Carr to Detroit to rescue Aus Car Industry

[Road_Warrior]

Wow ok that was unexpected. Any more details? 50 mill doesnt buy a lot in automotive development terms, but I bet this 50 mill was conditional on a co-contribution from the government...

[Bossxr8]

I hope its true. If it is that would be awesome news.

I wonder how Gover and carsguide/drive will somehow turn that into a negative.

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by Blue Blooded

In the Sunday Telegraph today:
8 Jan 2012 The Sunday Telegraph (Sydney) Cash to firm Ford’s future

THE future of Ford Australia will be confirmed in the US on Tuesday with good news expected for the company’s 3500 production staff and a boost for the economy.

A fresh injection of more than $50 million is coming from Ford Motor Company that will secure the immediate future of the Falcon and Territory despite the worst showroom result in the history of the Ford flagship in 2011.
An announcement is planned for the Detroit motor show involving Ford’s global chiefs, local president Bob Graziano and a government delegation led by Federal Industry Minister Kim Carr.

The investment comes as Ford Australia andgmh jockey for positions in the plans of their global parents.


Is this something new?

Yes, I read that too.. But it was a very small article & just luck I saw it, as I turned the page it court me eye...

Got to wonder why this news has come from the Telegraph & not the other car media places that should know more??

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Pepscobra

I love the Falcon (and even Commodore... to a lesser (much lesser) extent) and dont want to see them disappear, but what good is 'rescuing' something that may no longer be viable??

Its a global market people. Australia chose this road long ago. The government (using tax payers money mind you) cant just keep coming to the rescue everytime a large company looks like getting in trouble. Its called competition. No point to keep making something that people dont want.

The automakers just need to come up with products that the market wants.

Australia is a very unique market. FoA and GMH just need one product they can be responsible for in their respective empire, and sell it to multiple markets, or at least R&D the car here, and manufacture here for locality.

Originally Posted by blownv8au

What on earth is he going to achive by going over that a phone call or video link couldn't do. another bloody tax payer funded holiday. might aswell go to the motor show to eh.

By meeting in person it's shows just how important it is the executives how committed we are to them. Those exec's get there ego's stroked by a 'Government Official', and a "give us a go mate". And things look better. Things come out in face to face that don't in a letter or phone call.

Originally Posted by Barraxr8

Then we can be just like Greece

Yey. Then we can ask Germany for heaps of cash. Or start building their cars...

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Wow ok that was unexpected. Any more details? 50 mill doesnt buy a lot in automotive development terms, but I bet this 50 mill was conditional on a co-contribution from the government...

It could very well mean another Falcon matey. And who knows what will happen after that?

[P6LTD351]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

It could very well mean another Falcon matey. And who knows what will happen after that?

That would be great news.

[jpd80]

How would you use $50 million to keep Falcon and Territory alive for now?

Additional changes to Falcon at 2013 update?

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by jpd80

How would you use $50 million to keep Falcon and Territory alive for now?

Additional changes to Falcon at 2013 update?

Wonder what the 50mill could be for? Im thinking Falcon update too.. It would be good if it was for manufacturing changes to build a third model. 50 mill from Ford and 50 mill from the Govt, 100mill total? How much did the Cruze changes at Elizabeth (on paper) cost?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by jpd80

How would you use $50 million to keep Falcon and Territory alive for now?

Additional changes to Falcon at 2013 update?

I'm thinking this is to pay for the 2013 update. Unless that has already been locked in some time ago.

[Brazen]

I am betting an announcement on the Falcon's future at the Detroit Motor Show which starts tommorrow, to coincide with this 50 million investment.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I'm thinking this is to pay for the 2013 update. Unless that has already been locked in some time ago.

If you were going to kill Falcon off FGII would be it, no more updates and gone inside three years....

An up date that's planned and paid for in 2013 means were going to 2016, maybe a measured approach..


Now, the government is nervous, Ford has put them on notice that have Falcon "in a life boat"
Thye have a plan for a post 2015 car, how badly does the Aussie government want Ford to stay?

[Road_Warrior]

Well, the article did say immediate future, that says to me the 2013 update and that it may have not been a guaranteed update. So the cash might be for that, and the cynic in me is that it may be timed to 'soften' the impact of an announcement that we might not like.

On the flip side, it may be simply a lead in to a more significant investment for a new global product that FoA will develop...

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Well, the article did say immediate future, that says to me the 2013 update and that it may have not been a guaranteed update. So the cash might be for that, and the cynic in me is that it may be timed to 'soften' the impact of an announcement that we might not like.

On the flip side, it may be simply a lead in to a more significant investment for a new global product that FoA will develop...

Well it seems to be a last minute rush trip by Senator Carr to Detroit on the eve of the busiest time of year for Detroit execs. Maybe the government heard that there will be announcement at the Detroit Motor show and got Carr on the next plane over there?

Doesnt mean the announcement is positive or negative, actually it might be positive hence they wanted a government rep on the ground over there to share some of the glory.

