Future Ford large car, SUV linked with 2014 Mondeo under One Ford plan

csv8 · 28-09-2012, 11:44 AM

Future Ford large car, SUV linked with 2014 Mondeo under One Ford plan

28 September 2012

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in Paris

FORD has revealed its next-generation large car and SUV will most likely be based on the new Mondeo’s C/D platform.

But while it brings into clearer view what the replacement for the Australian-built Falcon and Territory models might be after they are phased out around 2016/7, there is still no word as to what – if anything – will supplant them on the Broadmeadows production line in Melbourne.

Speaking with Ford of Europe assistant vehicle line director for C/D vehicles, Steve Pintar, at this week’s Paris motor show, GoAuto has learned that the clean-sheet Mondeo’s architecture is sophisticated and flexible enough to accommodate Ford’s large vehicle and SUV needs for when the regionally based current Falcon/Territory and North American Taurus/Explorer are replaced in about four years.

“We consider the Mondeo/Fusion to compete in the C/D segment in the USA and Europe, and it’s virtually the same size as the current car. (But) there would be a potential to make it longer. We’ve done that with other platforms,” Mr Pintar revealed. “This is an all-new platform, so right now we have the Mondeo, but we do intend to do other, what we call, ‘top hats’ or other products off of this platform.”
http://www.goauto.com.au/

Resurrection · 28-09-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

But while it brings into clearer view what the replacement for the Australian-built Falcon and Territory models might be after they are phased out around 2016/7, there is still no word as to what – if anything – will supplant them on the Broadmeadows production line in Melbourne.

Broadmeadows is too old and dilapidated. Ford will cease local production when rhe Falcon ends.

tranquilized · 28-09-2012, 12:01 PM

Another piece of info that confirms my long held and often posted prediction that the Falcon will be replaced with a FWD platform shared around the world.

Lets just hope Mustang joins it in Australian showrooms for performance fans.

FPV GTHO · 28-09-2012, 12:07 PM

I think there's a lot of room for a Falcon branded car to still be unique on a global platform. They might do the Aurion trick and try and develop a V6 AWD Mondeo, of which will be due for a mid cycle enhancement by then anyway. The 2013 can already take a V6 courtesy of the MKZ, but by 2016 they'll have another gen of Econoost to look at, and the possibility of an all Ecoboost lineup.

jpd80 · 28-09-2012, 12:12 PM

2014 will take Falcon to global styling and more closely aligned with vehiucle features now becoming
available in global vehicles like Mondeo or Fusion. The big question still remains, is it cheaper to evolve
Falcon to "our "Mondeo/Taurus" or is it cheaper to just build a version of those cars, be that here in
Australia or another line in Thailand?

In Falcon's favor, it already occupies production and the evolution planned for 2014 makes for a strong
case to continue, even if that means further conversion of power train and parts to "one Ford" modules.

I'd still back local manufacturing surviving for a while longer, Ford is making changes, spending money,
the exact opposite to what you'd expect if Ford was really thinking of pulling out:

Quote:

While the level of Australian involvement in the Mondeo/Fusion program appears to be minor, recent multi-million dollar upgrades to computerised modelling and real-time internal communication links at Broadmeadows with other Ford global headquarters suggest Australia still has a vital role to play in the development of future Blue Oval models.

Nikked · 30-09-2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquilized

Another piece of info that confirms my long held and often posted prediction that the Falcon will be replaced with a FWD platform shared around the world.

Lets just hope Mustang joins it in Australian showrooms for performance fans.

Doesn't necessarily suggest FWD...

Further more, it doesn't really tell us much that we didn't already know. The falcon is going to be integrated with global products, the article is nothing more then a rehash of previous knowledge, but with the wording "LWB C/D platform" worked into it.

The article also openly states that there is room for a drive shaft, now this is confirms AWD, but could hint at possible RWD development. The rear suspension can accommodate the mechanical needed, the only change (if any) would be in the engine bay...and if you are going to do a LWB version of the platform, you could change the front for a Nor/south arrangement...particularly if the Mustang is going to share global design, parts and engineering.

...and the artical assumes the come 2016, the falcon is dead...even though there is a update, in 2014...

Bossxr8 · 30-09-2012, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

Doesn't necessarily suggest FWD...

Further more, it doesn't really tell us much that we didn't already know. The falcon is going to be integrated with global products, the article is nothing more then a rehash of previous knowledge, but with the wording "LWB C/D platform" worked into it.

The article also openly states that there is room for a drive shaft, now this is confirms AWD, but could hint at possible RWD development. The rear suspension can accommodate the mechanical needed, the only change (if any) would be in the engine bay...and if you are going to do a LWB version of the platform, you could change the front for a Nor/south arrangement...particularly if the Mustang is going to share global design, parts and engineering.

