Ford Australia; you're a disgrace

[Express]

Originally Posted by PG2

It is generally the local dealer that will..........at the motor industry.

A good reply.

I worked in marketing many years ago and from what you’ve said, not much has changed.
The outlay and time does not equate to sale potential and more so when you are feeling skinned and could put your money and resources to better use.

This is one reason why piggyback marketing techniques became popular where companies with similar interests would team up to spread the costs.

Cars shows are the perfect example of a lot of walk through interest but little sales when the real buyers are actually researching the net then heading to the dealership floors.

What you’ve said will hopefully help some understand the reasoning behind the no shows.

Times have changed and companies are smart enough with their market research to know what doesn’t work for them.


.

[TRUBLU4DS]

Ford Australia & Marketing used in the same sentence, laughable. They're *****.

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by wrongwaynorris

So BHP Billitons recent order of 2500 was a figment of my imagination was it....

Unfortunately................

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...1373205&page=2

Originally Posted by Ford PR

Hi, BHP are ordering Ford Rangers but the figure has been overstated in this thread. Can't provide any details as the agreement is a confidential one between BHP and Ford.

[janddbone]

Showing off some territorys towing would be an idea as well, but since they are sold out, why bother......

[DJM83]

Its been a while since we have had a good ford bashing thread, back to the good old days.
:

Next someone will want Ford at the air show.

[Psi-Pop]

With every aftermarket supplier/manufacturer using Rangers as display cars that's doing a fair load of free advertising without costing Ford the dollars they don't have.

This was true at the 4x4 and camping show, almost every display car was a jacked up Ranger. I think they did enough with making a great product with the Ranger that it sells itself.

[chevypower]

It's not about net profit, Ford Australia should use its entire budget (and go into debt) to advertise in every possible place. Forget doing a cost-benefit analysis; if it has one benefit, it's worth doing regardless of the cost. They should be more concerned about market share and less worried about how much money they are making (or losing). I'm glad we all know how to run a business. Ford obviously has no clue.

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by chevypower

It's not about net profit, a company should use its entire budget (and go into debt) to advertise in every possible place. Forget doing a cost-benefit analysis; if it has one benefit, it's worth doing regardless of the cost. They should be more concerned about market share and less worried about how much money they are making (or losing)

Also known as 'The General Motors Method'

[69XWGT]

Ford Australia is a disgrace and you blokes can gloss it over how ever you like.

Polites was the last CEO with any idea of the Australian market. The others have been yes men or septics
The couldn't market a chook raffle
Their dealers want bashing over the heads with very large heavy items for the treatment dished out to their customers.
They can't even get sufficient cars into the country to match demand or they bring in thousands of one when the public wants a more up spec or cheaper model
Marketing is about brand recognition and image. They can't even sort out the V8 sponsorship
Graziano is a failure of highest order to the Ford people of this country

[Kayos]

Originally Posted by 69XWGT

Ford Australia is a disgrace and you blokes can gloss it over how ever you like.

Polites was the last CEO with any idea of the Australian market. The others have been yes men or septics
The couldn't market a chook raffle
Their dealers want bashing over the heads with very large heavy items for the treatment dished out to their customers.
They can't even get sufficient cars into the country to match demand or they bring in thousands of one when the public wants a more up spec or cheaper model
Marketing is about brand recognition and image. They can't even sort out the V8 sponsorship
Graziano is a failure of highest order to the Ford people of this country

Yep, he was the one. Mr Polites you legend

[SS_01]

Originally Posted by 69XWGT

Ford Australia is a disgrace and you blokes can gloss it over how ever you like.

Polites was the last CEO with any idea of the Australian market. The others have been yes men or septics
The couldn't market a chook raffle
Their dealers want bashing over the heads with very large heavy items for the treatment dished out to their customers.
They can't even get sufficient cars into the country to match demand or they bring in thousands of one when the public wants a more up spec or cheaper model
Marketing is about brand recognition and image. They can't even sort out the V8 sponsorship
Graziano is a failure of highest order to the Ford people of this country

What people seem to fail to see, is that Australia is a pimple on the a$$ end of the world in regards to the car market. Limited resources are going to be spent here, and production numbers will be allocated here only after everyone else is accommodated.

