Ford tried to save our manufacturing plants: Mullaly

[WILDB]

Originally Posted by MyAU1

You might want to also check the US Ford website, which no longer has the Ranger available.

You might also want to do a bit more research, because the Ranger which was sold in the US was not the same as the Ranger we have been getting - it was a yank assembled vehicle with a completely different design, style, chassis and running gear.

Just like comparing the European Focus MK2 to the American Focus MK2 - name shared but nothing else.

I work as the maintenance coordinator for a fleet of 1000 assets, a considerable number of our utes are Rangers, but we have some Hiluxs, Colorados and Tritons as well - the Rangers are the most reliable out of all of them, as well as the ones that the drivers least complain about.

Similarly the local council has approximately 400 Rangers, a lot of them get driven quite hard - they have minimal issues.

Advert for the quality and reliability of the Ranger?

Just for reference:

2010 Ranger (North America):



2010 Ranger (rest of world):

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by brett.r.johnstone

In defense of the comments about the Ranger seats and springs, this model in MUCh improved, however the old ones were some of the WORST you could ever ride on...

I've driven the previous model ranger and that was a pile of rubbish. Really was a disappointment. I've also driven the current model ranger and while its a vast improvement over the Mazda designed one I didn't think it was as great as people were making it out to be on here (mind you I liked the funky seats). Quite happy I bought a Falcon ute.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

Uh ... prohibitive tax on imports to the US? Since when?

Cheap imports have been outselling domestically produced vehicles here for decades. And remember that Ford has closed many, many plants in the US and Canada over the last 25 years.

I believe it only applies to pick-up trucks, not cars. Hence why Toyota and Honda build their pick-ups in the US and don't just import them.

[PepeLePew]

I own a PX, it's a great unit and it IS as good as many say on here. But it isn't a replacement for Falcon ute. If thats as car like as a buyer needs they won't find it in Ranger. At 2.2T and 5.5M long and able to climb tall buildings at s single bound while sipping diesel it's a whole other world of hurt

[Kieran]

Fellas the thing that gets me are the the people who say "It was always going to happen - just move on." Maybe they're right, maybe they're wrong. But the issue for me is that the world has shifted. And it impacts all of us, whether we like it or not. Some of us don't like globalisation when it means our way of life gets changed without us asking for it. For some of us, it's like a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and they're going to die in October 2016 at the latest. Some of you may not understand that, but I believe it is the case for many Ford fans. So it doesn't really help to hear "just move on."

[Moby Vic]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

I believe it only applies to pick-up trucks, not cars. Hence why Toyota and Honda build their pick-ups in the US and don't just import them.

Even for domestic brands? Ford sells a lot of Transit Connects here, and I believe those are considered trucks. I think they build them in Turkey.

[CyberWasp]

It is my understanding that the USA still has tariff protection for the light truck segment of the market to the tune of 25%. This is why they didn't adapt to the Thailand made Ranger for example and possibly be why the Everest will not be sold in the USA ect.
Level playing fields - nope.

[Moby Vic]

That must be the celebrated "chicken tax."

But in general the US has very few tariffs. We also have very little manufacturing these days.

[monte.b]

Originally Posted by Kieran

Fellas the thing that gets me are the the people who say "It was always going to happen - just move on." Maybe they're right, maybe they're wrong. But the issue for me is that the world has shifted. And it impacts all of us, whether we like it or not. Some of us don't like globalisation when it means our way of life gets changed without us asking for it. For some of us, it's like a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and they're going to die in October 2016 at the latest. Some of you may not understand that, but I believe it is the case for many Ford fans. So it doesn't really help to hear "just move on."

Thank you mate,thats the best post ive read about ford closing here ,very well said ,im sure a lot of ford blokes feel the same

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by monte.b

Thank you mate,thats the best post ive read about ford closing here ,very well said ,im sure a lot of ford blokes feel the same

Are you serious????? to use one of the quotes that made you believe your read one of the best posts on Fords Closure. "Like someones loved one being diagnosed as terminally ill". Really!!!! if losing a car is like someone you love dying, you should be diagosed as mentally disturbed! Get a life!

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Kieran

Fellas the thing that gets me are the the people who say "It was always going to happen - just move on." Maybe they're right, maybe they're wrong. But the issue for me is that the world has shifted. And it impacts all of us, whether we like it or not. Some of us don't like globalisation when it means our way of life gets changed without us asking for it. For some of us, it's like a loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and they're going to die in October 2016 at the latest. Some of you may not understand that, but I believe it is the case for many Ford fans. So it doesn't really help to hear "just move on."

As much as you are heart sore, I can assure you that losing Falcon is nothing like losing someone close to you...

