So your the CEO: what would you change with Falcon?

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

One thing that people find odd when the discover it is the way they have clay models, and sometimes full working mock-ups of future cars, maybe five years plus ahead. I've seen history articles of Holden and Ford showing mock-ups of cars six or seven years ahead of the actual build-time of that model.
The side by side comparison of something like a VN Commodore when the VC was being built was startling to say the least. One would wonder why the Big Man didn't take one look at it and say "Instead of tooling up for the next model, let's bite the bullet and skip the next three or four models and go straight to this one next and shock the hell out of the opposition by looking like we're years ahead of them?"

Great idea! I always thought thats how Toyota designed cars, each new model looks like it has skipped a generation to the next one and simply missed out the model in-between. You will also notice that every time Toyota brings out a new generation its a big leap from the one before.

Cars like the current Camry, Corolla and Yaris are each almost half a decade old but each one looks modern enough to have been released today.

It seems buyers prefer a modern look over a good look.


Current Yaris release 2005


Corolla released 2006


Camry released 2006

[b0son]

If you think Toyotas look good, you must have a lot of cardigans in your wardrobe.

To me, a Toyota says 'a car is nothing more than an appliance - I have no expectations of it'

[2011G6E]

These are a few examples:
VN Commodore proposal, from early eighties, maybe 5 to 6 years before the actual VN came out.

How radical would that have looked in the mid-eighties if they'd decided to skip the VH and VK and just go straight to this? Dare I say it's even more futuristic looking than the current VE Commodore...lower it a bit, slap some modern sized wheels on it (at the time that 15" wheel was huge), and it'd fit right in.

This was the "Calais LE" proposal, from 1985:


This is from the Ford stable:
The EA Falcon...in 1984...


Nowadays most modelling is done in-computer, so it would be even easier to come up with a radical design that can be done at low cost on current machinery. No idea why they don't and Australian makers seem to be happy with slow and steady (and sometimes hardly noticeable) changes from model to model...after all, there's no rule that the "Falcon/Commodore Brand" needs to look similar to the previous model...it can be radically different, if they're brave enough to do it.

[Trek]

I tend to think narrowing the selection we currently have is to blame for Ford's lacking results. There's bound to be people who disagree, except I think we need the names Fairmont, Fairlane and LTD back in the stead. As well as bringing back the Wagon and Panel Van. More varied interiors. All round, more options.

I felt quite ill to discover one culling/compromise after the other in the years gone by, with each event. Something didn't seem right in the direction they've decided to take. I still do have faith in Ford as a brand, but it is weak at this point.

[2011G6E]

I'm the biggest fan of the return of "Fairmont" and "Fairmont Ghia" badges to the range...they were names that meant something, old well-known names even to non-Ford people, which immediately identified your vehicle. Imagine the outcry if they decided to get all BMW on the Falcons *** and rename it with just a couple of numbers or letters...
I'm sick of having to "explain" to people what exactly our car is (if they can't see it). "It's a G6E...that's a Falcon...a top of the range one with all the options, like the old Fairmont Ghia used to be...". In fact, because of the blank looks you usually get when you say "G6E", I've given up and just started saying "It's a Fairmont", and people know exactly what it is straight away and where it stands in the lineup.

You shouldn't have to explain what it is you own...the name of a car should be an immediate identifier to everyone, not just people who read all the latest motoring magazines.

[drew`SEVNT5]

I am glad that none of us are in charge of Ford with 99.9% of the idea flying about in here...

Rolled gold ways of tearing up money such as RTV, new Wagon design, build-to-order with limitless options, etc etc, along with absolute waste-of-time ideas such as changing the G6/G6E/G6ET back to the grampa-spec names of yesteryear Fairmont & Fairmont Ghia...


My first change would be to the marketing department. Followed by employing an army of dealership standards implementation folk. Then up the amount of imported models in our lineup, in anticipation for the day, not too far off, where local production is no longer viable... So, when that day comes, we aren't stuck with nothing to sell..

