Ford Australia; you're a disgrace

[Lincolnlsv8]

Originally Posted by 302 XC

That's correct ,and many of these smaller events eventually close,because many retailers who go don't make enuf to cover the cost and pull out,which either increases the cost for those left or theres no enuf to attend
Most of those attending usually have the same show deals at the dealers anyway

Hardly a small show, it had businesses from all over Australia displaying everything from tie down gadgets to 4WD accessories, sleeping bags to caravan/motorhomes costing a few hundred thousand dollars, blow up canoes to fishing and recreational boats and vehicle manufacturers all keen to make a deal. In my case I was offered a van nearly $6000 better than any dealership had offered outside. As for car manufacturers what I saw was both mainstream manufacturers such as Mitsubishi, Hyundi, Nissan, Toyota etc to vehicle converters showing Chevy and Jeep/Dodge vehicles. Obviously the majority of businesses think the time and effort and costs involved are worth it as they return year after year. As I said in my original post I found it gut wrenching not to see my personal favourite manufacturer, Ford, not represented except on the TJM stand with a tricked up Ranger. They managed to spend over 4 million at a press conference a short time ago to show their commitment to Australia post the falcon so why not demonstrate the the commitment to the buying public via these sort of events. According to a lot of the sales staff I spoke to these shows are a winner because the average attendee age is 60 plus and cashed up for their last big spend in preparation for retirement so if Ford aren't there the other car manufacturers will fill the gap.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Crazy Dazz

These shows are generally rubbish, simply a big money earner for the organisers. You pay to get in, you pay for everything, the demonstrators are all paying through the nose.

I’d be much MORE critical of Ford Marketing if they wasted money on something like that, promoting what exactly?

Ford has NEVER been anymore that a bit player in this market, and at the moment they really have not much to offer. Toyota, Nissan, etc, have a stable of Recreational 4wds & Caravan Tugs, whereas Ford has the Kuga (which is not really much of either) and the soon to be defunct Territory.

MAYBE, if in the future Ford replaces the Terri with a new Explorer (and it’s not 3 tonnes of junk) and we get the “new mid-sized SUV” then Ford will actually have something to promote.

"Rubbish" Not really just because you are not interested in these shows other people will be, what events do you get these days where you pay no money? You don't!

The OP does have a valid point with Ford selling Ranger which is starting to make inroads into the 4WD market & being successful with their sales at present, whether a 4WD Caravan show is the appropiate place is debatable.

If it was a no money earner the Demonstrators would pull out & the event would be gone in which the opposite is happening as these events are growing each year.

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by trublu

"Rubbish" Not really just because you are not interested in these shows other people will be, what events do you get these days where you pay no money? You don't!

The OP does have a valid point with Ford selling Ranger which is starting to make inroads into the 4WD market & being successful with their sales at present, whether a 4WD Caravan show is the appropiate place is debatable.

If it was a no money earner the Demonstrators would pull out & the event would be gone in which the opposite is happening as these events are growing each year.

I just dont get it. I am sure not many people go to a caravan show thinking, I am going there to see what car I want in order to buy a Caravan. Seriously, I have represented a stand (not Ford) at a caravan show once. It was a complete disaster. We had 4 suv/commercial utes there and couldnt give away a brochure. I can see why Ford did not represent and I am sure those that did, probably havent before and will not be there again. Someone should close this thread cause the heading draws significance to a thread that's really irrelevant. Burn this please.

[IDT]

Its pretty disappointing to hear that many people here believe why promote them if they are already selling like hot cakes. The Ranger has the potential to be to Ford in Australia what the F trucks are in the US. The backbone that keeps them profitable "the one shining light" that enables them to keep a positive perception of blue oval in peoples faces. The fact that they cannot market anything really is disgraceful. For long term success they should be chasing every market segment including off road enthusiasts. The intent is not to sell cars at the 4WD show. Its enabling people to see the Ranger is not just a work ute. Rather, since release they have jacked up prices and turned their backs on smaller (under 30 car) fleets and this I know for fact. The only other thing they can do wrong is drop build quality once the bean counters get involved.

