Ford Exec's refuse to confirm Falcon production right through to Oct 2016

[westy73]

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

Whilst I understand your disappointment as an enthusiast, unfortunately I do not think you, or your fellow enthusiasts, were the target audience.

Clearly, this segment, for whatever reason, has diminished to the point where FPVs, and Falcon for that matter, is a niche market. And, unfortunately, Ford have obviously lost a lot of money on what is now a niche market. If Ford were interested in maintaining you as a customer within this niche market, I think they would need to significantly increase the price of the product. If that were to happen, would these enthusiasts remain as such? I doubt it.



I don't think that anyone on this forum (apart from the Holden lovers ) are suggesting that there is anything wrong with the product, per se, it's just that the market has changed to the point where it is no longer viable for the business to maintain this segment of the market under the current business model. So, Ford have changed the model. Will they lose some customers, no doubt, but they may just gain more than they lose.



Nor am I. Again, unfortunately, the Australian content of the Future of Ford plays a very small part of the revised business model. I think the amount of time spent on the Australian models was representative of the proportion the Australian models will play in that revised business structure. Whether we all like it or not, Ford is here not to satisfy niche markets, but to produce product that provides them with a reasonable return on their investment. Whichever way Ford moves, some supporters will be lost.



I don't mean any offence at all with this comment Rodge, but you (and your fellow enthusiasts) are probably not the market Ford is looking at in the future. Why, because it has not been profitable for them to continue to service you in the way they have to date. If you are prepared to look at other models in the line-up, then maybe they can. But, you may need to compromise on some of your preferences (ie, two door performance car instead of four, or American built in stead of Australian built, etc)



I've commented on this subject in a couple of threads, and really it can be summed up as follows:

If you prefer an Australian built product, you will be disappointed with the future Ford product

If you prefer a 4 door performance car, you will be disappointed with the future Ford product

If you prefer the Falcon product, you will be disappointed with the future Ford product

If you are prepared to overlook the above, then I think the future Ford product is exciting. We will now have access to some world class vehicles that we have not had access to before. We will also have access to a range of product across segments that we have never had access to before.

Finally, my reading of the purpose behind the presentation the other day was for one purpose only, and that was to get across to the general consumer of the Ford product (remembering that is no longer the Falcon buyer, nor is it a ford enthusiast who trawls the AFF most days) that Ford will remain as a car supplier post the cessation of manufacturing in this country. If you look at it from that perspective, I think it was reasonably successful. The proof will be in the pudding.

Craig H

Craig,

From what I can tell the problem with us 'enthusiasts' is the fact that Ford can just write off 50 years of history so quickly and on top of that the presentation was almost a confirmation of this with such a lack of detail of any new Falcon/Territory update. What are we supposed to think ? All different fads come and go in the car industry. Look at the current American style 'Pickup' trend. Big Panelled Utes so to speak. It wasn't that long ago we were all complaining of the Big Landcruisers and Prados and Territory's doing the rounds. Now every second car seems to be one of these big ugly pickups. Anyway Craig we will see what happens but I forecast a loss of revenue for Ford as they aren't offering me a reasonable replacement for the Falcon and derivatives which quite frankly irks me no end.

[westy73]

Originally Posted by Theo@BluePower

We got the word today from Ford that the GT is finished at the end of the year and there will be no GT in 2014.

The V8 engine plant that was just installed in at the production plant
is to be disassembled as well.

So the 2014 XR8 that's coming sounds like it will be engine brought in from US like the 3V was.. So it might be N/A.

Are you serious ??
That is the knife to the Falcon heart I for one didn't want to hear.
Shocking news and I guess if the hero model is cut then forget about Falcon lasting long either. The only way to send Falcon out with a bang is to ensure the GT got a final run as well. The guys running Ford and Ford OZ have little vested interest in our heritage that seems certain now and the decision seems somewhat unsurprising now.
Thanks for sharing the news if the source is legit.

[GT014]

Originally Posted by Theo@BluePower

We got the word today from Ford that the GT is finished at the end of the year and there will be no GT in 2014.

The V8 engine plant that was just installed in at the production plant
is to be disassembled as well.