[nt0351]

Ford Australia have made some very dumb decisions in the last 25 years,..the 3 majors being : dropping the V8 ,..[that alone pretty much lost them a whole generation of customers ] ,..then they followed up the stupidity 20 years later by dropping the wagon & the Fairlane / LTD ...

absolutely nothing wrong with the product ,...even the current poverty pak Falcon is miles ahead of the commodore on road ,...[ imho the VE is a pig to drive]

the answer is really simple ,... listen to what the market wants and give it to them in truckloads ,....go back to the good old days ,...any option on any variant ,....

fancy buying a new car and being told what you can & cant have ,..what sort of rubbish is that ?

a BIG wake up call is what's needed ,...the imbeciles running the place have lost touch ,... get rid of all the dead wood otherwise our home grown Aussie Falcon will be gone forever

[dylancox]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

These are a few examples:
VN Commodore proposal, from early eighties, maybe 5 to 6 years before the actual VN came out.

How radical would that have looked in the mid-eighties if they'd decided to skip the VH and VK and just go straight to this? Dare I say it's even more futuristic looking than the current VE Commodore...lower it a bit, slap some modern sized wheels on it (at the time that 15" wheel was huge), and it'd fit right in.

This was the "Calais LE" proposal, from 1985:


This is from the Ford stable:
The EA Falcon...in 1984...


Nowadays most modelling is done in-computer, so it would be even easier to come up with a radical design that can be done at low cost on current machinery. No idea why they don't and Australian makers seem to be happy with slow and steady (and sometimes hardly noticeable) changes from model to model...after all, there's no rule that the "Falcon/Commodore Brand" needs to look similar to the previous model...it can be radically different, if they're brave enough to do it.

Nah, if they skipped VH and VK, they'd never have come up with the mighty VL . I think I remember reading a Ford Aus history book and seeing an early EA sketch that had nearly the same treatment as that VN.. basically an entirely glass C-pillar. Wrapping the window into the boot on the VN proto was a really strange idea though..

Where'd you get all those prototype pics? That front end on the second VN sketch looks an awful like what the VY/VZ Statesman became. I guess Holden must have dug out their sketches from 17 years before

[DJR-351]

If i was CEO of Ford Aus at the moment.....hmmm?? i would be skimming as much $$ as i could into an non-traceable offshore bank account before the plug gets pulled.....

[V8 6I]

Lots of good and bad ideas here,What about the ability to change your instrument lights to any colour you want.Change to whatever mood you are in at any particular time that would be good.

[Bobman]

Another photo of a clay model EA in 1984 (for wind testing):

http://www.dhub.org/object/116460,ford+car

[2011G6E]

Hey! the VL is still a damn fine looking car...

Saw a very nice one a while back...simply bright yellow, dark tint, lowered, on silver-painted (properly painted...not just sprayed on the car in someones driveway) steel interceptor wheels with low profile tyres. Just looked right.

Ford needs a better marketing department. There ya go. We are no longer a captive audience of numpties who will just buy on badge alone...people have a good choice of vehicles nowadays, from all over the world. Japanese cars are no longer cheap little shonky econoboxes, European cars aren't quirky unreliable crapbuckets that you can hear rusting on a quiet night, and American cars are, mostly, pretty good as well...however they suffer from the same problem even though they are a massive market: the build the cars down to a price. They are good cars...but they could be great cars with a bit of thought. The 300C is a magnificent car, but lower model Chryslers and Jeeps all appear to have had the interior built as cheaply and nastily as possible out of cheap plastics for an audience who buys on price and exterior appearance alone. They too are under assault by foreign makers who can actually stitch together a decent interior to go with the exterior, at a sharp price.

Ford has to push the Falcon, and push hard, if they want it to survive. You know, I can't remember the last time I saw a TV advert for the Falcon? I can easily recall well-done catchy adverts for the Focus, the Mondeo, and Fiesta...but where are the same quality ad campaigns for the Falcon? Or are they just complacently sitting back and trusting people to keep rolling in and buying Falcons on name alone?

[Bobman]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

Hey! the VL is still a damn fine looking car...

Saw a very nice one a while back...simply bright yellow, dark tint, lowered, on silver-painted (properly painted...not just sprayed on the car in someones driveway) steel interceptor wheels with low profile tyres. Just looked right.

