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26-04-2011, 08:21 AM | #1 | ||
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THE future of the Holden Commodore is about to be made safer thanks to the Chevrolet Malibu.
The all-new, global mid-sized car is seen in public for the first time at the New York Motor Show and Chevrolet boss Mark Reuss says it will be a boost - not a threat - to the Commodore. Related CoverageChevrolet show Holden's MalibuElectric Commodore on the wayCommodore tops 2010 car sales listCruze diesel the first Australian made GM Holden has already confirmed the Malibu as a Holden and Reuss, the former top man at Fishermans Bend, believes the two-car strategy will work well in Australia. "I think it actually, in some strange ways, secures some of the rear- wheel drive production that we have there because it's so different. The cars are so different," Reuss tells Carsguide. "And I think we're going to be able to demonstrate that at Holden. That's very important." Reuss cannot resist a slight swipe at Ford over ongoing speculation about the Falcon, and the potential to eventually twin it beyond 2015 with the Taurus from the USA instead of leaving it as a uniquely local vehicle. "Where you see some makers converging on one type of vehicle, we're going to have two different vehicles. I think it's important because there are a lot of different tastes we'll be able to satisfy." Reuss set the Holden product plan before he was called back to the top job at Chevrolet in the USA and knows what is expected from the Malibu as it joins the compact Cruze and the Commodore. "I was there when it was signed off. I think it's going to be very good in Australia. I think it's very relevant," he says of the Malibu. Reuss also believes there is a place for cars which drive from opposite ends, with the Malibu able to compete with rivals including the Toyota Camry while the Commodore continues to line up against the Falcon. "I think front-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are very different. The package will be very different." Without going into detail, Reuss says the Malibu line-up is likely to be extended with other body types, perhaps including a coupe and a station wagon. The car is built on what GM calls its 'Epsilon platform' and that can be capped with a variety of body styles, as well as being adaptable for production in the USA, China and Korea, which will supply the Malibu for Australia. "I think there are a lot of variants that are Epsilon based that we are looking at. The turnaround time would be very short. "Anything is a possibility on that. The wagons may become a relevant point that we want to leverage," he says. Reuss refuses - again - to comment on persistent speculation about a major new export deal based on the Commodore, perhaps with the Aussie ute joining Chevrolet's pickup range to provide a more fuel-efficient contender than some of its current line-up.
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26-04-2011, 08:29 AM | #2 | |||
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26-04-2011, 08:42 AM | #3 | ||
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Yes, Falcon sales are slow but Mondeo has really started gaining momentum especially the diesels....
While Holden has committed early to RWD, that also allows Ford to work out just what cars will be needed to compete in mid and large car markets and the change in buyer preferences. The last 6-9 months has seen huge changes in Falcon's sales fortunes and anything is possible especially with updates and more efficient engines on the way, Ford needs to assess the success of EcoLPI before deciding Falcon's future, that could make a world of difference to the business case. Ford is not Holden and they shouldn't be trying to match them at every turn, that's the road to ruin... Pressing home with Mondeo in diesel and Ecoboost versions may capture Falcon sales bleed or even increase sales beyond expected levels. What Ford should be committing to is next Gen Mondeo/Fusion production in Australia for RHD markets in our region, that way we get more production, better access to models with diesel, Ecoboost and hybrid whilst bolstering the case for continuing Falcon and Territory production here, it's a better plan than Focus.... Last edited by jpd80; 26-04-2011 at 08:56 AM. |
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26-04-2011, 09:27 AM | #4 | |||
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Yes !! |
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26-04-2011, 09:36 AM | #5 | |||
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And as for Malibu not stealing Commodore sales - its already happening with the Cruze for private buyers anyway (soon that will translate into fleet sales as resale value for Commodore take a tumble) -Govt fleets here in WA are already buying Cruze in big numbers....I just can't see how a successful Malibu will help Commodore?
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Quote: From www.motortrend.com "Torque is the new horsepower" Last edited by Chilliman; 26-04-2011 at 09:45 AM. |
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26-04-2011, 09:42 AM | #6 | ||
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Why would ford na bother building the mondeo et al here, it would cost them more. I think foa's only long term chance of continued production is the tezza shared off a platform used with the g and xr series that links into a grwd somehow.
