Is Fomoco Aust The Falcon Only Company?

[plonky]

The BA Falcon has been a success and fortunately has given Ford Australia a lifeline as far as Ford US is concerned.

However, I'm worried about a number of things:

The Focus. Awesome car but it is getting flogged by the Astra, Corolla and Mirage. What is being done about it!

The Explorer. A great car, good size, good power and features. I didn't know Ford Australia still sold them.

The Mondeo. Another great handling, albeit a bit underpowered. The ST24 is released just before the decision to axe the range. Another car that I was unaware that Ford sold.

The F Series. Great value for money, but what is being done to give them a push along.

The Falcon XT. We all know Ford sell the BA range. In fact the XR6 N/A is probably their most popular model. Apart from fleet, what is being done to sell the bread and butter (not cheap and nasty) XT Falcon.

The XT (both 6 and are performance bargains. There are a hell of a lot of people that can't go the extra yards for an XR6, but there is nothing in the XT rabge that looks decidely sporty so the next best option is second hand VT/VX Gen3 or AU XR6/8.

Why can't the XT have a model called the 'XT GS'. This Falcon is in a number of colours such as red, black, white, blue and green; has sports suspension (a la XR family) and 16" alloys as well as unique badging such as a 'GS' logo similar to the old one.

It doesn't need a wing or foglights. Just sports suspension, alloy wheels, LSD, different badging and leather wrap steering wheel.

Considering that the company is handing out factory bonuses, it would make more sense to build the XTGS as the 'family mans sports sedan' without the insurance hassles of an XR or the handbrake whingeing about spending money on a car which is the same as an XR without the front bar, bodykit and wheels.

As a matter of fact, the last Motor Magazine BFYB has actually given the XT V8 manual one of the biggest kickalongs that Ford could possibly imagine.

Now all they need to do is capitalise upon it (and start by educating those in Ford Marketing who don't know which drivers drive for their brand)

Ford sells cars, not AFL footballs, Tennis racquets, Gilbert Rugby balls and boots!!

[CJF077]

I totally agree with you on this. They seem to market the range that is the newest, instead of what has been out for a while. Even with things such as the GT and the XR6 Turbo. It seems that Ford tend to market strongly then let things fade away, without realising the possible potential of what advertising does.

I know from speaking to a Ford Marketing person that it boils down to budget. They spend all their money on design and getting the cars built, they tend to lack on the advertising side of things do to money constraints.. sad but i guess thats how it is..

[plonky]

True CJF but initiative, talent and passion are not something you can buy!

I can't understand why Ford mandate their people having degrees in basket weaving or whatever when they don't have a passion for the product.

Another thing, the dealer network is being let down by Marketing. There are only a few Dealer Principals that have the credentials and knowledge to have an opinion and who are not "Yes" men.

The RJV thing (not a great idea either) doesn't help because the dealer principal positions are appointments. If they stuff up they can go back to Head Office (when they can't handle the real world) whereas the Franchisees have to make a buck out of it and they are committed to their business.

Real passion for CARS, not aerial ping pong, tennis and other pursuits is what is needed at Ford. Once that passion is realised, then it will infect their subordinates, dealers and customers!

[Henry]

I absolutely agree with all that has been said here.

It seems everyone I talk to knows this except for Ford Oz and no doubt HQ.

Ford need people who are passionate about cars and more importantly about the blue oval.

This latest onslaught by HSV and Expensive Daewoo with 245 and 285 kw motors should be answered fast and decisively. Ford now have to make firecrackers and the turbo 6 as we saw at the CV dyno day is the answer.

Incidently Geoff, if you are looking for some blue oval passion in your finance dept, I am the man!! :D

[tongueboy]

I wander at their ultra conservative marketing strategy. Look at the adds that are on the tele now for the Falcon and especially the ones about how popular the sales people are. That makes me cringe! I honestly think they have to change their advertising company. Look at the adds for the General, no cringe factor there!

[Grant]

Just to take this slightly off topic for a second - Chris, does Uncle Geoff come in here at all? DO any of these suggestions get heard or are they best off being posted over at FF?

[GDH]

I know of a few local dealerships doing an XT-S model...from what I can tell, it's basically an XT with a few go-faster bits on it. Maybe not the same spec as your GS but it's a step in the right direction. And that probably reflects what you say about some dealers caring about the product, whilst others may as well be selling mobile phones, etc.

Problem is, if I couldn't stretch to a BA XR, I'd be one of those looking at an AU XR or a VX SS...find a good one and they're bargains at the moment. Yeah they've got shortcomings, but would appeal to me much more than an XT or a Zetec Focus, and I'd have change in my pocket.

GDH

[bloan]

If they in marketing have any of the skills &/or qualifications? of those that I have the unfortunate time in dealing with god help us. Nothing will ever change.

[Cobra]

plonky ... Ford have sfa marketing skills and couldn't give a rats a$$ about their loyal supporters ....

it is all about MONEY !!!

you got yourself a sweet kiss from Ford when you got the Cobra .... but remember that idiots like me who paid full price a mere six months before got kicked in the guts.... thanks GP (not to be ever forgotten)

so the idea that Ford and it's lack of marketing skill could get the models within a range right is absolutely absurd to me ...

in the BA range ... they screwed the XR8 guys (and GTers too)

I still can't figure why they slotted the XRT where they did .... makes absolutely no-sense

historically Ford have been totally consistent with screwing the the true blue followers ... and always Ford hit the top of the range ....

the T50s ... what a crime ! but atleast they had an upgrade path

the Cobras .... oh no!!

the Mondeos, Taurus, Cougars, Probes etc etc .... strewth ....

the Explorer .... the most accident prone SUV in the world ... more people die in that vehicle from roll over accidents in the States than any other SUV .... but yep ... we still sell it here ...

tough truth .... the only reason I'm still a Ford supporter is that I simply can't stand GM* :lol:

[Antisocial]

Plonky, I felt you were spot on up until about here.....

The Explorer. A great car, good size, good power and features. I didn't know Ford Australia still sold them.

The Explorer is far from perfect, thirsty, soggy suspension that droops when you put anything in the back. Poor use of interior space and terible left to right hand drive ergonomics, not overly capable off road (more designed for driving in snow).

I personally know over a 100 4wd owners (club) and only one has an explorer and she bought it to tow a horse float. Compared to other 4wd's for the money it just dosen't rate. :(

You didnt even mention the Escape, good softroader if your after that sort of thing. But for some reason the Mazda Tribute has a much better suspension setup (Mazda dealers know this, and actually tell you to go and take a Ford for a drive cause they know you will come back) I think the Tribute also looks better. :nugget:

And the General has has had a triumph of marketing over product since the 70's.