That's how they were released for Victoria police:

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bobman

Another photo of a clay model EA in 1984 (for wind testing):

http://www.dhub.org/object/116460,ford+car

And the reason that is a scale model in 1984 instead of a full sized puck is because
Ford had just wasted over 2 years on the "Capricorn" FWD Falcon from Mazda 626-Telstar.

I hope Ford doesn't waste it's time again and instead concentrates on what our market wants....

[Lukeyson]

Originally Posted by SM1DY

- 2.9% finance
- XR8 and Sprint
- Extent Focus range to include RS as a regular in the line-up
- Revive the Territory Turbo
- Push a diesel model into the FPV line-up
- Keyless ignition across the range (like in the Outlander)

This, especially finance.

And also some pre outs on factory ICC

[distortion]

Reduce the size and weight of the falcon. In between current an mazda 6 would be good... aim for 1500kg (may not be possible, but we are Australians, our engineers are pretty damn good). Keep the current range of engines and promote the increased fuel economy with the lower weight and size of the car... all the benefits of an Australian sedan, able to tow etc, but still light weight enough to get some decent fuel economy, better handling and braking due to the low weight... Move all performance vehicles to FPV branding, and all luxury and base models to Ford only. Offer LPGi across all models, FPV included. BUILD QUALITY backed with a dealership network that actually wants repeat customers. This is enforced by a management that will listen to bad reports about a dealership and be prepared to scare the crap out of those responsible for poor performance... and reward good performance! IF/WHEN falcon needs to go truely global, create an AWD/RWD system, brand the falcons that are AWD going to the states as Lincoln performance vehicles, RWD can be the replacement for the Taurus over there... Imagine the yanks getting a decent RWD, low cost sedan from Ford again! NO MORE VINYL STICKERS!!! (Though at least they are using premium avery vinyls) Better wheel designs... look at market trends for aftermarket wheels, approach the suppliers of those wheels and create some options! Bigger LCD screens and SAT nav standard across the range, as per the top spec Titanium. Charging stations where mobiles/pda's, laptops etc can be charged through the cars system (great for mobile office) Ideally, this would be done through the new tech that allows cordless recharging... I think they should hire me

[G6E Turbo 2]

Marketing of the product and media coverage
AND
after sales Customer Service

Both these are currently very poor !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by G6E Turbo 2

Marketing of the product and media coverage
AND
after sales Customer Service

Both these are currently very poor !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think you've hit the nail on the head...

As I said, I can't remember the last time I saw a TV advert for the Falcon...any falcon in the range...yet Tv is infested with adverts for Fiestas, Mondeos, and Focus models. There are also big campaigns by Holden promoting Commodores, like the redline edition and other special offers. Why none like tha from Ford for the Falcon?

You can only rely on so much repeat business from old Falcon owners after all...and given the choice nowadays and less "badge loyalty" (certainly less than there used to be many years back), Ford had better pick thier act up in this area. If you don't advertise something, the profile remains low amongst all except dedicated enthusiasts and died-in-the-wool Ford people.

[apfgxr6]

Originally Posted by distortion

Reduce the size and weight of the falcon. In between current an mazda 6 would be good... aim for 1500kg (may not be possible, but we are Australians, our engineers are pretty damn good). Keep the current range of engines and promote the increased fuel economy with the lower weight and size of the car... all the benefits of an Australian sedan, able to tow etc, but still light weight enough to get some decent fuel economy, better handling and braking due to the low weight... Move all performance vehicles to FPV branding, and all luxury and base models to Ford only. Offer LPGi across all models, FPV included. BUILD QUALITY backed with a dealership network that actually wants repeat customers. This is enforced by a management that will listen to bad reports about a dealership and be prepared to scare the crap out of those responsible for poor performance... and reward good performance! IF/WHEN falcon needs to go truely global, create an AWD/RWD system, brand the falcons that are AWD going to the states as Lincoln performance vehicles, RWD can be the replacement for the Taurus over there... Imagine the yanks getting a decent RWD, low cost sedan from Ford again! NO MORE VINYL STICKERS!!! (Though at least they are using premium avery vinyls) Better wheel designs... look at market trends for aftermarket wheels, approach the suppliers of those wheels and create some options! Bigger LCD screens and SAT nav standard across the range, as per the top spec Titanium. Charging stations where mobiles/pda's, laptops etc can be charged through the cars system (great for mobile office) Ideally, this would be done through the new tech that allows cordless recharging... I think they should hire me

when we already have a mondeo that is already the weight and size you're talking about, with as mutch or more interior room as the ba/bf falcon had ford aus just could'nt sell a rwd falcon of the same size.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by G6E Turbo 2

Marketing of the product and media coverage
AND
after sales Customer Service

Both these are currently very poor !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Same here

[xdrft]

Diesel V6 FG XT Falcon, developments done with the Tezza, throw it in there!

