Ford's future . . .
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Originally Posted by BigF350
Anyone have any suggestions as to how Ford (and GM) can combat this?
I have put forward my thoughts - More diesels, and more "exciting" cars...
I have put forward my thoughts - More diesels, and more "exciting" cars...
Hard to believe this is the same company that builds the Malibu, a car that seems to be equipped with a factory-installed cloaking device, or the Taurus look-alike Buick La Crosse.
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If they want more power but dont want a diesel, whats wrong with the 6.8?
Ford, GM and DCX have been losing market share. I think DCX has started putting the brakes on it and I think Ford is as well. I think one thing that hurts Fords market share is that they wait longer than the other guys to change up the line. Now I dont have a problem with that, if you want a reliable vehicle you buy one thats been around for awhile, but most people want the new(er) look. They add more diesels from small 4 bangers to 8 or maybe even 10 cylinder ones and that will improve their market share and help fight off Toy and Honda.
As far as exciting cars, I think they should help improve Mazda in that area moreso than themselves. Mazda has the sporty lil car reputation moreso than Ford. Ford has the big muscle reputation just like GM and Dodge. If Ford would tell Mazda to start pumping out more sports cars that would help their profitability some since they own stock in Mazda and then Ford can go after the more high hp market, maybe give SVT the kinda funding and attention it deserves.
Ford, GM and DCX have been losing market share. I think DCX has started putting the brakes on it and I think Ford is as well. I think one thing that hurts Fords market share is that they wait longer than the other guys to change up the line. Now I dont have a problem with that, if you want a reliable vehicle you buy one thats been around for awhile, but most people want the new(er) look. They add more diesels from small 4 bangers to 8 or maybe even 10 cylinder ones and that will improve their market share and help fight off Toy and Honda.
As far as exciting cars, I think they should help improve Mazda in that area moreso than themselves. Mazda has the sporty lil car reputation moreso than Ford. Ford has the big muscle reputation just like GM and Dodge. If Ford would tell Mazda to start pumping out more sports cars that would help their profitability some since they own stock in Mazda and then Ford can go after the more high hp market, maybe give SVT the kinda funding and attention it deserves.
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Originally Posted by theshyguy
I think one thing that hurts Fords market share is that they wait longer than the other guys to change up the line. Now I dont have a problem with that, if you want a reliable vehicle you buy one thats been around for awhile, but most people want the new(er) look.
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From: Melbourne, Aus
Originally Posted by theshyguy
As far as exciting cars, I think they should help improve Mazda in that area moreso than themselves. Mazda has the sporty lil car reputation moreso than Ford. Ford has the big muscle reputation just like GM and Dodge. If Ford would tell Mazda to start pumping out more sports cars that would help their profitability some since they own stock in Mazda and then Ford can go after the more high hp market, maybe give SVT the kinda funding and attention it deserves.
Ford owns some impressive companies, with fantastic herritage.
I wouldn't be surprised if Mazda comes out with some exciting products in the next year or so.
The Miata replacement should come along shortly, and I hear that the new MPS drivetrain may make it underneath a Mazda 3... And the possiblity of a new RX-7!!! I can't wait.
However all of Fords other makes need to get their act together, Land Rover appears to be making head way (after lots of cash being dumped down their neck) with the Discovery 3, and Range Stormer, and Aston Martin have some new products. Volvo are doing okay, but Jaguar, Lincoln and Mercury need a serious overhaul.
As for Fiat being an answer - I likewise have no idea what was the question, unless it was "we need to get more rust in our products" - refering to Alfa's famous tin-worm problem of the 70's through to 90's
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Originally Posted by theshyguy
Jaguar is killing Ford right now. Lost 1 B last year. They are hoping to break even by 2007. 
Ford of Australia announced a 320million profit last year...
Far and away the highest profit per vehicle sales...
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Originally Posted by BigF350
Anyone have any suggestions as to how Ford (and GM) can combat this?
I have put forward my thoughts - More diesels, and more "exciting" cars...
I have put forward my thoughts - More diesels, and more "exciting" cars...
Post Fiend
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Just a thought here- but my own stoopid opinion is Ford needs to lose the British car divisions. they need R&D resources and boatloads of cash- resources that aren't exactly in a surplus at the moment. And then there's those stoopid Swedes- Volvo and Saab. Sold the (profitless) passenger car divisions, then merged the truck divisions to do battle with Daimler what's-their-names. Big car companies do really dumb things when there's a lot of cash lying around. Problem is- who would be a taker? The CEO of BMW lost his job over the Land Rover fiasco, which BMW promtly unloaded on Ford.
