Detroit News columnist Daniel Howes has written an interesting column on Ford’s new “Bold Moves” ad campaign. How about a “sorely needed kicker,” he suggests, “Do it right the first time.” Howes says Ford needs to focus on bold cars and going the extra mile. He points to the success of the Mustang and new F-150. “They did it last year with the red-hot Mustang. Accolades keep coming, sales are steady and pony-car wannabes aren’t whining that the convertible isn’t yet available or the more powerful engine isn’t coming until next year. They’re already here.” They did it two years ago with the F-150 pickups, too, he says. “That’s why half-steps on credible products like the Fusion midsize (anymore torque in that 3-liter engine?) or missteps on its Lincoln Zephyr or no step at all with the Five Hundred sedan and Focus compact are so galling.”
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05/04, 8:56 PM
posted by:
AndreNeves
I have a great idea for Ford.
How about they stop neglecting the U.S.A and bring over some of their cars from Europe. It seems like they either have better talent there, or they are just focusing all their attention to the Europeans.
Take a look at the following models…
-Ford S-max (not available yet)
-Ford Focus (their version)
-Ford Focus Cabriolet
-Ford Focus ST (very nice compared to SVT)
-Ford Focus RS (no longer produced)
-Ford Fiesta
-Ford Mondeo
-Ford Iosis (not available yet)
-Ford FPV Line(Austrailia only, makes mustang look like a kia)
ALL of those cars aren’t available in the U.S.A and would be flying out the showrooms if they were. All we have that they want overseas is the Mustang & the GT(which is NOW available) Wooptie doo!
(BTW…all you people who love the mustang(i do), take a look here and see what Ford ISN’T giving us…
http://www.fpv.com.au/
05/04, 9:07 PM
posted by:
Mr. Fab
The rumored Mustang platform rwd sedan can be Ford’s halo car. European and Australian Fords, though appealing and sadly largely superior to domestic Ford fare, seem at the end of their styling/product development cycles as “90’s” vehicles. Blue Oval has the chance to offer clean slate “bold moves” contemporary vehicles.
05/05, 2:30 AM
posted by:
Steve
The reason not one of those cars is here is because they wouldn’t sell. Sure they are all great product but because of the weak US dollar they would have to be priced outside the range of their respective categories. We get cheap product because it is what the consumer can afford. No one wants a $40,000 Focus.
That said this article is very misleading. The Focus was a huge seller when it came out and won awards probably up until two or three years ago. This insinuates that it had a weak start. They need a new car. That much is true, but don’t pretend that they have had a bad product from the start. Also, the Fusion consistantly places well among it’s competitors and is priced more attractively. It sells relatively well and is marketed to high heaven. I can agree about the Five Hundred. It is way underpowered considering weight and big American cars should be RWD. This guy is just doing the trendy thing and bagging on one of the the Big Two.
05/05, 9:07 AM
posted by:
motorman
the car companies do not put all the goodies into a new car at the begining because they need to keep coming up with features that will want you to trade up every couple of years. if all the goodies were in the first year no one would trade up for a long time.
05/05, 11:52 AM
posted by:
Andre Neves
Steve…Im not “bagging” on anyone.
Just making my point that Ford is a great car company that makes really nice, appealing cars…in Europe.
Focusing to much of their attention elsewhere instead of the counry it originated from.