I think that a lot of people need to come to terms with. I still stand by my decision (Accord) and arguments.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I think all the reasons for declining sales mentioned above a correct. I noticed that VW is now looking at using smaller engines in their cars which also develop the same torque and power as their bigger engines (2 litre = 1.4 litre). As has been mentioned, everyone likes a big car but we don’t like the way it drinks fuel. I believe if Ford Australia starts to look more carefully at the direction Ford Europe is going, then I believe there is hope for survival in Australia.
PS: As a young lad we use to go to Maples to buy our furniture. It had been around for “yonks”. All of a sudden it closed at that was that. We just moved on. I hope this does not happen with our car industry as a whole.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I must be one of the lucky ones, my first ever new car purchase based on motor journalist’s recomendations ( and because i love Fords)an XR6 Turbo in 2003.Not one problem or warranty claim and its travelled 96,000 klm’s im more than happy
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Feel sorry for the workers especially if they are in their forties or older.
I was in the same predicament three years ago and had to create my own work to be employed as age discrimination is rife.
The faster the market changes the harder it will be for the locals to adapt as they can no longer draw on their parent companies as they have their own problems.
Would be a crime to see Australia lose it’s manufacturing sector completely.
Looks as if Toyota will have a monopoly on the market eventually which won’t be good for the consumer especially as they continue to buy up the competition.
As for Rudd I really don’t think he has a clue although there is only so much Governments can do.
Should the Australian Govt try and save manufacturing at all cost?
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
AW,
The Falcon got a 5 Star ANCAP Rating without the Curtain Airbags!
Because of this, ANCAP has suggested they may need to introduce a 6th Star… Because of Australias FORD Falcon!
The XT comes with Front Airbags, aswell as Side Airbags as standard.
The very fact you weren’t aware of this shows how bad Ford’s marketing is
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:24 pm
The problem with ford oz, is ford globals rufusal to export the falcon overseas like holden does with commodore and its variants.I believe the americans and arab nations would love this vehicle it is much better than any american built sedan by a long margin!! Its a dam shame that this opportunity is lost…
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Alec: I agree, and please forgive me for stating the wrong facts. But it does how poor their marketing is.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
If someone else was paying for my car I think I would go the
g6 or SSV6 rather than a Honda considering u are only going to have it for a year or two. Either would have to be a more interesting drive than a Honda?
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Alec subaru was actually the first to get a 5 star rating without curtain airbags with the my03 foresters with just side airbags and also the current liberty/outback got a 5 star rating without them too. Even although they are now std on lib/out and forester..
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Aw,
It’s waffling tripe like yours than is hurting the local industry.
Every make is reliable AND unreliable - my personal experience puts Ford way ahead of Toyota and Honda, but just behind Subaru.
Build “quality” can be a very subjective thing, and just a few hundred kms of driving your Honda on some our c-grade roads will have it full of squeaks and rattles.
The Accord may have more airbags, but it is NOT a safer car. Yes the Falcon does have 5 star safety rating ACROSS THE ENTIRE RANGE (excluding only the LPG for now). Stop carping on about the XT not having “curtain” airbags - it has “side” airbags and was tested to achieve the full 5 star rating. If you genuinely looked at FG you would know this (not fibbing are we??)
Accord as big as Falcon - yeah right! Accord is between 1″ and 4″ smaller than Falcon in all the critical interior dimensions.
Don’t know where your getting your annual lease running costs from, because my enquiries show quite the opposite.
If you don’t like Holden/Ford/Toyota/whoever thats fine, and your choice, just why make up BS.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
AW, I wish people would get their facts right before they shoot off their mouths(or fingers). Firstly the FG XT has 4 air bags as std.(including side air bags)and did achieve a 5 star rating(curtain air bags an extra $300).Secondly, I recall that a comparison on this same website compared both the Accord V6 Luxury and the G6E and guess who won? not the Honda. Thirdly, I gather from your wording that you aren’t actually paying for your new car(you probably work for an Australian company but prefer not to buy Australian), so the outrageous Honda service costs won’t actually bother you at all. Fourthly, even with its higher tech engine and lower weight and performance, it’s fuel economy and running costs are no better than the G6E.
In summary, people like you are why Australian large car sales are slowing down and companies like Ford and Holden, who employ a hell of a lot more Australians than do Honda etc.,are having to downsize their workforces.
PS Now you will understand why people will be continually sniggering at you as you drive past in your new Honda Accord.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 pm
guys guys calm down its ok, if aw chooses the accord over the falcon thats fine its his decision, in his situation it may be better suited to his lifestyle and budget.. As I said before though its a waste of an opportunity for ford not to export this vehicle overseas because i feel it would be a great fit for people in america and the arab nations. who both like big comfy cars, and rwd..
