Ford committed to factory closures: Graziano

[Road_Warrior]

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2013...MEIwJk5uZT0xNQ..

Graziano says industry minister welcome to visit but there is no prospect of a reversal
Ford Australia president and CEO Bob Graziano (pictured) says he will welcome a visit from new federal industry minister Ian Macfarlane this week but rejects any chance of the company’s decision to end local manufacturing being changed.

“We are not going to reverse the decision we have taken,” Graziano told motoring.com.au.

Graziano also made it clear Ford could not guarantee it would continue to build the Falcon and Territory at its two Victorian plants all the way out to October 2016.

“We have always talked about it as our intent to go to 2016 and we are committed to getting there if we can,” he said. “But I cannot predict what would happen externally that may prevent us from doing that."

During a tour of Holden’s operations in Adelaide last week Macfarlane revealed his desire to convince Ford to stay in Australia as a manufacturer.

Graziano announced in May that Ford would close its two Victorian plants, cease manufacture of the Falcon sedan and ute and Territory SUV and retrench 1200 workers no later than October 2016.

The Blue Oval has lost $430 million on its Australian operations in the last two years as Falcon sales have dived in a splintering market turning away from large cars.

"I'd like to think I can do something with Ford," Macfarlane was quoted as saying. "I want to have another discussion with the Ford people. I'm going to see what I can do over there."

Graziano said he had read Macfarlane’s comments in the newspapers.

“It would have surprised me if he didn’t [want Ford to stay as a manufacturer],” he said. “But I think he will come down and we will have the conversation and we will see where it goes."

Graziano said he was pleased Macfarlane was visiting Ford.

“I have known him since I have gotten down here and I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and so I am looking forward to having a conversation with him about Ford.

“I just want to provide him with an overview of the company. We have not had the chance to have that conversation, and maybe show him around a bit. He is new in his role and in that capacity I am really anxious to talk to him about the company.

“I think it is an opportunity for us to talk to him about ... what we do today and what it is we will be doing in the future. I haven’t had the opportunity to have that conversation with him in that role and I am really pleased he is coming.”

Macfarlane's automotive plate is already full as Holden seeks additional taxpayer funding to keep building cars in Australia.

If a deal can't be reached, that would leave Toyota Australia as the only local manufacturer and facing a tough challenge to survive, given the supplier economies of scale issues it would face.

Falcon sedan sales dropped to record lows in July and August below 600, but lifted in September to 846. There have been 12 recent production down days to cope with the slowing demand, although no more are scheduled for 2013.

Graziano says Ford remains committed to a $103 million “freshening” of the Falcon and Territory in 2014.

“I think we did about 2300 vehicles (Falcon sedan and ute and Territory) off the platform last month, which wasn’t a bad go for a month,” he said. “We are very focussed on getting that freshening out there and seeing where we go from there."

He said he understood why there was scepticism about whether Ford would operate its Broadmeadows assembly line and Geelong engine plant all the way out to October 2016.

“People want guarantees and what we continue to say is that is the intent – to go to the end of October 2016.

“And people say ‘you are not being specific and you’re not guaranteeing and you are not committing’. We are just trying to be honest.

“But right now we are focussed on that freshening and taking it to October 2016, and that hasn’t changed from May.”

No surprises there. But I note for the first time in the media he is flagging the prospect of the plant closures being brought forward – if the market/economic conditions leave Ford with little option that is.

[jpd80]

If sales stay where they are, Ford will most likely keep production through to October 2016
but if sales were to permanently dive away to levels like they did recently, then yes, Ford would/should pull the pin early.

I don't think people can afford the luxury of thinking that they can hold off buy a Falcon until late 2016.

[Bluehoon]

Originally Posted by jpd80

If sales stay where they are, Ford will most likely keep production through to October 2016
but if sales were to permanently dive away to levels like they did recently, then yes, Ford would/should pull the pin early.

I don't think people can afford the luxury of thinking that they can hold off buy a Falcon until late 2016.

I'd have to agree.

Personally I'd watch the sales in 2014 and make move to buy late 2014 early 2015. Tough call between the XR8 & XR6T though...

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by jpd80

If sales stay where they are, Ford will most likely keep production through to October 2016
but if sales were to permanently dive away to levels like they did recently, then yes, Ford would/should pull the pin early.

I don't think people can afford the luxury of thinking that they can hold off buy a Falcon until late 2016.

Those are precisely my thoughts as well.

Falcon's numbers dropping to 500/month and Territory to 800/month would have rattled them, but with the bounce back up to 800/1100-ish respectively Graziano seems pretty happy with that (well, as happy as you can be I guess) judging from the comments in the article. But if the numbers head further south then no doubt they will reassess the October 2016 closure date.