These type of shows (I'm an ex-VW Sales Consultant) don't generate anything for up to 2 years down the track. Unfortunately, people like yourself, have grand idea's but can never commit to buying for one reason or another. Just one Example of this, was a customer of mine that I met at the 2009 Melbourne motor show, took there details, and even made an appointment for them to visit the dealership the following week. It took until April 2011 for me to sell them a Dual Cab Transporter, and even then, it ended up being second hand rather than new. My point is, this market you are in, is the smallest market for dealers, and maybe contributes to 2 or 3 sales a year maximum per dealer. Sorry, but it just isn't worth the setup costs for a dealer, let alone the Manufacturer.

[69XWGT]

Originally Posted by SS_01

What people seem to fail to see, is that Australia is a pimple on the a$$ end of the world in regards to the car market. Limited resources are going to be spent here, and production numbers will be allocated here only after everyone else is accommodated.

These type of shows (I'm an ex-VW Sales Consultant) don't generate anything for up to 2 years down the track. Unfortunately, people like yourself, have grand idea's but can never commit to buying for one reason or another. Just one Example of this, was a customer of mine that I met at the 2009 Melbourne motor show, took there details, and even made an appointment for them to visit the dealership the following week. It took until April 2011 for me to sell them a Dual Cab Transporter, and even then, it ended up being second hand rather than new. My point is, this market you are in, is the smallest market for dealers, and maybe contributes to 2 or 3 sales a year maximum per dealer. Sorry, but it just isn't worth the setup costs for a dealer, let alone the Manufacturer.

I've committed to plenty of new Ford cars but have been cured until they can sort their **** out once and for all
My last 3 new cars have been
Nissan
Mazda. Could have bought a Ranger but wasn't going to put up with crap dealers
and the last one a Mitsubishi and bought it on price alone

Once again the sugar coating of Fords problems rule supreme

[DJR-351]

Originally Posted by 69XWGT

Graziano is a failure of highest order to the Ford people of this country

He's not a failure at all.....

Decisions where made on the future of Ford Aus before he took over, his job when he got here was to implement them for which he has done....

I find it amazing there is still anyone out there that still believes Ford's manufacturing in Australia has failed due to Graziano's leadership, it hasn't at all, it's been pulled down brick by brick as per the instructions given to him....

There is no doubt in my mind he will receive a nice fat bonus of some sort when his job is complete and he returns home.......

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by 69XWGT

I've committed to plenty of new Ford cars but have been cured until they can sort their **** out once and for all
My last 3 new cars have been
Nissan
Mazda. Could have bought a Ranger but wasn't going to put up with crap dealers
and the last one a Mitsubishi and bought it on price alone

Once again the sugar coating of Fords problems rule supreme

Ahhh the old crap dealer syndrome, well my Ford dealer is OK & so is my Ranger.

[Falcon_Crazy]

Geez im tired of these threads. Ive said it before - put your money where your mouth are come up with a strategy on how you would focus your marketing capital to promote the Ford Range.

I regularly see Ranger ads. I regularly see Kuga, Focus, Mondeo and Fiesta ads. All of these vehicles are in the growing automotive segments and the vehicles are for most part at early or mid stages of their product/model life cyle. The Falcon - as we all know, is not. an FH model would command greater $$ on above the line advertising budgets.

With exception of Holden, whose large vehicle is at the start of ots model lifecycle, you simply dont see the puh, apart from Niche large car models on TV often. A car company is more than one model for most part and as budgets are divided up, so many thing are tajken into consideration.

So i put it to everyone again - start a constructive thread and show your understanding for marketing, market research and sales - even your creative flares with videos and "chops" and show us what you got.

Rant over - Go Roosters...I need another beer.

[Express]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

He's not a failure at all.....

Decisions where made on the future of Ford Aus before he took over, his job when he got here was to implement them for which he has done....

I find it amazing there is still anyone out there that still believes Ford's manufacturing in Australia has failed due to Graziano's leadership, it hasn't at all, it's been pulled down brick by brick as per the instructions given to him....

There is no doubt in my mind he will receive a nice fat bonus of some sort when his job is complete and he returns home.......

Too true.

