Falcon has a future with us, says Ford

[Road_Warrior]

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25768100072F93

Ford pledges large car for Australia – but won’t say how much of it will be local

3 December 2009

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in LOS ANGELES

THE Ford Motor Co has promised that the Falcon will continue to loom large on the Australian landscape in the foreseeable future but has made no guarantees about long-term manufacturing Down Under nor confirmed if the vehicle will shift to a front-wheel-drive platform.

Global marketing group vice-president Jim Farley told GoAuto at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show this week that the strong reception of the revamped Taurus in the United States, coupled with the FG Falcon’s success in lifting its market share in Australia over the past year, meant Ford was as committed as ever to a strong large-car presence over the next decade.

Asked if Ford was thinking of “canning” the Falcon in Australia Mr Farley replied: “Absolutely not!”

Although he would not enter into specifics about Ford Australia’s role in the company’s future large-car strategy, Mr Farley said Ford Motor Co would continue to leverage the know-how and expertise of the Broadmeadows team.

“We will continue to look carefully,” he said.

Ford’s global product manager Derrick Kuzak revealed to GoAuto at the Detroit motor show in January that Ford was close to committing to a shared front-drive/AWD replacement for both the Falcon and Taurus by the middle of the next decade.

Left: Falcon range. Below: Ford global group vice president of marketing and communications Jim Farley.

Ford Australia president Marin Burela also confirmed in April that the next Falcon would fall into line with Ford’s Global One resource-sharing program, adding that a decision on whether the next-generation large car will switch to a front-drive platform would be made in 2010.

It is still unclear which engineering and design teams will take the lead role in developing the all-new global D-segment (large) vehicle.

There has been some speculation that the model will be paired with the next-generation Mondeo, although this is unlikely given the current model successfully uses a highly modified variation of the Focus small car’s C1 underpinnings.

Production locations for the all-new large car are also still to be divulged.

“The bottom line is that the market share has increased for the Falcon,” Mr Farley told GoAuto. “There’s still a very vibrant market in Australia – although it’s been declining for many years.

“I do think that all the different manufacturers have to look at all kinds of different technical solutions down the road now for D-segment cars – for a lot of reasons: fuel efficiency, global utilisation of platforms…

“But you know, we have nothing new to announce – as I’m sure Marin has told you a million times – but we will continue to look carefully.”

Mr Farley said different model demands from various markets clouded the model-selection issue.

“When you get to the D-segment it starts to get a bit cloudy – what does China want, what the US wants, what Australia wants – but we have really have a core competence and expertise in D-cars in Australia,” he said.

“Plus the performance element and the whole reputation around the performance division – there is a really unique niche to fill – and we have obviously want to continue to leverage all of that.

“The D-car is critical for our company. It is critical around the world. We have had a tremendous amount of success with Falcon in Australia, with Taurus here in the US, with the revitalisation of Lincoln too here in the US, and we will continue to make the right decisions for Ford and our customers as we have done before, and we will always look at any new product with the point of view of Global One Ford.

“That’s just the way we do business now.”

You gotta love the way GoAuto has tried really hard to put a negative spin on this but still kinda failed...

[blownv8au]

i don't understant why the press or anyone else for that matter thinks ford is going to can the falcon. if they did the company would go belly up no doubt in my mind so i wouldn't think it would be a very smart move. and why would they go to a front wheel drive here that would just be another mondeo(spelling) wouldn't it?

[Raptor]

I can't accept that Ford could ever go FWD and continue to call it a Falcon. Do they think we're that stupid, RWD is a core element of it being a Falcon.

[RIPGMH2009]

they guarantee the name but no guarantee on which wheels or how many drive it

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by road warrior

You gotta love the way GoAuto has tried really hard to put a negative spin on this but still kinda failed...

Sent Go-Auto an email, detailing my displeasure at their recent Ford Bashing. This article which definitely tried on the negative stance and the article which talked about the reduced fleet - overall Ford vehicles - registered to Ford which said the scrapheap was winning.

