Ford’s Australian arm is facing decreased domestic demand and profits for its products, so it is apparently considering producing significantly more models for exportation in the near future, likely beginning with the next-generation Falcon. Ford Australia currently produces about 7,000 cars for export, a very small figure that could easily be increased.
Reuters reports that Ford Australia profits dropped from A$148.2 million in 2005 to an operating loss of A$40.3 million in ‘06. This year is looking even worse than ‘06 due to lost ground from imports and GM’s Holden division.
Ford has long been rumored to take a page from GM by repackaging Aussie-built cars to sell them in other markets. While no specific North American plans are known, Ford is cautiously watching GM. The General unsuccessfully imported the Holden Monaro by badging it a Pontiac GTO, but industry analysts are more positive on the upcoming Holden-based Pontiac G8. The difference is that the G8 is a brand-new model not intended to provoke memories of a classic. The GTO’s badging lead to its demise when many consumers couldn’t get over the idea of buying a plain, Australian-built high performance car with a GTO badge.
While no rumors have been confirmed, it’s guessed that the new Falcon would lead the renaissance. U.S. and Canadian sales have been denied, but would seem the most plausible as Europe isn’t a good market for large sedans. Ford has repeatedly said that it would be too expensive to bring Ford of Europe cars to the United States.
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07/16, 9:54 AM
posted by:
Wickedated
Clock is ticking for Ford.
07/16, 11:02 AM
posted by:
A4
i really liked the GTO i still dont get the issue. Big power, small price, thats the formula.
07/16, 11:53 AM
posted by:
TomF
The Ford Falcon is a hell of a car. Sort of a Taurus SHO-meets-Mustang GT play with better quality and more power. It would do great in North America but it should be positioned as a Mercury to stop it cannibalizing Taurus and Mustang sales.
07/16, 11:58 AM
posted by:
musclemustang94
I don’t think it would affect mustang sales so much. Maybe the v6 version of the mustang. I would probably make the guess that the falcon would have the mustangs engine and a v6 instead of a supercharged 5.4 or a turbo I6 if it came here.
07/16, 12:27 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
Falcon.
Here (USA).
Now!
07/16, 1:22 PM
posted by:
gbb
Put the steering wheel on the correct side, call it a Galaxie and sell the hell out of it with all the powertrains they offer in Australia.
07/16, 2:31 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Don’t forget Europe, FORD’s got some killer apps in Europe as will. The current Mondeo, If it met US crash safety standards would make a far better Taurus than the “Five Hun-dread”. When that car goes up for re-design make it a global plat and ship it or build in the US.
The Falcon will will likely be the basis for a coupe version which will be the new MUSTANG, IRS and all. It is not likely to dent ‘Stang sales, because is you wanted a bad-@$$ sedan with V8 power you wold have gone for the Charger or 300, this way FORD has a chance to keep customers on their lots looked to choose between two and four doors. Add a sport wagon version to the mix to get on the Magnum and FORD could be a serious threat in the market again.
FORD needs to compete on all areas if it is to remain relevant, and the MUSTANG is not going to be the only game in town for much longer with the new Challenger and Camaro en route not to mention foreign competition from Hyundai and their Typhoon, a likely some other car or cars we have yet to hear about.
Also how about some of that “King Ranch” treatment from this car. Maybe lay off the cowboy theme but the leather is real nice. Add some value to these cars.
07/16, 2:52 PM
posted by:
Htay5500
aussie madness!!!!!!
07/16, 3:44 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
gbb
I say keep the falcon RHD. as an attention getter
07/16, 4:50 PM
posted by:
kellyp
wouldn’t it make more sense to build cars that would increase sales in Australia instead of exporting cars that you already know are losing appeal? they should have a lottery to see who will run these companies, or just hire monkeys.
tick-tock
07/16, 7:12 PM
posted by:
jJayC08
It would be neat to see the Aussie Ford Falcon over in America, but where would it fit? The American market seems very mindful of economy right now… RWD, large and a V-8…
I wonder how the Falcon Ute would do though… A hybrid between a truck/sedan, more economical? Then again, the Subara Baja is a flop…
07/16, 8:24 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
The GTO was too bland, almost like a Toy Ota, it was destined to fail. But the Falcon…damn, now that’s a different story!
07/17, 12:46 AM
posted by:
IDEAS
Ford Australia had two options:
Design and develop the Territory (SUV) and keep both Falcon and Terri. RHD. And loose out on the export market to the Middle East to the Crown Victoria.
Or
Develop a LHD Falcon and sell it to the Middle East.
Ford Australia has made the decision to cease production of the Australian inline 6 engine, and to import the V6. Bit of inside info for you
07/21, 10:55 AM
posted by:
BLISS
PROGRESS IN THE MAKING.