[Kieron]

Bluehoon, Falcon rep was built on the V8, so to have the last of the Falcon V8's sounds better to me

I can only see FG sales maintaining low numbers and sharply dropping off by third quarter next year, it's old hat in an increasingly shrinking market segment and the FH really needs to be out first quarter next year to compete.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Kieron

Bluehoon, Falcon rep was built on the V8, so to have the last of the Falcon V8's sounds better to me

I can only see FG sales maintaining low numbers and sharply dropping off by third quarter next year, it's old hat in an increasingly shrinking market segment and the FH really needs to be out first quarter next year to compete.

VF is already feeling the pinch with Holden reportedly bumping up sales last month by registering a lot of MY13 discount stock.
I see Ford's use of keenly priced XR6 and XR6 Turbo stock as fundamental in keeping Falcon sales continuing with attractive sales.

[Kieron]

Originally Posted by jpd80

VF is already feeling the pinch with Holden reportedly bumping up sales last month by registering a lot of MY13 discount stock.
I see Ford's use of keenly priced XR6 and XR6 Turbo stock as fundamental in keeping Falcon sales continuing with attractive sales.

For sure mate, but as Falcons bread n butter are fleet sales will this amount to much? fleets are already massively discounted and Holden have traditionally been very strong in this area. Resale of FG's compared to VF's will be less attractive when looking at the total cost of ownership too.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Kieron

For sure mate, but as Falcons bread n butter are fleet sales will this amount to much? fleets are already massively discounted and Holden have traditionally been very strong in this area. Resale of FG's compared to VF's will be less attractive when looking at the total cost of ownership too.

All we can hope for is a calming influence in business, hopefully the conservatives have
some strategies in place to lift business confidence and get them replacing fleets with Aussie vehicles.

[Elks]

At last Bob Graziano commits to something.

[Rodge]

Best bargains for those not fuusy on colour choice will be clearance and demo stock 6-12 months after closure.

[Joe5619]

How about Bob gets off his **** an commits to FPR???

Seriously, when is this guy going back to America?

[XR Martin]

Im not waiting to 2016, but I am waiting for the update to see what exactly what we're going to get.
XR8 with the current GS drivetrain at SS prices would be very tempting.

[Syndrome]

Wow. First time I've seen Ford openly and vocally commit to something............

[borough]

Well Mr Graziano I'm committed to never buying another Ford once my FG is gone. There are plenty of other imports to buy that will do the job just as good and come with 5 yr unlimited km warranty. Mondeo just makes me laugh, i would rather get a Kia Optima.

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by borough

Well Mr Graziano I'm committed to never buying another Ford once my FG is gone. There are plenty of other imports to buy that will do the job just as good and come with 5 yr unlimited km warranty. Mondeo just makes me laugh, i would rather get a Kia Optima.

Bye, have a beautiful time!

[pottery beige]

Buy your big boofy Proudly Aussie Built Falcons while you can....

[DanielXR8]

Originally Posted by LeadFoot81

image

Bye, have a beautiful time!

And that sums up why ford was always going to go. When ford dropped thd ball in the past and that was far too often, the so called fans turned on those not happy with the ford experience, instead of demanding better from ford. What customers ford couldnt lose posters like this did for them.

Great job.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

And that sums up why ford was always going to go. When ford dropped thd ball in the past and that was far too often, the so called fans turned on those not happy with the ford experience, instead of demanding better from ford. What customers ford couldnt lose posters like this did for them.

Great job.

So people should rush out and buy Kia's out of spite because the Falcon is gone?

What would that show ford?

Customers want cheap FWD cars?


As ford fans we all want to see ford improve, but there is a difference between that and utterly stupid remarks...

[borough]

Originally Posted by Nikked

So people should rush out and buy Kia's out of spite because the Falcon is gone?

What would that show ford?

Customers want cheap FWD cars?


As ford fans we all want to see ford improve, but there is a difference between that and utterly stupid remarks...

My next car purchase will not be out of spite, it will be based upon facts. I bought my Falcon because I always wanted one and it was the only difference to me between Ford and other brands. Remove the Falcon and the rest of the Ford lineup is pretty boring and no better than any other importer, be it Hyundai, Nissan, Kia, Mazda etc.... I've taken the less than stellar after sales service, and if the Falcon was still available when it was time to replace my FG I would have looked at it first.

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by Nikked

So people should rush out and buy Kia's out of spite because the Falcon is gone?

What would that show ford?

Customers want cheap FWD cars?
As ford fans we all want to see ford improve,

And after the Falcon & Territory are gone, the only Fords available will be:…

Originally Posted by Nikked

cheap FWD cars?