So the 2014 XR8 that's coming sounds like it will be engine brought in from US like the 3V was.. So it might be N/A.

You obviously work at Geelong?

WOW this is massive news, time to hurry up and get me a SC I think, bugger waiting for he FH

[satria]

If the GT doesn't go out with a pretty big bang then to me it's all business and no emotion which is disappointing.

To me it looks like it has been the case for a while but there was a small part of me hoping I was wrong. As much as I agree with a lot of people here saying business is business and the world doesn't revolve around Falcon, it is sad that some people like myself even being 28 years of age where there are a lot of older Falcon fans have spent a lot of our lives with great emotions attached to that badge, a decent send off just for the heck of it would have been fitting I thing and a nice gesture towards the fans.

This is the heart talking here rather than the head here but if the Falcon doesn't get the send off it deserves then I can honestly say I'll put all other brands on a level playing field when it comes to my next car purchase. Let's just hope the Mustang stacks up hey!

[XBv8mmm!]

Originally Posted by chevypower

Hmmm, what psychological research confirms your ability to do that?

How about the silence or forced applause at the times when the big 3 expected rapturous ovations.

It doesn't take a psyc degree to see that apart from Everest the DP's and other invitees were fairly underwhelmed.

[XWGT]

Time for a little social media pressure I'm thinking..........

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by westy73

Craig,

From what I can tell the problem with us 'enthusiasts' is the fact that Ford can just write off 50 years of history so quickly and on top of that the presentation was almost a confirmation of this with such a lack of detail of any new Falcon/Territory update. What are we supposed to think ? All different fads come and go in the car industry. Look at the current American style 'Pickup' trend. Big Panelled Utes so to speak. It wasn't that long ago we were all complaining of the Big Landcruisers and Prados and Territory's doing the rounds. Now every second car seems to be one of these big ugly pickups. Anyway Craig we will see what happens but I forecast a loss of revenue for Ford as they aren't offering me a reasonable replacement for the Falcon and derivatives which quite frankly irks me no end.

Hey westy,

Don't get me wrong with any of this. My first car was a Falcon (ED), I've owned a BA XR8, and currently have both an FG G6 and a SY Tez, so I am and will always be a fan of the Aussie product. So I do have empathy (and even some sympathy) for you and your fellow enthusiasts.

But at the end of the day, I think most people would understand that the market has changed for Ford and they need to change to keep pace with that market. Yep, fads come and go, but if you don't stay abreast with those then you will be left behind if you can't whether the storm. That is why Ford is changing. They are trying to remain competitive in a very competitive market. And whenever there is change, some people will feel excited by the prospects of the future and some will feel as though there was nothing wrong and change was not needed.

Only time will tell as to which is true.

An observation: we all think that we are 'normal' and are representative of the majority (me included ). Unfortunately, with such opposing views, only one of us can be 'right'.

I'll also make this observation, some use the opinions/preferences of folk on AFF as an indicator of what the general public feel. Some use car sale volumes as an indicator. If you were running Ford, which would you listen to in directing the future of your company? especially when your task is to make that company viable?

Craig H

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Theo@BluePower

We got the word today from Ford that the GT is finished at the end of the year and there will be no GT in 2014.

The V8 engine plant that was just installed in at the production plant
is to be disassembled as well.

So the 2014 XR8 that's coming sounds like it will be engine brought in from US like the 3V was.. So it might be N/A.

Using a crate engine doesn't make economic sense when the engineering and testing parameters would have to be completely torn up and started from scratch. Plus the costs involved with obtaining ADR type approval for a "new" engine.

The current combo is all paid for, done, and dusted.

[GQ_Smooth]

Originally Posted by Theo@BluePower

We got the word today from Ford that the GT is finished at the end of the year and there will be no GT in 2014.

The V8 engine plant that was just installed in at the production plant
is to be disassembled as well.

So the 2014 XR8 that's coming sounds like it will be engine brought in from US like the 3V was.. So it might be N/A.

Your information better be wrong!

[PridenJoy]

Originally Posted by Theo@BluePower

We got the word today from Ford that the GT is finished at the end of the year and there will be no GT in 2014.

The V8 engine plant that was just installed in at the production plant
is to be disassembled as well.