[FPV8U]

50Mill from FoMoCo is a good start, lets hope they have some exciting announcements on the way for us and the Falcons future.

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by jpd80

How would you use $50 million to keep Falcon and Territory alive for now?

Additional changes to Falcon at 2013 update?

I'd spend that 50Mil in a global way.

[Polyal]

Well it depends on who you look at it...engineering wise $50M wont do a heck of a alot, although FoA are very good at making something out of nothing.

Its certainly a stop gap if nothing else, I hope they blow half of it on selling the bloody thing.

Or they could go down in flames and get the Coyote in there..LOL

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

I'm thinking this is to pay for the 2013 update. Unless that has already been locked in some time ago.

I'd say thats probably likely, as it will secure the Falcons future through to 2016 or so.

I knew a little while ago they were still waiting for funding for the next update. Maybe this is the approval.

Be interesting to see wether they talk about anything beyond this or wether they will keep those well into the future model plans to themselves.

Or maybe this $50 mil is to start initial planning for an all new Falcon RWD in 2016. Can only hope.

[FPV8U]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Well it depends on who you look at it...engineering wise $50M wont do a heck of a alot, although FoA are very good at making something out of nothing.

Its certainly a stop gap if nothing else, I hope they blow half of it on selling the bloody thing.

Or they could go down in flames and get the Coyote in there..LOL

If we put the dead N/A 5.0L Program aside...

Their is nothing drivetrain wise required to be developed with the Ecoboost, EcoLpi, Petrol I6, Petrol I6T and Miami V8 (FPV..) there arn't any holes in the line up.

The only thing i can think of would be a LPi XR6T but thats hardly going to sell in the tens of thousands, same could be said for XR6T update to 275 or 285Kw, not going to sell in huge numbers but may sway a FGMK1 owner to update.

They need to work on improved build/finish quality, some fresh new colours that make people go "Wow", some nice Limited Editions and ALOT of Marketing to get people interested in the Brand once more.

Either way it's good to see some positive investment coming for the range.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by FPV8U

If we put the dead N/A 5.0L Program aside...

Their is nothing drivetrain wise required to be developed with the Ecoboost, EcoLpi, Petrol I6, Petrol I6T and Miami V8 (FPV..) there arn't any holes in the line up.

The only thing i can think of would be a LPi XR6T but thats hardly going to sell in the tens of thousands, same could be said for XR6T update to 275 or 285Kw, not going to sell in huge numbers but may sway a FGMK1 owner to update.

They need to work on improved build/finish quality, some fresh new colours that make people go "Wow", some nice Limited Editions and ALOT of Marketing to get people interested in the Brand once more.

Either way it's good to see some positive investment coming for the range.

Yeah I agree with that, perhaps some "One Ford" bling is going to hit the Falcon. That seems to be the major thing missing for me, you cant have the focus and mondeo showing it up tech wise, even if the Falcon is a more practical car.

edit: the only thing I think Ford should try is riding the diesel wave, I know they have invested into the LPi but private buyers are much more willing to look at TDi as euro cars have proven they work in sedans. The ute would be good with it too as I am sure most of the pickups sold at the moment would be diesel too.

[bobthebilda]

Originally Posted by Blue Blooded

In the Sunday Telegraph today:
8 Jan 2012 The Sunday Telegraph (Sydney) Cash to firm Ford’s future

THE future of Ford Australia will be confirmed in the US on Tuesday with good news expected for the company’s 3500 production staff and a boost for the economy.

A fresh injection of more than $50 million is coming from Ford Motor Company that will secure the immediate future of the Falcon and Territory despite the worst showroom result in the history of the Ford flagship in 2011.
An announcement is planned for the Detroit motor show involving Ford’s global chiefs, local president Bob Graziano and a government delegation led by Federal Industry Minister Kim Carr.

The investment comes as Ford Australia andgmh jockey for positions in the plans of their global parents.
Is this something new?

You always have to wonder about the accuracy of a news story, when it quotes Fords 3500 production staff, and they only have 1750. $50 million sounds more like a "we will keep the lights on a bit longer" sort of money.

[dddd]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Well it seems to be a last minute rush trip by Senator Carr to Detroit on the eve of the busiest time of year for Detroit execs. Maybe the government heard that there will be announcement at the Detroit Motor show and got Carr on the next plane over there?

Doesnt mean the announcement is positive or negative, actually it might be positive hence they wanted a government rep on the ground over there to share some of the glory.

Bingo we have a winner, he would not have gone over there to stand beside the head Ford honcho's to receive bad news I can guarantee you that, he is there to assume some of the credit.
As I said earlier its all about public relations,getting his face in the headlines and giving people the impression they have saved the day.
Does anyone really believe this deal (god only knows how the federal has had to chip in)would not have gone ahead if he had not gone over there ??

However when all is said and done its a good thing, and certainly has prolonged what I fear is the inevitable

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I'd say thats probably likely, as it will secure the Falcons future through to 2016 or so.