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by IDT

Its pretty disappointing to hear that many people here believe why promote them if they are already selling like hot cakes. The Ranger has the potential to be to Ford in Australia what the F trucks are in the US. The backbone that keeps them profitable "the one shining light" that enables them to keep a positive perception of blue oval in peoples faces. The fact that they cannot market anything really is disgraceful. For long term success they should be chasing every market segment including off road enthusiasts. The intent is not to sell cars at the 4WD show. Its enabling people to see the Ranger is not just a work ute. Rather, since release they have jacked up prices and turned their backs on smaller (under 30 car) fleets and this I know for fact. The only other thing they can do wrong is drop build quality once the bean counters get involved.

Jacked up the price they did no doubt. But do you think that given the cost of say the Hilux, and how much better the ranger is, can someone easily justify the expense for a Ranger? Easily. Seeing you made the call regarding Ford turning their backs on small fleets under 30 as you put it, are you able to educate us on what the difference in subsidy is between Ford's Blue fleet, silver fleet, gold fleet and platinum fleet (National fleet). If you can't, that means another one shooting from the hip here. The differences in pricing between National and small business isnt as dramatic as what it used to be. Lets just take it easy and not burn them at every opportunity.

[the_scotsman]

I was disappointed at the lacklustre range of cars Ford had on show at the last Sydney Motorshow. I expected a whole lot more to be honest.

[V8 Ghia Mike]

We can argue until we are blue in the face why Ford did not need to have a display of their vehicles at a large lifestyle event. The fact is, when they are selling half the amount of cars the competition does, any exposure is good exposure.

It wouldn't have been difficult for Ford to arrange a caravan and a Seadoo with some local dealers and have them displayed hooked up to XR Ute and a Ranger for thousands of people to look at. A couple of pretty girls handing out brochures and you have very cheap advertising of your product. I can't think of a better place than a lifestyle event to promote a lifestyle product like a shiny new Ford? Who doesn't go and see the cars at their local town show anyway?

Targetted marketing isn't working for Ford judging by the smaller car sales with excellent products. To me, the marketing is totally to blame if it can't shift superior products. Ford should have a presence at every large public lifestyle show, no excuses.

Mike

[zilo]

Last Sydney motor show I went to was highlighted by the fact that FORD had easily the biggest display by a mile of any manufacturer.

To say they don't spend money on shows is wrong.

They target their advertising dollar pretty wisely in my opinion.

[the_scotsman]

Originally Posted by zilo

Last Sydney motor show I went to was highlighted by the fact that FORD had easily the biggest display by a mile of any manufacturer.

To say they don't spend money on shows is wrong.

They target their advertising dollar pretty wisely in my opinion.

Must have been a few years ago, because the most recent one, they had a very poor showing to say the least.

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by the_scotsman

Must have been a few years ago, because the most recent one, they had a very poor showing to say the least.

Actually, it was last years. Ford had a large, hands on display right outside the front door...they had the largest display. And it was largly documented right here on Aff.

Facts.

[zilo]

Originally Posted by Nikked

Actually, it was last years. Ford had a large, hands on display right outside the front door...they had the largest display. And it was largly documented right here on Aff.

Facts.

Yep spot on...they even had one of the design guys from the Falcon EcoLpi on hand to answer any questions.

The 4wd track was great, plenty of attention.

The queue for test drives was well patronized.

I was very, very impressed and it would have cost a fortune to put on.

[ltd]

I have just read this entire thread as I’ve just recently had my first colonoscopy and as such, have spent an afternoon off whilst in preparation for the procedure taking Picoprep. Why is this relevant? Simple, the nonsense in this thread provided a greater laxative than any “over the counter” solution could possibly hope to provide.

