Ford Australia President shock resignation
August 22, 2008 by George Skentzos
Ford Australia President Bill Osborne has announced his shock resignation, less than eight months after taking on the top job.
This news follows the proposed loss of 350 jobs from Ford’s workforce on the back of slowing FG production as a result of declining demand for large cars.
Osborne stated in a telephone press conference this afternoon that he would return to the US to take on a job outside the automotive industry.
Having worked in a variety of roles within Ford for the past 18 years, he has been at the helm of Ford Australia since February 2008, in that time overseeing the crucial launch of the new FG Falcon range.
He leaves in a similar fashion to former Ford Australia President Tom Gorman who relinquished the position he had held since 2004 also to take on a role outside the automotive industry.
Osborne insists the decision to resign was a personal choice, and is in no way related to Ford Australia’s current difficulties.
“I still believe Ford is destined for success,” Osborne said. “I remain a Ford stockholder and I retain the utmost confidence in the company.”
During his short stint, Osborne had been instrumental in developing a new business plan for Ford Australia, including the decision to produce the Focus locally from 2011, leaving the company on “a very sound footing for the next few years”.
His resignation will take effect come September, with Ford Australia to announce his successor in the coming weeks.
Print it: 
Hyundai in front of Toyota in the latest JD POWERS SURVEY…INTERESTING.
So many people here who have no idea how the motor industry runs. So many stupid and moronic comments it makes me sick. Dont you people know anything about business and life? Everything works in cycles…..ups and downs, good years bad years……….understand ? Ford are down but will bounce back…………why keep knocking them when they have been building cars here for 80 odd years and have given 100’s of thousands people work over this time……..how about giving them some support instead of kicking them……..the FG Falcon is by far the best car I have owned and Ford deserve support from this country as it has given alot to the Australian economy and people over the years. what happened to supporting our local industries? Not enough Aussies here anymore…….
Most companies that have been around for more than 30 odd years have managed to survive the ups and downs by not losing focus of their core market.. That is the one particular area in which they are the best at as its quite often their bread and butter products that they are most known for and are the most popular.
Sure Toyota is currently Number oneas they have quite an extensive and diverse range of cars However; when you hear the word Toyota what is the first thing you think of [apart from bland and boring].. most likely it will be Corolla.
The corolla is their bread and butter product yet because Toyota are now working on establishing themselves in other sectors of the market – trying to be everything to everyone. [Not to mention wasting millions in F1] the Corolla is starting to come under threat from other similar sized cars with better features and performance etc – because Toyota has sat on its Laurels.
I’ve seen far more Mazda 3s Focus’Lancers etc on the road than I have new Corollas
So given that both Ford and Holden are working towards gradually improving their bread and butter cars [being the Commodore and the Falcon] by making them lighter more fuel efficient etc they shouldn’t have ttoo much trouble..
I mean I wouldn’t be surprised if the new compact sedan which people refer to as the new Toraa actually ends up being called the Commodore
There will always be those who want a RWD Family Sedan
WHEELNUT…..ummm not true at all about Focus ahead on sales. The Mazda 3 latest figures were double of the Focus and Mazda 3 behind the Toyota! Focus is struggling as not a gelled sweet look like new Focus. New Corolla’s everywhere and they do look good! Competition will hot up…. hopefully Ford can do something to upgrade there 3rd world look (aside from Falcon).
I do believe you need to remove your Ford hat – just the same as TP, Dingo and Thomas are with Toyota! The facts are clear on what is selling!
Sales to Date for Year:
1. Corolla nearly 29,000
2. Mazda 3 over 20,000
3. Focus just 10,000
This is Aussie wide sales…..and you cant judge the figure based on cars you sight at your home! LMAO
NM – I realise that Toyota are still selling more Corollas
than the competition
However; my point was that because they have become more Focus-sed on other markets – the TRDs for example.
The lead Corolla has in the market has gradually gotten smaller.. as its rivals are offering better looking better equipped cars and more attractive deals etc.
They’re trying hard to dominate every sector of the market; spreading themselve too thinly – thats when problems occur; things quality and reliability starts to suffer.. which is what alot of Toyotas reputation is based on a reputatuion they got thanks to the Corolla
Watto if your head was so far up your ar*e youd realise the ONLY reason the Falcon has 5 stars and the Commodore and Aurion dont is because Ford had their vehicle pole tested while the others didnt for reasons your well aware of.