Anyone who knows about asset stripping or worked at a company where it has happened will know exactly what his instructions are.

Ford Australia are doing as they are told, you’re better off channelling your blame/anger overseas if you have too.

The parent company has a completely different fiscal priory whether you like it or not and the thing is, they’ve been quietly working on it for years to get to this point.

This has nothing to do with how good the local product is or any of their products for that matter, it’s a multinational at work.

GM and Toyota play their own games as well.


.

[cobramania]

Originally Posted by SS_01

What people seem to fail to see, is that Australia is a pimple on the a$$ end of the world in regards to the car market. Limited resources are going to be spent here, and production numbers will be allocated here only after everyone else is accommodated.

Yes Australia may be a pimple on the *** end of the world, but I was just reading yesterday, that Australia has 67 auto brands & over 600 models to choose from. The most choice in the Western World.
If Ford isn't in your face with marketing, then it's out of sight, out of mind, & sales won't follow, no matter how good the vehicle is.

When a market is so saturated by choice (with low population figures), you have to stand out of the crowd, & be the one in the forefront of peoples minds when they do want to buy a new car.
Brand awareness first, after that, when they've walked through the door, then you can sell them a Ford.
If they don't think about Ford in the first instance, & don't walk through the dealer door, you're out of the race before it even began.

How do you get that Brand awareness?
Get out there in the market place everywhere you can, be out in the marketplace everywhere you can, & advertise, advertise, advertise.
Marketing is just like real estate, Location, Location, Location. If you're not out there in the best spot, in front, in peoples face, well you aren't going to get the sale.

People have to think, I want a Ford, without consciously even thinking about it.

Advertising is tax deductible too, so whilst there is the initial money outlay, Ford could decrease their tax burden, increase sales & have the advertising/promotions costing in the long run, next to nothing.

These type of shows (I'm an ex-VW Sales Consultant) don't generate anything for up to 2 years down the track.

A sale 2 years down the track is better than no sale at all. A sale in 2 years time will keep them going (not necessarily local manufacture), no sale in 2 years time, they'll be out of business in 3 years time.

[Franco Cozzo]

The only reason I ended up my Focus was the other dealerships palmed me off and weren't interested.

I wanted the Mazda 3 diesel but they didn't have one in stock, all the other dealerships palmed me off but Ford jumped on me stepped foot in the door so they got the sale.

When I bought the Fiesta they let me test drive it before I had my license LOL.

[cobramania]

A big difference I've found between Ford & Holden is, Holden have officially licensed products all over the place, in front of peoples faces, Ford don't.

Licensed products don't cost Holden or Ford anything, because it's someone else selling & marketing the product, & they even pay Holden or Ford for the licence to use & market their Brand/Logo.

Ford should be actively seeking out this type of marketing, it's money for nothing & someone else does all the work.

You can get Holden or HSV merchandise just about anywhere, if you're a Ford fan, you have to go looking & if you're lucky, you might find something.

Probably if you looked hard enough, you could find a toilet roll with a Holden or HSV logo on it. (There's some lines there for others), but hey, the Brand name/awareness is out there in your face as you sit & think.

[Lincolnlsv8]

Originally Posted by BadMax

So you went to a caravan show to buy a car? Now that's novel. I might go to McDonalds to order a pizza...

If you read my post fully you'd note it was a leisure show that included cars suitable for towing vans , boats etc. My point was all the others had their AWD and 4WDs but not Ford. As for Ford not wanting to waste money at these shows as they dont get the sales well why do other manufacturers go then. If you travel the world wherever Ford spend big on great ads they are top sellers go to countries where they have cut back they are sliding down the sales ladder. Having owned over 60 cars in the past 40 years and all except a XU1, a Suzuki 4WD and Kia Sportage being Fords from utes to coupes to Fairlanes, Explorers, Lincolns etc and a brother in law that was one of Ford Australias senior executives I love my Fords and it just peeves me to see its poor sales performance on what are arguably the finest cars in their categories.

[Flat Top]

i agree with that.
These days Focus on Target marketing rather than shot gun.

[Lincolnlsv8]

[QUOTE=Nikked;4899123]Where is the hate for all the other brands sold in Australia that weren't at the show?