So the 2014 XR8 that's coming sounds like it will be engine brought in from US like the 3V was.. So it might be N/A.

Wow, that's quite a bombshell you've just dropped!

Worst thing is you're a credible source so most likely is true.

[XBv8mmm!]

Originally Posted by Theo@BluePower

We got the word today from Ford that the GT is finished at the end of the year and there will be no GT in 2014.

The V8 engine plant that was just installed in at the production plant
is to be disassembled as well.

So the 2014 XR8 that's coming sounds like it will be engine brought in from US like the 3V was.. So it might be N/A.

Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!

[XWGT]

Hmmmm unless they have stockpiled supercharged 5.0 and foresee no need to build more

[FalconXV]

I guess they have the global ECU now, which could run 4 cam phases on NA Coyote. But why would they throw $40mil down the drain by deleting GT? And wouldn't it be $20+ mil just to calibrate DSC on Coyote?
Why they wouldn't at least do a limited edition GT, while they have the last opportunity to is baffling. Kind of puts Mulallys statement in the shade.

[westy73]

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

Hey westy,

Don't get me wrong with any of this. My first car was a Falcon (ED), I've owned a BA XR8, and currently have both an FG G6 and a SY Tez, so I am and will always be a fan of the Aussie product. So I do have empathy (and even some sympathy) for you and your fellow enthusiasts.

But at the end of the day, I think most people would understand that the market has changed for Ford and they need to change to keep pace with that market. Yep, fads come and go, but if you don't stay abreast with those then you will be left behind if you can't whether the storm. That is why Ford is changing. They are trying to remain competitive in a very competitive market. And whenever there is change, some people will feel excited by the prospects of the future and some will feel as though there was nothing wrong and change was not needed.

Only time will tell as to which is true.

An observation: we all think that we are 'normal' and are representative of the majority (me included ). Unfortunately, with such opposing views, only one of us can be 'right'.

I'll also make this observation, some use the opinions/preferences of folk on AFF as an indicator of what the general public feel. Some use car sale volumes as an indicator. If you were running Ford, which would you listen to in directing the future of your company? especially when your task is to make that company viable?

Craig H

Hi Craig,

Well that's a nice list of Falcon's and a Terry you have owned. More power to you and I commend your choice of vehicle.

I guess my point is simply that it seems in this digital age we have lost the art of getting back to basics with motoring. It seems that unless you are running a jelly mould small or mid sized car that can connect to Facebook or Youtube and voice activate everything it's uncool.

Now I don't live in the city in fact quite a ways out and for mine driving the long drives I do would not be as fun or rewarding in a small revvy four pot. For me the power/torque combo for overtaking plus the added benefit of plenty of room and a comfortable ride with heaps of room for a missus and 3 kids and a boot full of luggage to match plus the ability to tow a double axle trailer with a tonne or two, or a caravan or a boat. For me this is what sets the Falcon apart. Don't forget how long Ford OZ refused to go IRS and stuck with the live rear axle or cart springs. Then when the did go to IRS WOW ! What an engineering masterpiece that was from the guys and girls in Ford OZ.

For too long it seems there has been a disconnect between the top brass at Ford OZ and the ability to convey via marketing how good Falcon really is. They have seemed resigned to put the Falcon out to pasture like I have said before, once Geoff Polites was relieved of his post by Tom Gorman. It's been a steady decline since then. I am a firm believer if you invest in your product , update it keeping it current and you are passionate about it that is then reflected to the prospective buyers. This goes for selling phones, cars in fact anything. You gotta have the passion and make sure the buyers see that passion and say 'You know what, I want one !'. This has been lost for the better part of 9 years at Ford OZ.

Need anyone remind anyone about how utterly farcical the EcoBoost advertising was and how it simply shows the lack of interest to market anything from Ford OZ no matter how friggin good it is. Sigh.

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by XBv8mmm!

How about the silence or forced applause at the times when the big 3 expected rapturous ovations.

It doesn't take a psyc degree to see that apart from Everest the DP's and other invitees were fairly underwhelmed.

Hmmm they were forced to applaud? Weird!

[stang65]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Using a crate engine doesn't make economic sense when the engineering and testing parameters would have to be completely torn up and started from scratch. Plus the costs involved with obtaining ADR type approval for a "new" engine.