I have to wonder at what point all these self-righteous gits proclaiming themselves to be “the only true Ford Fans” will wake up and smell the ********?
If Ford decided to do a Chrysler, and pulled out of Australia altogether, would you still be “a Fan of Ford’s Current offerings” (ie nothing.) Or if Ford abandoned automobiles altogether to concentrate on Tractors? Where do you draw the line and say “enough’s enough”?
You CAN be a Beatles fan without liking Thomas the Tank Engine. Heck, most of my favourite musicians and authors ARE dead. It’s a ***** to think that there will never be another Tom Clancy or Dick Francis novel, but that doesn’t stop me loving the books they did write, and nor does it mean that I have to start loving Harry Pothead.

Once Ford stop making the Falcon & Territory, there won’t be much in their new car showroom that interests me, but I still have many decades of Australian Fords to love. I DON’T need to have wet dreams about an ecoboost Mondeo to be a Ford Fan. I will still admire the Mustang & F350 from afar, and IF the new Stang is NOT some castrated version for the tree-hugging masses, that admiration will continue.

[fte50]

Originally Posted by Nikked

So people should rush out and buy Kia's out of spite because the Falcon is gone?

What would that show ford?

Customers want cheap FWD cars?


As ford fans we all want to see ford improve, but there is a difference between that and utterly stupid remarks...

And in hindsight, what do you think Ford will offer post 2016 ???
That's correct, cheap front wheel drive cars.

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

Great job.

Thanks!

Wait, what?

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by borough

Well Mr Graziano I'm committed to never buying another Ford once my FG is gone. There are plenty of other imports to buy that will do the job just as good and come with 5 yr unlimited km warranty. Mondeo just makes me laugh, i would rather get a Kia Optima.

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

The rest of us are staying loyal to Ford.

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by NX74205

The rest of us are staying loyal to Ford.

Why? .

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Why? .

Why not?
Ford have a range of cars that are sold worldwide and rank in the top of each category. Ford is not Falcon, Falcon WAS a model within the Ford range.

Focus was the top selling model in 2012, has a strong reputation, Fiesta too.
Falcon had its time, the buying public have made their choice and the big sedan is not it.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Wretched

Falcon WAS a model within the Ford range.

Until they stop making them it still IS a model in the Ford range.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Why? .

Because Ford have plenty of cars that i would own, its isnt all about the local cars. And i am a Ford Fan ie fan of the brand not a model.

So when 2016 comes around i expect this forums membership base will drop by about 3/4?
Doubt it.

[NX74205]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Why? .

Because I'm a Ford fan. This is a forum for Ford fans, right?

A Ford is a Ford is a Ford, no matter where it's built.

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Ford used to be a valuable contributor to Australian industry and society. Once 2016 passes they will be no different to any other vehicle importer. Hence I see any loyalty to this brand as blind faith.

The survival of Ford is far, far more important to me than the survival of Australian manufacturing. Call it blind faith if you will, but I consider Ford products in every segment to be better than its competitors. I've driven my fair share of small cars, including the Holden Cruze, Hyundai Accent, Mazda 2, Toyota Corolla ... none of them even come close to the Fiesta or Focus for driving dynamics.

Originally Posted by strobe

What about the design jobs that are staying? Everyone seems to forget about them. Surely they keep Ford above import only brands, if that's your thing.

This.

Fair enough to be concerned about Australian jobs, but those people seem to conveniently forget that Ford still employs 1100 people in its design centre. The Ranger was engineered in Australia, as is the Everest. And that's just the beginning. Just because it's not built here doesn't mean that Australians had played no part in its development.

Originally Posted by borough

My next car purchase will not be out of spite, it will be based upon facts. I bought my Falcon because I always wanted one and it was the only difference to me between Ford and other brands. Remove the Falcon and the rest of the Ford lineup is pretty boring and no better than any other importer, be it Hyundai, Nissan, Kia, Mazda etc.... I've taken the less than stellar after sales service, and if the Falcon was still available when it was time to replace my FG I would have looked at it first.

I fail to see how any Hyundai, Nissan, Kia or Mazda is better than an equivalent Ford.

[stazza]

Originally Posted by borough

Well Mr Graziano I'm committed to never buying another Ford once my FG is gone. There are plenty of other imports to buy that will do the job just as good and come with 5 yr unlimited km warranty. Mondeo just makes me laugh, i would rather get a Kia Optima.

Are you for real?

Ford would likely have continued if the imports weren't so abundant over here.

What a dumb statement.

[mik]

Mr Graziano “But I cannot predict what would happen externally that may prevent us from doing that."
i wonder if he's got the US economy in the back of his mind ? lots of talk about the US economy being close to up the creek without a paddle.