Nutter…..your words “I’ve seen far more Mazda 3s Focus’Lancers etc on the road than I have new Corollas”. Thats what I base my comment to you on. What you talk about with deals is only barely happening and gap not even close. Toyota do spread themselves….yes. But they have reason too as no Celica, no MR2, no Supra. Gee I acknowledge that they are huge and having glitches, but they have not really gone massive or even minor backwards! I do agree others need to sharpen the pencil and compete! Its not good enough that you are a Ford supporter and accept the Ford range being fine….I have said ages ago its pedestrian on looks. Go look at US Ford site…..I would have to be paid well to drive when of those heaps!
Toyota is smart as Ford are opposite. One would think having some input with Mazda as 35% shareholder that there designs would rub off with change swept through Ford empire. Instead gooses at US still regimentally clinging to power clutching at a bygone look religiously determined that they are correct….in mean time they go in reverse in sales race whilst Toyota read the times sharper then Ford!
TP is correct….but in all fairness Toyota could afford to measely wreck one car to get the rating 5star. Profits would atest to that – but I dare say the mechanics gone into the safety cage cell protection around the actually car are oldish and Toyota have “NOT” faith in it!
Reasons TP? Too gutless to risk failure?
Where’s that apology mate?
TP incrasein tariffs does not cause quailty to go down.Mind less people who choose which car to purchase based on corporate advertising alone will.
Would you still like to retract your statement that…..
“Sales is what the manufacturers build a car for in the first place, who cares if the car is “bettter””.
You’re calling every enthusiast car buyer idiots if they hunt for the best car (ie. family size its the FG in case you’d forgotten) because they want the safest, most fuel efficient, best-towing car rather than the best selling car which brainwashed sheep seem to flock after.
Resorting to insults now too huh?
TP you have been shown up as blatantly wrong before and any regulars know you ripped of Wheelnut’s name to make out he’d developed a sudden 180-degree dislike for Holden.
Gutless.
I am not a Ford Supporter I am a car enthusiast as Ihave a range of favourite cars from various manufacturers and can see good and bad points in those cars
The Corolla is a good car but whereas a couple of years ago if/when you were looking for a Hatchback you would probably go for a Corolla without even seriously looking at the others.. now those car companies have lifted their game improved quality; more features etc and are more attractive in terms of value for money.. the competition is alot tougher for the corolla than what it was
Just as Ford and Holden have to make changes to improve the Falcon and Commodore to maintain their lead.. Toyota should do the same with the Corolla as I said its their bread and butter car.. its what their reputation in Australia is built on
I read in wheels magazine when the new “rolla” was released that it has the same engine as the previous model but produces less power how is that an improvement? Yet Lotus get more power out of the same engine
Because look has been rammed up over second last Corolla to appeal more with major improvement on rear look and front look also same… meanwhile Ford chewing it over and adding extras to its range with same old look. The current Focus does not gell well and is too much at front and does not look like a proper car with top of lights pulled too sharp back on its outside making it look odd. Unlike new car which is significantly better naturally looking!
Public not obsessed with power and whatnot as you think Nutter. The Corolla motor does not lack that significant as you believe in the kw’s or old technology! If it aint broke, why fix it! Meanwhile Ford tossing up whether to get a diesel in Mondeo and lost sales for how many months as took them ages to react and release? Ford admitted it underestimated the diesel sales effect in the Mondeo! Meanwhile Ford sitting again on updating LPG and diesel in Falcon! Gee whiz talk about S………L………O……..W!
Agree Wheelnut. For example, I think the Hilux, and also my brother, who for now still owns one, is overated in any guise.
While definitely not garbage, it’s reputation for reliability and especially off-road ability are way overshadowed by it’s unjust reputation.
The Landcruiser, on the other hand, is much more deserving of its fine reputation. So many times have mates had to winch us out of bogs with their cruisers and Patrols. Does that make me biased against Toyota?
The Cruiser and Patrol deserve to stand at the top of the mountain.