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
problem is that their are more and more migrants coming here who have no patriotism towards Australia and the way of life. They are only here to get the money and all the benifits, if they bought Aussie made stuff we would be in a great position. The FG Falcon is miles better than a Commodore or a Camry\aurion (same car with a different badge) and deserves to sell well. People dont realise that some small or medium cars use more fuel on average than a Falcon. People are short sighted. To save $10 a week in fuel they lose their jobs ! 500 Holden jobs will go next year and there will be more to come.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:11 pm
U are right his choice to buy a Honda is his but his reasons are pretty lame. Reliability isn’t a factor as all good as one another if anything as already suggested the Honda wouldn’t stand up to b grade roads as well as the locals as Hondas are not really suited to some of our conditions. That’s ok for city freeway use of course.
Also on the reliability front servicing especially oil changes have to be done on or before intervals with very high quality oils otherwise the oil galleries tend to sludge up leading to top end probs medium to long term.
I would never buy a secondhand Honda for these reasons.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Joe: No I don’t work for an Australian Company. Yes, the G6E was more expensive to run than an Accord. Read the reasons why the Honda lost. Needs a little more torque and needs to enter corners better. Wow, I am getting a large Luxury car to fang it aren’t I. Interesting point of people sniggering at me, I would rather that then spending my time at a dealer who doesn’t give a crap about you, fixing insignificant problems that shouldn’t be there. Considering that the only people that drive Australian Cars are people who get their for free through work (which I don’t I have to pay the lease) or die hard Ford/Holden fans. JOE = BOGAN
Realcars. I have it for 3 years, and I am paying for it.
Bret: I wasn’t interested in an XT, I was interested in a G6E, so didn’t go looking at an XT. It isn’t hard to comprehend. What, you think I based my decision on looking at an XT. Just because you can ONLY afford an XT doesn’t mean you need to get jealous. And I have had Honda’s in the past, and I do a lot of c-grade road driving and have never had any rattles, (same can’t be said for my current commodore) Also open your eyes, I realised I made a mistake with the 4 airbags, and I apologised for it. You might want to read a bit before you comment. I also drive a Forester and it has been brilliant and it is a 5 star safety car.
I WILL SAY THIS AGAIN. THE ACCORD WAS CHEAPER THAN A G6E, I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE LEASE, AND IT IS MY CHOICE. I APOLOGISE FOR MY ‘CARPING ON’ I WILL NOW STOP, AND SO SHOULD YOU. I WILL LEAVE THE CARPING ON FOR TP. Now will Joe and Bret get back in their XT’s or Omega’s and drive off over to the Ford or Holden Forums.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
I am wondering if and I ask if the new FH? Ford Falcon circa 2010 comes out with the new 3.5 litre V6 will it then be exported overseas. As it stands now its engine is unique to the country. Could our friend(?) Mr Osborne be here to work towards exporting our Falcon overseas when it has a generic engine available globally?
Food for thought, and I believe this will be the case.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Aw - the only thing i would say is that your never going to win friends saying things like “just because you can only afford an XT” and attempts to insinuate that other people are jelous of you because you could afford a high end accord. Theres just no need to be like that mate, if you can afford a more expensive car then someone elese then good for you, but it doesn’t mean the other guy must instantly be jelous of your financial superiority.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
also your suggestions that the only people who actually BUY ford or holdens are die hards couldn’t be further from the truth. My parents bought a commodore as a family car and they couldn’t care less about cars! Let alone ford or holdens, they bought it because they felt it was the best car available to them at the price they wanted to pay. Look at most of the people who drive the regular “family” models of falcons and commodores, most of them are mum’s and dad’s, not die hard bogan ford or holden supporters. So unless you can back up your claims with something real, then i would suggest you stop making over the top insinuations.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
I’m not here to win friends on this site. But when they start having a go for making a statement based on MY opinion, I don’t need them to tell me that I am wrong for leasing that car. I hate this site now. I used to enjoy it, but it is overruled by a bunch of bogans who add their comments for no particular reason. Thank you and Good Bye.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
AW referring to me as a Bogan how nice.
It would seem u have some prejudice of your own and aren’t comfortable in your own skin!
A far more valid reason for the Honda purchase would be the need to bolster your own insecurities with the perceived snob value of a large Honda AS NONE OF THE RELIABILITY REASONS GIVEN ARE VALID.
No need to justify your purchase to me u corporate high flyer u.LOL.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Before I get shot down anymore, I think the FG is a huge Improvement, and I was seriously considering it, but decided on the Honda instead. I have asked for my comments to be removed.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm
JOE,
Get back to work! :p
AW,
I feel sorry for you. :(
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
last week i was looking at the g6eturbo and in the first minute talking to the salesperson, she told me that the car just scored 4 stars with ancap but if i option the curtain airbags the car should be very safe. I had to tell her that the car scored 5 stars and the g6eturbo comes with the curtain airbags standard.Other cars i bought, the salesperson knew everything about the car without having to refer to brochures and computers.