I pointed out that, with a 25% market share during the 1980s and now 10-11% of course the number of Fords on the road will reduce.

I also mentioned that when John Mellor - founder of Go Auto - had a more hands on role, this type of 'opinionated journalism' would not have been printed.

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25768100072F93

but we have really have a core competence and expertise in D-cars in Australia

This is the key part. I truly believe that Ford Aus will play a key role in the future Ford large cars.

[Chilliman]

Falcon will go FWD once Commodore switches to FWD - which could sometime around 2018. (Holden are said to be working with Buick on a large FWD platform).

[Deco28]

2018!

Aren't we all meant to be in EV's by then o.0?

[TP351]

That will be a very very very sad day.........

[Chilliman]

Originally Posted by Deco28

2018!

Aren't we all meant to be in EV's by then o.0?

I don't see govt building the required infrastructure for the majority of drivers to switch to EV's in that time-frame. Maybe by 2050?

[FPV8U]

I really can't understand the push for FWD, does anyone on the planet thats a car nut actually like it?

[Chilliman]

Originally Posted by FPV8U

I really can't understand the push for FWD, does anyone on the planet thats a car nut actually like it?

Mainstream manufacturers don't build cars for enthusiasts - they build them for consumers

[SSD-85]

I do not understand the consideration of FWD for the Falcon. RWD is simpler, and more effective for a large car platform. FWD also makes performance variants redundant. And contrary to what some may think, RWD is still superior for towing duties. Remember back when Ford US urged Ford Australia to replace the Falcon for a Taurus? We had to beg them to reconsider, time to get down on those kness again.....ugh.

[Bossxr8]

This article contains a blatant lie.

Derrick Kuzak never said that they were close to committing to a shared FWD/AWD platform for the Falcon and Taurus.

Never. That is a total lie. Very shoddy journalism. :

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by phillyc

Sent Go-Auto an email, detailing my displeasure at their recent Ford Bashing. This article which definitely tried on the negative stance and the article which talked about the reduced fleet - overall Ford vehicles - registered to Ford which said the scrapheap was winning.

I pointed out that, with a 25% market share during the 1980s and now 10-11% of course the number of Fords on the road will reduce.

I also mentioned that when John Mellor - founder of Go Auto - had a more hands on role, this type of 'opinionated journalism' would not have been printed.

Bloody good point right there. I read that other article as well, I'd be curious to see what sort of response you get from them.

As far as RWD goes, did FoA not conduct a consumer survey only recently which determined that RWD was still important to the customer? I seem to recall a quote from Burela about it...

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

This article contains a blatant lie.

Derrick Kuzak never said that they were close to committing to a shared FWD/AWD platform for the Falcon and Taurus.

Never. That is a total lie. Very shoddy journalism. :

Then, I implore you to contact Go-Auto. I didn't believe it either. No need to be too harsh, but get to the point and with more people responding to such nonsense, then hopefully they will be less likely to run such a crap story.

That story should've been a positive article. SHOULD'VE. In short Ford have committed to Australia as a manufacturer for another decade.

[Chilliman]

I wish they'd just 'twin' thw Mustang and the Falcon - build them off the same platform.

The answers so obvious its just staring them in the face.

[ebxr8240]

Originally Posted by Chilliman

Falcon will go FWD once Commodore switches to FWD - which could sometime around 2018. (Holden are said to be working with Buick on a large FWD platform).

They basically already have.. And it's Chevy brother..
http://www.familycarguide.com/overview/pontiac_g6_2009

[eb2fairmont]

wtf?!!

[LeadFoot81]

I think making a joined Mondeo/Fusion platform the replacement for Falcon XT sedan and wagon (fleet/family cars) and making a joined Falcon/Mustang platform to base the G-Series, XRs, and FPVs off of would be the best *compromise*

In a perfect world you'd make all variants (Falcon sedan, wagon and Fairlane) off the Falcon/Mustang platform but I just don't think that will ever happen again.