Ford NA would be nuts not have have some kind of product RWD other than the mustang...or just make a new rwd platform that can be adapted for any rwd/awd application worldwide. As for GMs comments, bah, that's all they are good at, stirring the pot. Mind you I'd be disappointed if Ford didn't have the occasional side comment...it's all a bit of banter.
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26-04-2011, 11:04 AM | #7 | |||
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That's a Drive article isnt it?
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Fords I own or have owned: 1970 XW Falcon GT replica | 1970 XW Falcon | 1971 XY Fairmont | 1973 ZG Fairlane | 1986 XF Falcon panel van | 1987 XFII Falcon S-Pack | 1988 XF Falcon GLS ute | 1993 EBII Fairmont V8 | 1996 XG Falcon ute | 2000 AU Falcon wagon | 2004 BA Falcon XT | 2012 SZ Territory Titanium AWD Proud to buy Australian and support Ford Australia through thick and thin |
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26-04-2011, 11:05 AM | #8 | |||
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But... would they let us build RHD version over say... Thailand, or South Africa? I'm not sure.
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The Falcon is dead. Long live the Mighty Falcon. |
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26-04-2011, 11:05 AM | #9 | |||
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that decision would fall to a supply proposal for Asia Pacific Africa region which is mostly RHD. Ford Australia as a region building more expensive and larger vehicles would be eminently suitable. My fear is that if FoA don't embrace the CD4 Mondeo as well as Falcon and Territory, they lose an opportunity to consolidate more buyers under the locally made banner, it's also a good move if the market decides to switch away from Falcon more rapidly than expected... |
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26-04-2011, 11:07 AM | #10 | |||
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26-04-2011, 11:15 AM | #11 | |||
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I think that last plan would have worked where just building focus would have been difficult. Mondeo only competes with Falcon in the eyes of people that are truly wanting something different to the Falcon RWD that has been offered up to private buyers and fleets in the past, it's an opportunity for local manufacturer to plug into the latest technology and economy solutions and gain first ahnd knowledge from building the new generation global vehicles. Who knows, with the Australian made banner behind them, diesel and Ecoboost Mondeos may really take off in the sales chart and as you suggest commute a lot of Falcon buyers who were planning on going somewhere else instead of buying another Ford... |
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26-04-2011, 11:34 AM | #12 | |||
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Do Ford care enough to do that though? I'm not sure. Falcon and Territory need to prove their worth. Actually... they need to be American designed and built, because then Ford would spare no expense making it work.
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The Falcon is dead. Long live the Mighty Falcon. |
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26-04-2011, 02:44 PM | #13 | ||
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[QUOTE=Road_Warrior]That's a Drive article isnt it?
No..its Cars Guide april 26 Courier Mail
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26-04-2011, 02:55 PM | #14 | ||
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the thing is, Ford does have to take on Commodore head on. They're very similar cars...we're not the only people who ended up virtually tossing a coin between the SV6 and the XR6 (we ended up with a G6E). I've spoken to plenty of people for whom it came down to who would give the better trade in deal. There's just not enough between the two nowadays
Ford could throw a few bucks at advertising the Falcon...TV in infested with ads for the various Commodore models and specials...where's the Falcon adverts? |
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26-04-2011, 04:14 PM | #15 | ||
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Falcon can sell alongside Mondeo. It just needs to be different enough to do so. Style wise I mean. Make the Falcon a more square brash RWD in the vien of 300C, think of all the good selling falcon XR~XY, XD~XF, BA~BF, squared of style, and the poorer performers, XA~XC, AU, FG, all nice and soft and round. Don't get me wrong FG is a fine car. Just lacks visual punch.