As for the price,i got $7000 off in the deal. I didn’t even have to say anything.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
All the best to the Ford employees in Geelong and Broadmeadows who may lose their jobs.
We know it’s really tough in G Town to obtain other employment and I wish the Focus was tooled up now so you’d not be effected.
Pity Ford executives hadn’t got their timing right. It’s good that they will employ more towards 2011, just a cryin shame they can’t utilize your skills now. Cheers.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
AW what did u expect.
U make a comment on a thread to do with the loss of jobs at Ford criticising Australian cars for poor reliability.
U then go on to use this as an excuse for buying/selecting a Honda.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Now that we have your attention AW, let me just say that the last time that I looked both the G6E and Accord Luxury were the same list price, Ford and Holden are not the same company and do not make the same cars just like Honda and Toyota are not the same even though they are both Japanese. And yes, I do drive a Ford, a G6ET, and yes I would much prefer a car that actually turned into a corner without understeering off the road,had performance, handling,luxury,safety, low running costs,was Australian and was able to blow motorists in their Honda Accords into the weeds.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Well said Joe
I agree Realcars
Very thoughtfull Greenroom
and
G6ETURBO she should be stacking shelves not selling cars..a good salesperson is getting hard to find
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August 22nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
AW,
I don’t drive an XT: Fairmont or Liberty.
I Was considering a new lease for a G6E.
And yes I can afford more than an XT, gees it was you that brought up XT, not me.
And your “appology” was slipped in whilst I was typing a reply.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Bret. I apologise for everything I have written. I have been under a lot of stress lately, and it is getting to me. Good choice on the liberty, and good luck on the G6E. I don’t understand why through my lease company the Accord was cheaper overall, than the G6E. I didn’t calculate anything, I am going by what my company provided.
I apologise to all viewers of this article as well. I stepped out of line and I regret my actions.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 3:31 pm
The Accord V6 is more of a G6 competitor and as it has been rightly pointed out, the G6E and the Accord Luxury are the same price. This puts the G6E at an advantage.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
g6eturbo that is half the problem ford has is useless sales people like that , with discount selling mentality and very little product knowledge!! its a disgrace to the profession and it would not happen at , bmw, lexus, mercedes or subaru im sure..
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August 22nd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
see under all that he’s a softie, awwwwwwww !!!!!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
AW,
there is nothing wrong with your opinion,
but what you have been blasted for was not an opinion.
you tried to pass your ill concieved ideas about the FG as being facts.
you call stating wrong facts your opinion??
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August 22nd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
G6ETurbo,
i too displayed my disgust for fords sales team.
they dead set do not know what model they are looking at let alone the features of it.
when i went to check out the new ute, the tool of a salesperson thought they had done away with the tie down points when i asked where they went……..
perhaps the sales people should be made step aside from their jobs to make way for the production workers that have lost theirs…….
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Aw…….this is the first time i’ve payed much attention to your posts and i apologise if i offend you with this observation BUT you came across as a bit of a snob i’m sure you aren’t one, maybe you’ve just had a bad day? but you did give that impression to me at least……sorry but that’s the i saw it!
As for FORD i think their marketing leaves a lot to be desired!!!!!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
OSU811 Says:
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
g6eturbo that is half the problem ford has is useless sales people like that , with discount selling mentality and very little product knowledge!! its a disgrace to the profession and it would not happen at , bmw, lexus, mercedes or subaru im sure..
At the end, i wanted the car and i knew what it has or it doesn’t. other customers may not know and could walk away.
2 month before i was at a merc dealer and the people there are more professional but it could be due to the extra 10k it cost to buy a c200 classic.They can afford to pay more to sales people and buy real coffee.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:04 pm
It is good when the salesperson knows the product.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Best wishes for the 350 or so employees, always bad when its not your fault, but the strategic execs who make poor decisions after poor. but then again its tough times and only getting tougher ahead…
For whats its worth, its more than car running costs, its the complete living running costs as well..
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Sadly bad sales people at a lot of dealerships are a fact of life now. The dealerships are more concerned with training their employees to be more customer focused, not product focused. Product knowledge is usually of secondary importance and the reason many sales staff are of poorer quality is that most of them don’t earn anywhere near the money they could 10 or 15 years ago. Many dealerships pay their staff a relatively small flat rate commission on new car sales, hence their discount mentality. They aren’t really interested in how good their product is or why it may be better than a competitor, they just want to offer a bigger discount to “buy” the sale.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Ford Australia boss Bill Osborne has resigned suddenly, less than 24 hours after the company announced it would cut 350 jobs.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Once again weak and short-sighted management decisions lead to others suffering.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
G6E.. - “and buy real coffee.” AHAHAH
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Bill Osbourne…….This is the first good decision you’ve made since you came to Ford Australia!!!!!!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 4:54 pm
So why was the Mondeo not built here especially given its internal/external size almost equal to the Falcon and a bonus 2L Turbo Diesel engine thrown in !
laurie
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August 22nd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
When a Captain deserts a sinking ship, shouldn’t he be executed?