I read a while back that Ford was seriously considering merging Falcon and Mustang (and looking at a 4 door Mustang to please Stang fans with growing families)

[cosmo20btt]

Originally Posted by FPV8U

I really can't understand the push for FWD, does anyone on the planet thats a car nut actually like it?

It's all about saving money, you can make a FWD for alot cheaper & quicker than RWD.

[Fev]

I guess it could pave the way for a 4WD F6 aswell hehe. Dreamin' i know but it's nice to dream.

[TUF_302]

If its FWD it's not a Falcon end of story!

[RedHotGT]

Originally Posted by Chilliman

Falcon will go FWD once Commodore switches to FWD - which could sometime around 2018. (Holden are said to be working with Buick on a large FWD platform).

2018??

I thought we'd all be in flying cars by then???
Damn it... I was lied to as a child....

When I wasn't flying around like George Jetson as the millenium ticked over - I wasn't so dissapointed.... I figured it would only be a 'couple' of years around the corner...

But if we're gonna have FWD Falcons and FWD Commodores in 2018... then my flying bubble car will have to wait until at least 2065....

I suppose - on a serious note - there is one thing to look forward to in the 2020's....
MacDonalds will have to go into MASS production of their plastic serving trays.... Why - you ask?
I remember when my mates had Magna's and Camry's.... we would go to Maccas, and put the trays under the rear wheels... Handbrake on... and then drive around....
Its amazing how SIDEWAYS you could really get with those plastic tray skates on.... hehehehe

*sorry - i know its off topic but I really wanted to get that out*

[Nikked]

hopefully ford will have a global platform so they can build the crown vics', Mustang and Falcon on it, with local bodys and drivetrains.

[irlewy86]

Originally Posted by Nikked

hopefully ford will have a global platform so they can build the crown vics', Mustang and Falcon on it, with local bodys and drivetrains.

Don't forget Territory, Territory coupe would be pretty awesome. :evil3:

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Chilliman

I wish they'd just 'twin' thw Mustang and the Falcon - build them off the same platform.

The answers so obvious its just staring them in the face.

Ford have said before that the Mustang has been isolated from the rest of the 'One Ford' deal and will remain a stand-alone project for...however long. I think the term they have used is 'silo'ed'

The issue with having a common platform for the Falcon and Mustang is that the 4 door sedan platform will not be well suited to a fastback style coupe, or vice versa. Rear passenger headroom is an issue with the new Camaro for example because of the car's Zeta sedan origins. It's to do with the floorpan arrangement and the layout of the rear portions of the chassis rails and rear suspension/diff compartments.

ford have come out and said that the "D car is important to them" globally. However Falcon is an E car, not a D car, and I find that little slip up to be a concern...

[Fev]

Originally Posted by Nikked

hopefully ford will have a global platform so they can build the crown vics', Mustang and Falcon on it, with local bodys and drivetrains.

Fwd Mustang? *shudders*

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

....
The issue with having a common platform for the Falcon and Mustang is that the 4 door sedan platform will not be well suited to a fastback style coupe, or vice versa. Rear passenger headroom is an issue with the new Camaro for example because of the car's Zeta sedan origins. It's to do with the floorpan arrangement and the layout of the rear portions of the chassis rails and rear suspension/diff compartments....

They need a versatile platform that is;

SWB RWD - Mustang
MWB RWD/AWD - Falcon/Territory
LWB RWD - Crown Vic/Fairlane ;)

The stumbling block to this wrt common chassis rails is Mustangs with live rear axles :

[barbarian]

Originally Posted by LeadFoot81

I think making a joined Mondeo/Fusion platform the replacement for Falcon XT sedan and wagon (fleet/family cars) and making a joined Falcon/Mustang platform to base the G-Series, XRs, and FPVs off of would be the best *compromise*

In a perfect world you'd make all variants (Falcon sedan, wagon and Fairlane) off the Falcon/Mustang platform but I just don't think that will ever happen again.

I read a while back that Ford was seriously considering merging Falcon and Mustang (and looking at a 4 door Mustang to please Stang fans with growing families)

Yes please.. bring it on