Ford appoints new boss for Australia

[Brisbane XR5]

Car producer Ford is to get a new boss in Australia with Bill Osborne to take over as president in February.

Mr Osborne, 47, currently the chief executive of the Ford Motor Company in Canada, will replace Tom Gorman who has been president for almost four years.

"Bill Osborne has a wealth of business and industry knowledge and will be an immense asset to the Ford Australia team," said Ford Motor Company Asia Pacific executive vice president John Parker.

"He has led the Ford of Canada team admirably since November 2005 and is well placed to take the Australian operations to the next level of global integration and significance."

Mr Parker said Mr Gorman had been an outstanding leader of Ford Australia and had brought the company through some challenging times.

"He has elected to move onto other exciting opportunities outside the automotive industry and we wish him well in his new role," he said.

AAP

[Peuty]

Great, another bland American in charge.

[irlewy86]

So where abouts is Gorman going?

[HSE2]

And I quote

"offered a unique opportunity outside the automotive industry that will allow me to develop my career in new ways. It is also a very personal family decision and will open up new opportunities for my family in Europe"

[bigdave]

i hope this new guy doesn't stuff it up and bring the north american "style" to Australia, although i doubt this will happen

[XA-Coupe]

The talent pool at FoA must be pretty shallow to keep on bringing in outsiders.

[irlewy86]

Originally Posted by bigdave

i hope this new guy doesn't stuff it up and bring the north american "style" to Australia, although i doubt this will happen

Maybe having worked in Canada he will have a better understanding of the market..... or maybe not.

[phoonfan]

Originally Posted by XA-Coupe

The talent pool at FoA must be pretty shallow to keep on bringing in outsiders.

All the good ones tend to get shifted off to Europe!

[WASP]

Bring back Geoff!!!

[autolover08]

Originally Posted by CDAA

Bring back Geoff!!!

yeah!
Interesting, such a move so close to a major product launch (falcon) The Canadian car market is around 1.7 million a year if i recall correctly so i would assume this new import might have appropriate experience for our size of market.
Lets just hope he does the job properly...thats all that matters.

[GSfalcon500]

Originally Posted by bigdave

i hope this new guy doesn't stuff it up and bring the north american "style" to Australia, although i doubt this will happen

Yeah Lets keep the falcon looking like a camry : .At least the Americans put a bit of character into their car designs. Having an American/Canadian incharge might help the falcons chances in being developed for a global market LHD.

[Lagom]

Originally Posted by GSfalcon500

Yeah Lets keep the falcon looking like a camry : .At least the Americans put a bit of character into their car designs. Having an American/Canadian incharge might help the falcons chances in being developed for a global market LHD.

Well, don't forget Gorman is an American!

[XA-Coupe]

Originally Posted by GSfalcon500

Yeah Lets keep the falcon looking like a camry : .At least the Americans put a bit of character into their car designs. Having an American/Canadian incharge might help the falcons chances in being developed for a global market LHD.

Time for some specs too, it doesn't look like any camry I have seen

The gut feel is this is the last Aus designed falcon anyway ... be interesting to see how it all moves along in the next 5-10 years.

[Fev]

wtf is admirably supposed to mean in business? he did it but backed down Admirably cuz he couldnt handle it?

[autolover08]

Originally Posted by Fev

wtf is admirably supposed to mean in business? he did it but backed down Admirably cuz he couldnt handle it?

true, what was his generous salary again!?

[HSE2]

I think those sort of design- content directions have already been put in motion so its unlikely the new guy can be blamed for too much in that regard.

A go Auto email article. Credit to David Hassel.

FORD executives in Detroit have confirmed that the company is developing a new rearwheel
drive large-car platform in Australia for worldwide application.
The rumoured global RWD development program involving Broadmeadows has not
previously been acknowledged officially, but new company CEO Alan Mulally and other top
executives broke their silence last Tuesday in a pre-Detroit show media briefing.
They revealed that Ford is definitely developing new rear-drive large cars for the
Ford and Lincoln brands.