In every other way I can’t stand Camry, Aurion, Corolla, Yaris.
Because they are the best sellers despite much MUCH better cars in their respective classes. They don’t deserve the false pedestal based purely on their so-called reliability (I saw an Aurion on the back of an RACV tow truck last week, funny stuff).
TP
When the Aurion was released it was pole tested.. infact it failed the Pole test.
Yet due to a loop-hole in ANCrAPs guidelines the car companies can supply more than 1 car to do each test
Yes its wrong as it can give a false impression as to the overall results but what do they care; the car companies that pay for the cars and tests not ANCrAp or the Insurance Companies..
So Toyota were able to; and apparently did provide 3 more cars until it passed the Pole Test
Whereas with the VE Commodore which was tested at the same time as the Aurion; Holden supplied 4 cars as they had only just started production and was busy getting demos models out to major dealers as well as creating a stockpile for advanced an immediate orders. All of which passed the first 4 tests
Which is why I say ANCrAP don’t test the safety of a particular model of Car they actually test the safety of a car of that particular model..
So your Falcon Commodore or Aurion may sustain minor damage in an accident; such as hitting a pole.. yet someone elses Falcon Commodore or Aurion may be a complete write off in the exact same situation
Then theres the fact That ANCrAP don’t allow for any variable conditions such as weather road surface or human reactions.
If you place such a high importance on the ANCrAp results when buying a car you are virtually admitting that you are a bad driver; that you don’t have the skill or ability to take any form of evasive action to avoid hitting a pole or going under the back of a truck etc – that you are going to have a serious potentially fatal accident.. if you do think like that you probably will and therefore; shouldn’t really be on the roads
However expect another round of Tests when the VF Commodore and Updated Aurion are released mid-next Year
Lets just hope Ford get Andrew M as CEO as he would steamroll model change to kinetic look. If it aint got the look…..its crook! AND THATS WHERE FORD AUS ARE NOW! Redefining itself and estimate around 15months to have change with some flow on effect with model changes!
Watto, TP’s right, I’m afraid.
“…the ONLY reason the Falcon has 5 stars and the Commodore and Aurion dont is because Ford had their vehicle pole tested while the others didnt for reasons your well aware of.”
I watched Hawthorn defeat my favourite team this afternoon, but the Eagles would have won if they kicked more goals.
So there.
Wheelnut, I would put money on VF doing the pole test and achieving 5*. Only thing I’d worry about is what will they do with that A-pillar. It is a major structural member. Hopefully they can tilt it inboard somewhat like back in the HQ days.
The public mightn’t be concerned about Power
Yet these days there are a number of smaller engines producing as much if not more power than slightly or much bigger engines for instance a well engineered 4 can make almost the same power as a 6 or even a V8
So I’d like to kjnow where did those extra Kw that they had in the previous model disappear to?
as I said the Corollas rivals have made considerable imrovements in quality and power etc.. yet whilst its still a relatively good car the desicion to buy the current model corolla isnt as obvious as it used to be – the gap is closing.. I personally would go for a Golf
The Corolla is a good car its just that Now with the increased competition it needs to be better to maintain the position as Australias most popular hatchback.
Remember its easier to Chase than it is to lead.
Yes Golfie….but huge company and can not donate a car to be wrecked. Gee come on…..I aint answering that as too funny. No confidence in its shell by Engineers me thinks!
REALITY IS….Corolla is second base model with a sporty look. Why have its runabouts 2nd rung up with 150kw’s? Me thinks “NOT”!
Agree Wheelnuts – 5stars itself is not going to cut it.
Back on the topic, Suprise suprise, thats what happens when you release your bread and butter car on a volatile and downward economic time. Bill cannot be blamed for being put into this position as poor decision makings by the big guys in Fomoco US have been brewing for some time now and couple that with the recent market downturn.
Don’t be suprised if its only affecting Ford or car manufacturers, just look at the other recent resignations, John Stewart NAB/NAG, Trevor O’hoy FOSTERS… all in the span of the recent few months.