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August 22nd, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Ford needed an intelligent, ballsy bloke with some vision….in other words a hero instead it got this ZERO!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Laurie, it would have to be self interest wouldn’t it. I couldn’t see Ford USA agreeing to fund the development costs for the next Falcon if we were already building one the same size (the mondeo). It would be bye bye to all the engineering and design staff that Ford Australia currently employ.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Spot on comments abt Ford dealers and their appalling product knowledge and the lack of customer service (well the ones I’ve tried anyway, and if there are courteous professional dealers here, apologies!). Twice in the past 8yrs made a new car purchase, 1st a hatch now a (groan) family wagon…in both cases knew within 10s Ford wasn’t getting the sale when the good rep eyes my missus and says ‘now love can I talk to your husband’ and pats her hand
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Aw stop trying to make yourself feel awsome just becouase you can affored a high end accord becouse i paid $1200 for my ford escort and it looks nicer, handels better, sounds better, gose harder and get better fule econamy than you honda and it only gose up invalue something you new honda will never do.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:03 pm
It’s not only Ford dealerships who have d**khead salespeople; they are at every dealer regardless of brand.
The bad ones move around the industry from one dealer to another until they have to move interstate and start the process again :)
But it’s a shame for Ford that it got this dodo of a manager, a bloke who didn’t even know where Australia was when they gave him the job. Came over and opened his mouth about the local industry, revealing his lack of any knowledge or interest in this posting.
He must have started looking for another job before he even moved here…….Pity Sol didn’t desert as quickly.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
i think this new guy is better than the last i mean at least he want to make the falcon go over seas
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Escort_Ghia: I am guessing you failed english at school?
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:24 pm
aw wrong im dislecsic an even i no what a cool car is whats you excuse
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:27 pm
I know what a cool car is. I haven’t bought the Accord to please anyone here. It was my choice and my family’s choice. Don’t worry, I know what a cool car is, and even the Escorts are a cool car.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:35 pm
ok then.
i hope you know that the honda will probebly cost you when i coms to servise and repairs and i would not drive around hilly arias in it they tend to chew the fule where ford 6’s dont.
and as far as quality gose after my sister exeriance i would never buy a honda or take one for that matter especialy Civics horrabel car that was.
i only drive car that were built in australia
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:39 pm
When were escorts made in australia?
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:42 pm
mine was esembeld at the gellong plant in 1979 all mk 2 escorts were assembeld in australia i think they were the last small ford to be assembeled
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Perhaps dealers and salespeople have become complacent given the year in year out record new car sales. A recession will no doubt sort the men from the boys and women from the girls of course.
A good salesperson needs good product knowledge to promote what they are trying to sell. Also to need to have good knowledge of what the competition has on offer.
I wouldn’t mind a go at selling cars although it is more about youthful good looks and image no doubt.LOL
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Oh Ok. I didn’t realise they were actually assembled here. I thought it was just the Falcons and the festivas/lasers (about 10 years ago) made here.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 6:51 pm
nope the lasers replaced them and they were just rebadged mazas the only australian buils car i will never own not after my old laser i still have nightmears it was fun thrashing it before it got stolen it was the only car that im glad got stolen
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
realcars,
i think you hit the nail on the head there in that the year on year new car sales has seen dealers become complacent.
yep, they do need a recession to sort the men from the boys.
the same can be said for the construction industry. the massive boom has seen any old person getting in there and making a buck for a dodgy effort.
perhaps a building slump would see them spun aside
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
My best mate had a 1.6 litre escort ghia back in the good old days. Good car. Was orange with a chocolate vynl top. Nicked named it the Jaffa.LOL.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
can any one tell me what the “X” means in fords number plates???
all ford registered vehicles start with “XFG”. FG obviously being for the model name, but whats the “X” stand for
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
A restored rs2000 in red would be nice. But it’s gotta be red.LOL.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Andrew M: My belief is that the X is the way the number plates work. For example, NSW White plates are A.. … B.. … etc. The VE 2 years ago was U.. … so that is my guess.
Escort_Ghia: Interesting way to put how you felt about the car. But like my feelings with my current Holden. I love the old Escorts, made good rally cars, and they sounded great. Hope you enjoy yours.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
Hey everyone, ex-ford salesperson here and no offence taken!!