You got it wrong, I've owned close to 60 Fords over the past 40 years and continue to buy them as I love their products, currently my family own a Lincoln LSV8, a FPV ute, a Courier V6 and both V6 and V8 Explorers; and as soon as ones available my next car will be the 4WD wagon version of the Ranger. What I hate is that Ford dont appear to be promoting their products as well or as often as other brands

[FGII-XR6]

same old Ford bashing morons ( you know who you are) if you don't like ford no one is forcing you to stay on a FORD forum.
the sooner you depart the better this forum will be. this is not directed an anyone in particular but if you hate Ford and constantly post bashing Ford it may give you reason to feel you are being mentioned here

[bigwil]

Originally Posted by cobramania

A big difference I've found between Ford & Holden is, Holden have officially licensed products all over the place, in front of peoples faces, Ford don't.

Licensed products don't cost Holden or Ford anything, because it's someone else selling & marketing the product, & they even pay Holden or Ford for the licence to use & market their Brand/Logo.

Ford should be actively seeking out this type of marketing, it's money for nothing & someone else does all the work.

You can get Holden or HSV merchandise just about anywhere, if you're a Ford fan, you have to go looking & if you're lucky, you might find something.

Probably if you looked hard enough, you could find a toilet roll with a Holden or HSV logo on it. (There's some lines there for others), but hey, the Brand name/awareness is out there in your face as you sit & think.

Any idea where you can get toilet rolls with Holden or HSV logos on it? I would pay good money to wipe my .....well you get the idea

[Lincolnlsv8]

Originally Posted by bigwil

Any idea where you can get toilet rolls with Holden or HSV logos on it? I would pay good money to wipe my .....well you get the idea

Hahaha- best comment on the entire thread. The best I can offer is that when my son was about 2 years old he jumped in the back seat of a mates HQ GTS Monaro that had the houndstooth cloth seats and peed all over them. (He still doesn't like Holdens much..)

[69XWGT]

Originally Posted by au3xr6

same old Ford bashing morons ( you know who you are) if you don't like ford no one is forcing you to stay on a FORD forum.
the sooner you depart the better this forum will be. this is not directed an anyone in particular but if you hate Ford and constantly post bashing Ford it may give you reason to feel you are being mentioned here

Why should I
I still own a Ford
look at my user name

Ford wonder why their sales have been on a slide need to look no further than themselves

[FGII-XR6]

I said I wasn't pointing at anyone in particular, feeling guilty are we?

Originally Posted by 69XWGT

Why should I
I still own a Ford
look at my user name

Ford wonder why their sales have been on a slide need to look no further than themselves

[JG34JA]

Ford are an international company that have sold many, many different models and variants; and have many different regional centres - on these forums you are going to interact with Ford fans of many types.

If one region is suffering in sales, and others booming with different marketing strategies, surely there is room for free discussion on these forums as to why?

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by 69XWGT

Ford Australia is a disgrace and you blokes can gloss it over how ever you like.

Polites was the last CEO with any idea of the Australian market. The others have been yes men or septics
The couldn't market a chook raffle
Their dealers want bashing over the heads with very large heavy items for the treatment dished out to their customers.

(This isnt directed at the above as such)

Of course they do EVERYONE and i mean EVERYONE has had a bad time with a Ford dealer because the read about it on the internerdz of heard about a bad story from dazzas cousins, sisters, mum that someone had a bad time.

I have purchased 2 new Fords in 2.5 years and i have not, i repeat NOT had one bad thing to say about either of them, they went out of their way and i even had my sat nav updated for NOTHING.

So its all well and good to bleat on about all the bad stories, no one ever takes into account the good ones.

[OwnTheRoad]

One of the most frustrating things to witness over the last 25 years as a FORD fan and owner has been the brilliant brand creation of HSV and HOLDEN , they have always maintained a visual presence .As another poster above mentioned a sale does not happen immediately but perhaps 2 years later .Ford have failed to recognise this with their constant changing of product names and inconsistent sporadic sponsorship of all events and the most obvious of these has been V8 super cars . I'm not really a V8 supercar fan however consistency is the key .It pains me to say this , well done GMH with your consistency on and off the track you are winners.