We have here defamatory remarks by malcontents who seek to find other malcontents in the desire to form a mob, as their preposterous argument is invalid so it is targeted at others with a chip on both shoulders to try and achieve greater validity through greater volume.

Not wishing to target any individual here as doing so would be flippant on my part, I must admit I do often laugh at those so outraged over something they have absolutely no understanding of.
So I’d like to indulge in a profile of the serial whinger regarding their dealings with Ford Australia on these forums.
The Ford Troll has seems to have several key traits, such as:
· Rarely have ever bought a new Ford, always a second hand car as their signatures often divulge
· Is rarely a professional, seeks to quantify their profession with fake credentials such as – I was a marketer for XYZ and Ford is bad because. How do I know you’re not genuine? Simple; a professional knows better than to defame a brand on the internet that they claim to support.
· Often creates illusory reasons for not buying Ford, such as bad sales people – holding one alleged experience as a reason for boycotting Ford, regardless of how flawed this argument would be.
· Creates straw-man arguments, comparing oranges and apples such as Ford and Daewoo, and why Ford is too expensive compared to an Asian import.
· Has no real world experience beyond an inherited mantra of “it’s always done this way”, and is completely oblivious to many factors which determine what is manufactured, by whom and how.
· Has an obliviousness of regulations, laws, statutes and legislation which applies to manufacturing, marketing and selling of motor vehicles in Australia.
· Compares Ford to other manufacturers which cannot survive without government subsidy, and cannot fathom how such an arrangement is untenable.
· Criticises unabashed and hides behind the cloak of “constructive criticism”, yet fails to be constructive at all.
· Continuously trashes Ford at every opportunity, speaks of patriotism and then buys Chinese, Korean or Japanese.

These are just some of the traits we see consistently put forward by the Ford troll; and on a website where Ford is supposed to be treated with a modicum of respect and passion, we have an alarming number of threads about how allegedly bad they are.
I have been to the ZF milkshake thread where owners would be spending several thousand dollars per car on repairs and the mood in that thread is much less derisive than this one about a caravan (not motor) show. This constant Ford bashing is getting tiresome guys.

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by the_scotsman

I was disappointed at the lacklustre range of cars Ford had on show at the last Sydney Motorshow. I expected a whole lot more to be honest.

Really!! I thought it was by far their best effort ever and just about every manufacturer was envoius of the Ford's idea to have the outdoor interactive area which demonstrated a massive range of vehicles and engaged customers with it being interactive.

I suppose this is just another post from some that shoot from the hip on this forum.

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by ltd

I have just read this entire thread as I’ve just recently had my first colonoscopy and as such, have spent an afternoon off whilst in preparation for the procedure taking Picoprep. Why is this relevant? Simple, the nonsense in this thread provided a greater laxative than any “over the counter” solution could possibly hope to provide.

We have here defamatory remarks by malcontents who seek to find other malcontents in the desire to form a mob, as their preposterous argument is invalid so it is targeted at others with a chip on both shoulders to try and achieve greater validity through greater volume.

Not wishing to target any individual here as doing so would be flippant on my part, I must admit I do often laugh at those so outraged over something they have absolutely no understanding of.
So I’d like to indulge in a profile of the serial whinger regarding their dealings with Ford Australia on these forums.
The Ford Troll has seems to have several key traits, such as:
· Rarely have ever bought a new Ford, always a second hand car as their signatures often divulge
· Is rarely a professional, seeks to quantify their profession with fake credentials such as – I was a marketer for XYZ and Ford is bad because. How do I know you’re not genuine? Simple; a professional knows better than to defame a brand on the internet that they claim to support.
· Often creates illusory reasons for not buying Ford, such as bad sales people – holding one alleged experience as a reason for boycotting Ford, regardless of how flawed this argument would be.
· Creates straw-man arguments, comparing oranges and apples such as Ford and Daewoo, and why Ford is too expensive compared to an Asian import.
· Has no real world experience beyond an inherited mantra of “it’s always done this way”, and is completely oblivious to many factors which determine what is manufactured, by whom and how.
· Has an obliviousness of regulations, laws, statutes and legislation which applies to manufacturing, marketing and selling of motor vehicles in Australia.
· Compares Ford to other manufacturers which cannot survive without government subsidy, and cannot fathom how such an arrangement is untenable.
· Criticises unabashed and hides behind the cloak of “constructive criticism”, yet fails to be constructive at all.
· Continuously trashes Ford at every opportunity, speaks of patriotism and then buys Chinese, Korean or Japanese.