You still have around three years to buy a new Falcon, if you want one go buy one
and if you're like 90% of the people here buying second hand, you still have another 10-15 years...

[monte.b]

[QUOTE=Gadgetman;4854934]Are you serious????? to use one of the quotes that made you believe your read one of the best posts on Fords Closure. "Like someones loved one being diagnosed as terminally ill". Really!!!! if losing a car is like someone you love dying, you should be diagosed as mentally disturbed! Get a life![/QUOTE


Ive got a good life ,thanks very much ,i enjoy building my ford hotrods and driving my lovely falcon ute.i also enjoy being a member here , i think that personal attack is uncalled for ,i was just expressing my thoughts on the subject at hand ,and no doubt a lot of other people here too ,i think you need to settle down a bit and re read what you just typed ,it isnt nice really ,id ask the moderaters to remove your post if i was a woos ,but im not so get stuffed

[ILLaViTaR]

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/570...ustralian-cars

[FalconXV]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

Are you serious????? to use one of the quotes that made you believe your read one of the best posts on Fords Closure. "Like someones loved one being diagnosed as terminally ill". Really!!!! if losing a car is like someone you love dying, you should be diagosed as mentally disturbed! Get a life!

Well he's got a point, its been given a 3-year prognosis, plenty of people were passionate about it and its got alot of character. Snide character attacks on forums are closer to mentally disturbed than what monte.b suggested.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by monte.b

Ive got a good life ,thanks very much ,i enjoy building my ford hotrods

And you can keep on building your ford hotrods...

Ford packing up its manufacturing arm in Australia doesn't make us Ford fans any less...it's just up to us to preserve, show and admire the products over the past 90 years...from model T's to FPV's.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

That must be the celebrated "chicken tax."

But in general the US has very few tariffs. We also have very little manufacturing these days.

That's the one...

And without it...there would be no US built trucks...

[Kieran]

Mentally disturbed here....Seriously, my sincere apologies if my post was insensitive. Of course losing a loved one is a far deeper tragedy.

What I was trying to say was that I believe there are many Ford fans hurting out there. We are passionate about our cars. And I do have a life - a good one, in fact. Earlier this year I was one of the fortunate ones to win a day at the You Yangs proving ground: tour of the facilities, lunch with Bob and Ford staff in a marquee in the middle of the high speed bowl, and spent the afternoon let loose on a 2 km handling course with a fleet of Ford vehicles (love that XR6T!), drag racing challenge, and being chauffered at high speed in an GT RSpec and the hot Focus model. I was in Ford heaven for a day! For a while all was good in the world and I could hope that Ford Australia would always manufacture cars that I was proud to support. So it was a big let down to hear the closure news, that's all.

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by monte.b

How do we know that to be true ,i reckon once the ford factories are closed they will just shaft all 1100 or so in the design room ,

That contradicts what Mulally has said. I know who I'd rather believe ...

Ford may be stopping manufacturing in Australia, but they are here to stay and remain committed to designing, engineering and selling a vast variety of different cars here. That's what the 'Go Further' event was designed to do - highlight Ford's commitment to the Australian new car market. Losing manufacturing here is not the end of the world. Ford will still be around. There will still be a Ford to buy.

Originally Posted by monte.b

Interesting post ,pity this country is so stupid as to not have taxes or tariffs on imports the same as the good old usa ,we just accept any old rubbish they want to bring in and according to this thread, love them

What's this "rubbish" you speak of? So the rest of the world makes "rubbish" cars? Only Aussies make "great" cars?

[Moby Vic]

Although it may no longer be economically feasible to manufacture in Australia, Australia and New Zealand are a sizable enough market with distinctive enough tastes that it makes sense to retain design and engineering expertise there.

Australians seem to be more akin to Americans in liking larger cars and engines, but more akin to the UK in handling preferences and obviously in driving on the left side of the road.

As I pointed out previously, the Ranger was an excellent pilot program for this philosophy. It seems unlikely that Australia will get a unique sedan, though. I suspect that either the Mondeo will take on more Australian qualities (and it would seem that Ford wants Mondeo to replace Falcon, what with its announcement of expanding the Mondeo lineup), or the Taurus or its replacement will have to be made available in RHD form.

And Lincoln is still a question mark. Cadillac just unveiled a new coupe concept. We're still waiting to see something earth-shaking from Lincoln.

Back to manufacturing, though—it may not be a happy trend, but it's not the end of the world. It is sad to see so many jobs lost, but that's what happens in a down economy. It's actually admirable that Australia held on this long. If Ford had been more organized in 2008, this announcement may have come years ago.

[EgoFG]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

<most of rant removed>...ally disturbed! Get a life!