The current combo is all paid for, done, and dusted.

Is possible that Ford are that stupid. They just blew 4 million on a crappy launch maybe they figured this was a better option regardless of cost.Seriously they couldn`t release an Xr8 with the same power as the current GT it would be rubbing salt into the wound if the Xr8 ended up as the same power or engine as the last GT.

[Rodge]

Originally Posted by psychobimbo

Whilst I understand your disappointment as an enthusiast, unfortunately I do not think you, or your fellow enthusiasts, were the target audience.
Yes it appears we are to take it or leave it with the Mustang and that's the full extent of their performance offer going forward.
Clearly, this segment, for whatever reason, has diminished to the point where FPVs, and Falcon for that matter, is a niche market. And, unfortunately, Ford have obviously lost a lot of money on what is now a niche market. If Ford were interested in maintaining you as a customer within this niche market, I think they would need to significantly increase the price of the product. If that were to happen, would these enthusiasts remain as such? I doubt it.

I guess it was inevitable as the niche got smaller and smaller that something had to give. The general public either doesn't care, can't afford or doesn't appreciate just how good they've had it with the opportunity to buy high powered Falcon and FPV vehicles for prices that will seem incredibly reasonable once people start looking for direct alternatives. How much is a Jaguar XFR or BMW M5....

I don't think that anyone on this forum (apart from the Holden lovers ) are suggesting that there is anything wrong with the product, per se, it's just that the market has changed to the point where it is no longer viable for the business to maintain this segment of the market under the current business model. So, Ford have changed the model. Will they lose some customers, no doubt, but they may just gain more than they lose.
Yes its inevitable for sure, but that still doesn't make this pill any less bitter to swallow.

Nor am I. Again, unfortunately, the Australian content of the Future of Ford plays a very small part of the revised business model. I think the amount of time spent on the Australian models was representative of the proportion the Australian models will play in that revised business structure. Whether we all like it or not, Ford is here not to satisfy niche markets, but to produce product that provides them with a reasonable return on their investment. Whichever way Ford moves, some supporters will be lost.

I don't mean any offence at all with this comment Rodge, but you (and your fellow enthusiasts) are probably not the market Ford is looking at in the future. Why, because it has not been profitable for them to continue to service you in the way they have to date. If you are prepared to look at other models in the line-up, then maybe they can. But, you may need to compromise on some of your preferences (ie, two door performance car instead of four, or American built in stead of Australian built, etc)No offence taken mate I appreciate you taking the time to share your point of view.

I've commented on this subject in a couple of threads, and really it can be summed up as follows:

If you prefer an Australian built product, you will be disappointed with the future Ford product

If you prefer a 4 door performance car, you will be disappointed with the future Ford product

If you prefer the Falcon product, you will be disappointed with the future Ford productIf you are prepared to overlook the above, then I think the future Ford product is exciting. We will now have access to some world class vehicles that we have not had access to before. We will also have access to a range of product across segments that we have never had access to before.

Finally, my reading of the purpose behind the presentation the other day was for one purpose only, and that was to get across to the general consumer of the Ford product (remembering that is no longer the Falcon buyer, nor is it a ford enthusiast who trawls the AFF most days) that Ford will remain as a car supplier post the cessation of manufacturing in this country. If you look at it from that perspective, I think it was reasonably successful. The proof will be in the pudding.

Craig H

Sums up this disappointing situation fairly well, unfortunatly. Appreciate your input. As mentioned earlier, I've put in place a plan to maximise the lifespan of my vehicle and suspect other FPV enthusiasts will have their own methodology regarding optimising their future enjoyment. If Ford make a better product down the track that suits my needs better that's fine and I'm happy to consider it but it'll be on a level playing field with other brands. I won't be holding my breath though. Get youself an FPV mate while you still can, you'll be very pleased if you do

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by stang65

Is possible that Ford are that stupid. They just blew 4 million on a crappy launch maybe they figured this was a better option regardless of cost.Seriously they couldn`t release an Xr8 with the same power as the current GT it would be rubbing salt into the wound if the Xr8 ended up as the same power or engine as the last GT.