However, while Australia is expected to play a central role in development of the new
platform, production of the US models will take place in North America – as is the case with
GM’s Holden-developed Chevrolet Camaro.“Yes, we’re working on a rear-wheel drive
plan for the enterprise,” said global product chief Derrick Kuzak. “It’s in the plan.”
Mr Mulally, who is understood to have initiated the program after seeing the success of
GM Holden’s similar program, told journalists at the dinner that “it’s important going forward”
to develop new RWD models.


The Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car are based on a platform that is now more
than 30 years old and sales are slowing. With new RWD competition from modern cars such
as the Chrysler 300 and the Australian-built Commodore clone Pontiac G8, that decline is
likely to continue.

Ford is also due to replace its rear-drive Mustang in 2011 and the Falcon platform
would be ideal for that.
Editor-in-chief of top-selling US magazine Motor Trend, Angus McKenzie, who is an
expatriate Australian, says that Ford wants an all-new RWD large car for North America by
2011 or 2012 and that Mr Mulally looked at what GM was doing with Holden and asked,
‘Why can’t we do that?’
He said that the proposed joint development not only solves the US dilemma, but also
Australia’s next-generation Falcon, which is expected in 2013.

Development will include an SUV application to ensure the future of Ford
Australia’s Territory, giving the US brands the opportunity of producing four-wheel drive
sedans for markets affected by snow and ice.

The US program could also result in the return to Australia of the long-wheelbase Fairlane and
LTD, although they would probably be built in the US or assembled at Broadmeadows from
stampings imported from Detroit.

Ford global manufacturing chief JoeHinrichs said there was no plan to consolidate
RWD production in Australia.
“There are good reasons not to – currency,freight,” Mr Hinrichs said at the dinner.
A Ford Australia spokesperson said that Australia’s role in the proposed development
and production program was yet to be formally
defined, but pointed out that Australia is “a
centre of excellence in the Ford world for rearwheel drive sedans”.
As well as having a strong reputation for the Falcon, Ford Australia has rapidly expanded its
design and engineering facilities in recent years and won kudos for international programs such
as the Fiesta sedan for India.

[sleekism]

What Ford cars does Canada produce???

I know they produced the Windsor V8 though I think the plant is closed down now.

Isn't Canada the equivalent of New Zealand for Australia in that it has a non-existant manufacturing industry and simply rebadges American cars. I don't know of any cars coming out of Canada.

[autolover08]

Originally Posted by sleekism

What Ford cars does Canada produce???

I know they produced the Windsor V8 though I think the plant is closed down now.

Isn't Canada the equivalent of New Zealand for Australia in that it has a non-existant manufacturing industry and simply rebadges American cars. I don't know of any cars coming out of Canada.

The Ford crown victoria and Grand maquais are the only ones made in canada i think. They are the old body on frame, watts linkage rear axle RWD cars Ford has left in the US...
They have the fuel tank located in front of the live axle, pretty much like the last of our EL and AU live axle falcon sedans.

[Raptor]

See ya Tom :

Welcome Bill :

From http://media.ford.com/article_displa...rticle_id=3520

BIOGRAPHY: WILLIAM H. OSBORNE



Title: President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited

Bill Osborne

William (Bill) H. Osborne is president and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited, appointed to the position in November, 2005. He leads Ford of Canada's extensive operations across the country, including a national headquarters, three regional offices, two branch offices, four vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, two parts distribution centres, and affiliates including Ford Credit, Jaguar, Volvo and Land Rover.

Ford employs more than 10,000 people in Canada, while an additional 19,000 people are employed in the more than 450 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships across the country. Since 1990, Ford has invested more than $10 billion in its Canadian operations, its fourth-largest market worldwide.

Prior to joining Ford of Canada, Osborne was Executive Director, Ford Pickup Truck and Commercial Vehicles. In this capacity, he had overall business and product development responsibility for F-Series, Super Duty, Ranger and Econoline and all Commercial Truck products. He assumed this position in December 2003.