The Corolla is not that behind as you truly hope and wish when some 40% ahead of its nearest rival currently – with its rivals offering deals willy nilly just to try to get more sales it still cant close gap! The new Focus is lands at right price and right model mix with inclusions galore will eat into Corolla’s numbers! BUT THATS A LONG WAY OFF! zzz zzz zzz zzz zzz
I recently went for a drive in the curreent model Camry [Aurion] and noticed that it’s A pillar is just as thick as the VEs looking at it from the inside – it’s just that the angle is slightly different
The fit and finish of the Hard Plastic interior panels was about the same as in the VE too – whether or not you interpret that as a good thing for Holden or a bad thing for Toyota is up to you
One solution however; would be to make the front windscreen more of a “wraparound” similar to that on the old FB-EK Holdens or the Valiant Chargers.. not a ad idea as the increased arc/curve could improve aerodynamics
Still with Watto, the Golf’s settled in with a real life 5.8 l/100 kms over 2-1/2 years. The official figure’s 5.5.
And yes, I well recognise that Falcon has claimed all the critical gongs. I had a look at the range recently with my Dad and I’m more in favour of the cars’ interiors now than those on the examples shown at the Perth motor show.
So, if I was doing large Australian, it’d be an FG XR6 or XR6 Turbo.
Possibly Golfschwein. And as Wheelnut stated Aurion failed the pole test 4 out of 5 times I believe. The pole test only accounts for 2 points.
Falcon – 34.6
Commodore – 27.5
Aurion – 30.0
Even if they passed the pole test, FG (base XT with 4 bags) is still 2.6 points clear of Aurion (6 bags) with 2 less air bags. Buy a more up-spec model, or option the $300 curtains, and they are higher again.
If you wannabe Ford luvers want to face why Ford having issues…..its Dearborn! They still have major input into other corners of the globe – so much so they plump to throw into Aussie mix Beth Donovan to Ford Aus new vice president of sales and marketting…..suprise suprise she is US origin and hand picked for here! DEARBORN AT WHEEL STILL…..zzz zzz zzz yawn zzzzz zzzzzzz zzz zzzz
But she has extensive small car experience in a cut throat US market serving up shtye crap old hack Ford FUGLY cars! Just maybe one day they will buckle with tradition!
Ford Aus would not of even had gaul to advertise vice president of sales and marketting as jobs for the boys (US based). LOL…. in this case a girl (as in jobs for the girls)! Of course Ford Aus CEO wont attack that stance…. he is (was) a YANK too!
Watto Wake Up!!!
I was joking with you. My football annnalogy (deliberately mis-spelled to fool the auto moderator) was definitely not at your expense.
FORD – Floating On Rubbish Decisions.
HAHA a US market expert making AUS market decisions. Aussies love V8’s like us Yanks do, so they are the same as us in every aspect… lol.
Camry\Aurion (same car different name) is based on an old outdated platform and the body is also weak. This is why it failed the pole test, just because it has 50 airbags doesnt mean it is safer………get over it TP……..your Japanese Toyotas are made out of recycled Coke cans and thats why they have no substance or character and are boring and un-exciting to drive and look at…….may as well drive a fridge. TRD CAMRY\Aurion……..what a bloody overpriced under developed try hard performance car joke that car is !!! I will give you one thing TP…….at least you Japanese people are sticking up for your white goods Toyotas.
AURION…….the NAME has changed !!! lol
Hmmm, it’s been too long since I sat in a VE and Camry/Aurion back to back. I’ve heard (Carpoint?) that the engineers may have tweaked the A-pillar on VF. There was a top article by Joe Kenwright on how to fix the Commodore A-pillar that I’ve been trying to find for 10mins. I’m crap at searching for something I’ve seen before.
Great economy Golfie, that’s mostly city in Perth is it not? Very impressive.
I have filled my AU 6 times this year (weekend car – daily is on gas).
I’ve gotten:-
764.4kms 104892odo 60.52L 7.9L/100kms – Economy driving
558.9kms 105451odo 51.73L 9.3L/100kms – Heavy right foot
710.6kms 106162odo 58.50L 8.2L/100kms – Average to light
636.7kms 106798odo 63.90L 8.6L/100kms – Average to light
583.3kms 107384odo 57.48L 9.9L/100kms – Very heavy foot
663.2kms 108047odo 57.40L 8.7L/100kms – Heavy to Average
I know my new F6 won’t get anywhere near these numbers, but I’ll be happy with 12-14 with the absolute fun factor it will have. I’m still gonna have the old EB on gas, old faithful halving my daily fuel costs ;-)
Sorry Golfie, must have been too slow on the uptake ;-) I don’t follow footy at all is my excuse LOL.
hehe…my view on competitive matters is that the result is the result. The winner is the winner. Behind the winner is whatever or whoever came second. There’s no yeahs, buts or if onlys.