Hyperbole. lighten up

[anto]

Originally Posted by Kieran

Mentally disturbed here....Seriously, my sincere apologies if my post was insensitive. Of course losing a loved one is a far deeper tragedy.

What I was trying to say was that I believe there are many Ford fans hurting out there. We are passionate about our cars. And I do have a life - a good one, in fact. Earlier this year I was one of the fortunate ones to win a day at the You Yangs proving ground: tour of the facilities, lunch with Bob and Ford staff in a marquee in the middle of the high speed bowl, and spent the afternoon let loose on a 2 km handling course with a fleet of Ford vehicles (love that XR6T!), drag racing challenge, and being chauffered at high speed in an GT RSpec and the hot Focus model. I was in Ford heaven for a day! For a while all was good in the world and I could hope that Ford Australia would always manufacture cars that I was proud to support. So it was a big let down to hear the closure news, that's all.

Dont apologise mate I totally get what you are saying and there is nothing offensive about what you said, ignore the keyboard warrior know it alls.

[Gadgetman]

How about this for a reality check. Ford are a business that is there to make money. They have made this decision cause they really believe that it will make them a more profitable company. The fact that a few will tear up about it would be low on their agenda. They will no doubt make it sound as if they care about the minute amount of people that are disappointed about Falcon but the reality is they want to build cars for that majority of people want. Bottom line, its their business, either buy into their new ideas or stock pile a few falcons in your garages before 16 if you feel that strongly about it.

[CyberWasp]

How did England resurrect their car manufacturing industry?
What did they do to encourage manufacturers to open factories and produce cars?
How are they made at a cost competitive price considering the cost of the English Pound?

Is it really rocket science. If we can answer these questions then why can't we achieve a similar result?

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

How did England resurrect their car manufacturing industry?
What did they do to encourage manufacturers to open factories and produce cars?
How are they made at a cost competitive price considering the cost of the English Pound?

Is it really rocket science. If we can answer these questions then why can't we achieve a similar result?

If the volume is there then it wouldn't be a problem. But the Terri can't survive on its own.

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

How did England resurrect their car manufacturing industry?
What did they do to encourage manufacturers to open factories and produce cars?
How are they made at a cost competitive price considering the cost of the English Pound?

Is it really rocket science. If we can answer these questions then why can't we achieve a similar result?

Its called government policy. You see, some countries use the following policies to encourage local assembly.
(1) Tariffs on imported products thus locally made products get a fair price advantage.
(2) Reduced tax on companies that manufacturer locally.
(3) Control government depts to buy local only.
(4) Incent businesses to buy local by introducing up front depriciation writebacks.

Australia has done none of the above to assist. Matter of fact, they have done pretty much the reverse of that if you also throw the carbon tax in the mix as well as reducing the tariffs on imported vehicles. That is why Ford have bailed, Holden will and then Toyota of course. In the next 10 years, no auto manufacturer will exist in Aust unless policies are changed drastically.

[Road_Warrior]

And before the usual suspects come rushing in carrying on about those big bad tariffs and how dare we protect our industries, just remember that the countries that we import vehicles from (and other products) heavily protect their manufacturing industries with tariffs, subsidies, and policy support, well over and above anything Australia currently has or had.

Free trade my ****.

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

And before the usual suspects come rushing in carrying on about those big bad tariffs and how dare we protect our industries, just remember that the countries that we import vehicles from (and other products) heavily protect their manufacturing industries with tariffs, subsidies, and policy support, well over and above anything Australia currently has or had.

Free trade my ****.

Well said Road_Warrior. Put it in laymen terms, Ford had to pull out cause our govt made it impossible for us.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

Well said Road_Warrior. Put it in laymen terms, Ford had to pull out cause our govt made it impossible for us.

Or more correctly, every Asian country our local carmakers try to export to suddenly has a capacity tax on imports,
completely legal under free trade agreement but obviously set up to block imports.

Perhaps our country should impose the same taxes on vehicles from those countries
I'm sure Ranger, Hilux and Colorado buyers would be thrilled with a 33% capacity tax...

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Or more correctly, every Asian country our local carmakers try to export to suddenly has a capacity tax on imports,
completely legal under free trade agreement but obviously set up to block imports.

Perhaps our country should impose the same taxes on vehicles from those countries
I'm sure Ranger, Hilux and Colorado buyers would be thrilled with a 33% capacity tax...

I'm equally sure if the Australian government had the courage of its convictions to do it, for the greater good of this nation, that many of the barriers that blocked Territory and Falcon from finding other markets would suddenly have evaporated too. I'm sure in those circumstances that suddenly those taxes could be could be negotiated away in exchange for equal access in both countries.

[Joe5619]

Let’s hope it is not too late for Holden & Toyota. Maybe Tony can make some real policy chances for the better.