These are just some of the traits we see consistently put forward by the Ford troll; and on a website where Ford is supposed to be treated with a modicum of respect and passion, we have an alarming number of threads about how allegedly bad they are.
I have been to the ZF milkshake thread where owners would be spending several thousand dollars per car on repairs and the mood in that thread is much less derisive than this one about a caravan (not motor) show. This constant Ford bashing is getting tiresome guys.

After reading this post, my reaction is
pretty much sums up a fair portion of what i've read in most posts on this thread.

[FGII-XR6]

By far the best post of the thread and possibly the post of the month on the whole forum. well said

Originally Posted by ltd

I have just read this entire thread as I’ve just recently had my first colonoscopy and as such, have spent an afternoon off whilst in preparation for the procedure taking Picoprep. Why is this relevant? Simple, the nonsense in this thread provided a greater laxative than any “over the counter” solution could possibly hope to provide.

We have here defamatory remarks by malcontents who seek to find other malcontents in the desire to form a mob, as their preposterous argument is invalid so it is targeted at others with a chip on both shoulders to try and achieve greater validity through greater volume.

Not wishing to target any individual here as doing so would be flippant on my part, I must admit I do often laugh at those so outraged over something they have absolutely no understanding of.
So I’d like to indulge in a profile of the serial whinger regarding their dealings with Ford Australia on these forums.
The Ford Troll has seems to have several key traits, such as:
· Rarely have ever bought a new Ford, always a second hand car as their signatures often divulge
· Is rarely a professional, seeks to quantify their profession with fake credentials such as – I was a marketer for XYZ and Ford is bad because. How do I know you’re not genuine? Simple; a professional knows better than to defame a brand on the internet that they claim to support.
· Often creates illusory reasons for not buying Ford, such as bad sales people – holding one alleged experience as a reason for boycotting Ford, regardless of how flawed this argument would be.
· Creates straw-man arguments, comparing oranges and apples such as Ford and Daewoo, and why Ford is too expensive compared to an Asian import.
· Has no real world experience beyond an inherited mantra of “it’s always done this way”, and is completely oblivious to many factors which determine what is manufactured, by whom and how.
· Has an obliviousness of regulations, laws, statutes and legislation which applies to manufacturing, marketing and selling of motor vehicles in Australia.
· Compares Ford to other manufacturers which cannot survive without government subsidy, and cannot fathom how such an arrangement is untenable.
· Criticises unabashed and hides behind the cloak of “constructive criticism”, yet fails to be constructive at all.
· Continuously trashes Ford at every opportunity, speaks of patriotism and then buys Chinese, Korean or Japanese.

These are just some of the traits we see consistently put forward by the Ford troll; and on a website where Ford is supposed to be treated with a modicum of respect and passion, we have an alarming number of threads about how allegedly bad they are.
I have been to the ZF milkshake thread where owners would be spending several thousand dollars per car on repairs and the mood in that thread is much less derisive than this one about a caravan (not motor) show. This constant Ford bashing is getting tiresome guys.

[janddbone]

Originally Posted by ltd

I have just read this entire thread as I’ve just recently had my first colonoscopy and as such, have spent an afternoon off whilst in preparation for the procedure taking Picoprep. Why is this relevant? Simple, the nonsense in this thread provided a greater laxative than any “over the counter” solution could possibly hope to provide.