Two years ago ford held an internal, nationwide competition for their new car salespeople called f2k(ford falcon knockout) judged on product and competition knowledge. Myself and our other newcar salesman made it to the regional final(VIC/TAS) with both of us and one other salesman from another tassie dealer being the last three. My team member went on to win and came second in the national final,which was held at the ford display at the syd motorshow. Hopefully this tells you there are some good sales people out there, something I took alot of pride in!!
Ford are redoing their ads as we speak because they have actually listened to the backlash from fans and owners over their current ads, however they are flogging the ads they already have because they have already paid for them!!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Sorry, don’t normally waffle on so much!! Really feel for the employees at the plants, Hopefully you are all given first option of jobs when the focus starts getting built.
Good luck!!!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Zandit appreciate the insight.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Zandit,
well its goo to hear there are still some that care about their job.
whether it be selling cars, or selling hot bread, i just cant stand people that show zero interest in their jobs.
its good to hear they are re-doing their adverts.
to be honest it doesnt really bother me because i do my own research and i am not swayed by the advertising,
but what kills me is to see what is the best ever aussie made product totally undersold whilst others are able to sell their merely average offerings to the public.
i mean, why dont ford try sticking the boot into other manufacturers in their adverts for once, in the same way other manufacturers dont mind sticking their boot into others.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 8:53 pm
This is what happens when manufacturers dont listen to the market.
“The market has spoken”
M.T
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August 22nd, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I Doubt it AW - because you look at photographs of the Holden and HSV VEs when they were released and youll see they had number plates such as VE-SS; VE-UTE; GTS-MRC; VESSV8 VE-MALU VE-CLUB VE-R8 etc
So [I think Andrew M is asking] why didn’t Ford go for custom plates like Holden do instead of standard issue..?
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August 22nd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
yeah i enjoy my escort it metelic brown cream vinal roof 2.0L worker head extractors but its auto
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Ford need a guy who has balls to stick it to stubborn USA and change the design look and ultimately model range to fresh hot look. Instead Ford are badly ran and obsessed about big power, turbo this and turbo that…would of been better to drop diesels in cars and 4WD’s and bring lineup up to speed for looks and inclusions. Instead they cave in to useless advertising and hollow shallow management here running it! Hang your heads in shame for not having ticker to demand change and updated models!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Could it be that there are actually less people required to put the FG together then there were with the BF.
I mean when Holden changedover from VZ to VE they sacked close to 600 workers because with the new robots on the assembly line [which took up over half of the $1b budget] they didn’t need as many people.. and yet the VE is still selling well
Admittedly things at Ford oz may be different if Mr Mullaly and Mr Ford Jr Snr Jr pulled their heads out of eachothers a-ses and allowed Ford Oz to export the FG to the USA just as GM have allowed Holden to do with th VE.
As cars and the robots that build them become more advanced car companies will need less and less workers
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:14 pm
FORD AUSTRALIA = Humphrey off ‘YES MINISTER’. Look busy, heaps to do and busy doing it……….but reality is nothing much doing and nothing changes!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
NUTTER…..its not a case of hanging out to export Falcon, but rather the regimental belief that Ford Aus have constraints put on it for design and how they make cars! Wake up and smell the roses as Ford models here are average and lagging behind others!
Bring on Kuga, Verve, Iosis, etc and were are Ford with that……sitting at table chewing over it!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:20 pm
and chewing it over, and over, and over, OH and over and over again…….etc! And Basketball Hoopla man marches in and does SFA! SHAME FORD SHAME
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:20 pm
NM last time ford came up with an out there look no one like it ford Aus’s biggest problem is no matter wat they do no one is happy,
but is’s ok for holden to slap heaps of cars togeather as long as its got a holden badge.
as for the diesels there coming soon.
but we still need the turbos and 8 I for one could cear less about fule prices and would like to go fast once and awile
and there not absessed about big power consitering there big powerful engines are one of the most fule effeciant 6’s on the maker
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Wheelnut. I noticed that a few of the ones tested by Wheels were UAM, as well as personalised VE plates.
Escort-Ghia: Auto isn’t really a problem unless it struggles. Sounds like it is a decent bit of kit.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Wheelnut. If you look at some of the wheels VE’s they tested, not all, but some had UAM plates, as well as having the VE personalised plates.
Escort_Ghia: Auto isn’t really a problem unless it struggles, but it sounds like you have a decent bit of kit with the escort!
