The Adelaide motor show this year????? I went the other day and got in for half price and still thought I had been ripped off!!
The representation from nearly all of the manufacturers was average with Holden dominating the show. I used to go to the motor show to see and learn about the latest and upcoming vehicles(in particlular Fords) and hopefully leave with a feeling of enthusiasm to buy a new car.
Being an enthusiastic Ford supporter for the last 24years I made my way to the Ford display to check out the upcoming FG range the press had been flogging during the past months. There were 2 FPV vehicles, an XR6T & XR8 and the 2 top end FG Falcons (replacements for the Fairmont and Fairmont Ghia). Allright....you might say this is good enough due to the models not being available yet, but.....ask for any info on the new line-up and one of the reps on the stand puls out a scrap of paper and a pencil and draws a rough FG family tree outlining the range and describing what the new models have replaced, then a friendly offer to send out some info over the next few weeks. The only consolation being a plastic Ford bag with a ballon and FG XR8 poster! The FPV display was just as disapointing with very little information on vehicle specs and model choices.
Heres what you'll see at the Ford display;
FPV FG-GT, FG-F6.
FG-XR6 Turbo
FG-G6E, FG-G6E Turbo
FG-XR8 ute
Fiesta XR4
Mondeo Hatch
Focus coupe-cabriolet
Focus lx hatch
Territory AWD Ghia
Escape
Ranger XLT crew cab
European left hand drive Mondeo Wagon
I think that covers it, if I missed anything it couldn't have been very memorable!
When I started to ask further questons about the lack of vehicles on display and what future changes might lay ahead for the Territory and commercial vehicles I was refered to a rep on the stand who was a salesman from one of the local Ford dealers.
For mere curiosity and for the fact that you can't overlook its size and presentation, I checked out the Holden Stand. Imediately your attention is grabbed by the HSV 427 370kw Sedan (on sale mid year) on a rotating display and also the Concept coupe on another rotating display, Then there is almost a full lineup of VE comodores including 2 vesions of the VE sports-wagon, a healthy display of small and mid sized cars all finished off with a well stocked merchandise shop. The GMH presence was also a main feature in the second pavillion with a display of there past concept vehicles.
Anyway I don't normally voice to many opinions here, but the disapointment I felt walking out of the motorshow was unexpected. Ford Australia could really learn a lot from GMH about the way they respond to there buyers and supporters when it comes to marketing there image!
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