We have here defamatory remarks by malcontents who seek to find other malcontents in the desire to form a mob, as their preposterous argument is invalid so it is targeted at others with a chip on both shoulders to try and achieve greater validity through greater volume.

Not wishing to target any individual here as doing so would be flippant on my part, I must admit I do often laugh at those so outraged over something they have absolutely no understanding of.
So I’d like to indulge in a profile of the serial whinger regarding their dealings with Ford Australia on these forums.
The Ford Troll has seems to have several key traits, such as:
· Rarely have ever bought a new Ford, always a second hand car as their signatures often divulge
· Is rarely a professional, seeks to quantify their profession with fake credentials such as – I was a marketer for XYZ and Ford is bad because. How do I know you’re not genuine? Simple; a professional knows better than to defame a brand on the internet that they claim to support.
· Often creates illusory reasons for not buying Ford, such as bad sales people – holding one alleged experience as a reason for boycotting Ford, regardless of how flawed this argument would be.
· Creates straw-man arguments, comparing oranges and apples such as Ford and Daewoo, and why Ford is too expensive compared to an Asian import.
· Has no real world experience beyond an inherited mantra of “it’s always done this way”, and is completely oblivious to many factors which determine what is manufactured, by whom and how.
· Has an obliviousness of regulations, laws, statutes and legislation which applies to manufacturing, marketing and selling of motor vehicles in Australia.
· Compares Ford to other manufacturers which cannot survive without government subsidy, and cannot fathom how such an arrangement is untenable.
· Criticises unabashed and hides behind the cloak of “constructive criticism”, yet fails to be constructive at all.
· Continuously trashes Ford at every opportunity, speaks of patriotism and then buys Chinese, Korean or Japanese.

These are just some of the traits we see consistently put forward by the Ford troll; and on a website where Ford is supposed to be treated with a modicum of respect and passion, we have an alarming number of threads about how allegedly bad they are.
I have been to the ZF milkshake thread where owners would be spending several thousand dollars per car on repairs and the mood in that thread is much less derisive than this one about a caravan (not motor) show. This constant Ford bashing is getting tiresome guys.

........

[IDT]

Originally Posted by Gadgetman

Jacked up the price they did no doubt. But do you think that given the cost of say the Hilux, and how much better the ranger is, can someone easily justify the expense for a Ranger? Easily. Seeing you made the call regarding Ford turning their backs on small fleets under 30 as you put it, are you able to educate us on what the difference in subsidy is between Ford's Blue fleet, silver fleet, gold fleet and platinum fleet (National fleet). If you can't, that means another one shooting from the hip here. The differences in pricing between National and small business isnt as dramatic as what it used to be. Lets just take it easy and not burn them at every opportunity.

No speaking from the hip. A few months ago we contacted Ford and were told we needed to speak to a local dealer. Figured fair enough, made contact and offered no more discount than we could easily get Rangers on carsales. As for discount levels, its irrelevant when you cant get a fleet discount at all. Yes the Ranger is better, couldn't agree more but one year of great sales doesn't equate to market penetration. Before the new Ranger came out they were all to happy to talk direct to us chasing presales and exposure. And we supported Ford sight unseen. Once it became obvious that they we going to sell well we became completely irrelevant. I am more than happy to elaborate to any Ford rep who wishes to contact me direct.

[danzvtil]

Originally Posted by ltd

I have just read this entire thread as I’ve just recently had my first colonoscopy and as such, have spent an afternoon off whilst in preparation for the procedure taking Picoprep. Why is this relevant? Simple, the nonsense in this thread provided a greater laxative than any “over the counter” solution could possibly hope to provide.

We have here defamatory remarks by malcontents who seek to find other malcontents in the desire to form a mob, as their preposterous argument is invalid so it is targeted at others with a chip on both shoulders to try and achieve greater validity through greater volume.