Get Holdens marketing gurus to promote it!

[chevypower]

Toyotas seem to be designed with a lot of input, from a lot of people. It is the product made to kind of suit everybody. The problem with that is that it wasn't created from absolute passion. Cars that turn heads and pump adrenaline, don't suit everybody. They are balanced to excel in one area, which means they are flawed on other areas. I prefer these kinds of cars. Chrysler often makes vehicles with the "love it or hate it" attitude, and I respect that. It's made for enthusiasts.
As for advertising, there is a Camry ad running here that has a dialog from a customer who says something along the lines of "With my Camry, I don't need to worry about maintenance." So it seems Toyota is encouraging the consumer they don't need oil changes or other regular maintenance, and basically thinking their customers are dumb enough to believe that. Tell people what they want to hear I guess.

[Poetic Justice]

It's not that you don't need to worry about maintenance, it's that Toyota is advertising the fact they have the $130 capped servicing on Camry's over the first 3 years of ownership.

They're simply stating that you know what you need to spend per year and bingo, you don't need to worry about maintenance because as long as you get the capped servicing done, the car will be fine. And knowing Toyota's, it probably will.

[Rico 110s]

Ford really needs to do what alot on here suggest, advertise better, offer better customer service, and follow up on any customer complaints. The only thing I would like for Ford to do is go back to where it made its money in the first place, by offering a basic vehicle, with no extras ( and if you have to call it a taxi pack then so be it). This is what made ford here in Australia back Fifty odd years ago, It was not trying to flog the Falcon off to Aussies as a replacement for BMWs or Mercs then, and it will never really be able to do that in the future. I am not saying to take away the top of the range models, just bring out more basic range cars as well. The most common car up in the NT is an i30 from what i have seen, and they are cheap cars with no extras, Falcon needs to come in at a sub $29000 drive away price, and to do this Ford can take all the niceties out, and just leave the basics.

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by Rico 110s

Ford really needs to do what alot on here suggest, advertise better, offer better customer service, and follow up on any customer complaints. The only thing I would like for Ford to do is go back to where it made its money in the first place, by offering a basic vehicle, with no extras ( and if you have to call it a taxi pack then so be it). This is what made ford here in Australia back Fifty odd years ago, It was not trying to flog the Falcon off to Aussies as a replacement for BMWs or Mercs then, and it will never really be able to do that in the future. I am not saying to take away the top of the range models, just bring out more basic range cars as well. The most common car up in the NT is an i30 from what i have seen, and they are cheap cars with no extras, Falcon needs to come in at a sub $29000 drive away price, and to do this Ford can take all the niceties out, and just leave the basics.

I think those days are past. Only fleets would be interested and when it came to auction time, these cars would sit around unsold or go for cents in the dollar, because private buyers weren't interested. Any savings in the purchase price would be savaged in retained value.

Many sub 40K Korean cars now have standard equipment lists that makes the G6E looks underequipped. People like these cars and SUV's and buy them in increasing numbers.

The simple reality is that while Falcons drive train and overall mechanical package is now excellent, the cars have too much cost cutting in trim and content. A G6 isn't a flash car, it should be the base spec.

Dan

[blk6t]

I have often thought where Ford would be if the AU was never put into production???

Imagine if Ford went from the E series to the BA. The BA would have been up against the VT / VX and the FG would have been in production from 2002/2003 ish. IF ONLY!!!

I think Ford may have been in a stronger financial position which may have helped with the Falcon becoming a global product. Its a long shot but worth a thought.

Then you have to wonder if the VX would have been more advanced to compete....