Osborne previously served as the Engineering Director for Ford's "Tough Truck" business group where he was responsible for the design and development of all commercial and personal use trucks for the North American market. He was named to this role in January 2001.
Since joining Ford in 1990, Osborne has progressed through a number of design and development positions. He was the Vehicle Line Director for the over 8,500 lb. GVW truck business, which included Super Duty, F-Series and Excursion, and was responsible for the overall growth and business development of the Super Duty vehicle line.

Earlier assignments included Assistant Vehicle Line Director for the mid-size sedan platform and Manufacturing Operations Manager at Romeo Engine Plant, the most productive V-8 engine plant in North America. He also previously led the V-Engine design activity of powertrain operations, the engine system activity for Duratec V-6 engines and Ford's advanced powertrain activities in noise and vibration research.

Osborne was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 27, 1960. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from GMI Engineering & Management Institute, a Master's of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University.

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by CDAA

Bring back Geoff!!!

+1... Its uncle Geoff by the way.

[sleekism]

Originally Posted by Raptor

See ya Tom :

Welcome Bill :

From http://media.ford.com/article_displa...rticle_id=3520

Awww sick Mr T is the new President of Ford Australia!!

"I pity the foo who don't like the Falcon"

[ClevlndStemer]

Well he can't do any worse than Tom, or can he?
Good luck to him and the rest of Ford Aus, they're gonna need it.

[RATT]

Originally Posted by sleekism

Awww sick Mr T is the new President of Ford Australia!!

"I pity the foo who don't like the Falcon"

LOL!

[JPFS1]

Originally Posted by ClevlndStemer

Good luck to him and the rest of Ford Aus, they're gonna need it.

Why do you say that? Are you implying that Ford AUS need more luck than any other AUS manufacturer?

I think the longer term prospects are actually looking good.

[ClevlndStemer]

Originally Posted by JEM

Why do you say that? Are you implying that Ford AUS need more luck than any other AUS manufacturer?

I think the longer term prospects are actually looking good.

I hope you're right, that the long term prospects are looking good.
Currently sales of all Ford vehicles in Aus have been nothing to rave about in all categories.
I can't see it improving anytime soon unless they change their philosophy and do some kind of over haul of the dealer network.

[Fairlane]

Cool this guy has the same surname as me. I cant say were related though, im not black and i do not look like Mr T. Maybe i should still rock up and say im a distant relation and therefore deserving of a new Typhoon, Blues Brothers 2000 style.

[Cuey]

This follows in the footsteps of Holden appointing their 3rd Boss in 6 months only last week.

It doesn't seem like anyone wants the job of pulling our 2 major manufacturers back out of the wilderness...

[csv8]

Originally Posted by Peuty

Great, another bland American in charge.

He looks black to me?

[wulos]

The announcement of Tom Gorman's departure doesn't really come as much of a suprise. It is unfortunate that he will be remembered for some of the 'less then popular' decisions that were made during his tenure.
Notably
- the demise of the long serving Fairlane, & LTD luxury names.
- mediocre sales on FoA's Falcon branding. Granted, Continual sales improvements were always going to be tough after the initial sales success of the BA model range.
- Attempting to change the perception of FoA being The "FALCON" car company, by focussing marketing on vehicles that the majority of Ford buyers / resellers are less then enthusiastic about, and abandoning marketing on the more 'traditional' popular models.
- The announcement that 'the heart' of Falcon, the 'Inline6' will be replaced by a V6 in upcoming models. Remember the uncertainty this created for Geelong workers / residents?

But what does it mean for Australian Ford Fans???
Once again Ford are about to launch a new model, with a new captain at the helm.
With Osborne's previous experience it would appear that he is the logical choice.
He already has a grounding in running an overseas branch of Ford, as well as being a part of the traditional Ford manufacturering juggernaught (F Series etc) so should be under no misconceptions about following Ford HQ's 'global intergration program.
With the amount of experience he has had with V engine design, and powertrain research, combined with the recent upgrade of R&D facilities in and around Geelong, as well as improved production facilities, there is no room for anything other then complete success.
Whether Bill Osborne will be the man able to lead FoA's resurgence to the top of the saleschart is yet to be seen.
Since "Uncle Geoff" left for Europe things just haven't felt quite the same...

[FGII-XR6]

hope he has 98 RON running through his veins