I knew a little while ago they were still waiting for funding for the next update. Maybe this is the approval.

Be interesting to see wether they talk about anything beyond this or wether they will keep those well into the future model plans to themselves.

Or maybe this $50 mil is to start initial planning for an all new Falcon RWD in 2016. Can only hope.

I think they will keep Mum on future plans, they want to see how Ecoboost pans out in the Falcon first.

The brass in Dearborn have made it quite clear that they want the EBI4T to work in the Falcon, but that they won't wait forever for it to work. If an announcement does not come at NAIAS, I'm betting one will come mid year. That will give Ecoboost enough time to get some runs on the board, and if it's not, no amount of time will be and we will then know it will be curtains for the Falcon as we know it.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by dddd

However when all is said and done its a good thing, and certainly has prolonged what I fear is the inevitable

Perhaps, but having more time to sort the situation out is only a good thing. If the falcon had no hope of continuing then this would not be happening.

[P6LTD351]

When is the EBI4T due to go on sale in the Falcon?

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by Blue Blooded

In the Sunday Telegraph today:
8 Jan 2012 The Sunday Telegraph (Sydney) Cash to firm Ford’s future

THE future of Ford Australia will be confirmed in the US on Tuesday with good news expected for the company’s 3500 production staff and a boost for the economy.

A fresh injection of more than $50 million is coming from Ford Motor Company that will secure the immediate future of the Falcon and Territory despite the worst showroom result in the history of the Ford flagship in 2011.
An announcement is planned for the Detroit motor show involving Ford’s global chiefs, local president Bob Graziano and a government delegation led by Federal Industry Minister Kim Carr.

The investment comes as Ford Australia andgmh jockey for positions in the plans of their global parents.


Is this something new?

Surely they will be another announcement about the Falcon's future i.e. Fusion/Mondeo platform? If it's only 50 million for a Falcon refresh it seems like an awful amount of effort for Ford AU CEO and Senator Carr to go to. This would be the equivalent of a EF to EL update right? (the EL update cost 40mill in 1996 dollars)

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Surely they will be another announcement about the Falcon's future i.e. Fusion/Mondeo platform? If it's only 50 million for a Falcon refresh it seems like an awful amount of effort for Ford AU CEO and Senator Carr to go to. This would be the equivalent of a EF to EL update right? (the EL update cost 40mill in 1996 dollars)

Yes but most design and testing is virtual now, so that reduces costs. I'd be thinking ED to EF actually.

But you're right, it is an awful lot of effort to go to with FoA CEO and the relevant Minister...either it's proof the Falcon's place in the lineup is fortified, or it is a 'sugar coating' announcement to take some negativity of a subsequent, negative announcement.

[dddd]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Perhaps, but having more time to sort the situation out is only a good thing. If the falcon had no hope of continuing then this would not be happening.

Having more time is always a good thing I agree, however I would not be to sure about that second part of your statement.

The government is not polling well at the moment, it knows its carbon tax is not popular and is likely to cost Australia jobs (wow is that an understatement) although they still deny it, so they will do anything (read throw any amount of money) to stave off bad headlines (especially about large job losses of an Australian icon) until there polling looks much better or at least to after the next election

Like I said earlier I would like to know how much our government chipped in, but we will probably never know the real figure

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Brazen

Surely they will be another announcement about the Falcon's future i.e. Fusion/Mondeo platform? If it's only 50 million for a Falcon refresh it seems like an awful amount of effort for Ford AU CEO and Senator Carr to go to. This would be the equivalent of a EF to EL update right? (the EL update cost 40mill in 1996 dollars)

Don't forget what the government is going to chip in.

I don't want to speculate on the changes. But a tightened look, and a use of higher quality plastics would top it off for me.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I'd say thats probably likely, as it will secure the Falcons future through to 2016 or so.

I knew a little while ago they were still waiting for funding for the next update. Maybe this is the approval.
.

Yes, the 2013 update was planned contingent on approval of funding
and Ford continuing with Falcon after the product cycle ends in 2016.
If Falcon was being discontinued, they wouldn't be doing 2013 update.

This could be a ploy to get as much government cash as possible before a major announcement..

[Jason[98.EL]]

Originally Posted by Buntz93ED

By meeting in person it's shows just how important it is the executives how committed we are to them. Those exec's get there ego's stroked by a 'Government Official', and a "give us a go mate". And things look better. Things come out in face to face that don't in a letter or phone call.

well I can be of testament to that side of it all

the company I work for closed in 2008 and re opened in 2010 to do 8 ton of felt for 6 -12 months

our mayor of Geelong went over to the states and went to our head office and with putting 100g of funding up to them we are now open for a min of 5 yrs with production being upped to 22 ton by april this yr and really likely that we could be open for another 5 yrs after that

I know it is only 100g but it has put close to 50 people in 5 yrs work with prob another 5 yrs after

this is why the meet in person is way better than just a phone call

Jason