Been there done that with US input Downunder! Nothing changed and not revitalised = change the game plan with appointments and look!
Seriously why would any one bother to buy the Fusion in USA when so FUGLY shtye! Take the Opel Insignia over there and let you lot discover class and style! Thats what a car should look like as if designed correct and utterly jawdropping. If you USA people got over your drink holders, angular look, have to have 11 seats, brash and brawny Dukes of Hazzard look from a bygone day, then you would discover the G8 which has whetted your dry thirsty appetite for a real classic looker!
Haha Golfy the fence-sitter, nah just kidding. Seriously good economy though.
Not wrong NM, I got a good look on a website of the USA Focus compared to the Euro/Aus Focus. Thank god ours comes from Euro.
The sheer number of accidents caused by people holding their hands over there eyes would have put us into depression.
Another flawed arguement from TP…
Having a pole test does not mean the Aurion would have had a 5star rating. It would still have finished behind Falcon in the overall result.
I think TP would like a pole test himself…
That would make the pole a fence sitter? OMG…OOOUCH!
so i take it you will be my reference NM?? ha ha ha ha ha
what do you get out of your gas watto?? (L/100k wise)
i think i asked you a while ago, but forgot now.
So TP is the pole fence sitter….lol
Ok how come no one that I can find has bought this up………….been busy on Facebook Caradvice {click on the button on this page},yes they are on there too,and no Dingo{See Andrew its not for 13 year old girls, thats my space..}anyhow seems Australia is not the only one that has just lost its Ford President on the very same day Canadian one snatched it too……….
quote
Autoblog “Bill Osborne, up until yesterday the President of Ford Australia, is not the only non-U.S. Ford exec taking a walk from his responsibilities at the Blue Oval. Ford Motor Co. of Canada Ltd head-honcho Barry Engle (above) has also chosen to leave the company on the exact same day. The coincidences don’t end there, as both men took their respective positions just six months ago in February of this year. While we’re not yet sure what role Osborne will be stepping into, his counterpart from Canada is headed to Pennsylvania, his home state, to join New Holland Agricultural Equipment SpA as president and CEO. New Holland is a unit of CNH Global NV — itself controlled by Italian automaker Fiat.
As we said regarding the open position in Australia: “Ford has not announced a replacement, but the new boss will have his or her work cut out as the Australian market adjusts from its high-horsepower diet to more fuel efficient vehicles.” Yeah… that’s been going around.”"
Adjusts?????????????? I dont have any intention of ignoring Australian built V8 power or adjusting to perhaps never having it again !
sorry i missed it…..
so who is on facebook that makes it not a typiclly 13yr old playground???
on topic…….
yep certainly suss there.
my bet is the canadian and waffles boy know each other quite well.
perhaps they are heading to partner in the same venture????
both got in on the same sort of wicket???
old billy boy is no loss anyway.
from the minute i saw and heard him, i knew he was lifeless
Whos on Facebook ? Apart from Alborz and the rest of the writers,Golfy,Wheelnut,Glen,Jeff {who I scored a ride in his new GT-R when it turns up.hehehe}Tonyn,and Godspeed . Oh and I just became friends with Grant Denyer ,and it wasn’t just cause I look hot in my photo Andrew…hahaha
On Topic I hope an Aussie gets the job!
Gee whiz….why not have play lunch too and get in sandpit. Facebook……..who cares as Iam on Andrew’s side. Make sure you live and do life…..and not on querty with silly facebook. Hey MISSILE…..have you ever had a bit on the side on facebook? You know…..well what I mean is come across Kevin Rudd or some other two bit geek? GO DO IT NORM ARMCHAIR DUDE!
Sorry but its easier to do! Hey did you watch BIG BROTHER? That would be up your alley?