The other alternative is like the poster above said, they have built enough engines and stockpiled them to see them through.

Our man on the inside at the engine plant will tell us if it is fact or crap though...

[stang65]

one can only hope......

[Rodge]

Well if they're finishing up production of the SC Coyote engine they still need to be in a position by law to be able to supply ten years of spare parts.

[au2000]

Originally Posted by Theo@BluePower
We got the word today from Ford that the GT is finished at the end of the year and there will be no GT in 2014.

The V8 engine plant that was just installed in at the production plant
is to be disassembled as well.

So the 2014 XR8 that's coming sounds like it will be engine brought in from US like the 3V was.. So it might be N/A.

well, that would explain the falcon "brush over". would not have been the right forum to have said oh no fpv / gt in the fh series...
sort of would have taken the spotlight from what they were trying to showcase.

[Oxa384]

Originally Posted by Theo@BluePower
We got the word today from Ford that the GT is finished at the end of the year and there will be no GT in 2014.

The V8 engine plant that was just installed in at the production plant
is to be disassembled as well.

So the 2014 XR8 that's coming sounds like it will be engine brought in from US like the 3V was.. So it might be N/A.

this makes sense now......should of called it the FU!!

[Rodge]

All good....if what's reported above happens the value of all SC FPV's just went up a bit in terms of their collectability IMO.

[Bluepower]

Guys I hope that we are wrong, but our source is Gold. If we are wrong I apologize, but unfortunately the guy who told be also predicted the fall of FPV, the end (and the return)of the XR8, and Ford halting production here.

Being the closest tune shop to Ford has always had its advantages in its relationships, this news gives us no pleasure at all. Again, I hope he is wrong, but he is 5 from 5 so far.

[GT014]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

The other alternative is like the poster above said, they have built enough engines and stockpiled them to see them through.

Our man on the inside at the engine plant will tell us if it is fact or crap though...

Look fwd to hearing about this soon

[HSVKILLA]

Kill thread!

[au2000]

Originally Posted by Bluepower

Guys I hope that we are wrong, but our source is Gold. If we are wrong I apologize, but unfortunately the guy who told be also predicted the fall of FPV, the end (and the return)of the XR8, and Ford halting production here.

Being the closest tune shop to Ford has always had its advantages in its relationships, this news gives us no pleasure at all. Again, I hope he is wrong, but he is 5 from 5 so far.

not your fault guys, not like you are the ones making the decisions

[Bluehoon]

Emotionally this news from Bluepower is a killer.

Rob Herrod stated a while back the mustang kit was coming... Should this move be true then this is the start of changing over to the mustang..

Bugger!

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by strobe

Is it just Ford who's expected to release their next generation product details and specs at your whim or do you guys pound away on apple/samsung/coles/myer forums with the same complaints?

If they are all manufacturing in Australia and are closing down said manufacturing in two years - yes.

[Perko]

Originally Posted by Bluepower

Guys I hope that we are wrong, but our source is Gold. If we are wrong I apologize, but unfortunately the guy who told be also predicted the fall of FPV, the end (and the return)of the XR8, and Ford halting production here.

Being the closest tune shop to Ford has always had its advantages in its relationships, this news gives us no pleasure at all. Again, I hope he is wrong, but he is 5 from 5 so far.

Thanks for the heads up. But also look beyond this and take a look at other facts.

Ford are running to a budget that may mean that the GT will not be done because of new spoilers, specific interior etc. This does NOT rule out a XR8 Sprint type of vehicle with the 335 motor, Brembo's etc to take on the SS-V. In a way it may be a good thing because Ford would be hammered if they put out a half-arsed GT as a final farewell.

As far as the plant is concerned, if it closes down at the end of 2014 (though no date stated), then this does give plenty of time to stockpile motors for anticipated sales. The plant runs at full capacity and not when models are sold. This improves efficiencies, lowers costs, and also gives Ford a definitive number that it can sell for the V8's.

I just can't see then bringing in a crate motor and redoing the required work when the budget is not huge. Use the current motors and transmissions as they are proven. So for me its 315 for the XR8 and 335 for XR8 Sprint model. If no new spoilers are being made then Theo's call on the GT would be spot on.