...and the artical assumes the come 2016, the falcon is dead...even though there is a update, in 2014...

Maybe you should have read the article, they clearly state its not designed for RWD.

“We haven’t designed (the C/D platform) for a RWD configuration,” Mr Pintar admitted.

jpd80 · 30-09-2012, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Maybe you should have read the article, they clearly state its not designed for RWD.

“We haven’t designed (the C/D platform) for a RWD configuration,” Mr Pintar admitted.

With respect, you just can't lengthen a Mondeo, calll it a large car and say you're done,
it needs to be wider and have a lot of regional considerations in the design too.

Nikked · 01-10-2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

With respect, you just can't lengthen a Mondeo, calll it a large car and say you're done,
it needs to be wider and have a lot of regional considerations in the design too.

And in the very same artical...he talks of "Room for a drive shaft, and the rear suspention unit..."

The FG falcon was never designed with a 4cyl in mind...nore was the BA with AWD...

Road_Warrior · 28-09-2012, 01:38 PM

Nothing new here, those amongst us with the knowledge are clear that the next gen Toreass and Exploder will be built off the family tree arrangement that is the CD4 platform. But GoAuto's call on the Falcon/Territory in relation to that is off the mark.

tranquilized · 28-09-2012, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Nothing new here, those amongst us with the knowledge are clear that the next gen Toreass and Exploder will be built off the family tree arrangement that is the CD4 platform. But GoAuto's call on the Falcon/Territory in relation to that is off the mark.

How is it that you are one of those with "the knowledge" of Fords future plans? Not being smart, genuine question. Do you work at Ford or in the industry?

Road_Warrior · 28-09-2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquilized

How is it that you are one of those with "the knowledge" of Fords future plans? Not being smart, genuine question. Do you work at Ford or in the industry?

I am not a Ford employee. Knowledge was probably the wrong term, more like an understanding of what the future could hold based on snippets seen (and provided) here and there. Some in the public domain, some not. However most of this information is in the public domain, just that you need to take the (considerable) time to research and piece the bits together. Case in point being the relationship the next gen Taurus has with the new Mondeo platform, it's all out there, you just have to find it and understand what is being said.

A few other things to note:

“We haven’t designed (the C/D platform) for a RWD configuration,” Mr Pintar admitted.

But then later he says:

“And we’re especially excited about (AWD). The rear suspension is something we are very proud of. There’s a nice spot for a driveshaft. When we built this platform for North America and Europe working together as the One Ford team it was configured that it was going to have AWD as well as FWD.”

One last thing:

According to Mr Pintar, the Mondeo/Fusion would be made in Belgium, USA, Mexico, Russia and China to begin with, while other locations might follow as more models and variants are introduced.

“(In the Mondeo/Fusion case) we’re building and producing where we will sell,” he said.

There's a lot of assumptions made by the author, with no basis other than "they have this, therefore it equals that" but Ford are notorious for being secretive about future planning. They wouldnd be tipping new development funds for an MCE in 2014 or to the facilities at Broadmeadows if the whole lot was going to be pulled merely 2 years later!

jpd80 · 28-09-2012, 02:41 PM

Correct RW and given the time line on CD4 Taurus being a US 2016 year model that's delivered mid 2015,
development of that car would have only begun at the start of this year, so given the normal run up on
platform development, green light for full funding probably won't happen until thist time next year.

So what am I saying?
The truth is that Ford is probably looking at two darned good options in front of them to either
continue to develop the 2014 car after 2016 and take it two years at a time or
bite the bullet and go "One Ford" next gen Taurus/Explorer twins built here or Thailand.

I'm betting that Ford Australia doesn't really have to commit until late 2014 because
the engineering project for + 2016, would be a two year deal for either the
continued evolution of Falcon/Territory or a localization of Taurus/Explorer.

JPFS1 · 28-09-2012, 02:48 PM

I guess there's a few people here that could say things to clear the air a bit? but then where's the fun in that? all the speculation and discussion would die down wouldn't it. Not what forums are for?

;)

jpd80 · 28-09-2012, 02:52 PM

Funny how the media can turn a joyful launch of new Mondeo into dark connotations for FoA and Falcon

bmorris · 29-09-2012, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

I guess there's a few people here that could say things to clear the air a bit? but then where's the fun in that? all the speculation and discussion would die down wouldn't it. Not what forums are for?

;)

Oh you

flappist · 29-09-2012, 11:27 AM

The sky is falling, the sky is falling.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPFS1

I guess there's a few people here that could say things to clear the air a bit? but then where's the fun in that? all the speculation and discussion would die down wouldn't it. Not what forums are for?

