Your thoughts on Bill Osborne so far.

[Dr Smith]

I have to say so far I've been quite impressed with Ford Oz's new Pres. It seems that his agenda is to get as much out of Ford in Australia as is possible, talking of exports and a LHD Falcon, saying diesel is definately coming rather then we're looking at it, talking the product up at every chance with some sense of knowledge based upon his huge direct experience on driving hundreds of cars previously.

I've herad that at a recent intake of grads he was very impressive as well. The American "confidence" may not be as subtle as say us aussies, however it's not a time to sit back and "see what happens"...I like the new energy he's brought, a bit like Geoff Polites who transformed Ford's image and lifted moral when it needed it badly. Let's not forget FG was developed under Tom Gorman's leadership so credit is due there, however we need someone to be more "compelling" with his bosses in the US and to try and win as much R&D on the next Falcon as is possible, have the US loosen the reigns on Ford Oz so to speak.

The FG might not be a BMW 5 series beater, but then again give BMW an FG budget or an FG projected build volume to amortise costs over and see what they would have come with....what do others think?

oops mods could you move this to the pub...sorry.