Cheers,
Aw
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:26 pm
1. Kuga….hot
2. KA….hot
3. Verve 3dr and 5dr….hot
4. Capri….hot
5. Fiesta 3dr and 5dr….hot
6. Falcon….hot
7. Focus 3dr and 5dr….hot
8. New svelte front on Territory….hot
Obviously FORD chewing it over at table…..just as they “never” read the Mondeo in diesel would be sucessful and were way way way too slow to release! The early bird gets the worm and Ford failed…..again!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
FORD here is ran by amateurs…….still at table chewing over how to bring these cars here. With so much platform sharing, and keener and leaner production lines means Ford should be able to bring these cars and others here on an unreal price. Instead Ford is greedy and slow and iffy to do…..in meantime people buy others like Toyota’s! FORD……..SHAME SHAME SHAME! Goodbye Basketball Bummer - go back to USA!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:32 pm
ford’s biggest problem is that people are stuped and think evey holden is australian and evey ford but the falcon comes from america and everyone knows amecican car are crap
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Yes USA cars are crap…..and I have said truly ages ago that Ford USA cars are absolute massive shyte. They would have to pay me to have one of there fugly cars……and what does Dearborn do? Answer: FORCE THEIR BELIEF ON DESIGN ONTO REST OF FORD FAMILY THAT IMPACT OUTSIDE USA = shame shame shame!
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:41 pm
anti spam word smart
which is something ford usa aint the falcon would be the best car they sold if it went to the usa but ford usa are to stupid to see a good product
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I know - but the cars with standard plates were prototypes; pre production test mules etc and had to be road registered as they travelled on public roads interstate etc.
Whereas cars with the VE “Custom Plates” were actual production cars that had rolled off the production line and were used as media vehicles for official functions tests and photo shoots etc
So the question remains why didn’t ford release Promotional photos of the FG with similar plates
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August 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Andrew M they say in some quarters that criticising the opposition is a bad look but I tend to agree with u.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Couple of nice Escorts for sale on Uniquecars out of interest.
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August 22nd, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Word is..(will probably get in trouble for this!!)that new fiesta and face lifted focus(to match new shape XR5) here within 6-8 months not 2010 as previously stated, initially imported from europe and sth africa until asian factory up and running for the fiesta and australian plant operating for the focus.
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August 23rd, 2008 at 8:10 am
Yep ESCORT_GHIA agree fully. And even release it with smallish turbo diesel and more LPG variants (update the LPG too and bring on manuals in them and stability control).
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August 23rd, 2008 at 8:50 am
FORD MANAGEMENT = zzz zzz zzz zzz zzz.
Big cars are on the slide and if Ford took its Falcon to USA and other areas, then it should be with smaller turbo diesels with big performance and LPG.
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August 23rd, 2008 at 8:51 am
FORD MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE SHARES IN MATTRESS COMPANIES AS WOULD HAVE MORE BUSINESS ACUMEN……..zzz zzz zzz zzz zzz
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August 23rd, 2008 at 4:05 pm
zzz zzz zzz zzz zzz zzz ummmm zzzzz zzz zzz zzz zzz……if they dont wake up it will be deathknell! Thats depends on Dearborn as they are at the steering wheel whilst being stubborn and ship is sinking a painful death!
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August 23rd, 2008 at 6:46 pm
there is no future in exporting the falcon.
holden dont make shyte out of exporting the VE.
the better option would be to take the aussie grown falcon recipe and make it in the US as well as here in OZ.
mark my words that the commodore will only be exported until such time as they find a better proposition in terms of a place of manufacture.
the VE is only on an export program to test the waters and evaluate the situation to come up with the better proposition for manufacture.
but dont worry,
even if the commodore stops being exorted, it is still a win as it means the viability of our large aussie car is strengthened as the developmental costs will be shared
Zandit,
i too had heard the fiesta had been brought right forward
NM is still right though, as they do have a great stable, but unfortunately no one here at ford OZ has big enough testicles to demand a full 5 star range.
once again, where do i forward my resume to take over the basket ball and waffles guys job??
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August 23rd, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Well hope the Fiesta is mega brought forward. So too should Kuga! Hope the powertrains are also brought mega up to speed. Also hope weight reduction is truly sought and the favourite subject of TP’s might apply….skinny tyres to save fuel! LMAO!
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August 23rd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
You better be a frontrower and cart it up hard and full on… as Ford Aus needs to stand tall and strong and not wussy weak and gee hope you aint a basketballer with big mutton chops or big chompers like USA dude who jumped hoops! We need a dinky die to give it a real try!
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August 23rd, 2008 at 7:42 pm
A reduction on import tariffs will only make it harder for Aussie auto manufacturers,THANKS RUDD YOU SELLOUT making it eazyer for cheap junk from india and china.Rudd in chinese means servent.HA HA.
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August 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 pm
NM,
its no laughing matter.
skinny tyres are an absolute must for the family buyer who holds their families safety with such little regard.