Last edited by polarbear; Feb 9, 2005 at 11:09 PM.
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We could debate this forever. Caddy got back in the market IMO because of the STS. This was almost 10 years ago and now its paying off.
What is the easiest way for Ford and GM to blow the market away again. Declare bankruptcy. It allows them to get out of pensions/contracts. Close down unprofitable factories and build new ones.
What is the easiest way for Ford and GM to blow the market away again. Declare bankruptcy. It allows them to get out of pensions/contracts. Close down unprofitable factories and build new ones.
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Originally Posted by BigF350
In fact, its us Aussies which are keeping you alive at the moment.
Ford of Australia announced a 320million profit last year...
Far and away the highest profit per vehicle sales...
Ford of Australia announced a 320million profit last year...
Far and away the highest profit per vehicle sales...
Post Fiend
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Originally Posted by tmyers
We could debate this forever. Caddy got back in the market IMO because of the STS. This was almost 10 years ago and now its paying off.
Originally Posted by tmyers
What is the easiest way for Ford and GM to blow the market away again. Declare bankruptcy. It allows them to get out of pensions/contracts. Close down unprofitable factories and build new ones.
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From: Melbourne, Aus
Originally Posted by wnorman1192
More diesels and more exciting cars will definately help. If Ford would quit trying to go head to head with Toyota and Honda by making a nice, boring vehicle, it would be a step in the right direction. Toyota and Honda are masters at boring, and Ford needs to be different and bring attention to themselves in a positive way. One reason Chrysler was the only of the big 3 to gain market share is the fact that they have interesting, high-powered vehicles. Most of Ford's profits last year were from their finance arm, and that is not a sound business model for an auto manufacturer.
Ford of Australia has already been through the change.
We had issues here, and Toyota are currently the No.1 car manuifacturer here, followed by Holden (GM) then Ford.
Ford are now rapidly gaining market share, and as mentioned above, PROFIT!!!
They way they have changed it around, Ford used to sell boring cars ala Toyota, and in the boring car department, no one can compete with Toyota, they build solid, reliable cars day after day.
They then changed our large car here (the Falcon), implementing more aggresssive colours, much better styling, much better performance and handling and a better interior - giving the car a far a far more sportier image and feel.
They also introduced a similar vehicle to the Freestyle, only locally developed (and much better IMHO), which drives like a BMW X5.
Both vehicles are drawing customers, not only out of bland Toyotas, but from BMW's and the like...
These 2 vehicles has increased vehicle sales from Ford in the past 2 years by around 25%!!!
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Edit 
thats quite a increase. I hope they continue on that and continue making money. They need to somehwere.
I think 2006 and 2007 will be an explosive year for Ford since they will be able to bring and release new diesels here in the states.
thats quite a increase. I hope they continue on that and continue making money. They need to somehwere. I think 2006 and 2007 will be an explosive year for Ford since they will be able to bring and release new diesels here in the states.
Last edited by IB Tim; Feb 13, 2005 at 06:21 AM. Reason: Language
Post Fiend
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
Aw man, the Aussies got a 4.0L inline 24V 6 in their version of the Freestyle. whine.
http://www.ford.com.au/territory/images/1/gallery_9.jpg
They got something else too. Somehow, I don't think the beer fridge is going to make it stateside.
http://www.ford.com.au/territory/images/1/gallery_7.jpg
http://www.ford.com.au/territory/images/1/gallery_9.jpg
They got something else too. Somehow, I don't think the beer fridge is going to make it stateside.
http://www.ford.com.au/territory/images/1/gallery_7.jpg
Last edited by IB Tim; Feb 11, 2005 at 06:20 AM. Reason: remove img
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From: Melbourne, Aus
Originally Posted by polarbear
Aw man, the Aussies got a 4.0L inline 24V 6 in their version of the Freestyle. whine.
http://www.ford.com.au/territory/images/1/gallery_9.jpg
http://www.ford.com.au/territory/images/1/gallery_9.jpg
Anyhow, back on topic, what do you guys think can be done to stop Ford's market share spiraling into a heap?