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26-04-2011, 04:47 PM | #16 | |||
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IMO if FoA can keep things relatively as is with manufacturing, either by picking up other contracts like Bosch etc, and keeping the Territory rolling on then the Falcon in specialized models stands a chance. This theory is the same for Holden by the way, I dont think any of there exports on Zeta/Commodore have ever worked out. I also find it hard to believe the tooling/setup costs work out for a car thats already built elsewhere...just for this market.... Another curious question, the Territory is forever being dubbed the closest thing to a X5 et al yet its budget always seems to be constrained even moreso than the falcons. Could there be potential for that concept to be taken further under one Ford? Is the Explorer any better or worse? AFAIK the explorer might have more gismo's but it doesnt hold a candle to the Territory with regards to road manners. It seems we have two really great products in the Ford world that could be so much more. Its hard to believe they will be left to die a natural death, hence why I still hold hope for a GWRD. It wont save our manufacturing completely, but it wont disseminate it either.
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26-04-2011, 05:15 PM | #17 | |||
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That would save us a huge wait and pre order headache with Ford Europe who are not that interested in us anyway because our cars are 1) low volume and 2) have unique wiring and ADR changes that upsets their production flow, that's why they're done in batch runs and look out if you order the wrong product mix, instant 3-4 month waiting list. No, I could see the next mondeo being a great companion build for Falcon and offering everything that the Falcon can't in terms of I-4 diesel efficiency, Ecoboost I-4 in a lighter big car and of course a spacious wagon all at or below Falcon prices. while the diehard okkers will still insist on their RWD Falcons, there appears to be an upswing in interest for fuel efficient mid sized Mondeo so surely, Ford would be wise capitalise on that and continue nurturing that market. All of this can be done as a separate plant to whatever is being planned for Falcon and Territory, Ford insists that Mondeo is not a Falcon competitor so they should explore the market fully. Last edited by jpd80; 26-04-2011 at 05:22 PM. |
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26-04-2011, 05:31 PM | #18 | |||
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Thats 24,000 cars per year, stuff all and not enough to warrant a new stamping plant, new parts, new R&D etc. Its a nice idea but the numbers just dont add up. The waiting issue can be solved by FoA biting the bullet and ordering more cars in, which brings its own risks but Id be pretty sure those who option up a model all the way, pick random colours etc would expect a wait. This supply issue is just another example of our market not being that important on a global scale, so its very hard to justify such expenses as setting up manufacturing facilities/processes on a car that you already have. Falcon is getting EB4, it will have a LPG system that I bet will be as cheap if not cheaper to run than diesel (better future proofed) and if they really wanted to Id wager that getting the Territory diesel in a Falcon could be done "relatively" easy. Imagine diesel utes! FG2 will be interesting to see what it picks up in tech terms and will probably signal which way Ford NA will make FoA go. At the end of the day we can have decent business plans but we always go the the US for the funds..."please sir, can we have some more"....
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26-04-2011, 06:29 PM | #19 | ||||||
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using the same processes, each station does basically the same job but on a different vehicle and takes a different time. all of the parts could actually be importent from Genk and assembled here, heck you could even import the panels too. Quote:
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a new front with distinctive and more aggressive styling would do that. FG is nice but i think it has too many ties to past Falcons, a bolder look is needed.. And FWIW, I think Ford will stick a new Mondeo line into Thailand as a companion to new Focus, by sharing power trains and electrical systems they more than compliment each other... FoA lost out big time, these two were the ultimate pigeon pair and could have made the whole deal viable. |
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26-04-2011, 06:41 PM | #20 | ||
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There are probably Falcon Mules floating around with the 2.7L V6 diesel anyway. Isnt the RWD drive train of a Territory basically the same as the falcon anyway?
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26-04-2011, 06:42 PM | #21 | ||
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No need for changes to the stamping plant. Ford did a big dollar spend on new presses in the lead up to the FG and the Focus. In fact I would say they are as good as any others in Ford plants around the world. Powertrains and other complex parts can be imported and fed into the supply chain as with production of any other car and there would be few changes to the actual assembly line at Broady to accommodate a different car. It would mainly be tools, jigs etc and the computer that controls the whole shebang.
The reason why the Mondeo/CD4 should be built here is not because of the Mondeo itself, but the possibility of producing other vehicles off the CD4 platform - like an SUV.