Ill go alright in the captains chair i reckon.
if there is one thing i hate, its blue a r s e flies.
what i would bring would be a bucket of common sense coming from someone who hasnt been burried in the corporate world.
they need an outsider……
they need a “Can do man” in ford,
in the same way Brisbane got theirs
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August 23rd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I know Holden don’t make that much out of their export program if anything at all…. but at least it got them noticed in both the USA UK and Middle East.
Look at all the positive comments/feedback the cars are getting from both internationally recognised journalists/ magazines and overseas car enthusiasts/customers.
As a Result Holdens position in GM World is much higher now than what both Fords and Toyotas is within their respective hierarchies - the fact Holden are so heavily involved in Design Research and Development etc of other GM projects/products proves this.
Whereas Toyota for example weren’t allowed [or weren’t game enough] to go ahead and build a completely new 100% australian designed and built large sedan.. [like Holden did] instead they had to modify a car from the US with a platform thats almiost 5 years old.. which is weird considering they are the worlds wealthiest car company.
I mean Holden went it alone - with the VE; despite the financial problems their parent company was experiencing. and for that I congratulate them.. The boys at Holden knew they could build a better car themselves and they were right
However; I too suspect that when the new factory in Canada has fulfilled the advanced orders for the Camaro [which I doubt we will ever see here in Oz] that GM will start making G8s there too as the Camaro uses the Commodores Platform etc.
This will free up space at Holden and they will be able to make not only the new compact [Torana TT36] Sedan and Coupes] whilst the similar Pontiac G6 will also be made overseas
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August 23rd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Wheelnut,
dont for one minute think holden is doing it (export program) on their own money.
im not saying holden exporting is a hopeless path,
im saying its not going to be the only path in that holden will make the GM’s world of cars. (if that makes sense).
Exporting out of OZ is merely testing the waters, and it is being done on behalf of GM.
yes,
they have a big head start on ford in that they will establish a familarity in different regions first.
that is the only reason exporting from OZ on holdens/GMs behalf is smart.
its all about working towards the bigger picture
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August 23rd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
When I said Holden went it alone.. I didn’t mean in relation to there export program. Of course a car company; like any other company is gouing to build it sproducts where its most financially vaible.
What I meant was Holden went it alone in regards to putting forward a business plan to GM for the VE instead of Taking the Sigma platfrom from Pontiac.
Then when the VE was released Holden showed how good the car is it ratified GMs decision to give the project the green light which was a bit of a risk given their financial situation at the time.
Which is why I said Holdens position in GM World is much higher now than what both Fords and Toyotas is within their respective hierarchies
Overall my point was if Ford said To Detroit we can build a World Class RWD Car/platform than maybe their position in Ford World would be equal to that of Holdens..
You never know unless you ask or unless you try.
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August 23rd, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Well, ford is down sizing. All this can mean is less sales and lets face it, Ford…. they have the best product on the road at present. Holden are just re-selling backrupt Daewoo stuff that sent them bust. If Ford can hold out people will come around, back to a product that is made to last and made to drive. Lets face it koren cars are cheap and thats it and now holden is mostly Korean made. Must say I think Ford will out last holden in Aust. GM in USA is almost reay to shut shop….. maybe holden will be with out parent comapany to help them out soon.
EVERYONE KNOWS FORDS GO WAY BETTER…..in every way
Real Aussie come on buy real cars….. get back to the show room. Really who wants to fill a differnt counties pocket!!!!. BUY FORD BUY AUSTRALIA
By anything else and the rest is anything else(not real true AUSSIE)
GO FORD
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August 24th, 2008 at 12:23 am
GM are close to going bankrupt…………so where does that leave Holden if they do ? Nowhere I guess…….
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August 24th, 2008 at 4:59 am
I don’t want Holden or FordOZ to shut shop or it’s goodbye thousands of jobs. Goodbye to good RWD family cars that average people can afford. Goodbye to V8Supercars. Goodbye to decades of heritage, etc, etc, etc.
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August 24th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Yes well agree - its time to stand up and morph into new market. Its like the seasons…..cant always be the same and its same with cars! Ford are morphing and looks like fastracking its arsenal…..with diminishing petroleum products and an ever increasing increase in its cost to the public, means big, brawn and brash cars are simply on the slide or wane! If one does buy one - well to fill up a V8 costs over $100 would imagine and when I can fill up my BF LPG ute for $48…..well its not hard to imagine who are silly with there money. Geepers I like V8’s too. But they are slowly dieing off and seems Holden and Ford are obsessed with HUGE KW’s and HUGE TORQUE which I say is shyte dumb!
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August 24th, 2008 at 6:23 am
The cost of living constraints hit us all. Iam like an albatross…..every time I look in front of me there is a bill! There is only so much $ to go around and we should be peeved that the cost of living has skyrocketed as Dudd Rudd said he would bring it down at last election (thats what he stood for and was his foundation and did “NOT” happen).