;)

Ummmm......

Now for the rest. How about you all just sit back and watch.

tezxr8man · 28-09-2012, 03:04 PM

We could always force their hand and buy falcon's by the truckloads, they arent going to get rid of a model that is selling well

malazn mafia · 30-09-2012, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tezxr8man

We could always force their hand and buy falcon's by the truckloads, they arent going to get rid of a model that is selling well

First thing on my mind if I win lottery or get my business bought out for a large sum is to empty out ford's inventory of falcons and territories and donate them out to struggling families and single mothers, or maybe half price deals for forum members. I can only dream

jpd80 · 30-09-2012, 07:34 PM

In the past, doing a RWD platform in parallel with a FWD platform was never considered practical
because of the different proportions employed in body structure. Originally, FWd cars would have the
front foot well moved moved forward and around the front wheel inner guards which meant that
the front crash structure in around the front A-pillar was completely different to a RWD

So what am I getting at?
During a video of Genk showing the building of Mondeo and S-max, I noticed that the driver's
foot wells were level with the A-pillar, similar to out Falcon, so that got me thinking that engineering
the front of an AWD Mondeo or better yet a future AWD Taurus to accept a Falcon like North/South
engine bay and RWD transmission tunnel might not be out of the question and if so,
could mean that a next generation falcon could share heaps of parts and design with Taurus
all while remaining uniquely RWD...

Flat Top · 01-10-2012, 10:33 PM

very interesting, timing seems about right, dollars turning,(except now everyone wants to buy $AUD ??) Thailand short of parts (according to letter i got from Ford about my ranger being delayed again!!)

turboxf · 01-10-2012, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flat Top

very interesting, timing seems about right, dollars turning,(except now everyone wants to buy $AUD ??) Thailand short of parts (according to letter i got from Ford about my ranger being delayed again!!)

German manufacturing are starting to come here by the boat load, yes interesting time indeed ???????????

Nikked · 28-09-2012, 06:10 PM

Falc'man spotted this gem...

http://www.facebook.com/FordAustrali..._comment_reply

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford Australia

@George and @Youssef - what our rep said at Paris was that Mondeo is considered a large car in EUROPE. It fits on the C/D platform whereas Falcon is a D/E segment vehicle...

rdmr · 28-09-2012, 07:22 PM

I'm still quite positive on the future of Ford's manafacturing here. Things are in the works.

Dr Smith · 28-09-2012, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

Falc'man spotted this gem...

http://www.facebook.com/FordAustrali..._comment_reply

Would anyone have any idea on how many D/E segment cars Ford sells worldwide?

jpd80 · 28-09-2012, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Would anyone have any idea on how many D/E segment cars Ford sells worldwide?

D/E cars are limited to Falcon, Taurus and MKS but remember that the US cars also sell in Canada and Middle East..

IIRC Taurus is about 7,000/mth and MKS is around 1,000/mth but that just the USA,
so maybe add another 500 a piece for Canada and about the same for Middle East..

Dr Smith · 29-09-2012, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

D/E cars are limited to Falcon, Taurus and MKS but remember that the US cars also sell in Canada and Middle East..

IIRC Taurus is about 7,000/mth and MKS is around 1,000/mth but that just the USA,
so maybe add another 500 a piece for Canada and about the same for Middle East..

Cheers.

Bossxr8 · 28-09-2012, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

Falc'man spotted this gem...

http://www.facebook.com/FordAustrali..._comment_reply

But the Taurus, if its a longer wheelbase version of Mondeo, would be D/E wouldn't it?

Buntz · 29-09-2012, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

But the Taurus, if its a longer wheelbase version of Mondeo, would be D/E wouldn't it?

Knowing the yanks, they'd go straight out E. Make something as large as Taurus, but with even greater interior space, and less weight.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikked

Falc'man spotted this gem...

http://www.facebook.com/FordAustrali..._comment_reply

That rep said it could get "longer". that tells me they plan to sell an LWB version in China.

Road_Warrior · 29-09-2012, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

But the Taurus, if its a longer wheelbase version of Mondeo, would be D/E wouldn't it?

It won't be a longer wheelbase version of the Mondeo, but a wider version.

Also, the sizing descriptors of B, C, D, E etc is based on old US EPA classifications for cars. It is really semantics the differences these days between 'E' and 'D' because the current Taurus and the E8 Falcon are the same size. Traditional 'E' sized cars have gone the way of the dodo and the only reason FoA persisted with the E classification was for the LWB cars (which we no longer have and probably never will again).