Not wishing to target any individual here as doing so would be flippant on my part, I must admit I do often laugh at those so outraged over something they have absolutely no understanding of.
So I’d like to indulge in a profile of the serial whinger regarding their dealings with Ford Australia on these forums.
The Ford Troll has seems to have several key traits, such as:
· Rarely have ever bought a new Ford, always a second hand car as their signatures often divulge
· Is rarely a professional, seeks to quantify their profession with fake credentials such as – I was a marketer for XYZ and Ford is bad because. How do I know you’re not genuine? Simple; a professional knows better than to defame a brand on the internet that they claim to support.
· Often creates illusory reasons for not buying Ford, such as bad sales people – holding one alleged experience as a reason for boycotting Ford, regardless of how flawed this argument would be.
· Creates straw-man arguments, comparing oranges and apples such as Ford and Daewoo, and why Ford is too expensive compared to an Asian import.
· Has no real world experience beyond an inherited mantra of “it’s always done this way”, and is completely oblivious to many factors which determine what is manufactured, by whom and how.
· Has an obliviousness of regulations, laws, statutes and legislation which applies to manufacturing, marketing and selling of motor vehicles in Australia.
· Compares Ford to other manufacturers which cannot survive without government subsidy, and cannot fathom how such an arrangement is untenable.
· Criticises unabashed and hides behind the cloak of “constructive criticism”, yet fails to be constructive at all.
· Continuously trashes Ford at every opportunity, speaks of patriotism and then buys Chinese, Korean or Japanese.

These are just some of the traits we see consistently put forward by the Ford troll; and on a website where Ford is supposed to be treated with a modicum of respect and passion, we have an alarming number of threads about how allegedly bad they are.
I have been to the ZF milkshake thread where owners would be spending several thousand dollars per car on repairs and the mood in that thread is much less derisive than this one about a caravan (not motor) show. This constant Ford bashing is getting tiresome guys.

AHHHHH, well played sir!!!Your sound and reasonable synopsis has no place on a public forum

[BHDOGS]

Y hasn't the title of this thread been changed yet

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by ltd

on a website where Ford is supposed to be treated with a modicum of respect and passion, we have an alarming number of threads about how allegedly bad they are.

Well if we all got along it would be a pretty boring place, wouldn't it?

Arguments don't work when all parties agree, lol.

[Gadgetman]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

Well if we all got along it would be a pretty boring place, wouldn't it?

Arguments don't work when all parties agree, lol.

Agree, But have a read of the heading of this thread. It isn't an argument. It's a statement. Anyways this is my last post on this thread as its had all the legs its deserved plus more. Insipid at best.

[302 XC]

Originally Posted by Lincolnlsv8

Hardly a small show, it had businesses from all over Australia displaying everything from tie down gadgets to 4WD accessories, sleeping bags to caravan/motorhomes costing a few hundred thousand dollars, blow up canoes to fishing and recreational boats and vehicle manufacturers all keen to make a deal. In my case I was offered a van nearly $6000 better than any dealership had offered outside. As for car manufacturers what I saw was both mainstream manufacturers such as Mitsubishi, Hyundi, Nissan, Toyota etc to vehicle converters showing Chevy and Jeep/Dodge vehicles. Obviously the majority of businesses think the time and effort and costs involved are worth it as they return year after year. As I said in my original post I found it gut wrenching not to see my personal favourite manufacturer, Ford, not represented except on the TJM stand with a tricked up Ranger. They managed to spend over 4 million at a press conference a short time ago to show their commitment to Australia post the falcon so why not demonstrate the the commitment to the buying public via these sort of events. According to a lot of the sales staff I spoke to these shows are a winner because the average attendee age is 60 plus and cashed up for their last big spend in preparation for retirement so if Ford aren't there the other car manufacturers will fill the gap.

Unless you know the reason why ford wasn't there,we can only speculate
Just because every man and his dog was there is doesn't mean youll get a return on your outlay
Ive done events in my field for best part of 20 years,the big flash events I don't attend anymore,they cost way too much and I get a better return on the smaller events