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August 24th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Sorry to rain on your parade NM but the Kuga is not coming to australia any time soon, unless they can build it side by side with the aussie built focus, we will be stuck with the “new” escape!! Ford’s really on the ball with this one especially after all the rave reviews its getting in europe.
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August 24th, 2008 at 11:13 am
FORD management here is zzz zzz zzz. Like really seriously truly who would bother buying the Escape when Kuga woruld be available. Nobody as Escape is tacky shyte!
Keep up the good work Ford Aus…….get Basketball Bro to buy shares in Slumberland mattresses as FORD here is run with zzz zzz zzz zzz zzz zzz.
Why bother having Escape in stable when Kuga is available overseas! FORD’s trouble here is they still stuck in vortex thinking cool designs are previous KA - when new KA is light years hot! FORD here is……..zzz zzzz zzzzzzz zzzz. May as well get a chrogenic chamber and put them in there as deathknell as too slow to act!
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August 24th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I know what you mean about gas NM. I always have a work-taxi hack on gas for daily running (good old EB) and my future F6 is purely for weekend fun.
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August 24th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Phooooly sik uleh !!!!! WRX all da way ulehz !!!!!!
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August 25th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Gibberish??
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August 25th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
It’s all about how manufacturers imprint their cars on buyers’ heads. Just look how the worthless Commodore can still manage to top the sales charts. In its class, it’s the worst in performance, economy and possibly reliability, but the nation still patronises it. The Falcon is a better car, miles better in fact. It’s a possibility that the Aussies think of Ford as an American brand, unlike Holden which is ‘exclusively Oz’ (even if they simply rebadge Daewoos or stitch up parts from who knows where to come up with your beloved Omega or SS).
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August 25th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
NM - “May as well get a chrogenic chamber and put them in there as deathknell as too slow to act!”
hahahaha
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August 25th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Quote [Al Juraj]: It’s all about how manufacturers imprint their cars on buyers’ heads. Just look how the worthless Commodore can still manage to top the sales charts. In its class, it’s the worst in performance, economy and possibly reliability,
How many Commodores from VB to VE have you owned/driven? Because if you look at how the Commodore has evolved over the years from being a modified Rekord to a 100 % aussie designed and built family sedan you will see the substantial improvements Holden has made in terms of safety performance etc and still managed to keep the proce so that a family with 2 adutls 2 kids and perhaps even a dog can afford one.. particularly with all the new high tech safety devices such as ESP ABS TC etc that were once exclusive to the luxury euros
BTW there is only one other Australian Built RWD 6 cylinder family sedan on the market - The Falcon.. therefore; you can’t compare it to a FWD Cum-ry or Aurion -which I take it is what you had in mind. as the different platform configuration RWD/FWD has an impact on performance and handling etc
And yes the Falcon is a good car but it too has had its fair share of problems over the years
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August 25th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Now you have done it Al Juraj,
didnt you know critisizing a holden mans pride is worse than touching a black mans stereo???
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August 25th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Fact is the Commodore is not worthless. Maybe in your area if you have a Tata, Mahindra or some other sheepish gimp offering then could understand what is worthless…. your opinion for starters! Gee bro, get jiggy with it!
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August 25th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Its got nothing to do with Pride Andrew… its just that how can anyone say that a car that has been around for 30 odd years; not to mention was the best selling car in Australia for 10 years straight is unreliable..
I mean there are just so many Commodores out there - well over 10 years old that are still going strong and that’s NOT including the ones car enthusiasts have modified and turned into Street Machines
Yet if the Commodore is unreliable as Al Juraj thinks then surely there would only be as many Old Commodores as there are 5 year old Camrys.
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August 26th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
settle down wheelnut,
i was only fishing for a bite from you ;)
part of what he does say is true though, and that is
QUOTE>.
“It’s all about how manufacturers imprint their cars on buyers’ heads.”
that also explains how toyota can be a sales leader whilst not having 100% class leading gear.
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August 28th, 2008 at 2:21 am
If commodores are so damn reliable why do taxi drivers drive falcons. Because commodores fall to bits.?
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August 28th, 2008 at 10:52 am
Ken G - Why does every Highway Patrol officer rather a Commodore SS than a XR Falcon?
Horses for courses…
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August 28th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
GhisGT,
Most highway patrols don’t have a choice, because the fleet is iether one or the other. It has nothing to do with choice, rather which state supplies the cars to the force, eg SA is virtually 100% Holden police to support local manufacturing, although the high-end unmarked persuit cars do use Falcons too.
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August 28th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Bret, so that means an officer can’t decide which one he or she PREFERS to drive? I never implied they do the buying
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