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Fords I own or have owned: 1970 XW Falcon GT replica | 1970 XW Falcon | 1971 XY Fairmont | 1973 ZG Fairlane | 1986 XF Falcon panel van | 1987 XFII Falcon S-Pack | 1988 XF Falcon GLS ute | 1993 EBII Fairmont V8 | 1996 XG Falcon ute | 2000 AU Falcon wagon | 2004 BA Falcon XT | 2012 SZ Territory Titanium AWD Proud to buy Australian and support Ford Australia through thick and thin |
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26-04-2011, 07:23 PM | #22 | |||||||
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Its evident IMO that Ford have greater plans for FoA, it just doesnt really involve manufacturing as its core. The release about FoA being a PD centre all but confirms this. The only saving grace the Falcon has its that nothing has really been said yet..all alot of fluff, they are still working it out which means there is still hope. Im sure if there was even a whisper of "official" news that the Falcon was dead it would be out in a flash from employees, cant imagine anyone is going to be happy about it. Its great FoA are putting more effort into the Focus/Mondeo, way overdue, and their currents sales are in part to this increased effort and also the Falcons slow cycle process. If you look at Falcon, ute, and Territory sales combined then it makes sense to pursue this avenue if they are producing greater numbers. Give the Falcon a little bit of "one ford", throw in like you said some new body work and it might stand a chance.
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26-04-2011, 08:55 PM | #23 | ||
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Here's the online link http://www.carsguide.com.au/site/new...re?origin=hpc2
and I was wondering who actually authored it as it isn't saying online? |
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26-04-2011, 09:03 PM | #24 | |||
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26-04-2011, 09:37 PM | #25 | ||
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I drove past an FGII mule last week. A white ute with a camo front end and what I swear were the same light set up as Territory...
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26-04-2011, 09:52 PM | #26 | |||
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Fords I own or have owned: 1970 XW Falcon GT replica | 1970 XW Falcon | 1971 XY Fairmont | 1973 ZG Fairlane | 1986 XF Falcon panel van | 1987 XFII Falcon S-Pack | 1988 XF Falcon GLS ute | 1993 EBII Fairmont V8 | 1996 XG Falcon ute | 2000 AU Falcon wagon | 2004 BA Falcon XT | 2012 SZ Territory Titanium AWD Proud to buy Australian and support Ford Australia through thick and thin |
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27-04-2011, 01:29 AM | #27 | |||
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Regards Bobby Current Cars: 2000 AU2 Fairmont (2019-current) 2003 BA1 Falcon Divvy Van (2017-current) 2009 VW Mk6 Golf 118TSi (2020-current) Previous Cars: 2003 MCX10R Avalon VXi (2017-2020) 1995 EF1 Falcon GLi (2016-2019) 1997 XH2 Falcon Van OPT20 (2016-2019) 2006 BF Fairlane Ghia (2013-2018) 2001 AU3 Futura (2010-2013) 1996 EL Fairmont (2008-2010) 2004 BA XR6 (2005-2008) 2001 AU2 Forte (2005-2006) 1988 EA Fairmont Ghia (2003-2005) 1984 AR Telstar TX5 Ghia (2001-2005) |
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27-04-2011, 04:45 PM | #28 | ||
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It needs to be radically different to FG1 so it stands out, to attract punters!!!!
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27-04-2011, 04:52 PM | #29 | ||
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The Malibu isn't a Taurus competitor. It is mid-size, so it would be a Fusion competitor. It wouldn't make sense to offer a Taurus and a Falcon because they are the same size. Malibu and Commodore are different class vehicles, so it makes sense to offer both. Everything in the article was right, except the link to Ford.
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27-04-2011, 05:00 PM | #30 | ||
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By all accounts, the next gen Taurus will be based on CD4 anyway so will be smaller. It's not even a given that the CD4 will have a 6 cylinder engine available.
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Fords I own or have owned: 1970 XW Falcon GT replica | 1970 XW Falcon | 1971 XY Fairmont | 1973 ZG Fairlane | 1986 XF Falcon panel van | 1987 XFII Falcon S-Pack | 1988 XF Falcon GLS ute | 1993 EBII Fairmont V8 | 1996 XG Falcon ute | 2000 AU Falcon wagon | 2004 BA Falcon XT | 2012 SZ Territory Titanium AWD Proud to buy Australian and support Ford Australia through thick and thin |
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