I guess my point is that Ford need to get ahead of the game and stop playing catch up!!!! Ford seems to follow the rest years later when all the new goodies and tech are now old and the norm

[carwant.com.au]

In amongst all the replies, their are many great ideas. Unfortunately, due to the lack of sales, unless the CEO does something with 'what we have', Ford AUS won't have the option to make any more changes, nor will they be able to release another Aussie built large car.

With this in mind, i can think of two ideas/suggestions for the ford CEO:

1 - Increase your marketing campaign and make it effective.
Have a look what Holden do with their marketing dollars and look at the results. Take the VE series 2 as an example; Holden have done simular to what McDonalds do with their Big Mac, they've created a marketing campaign as if they have re-invented the Commodore. Lets face it, the only change (besides E85 fuel, which is limited and a 6 speed, which is slow) is the VE's new touch screen radio. Even with this minor change, Holden's marketing department have actively & heavily promoted the VE2, to make everyone 'believe' it has significant changes from the original VE. Now think about the changes from BF to FG - much more significant then the VE to VE2; now think about Ford's marketing campaign against Holdens????

2 - The CEO needs to use political power to change tax laws.
If you use your vehicle for work/business purposes, you are likely to be entitled to a ~22% tax depreciation benefit. The tax rate doesn't change, regardless if you use a new or second hand vehicle. Imagine if the government gave a higher tax depreciation for locally built new vehicles. I believe, with an extra tax benefit, more people/business owners will upgrade their car more often - at least when they upgrade their car, they'll upgrade to a new car; which will help all Aussie built cars.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by floppy ears

In amongst all the replies, their are many great ideas. Unfortunately, due to the lack of sales, unless the CEO does something with 'what we have', Ford AUS won't have the option to make any more changes, nor will they be able to release another Aussie built large car.

With this in mind, i can think of two ideas/suggestions for the ford CEO:

1 - Increase your marketing campaign and make it effective.
Have a look what Holden do with their marketing dollars and look at the results. Take the VE series 2 as an example; Holden have done simular to what McDonalds do with their Big Mac, they've created a marketing campaign as if they have re-invented the Commodore. Lets face it, the only change (besides E85 fuel, which is limited and a 6 speed, which is slow) is the VE's new touch screen radio. Even with this minor change, Holden's marketing department have actively & heavily promoted the VE2, to make everyone 'believe' it has significant changes from the original VE. Now think about the changes from BF to FG - much more significant then the VE to VE2; now think about Ford's marketing campaign against Holdens????

2 - The CEO needs to use political power to change tax laws.
If you use your vehicle for work/business purposes, you are likely to be entitled to a ~22% tax depreciation benefit. The tax rate doesn't change, regardless if you use a new or second hand vehicle. Imagine if the government gave a higher tax depreciation for locally built new vehicles. I believe, with an extra tax benefit, more people/business owners will upgrade their car more often - at least when they upgrade their car, they'll upgrade to a new car; which will help all Aussie built cars.

About your second idea. It won't help Falcon if no one wants it.

Originally Posted by Bobman

Another photo of a clay model EA in 1984 (for wind testing):

http://www.dhub.org/object/116460,ford+car

I love the first E series Falcon. Just love the looks of it. Shame that eventhen... on the clay model, the bumper didn't fit right.

[carwant.com.au]

Based on %'s of 'why people buy', it should.
X (i dont know the amount) amount of cars are sold for business (or company car) use. From this number, a % will always buy a Ford (and a large car) Falcon.

A typical lease is for 4 or 5 years. If the government provided an incentive to change more frequently (ie. give an extra tax benefit for purchases or new vehicles), then people/businesses are likely to upgrade more often; resulting in more sales of Falcon.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by floppy ears

Based on %'s of 'why people buy', it should.
X (i dont know the amount) amount of cars are sold for business (or company car) use. From this number, a % will always buy a Ford (and a large car) Falcon.

A typical lease is for 4 or 5 years. If the government provided an incentive to change more frequently (ie. give an extra tax benefit for purchases or new vehicles), then people/businesses are likely to upgrade more often; resulting in more sales of Falcon.

Trends are changing to Light Truck Utes, and mid/small cars.

But I think EcoLPi will be a merit on it's own for fleet consideration.


If I were the CEO of FoA. I'd tell the boys to halt production. Bring all those Falcon's sitting outside back in, and fit them with the EcoLPi system.