Ford Question Here...?

Question

OK, I've always been a fan of Ford's F-150 and the Mustang, but Ford, for a long while, forsook improvement and innovation especially in its line of cars. This has been one of the major factors in their loss of market share in the US, coupled with the fact that most foreign car companies committed to improvement and innovation, thus eating away at US car companies' market share in the US. SO, why do you think Ford has not implemented some of the car lines/ideas/concepts of their European Division into the North American Division of the compnay? I think some of those cars, appropriately modified for American roads, would do well in American markets. What do you think? If you're not familiar with Ford's European Division car lines check out this website. You might be surprised by some of these vehicles. http://www.ford.co.uk

Let me know if you visited the site and saw the Euro Ford Models. http://www.ford.co.uk

I understand that European preferences are different, but my point is that many of the car lines in the Euro Division could be easily modified for the American market.

Answer 1

I call it "lack of long term planning and product consolidation".

Ford have always considered European market separate, and concentrated on making its relation with Mazda to fit the American market. The result is a bit off as Focus actually ended up missing the platform. Europe is already on 2nd gen Focus, which shares the platform with Mazda 3 series, but US is STILL trodging along on the first-gen Focus (which doesn't really look like the fantastic rally Machines that won Ford the manufacturer's cup last year at all).

And to be frank, Europeans don't LIKE Ford's American products. Current Fords are so ho-hum to Europeans, who consider them too big, and have lousy fit and construction. Top Gear once reviewed the Ford F-150 Lightning SVT, and while they like the idea of a fast truck, they loath the huge size and horrible mileage (which is a concern in Europe, considering their gasoline prices are even HIGHER than ours). Only the Focus managed to establish a foothold.

Also, there's a problem of conflicting interests. The Euro-spec Mondeo is actually the size of a Taurus (or within a few inches) and thus, Ford can't bring them over without cutting into Taurus's sales (and now, the Five Hundred's sales).

What's worse, Ford's Australian division isn't on the globalization plan at all. Aussie cars are NICE, compared to what we get over here. GM brought over the Holden as the new Pontiac GTO, but that kinda bombed, but Ford has an Aussie division too, and the Ford Falcon down there is ONE HECK of a machine. In fact, Aussies race them in their V-8 Touring Car series. However, that platform cannot be made into left-hand-drive without a LOT of engineering work. Again, lack of long-term planning!

Ford right now is trying to leverage all the Volvo platforms it has absorbed to come up with a range of new products for the next 5 to 10 years. They can't afford to miss the boat this time.

Answer 2

I agree with you. The cars do look bettter too. I think if we are moving towards a global market, why not take the final step and market to the world. It would be less expensive all the way around. From advertising to tooling.

I heard an idea one time that I think is one of the best ideas for automobile safety that I have heard in years. But I think I would hand the idea to a Japanese automaker before I would an American auto maker. Simply because I feel the American auto maker only thinks in one dimension and that is the up and down of their stocks. By the way a Ford dealer was already handed this idea and never passed it on to the corporation. Imagine an engine kill switch under an airbag. So that should the airbag deploy knocking out the driver or knocking the driver senseless. Giving the driver more safety should their foot fall from the brake to the gas pedal.
In turn this should also cut down risks of additional liabilty and property damage claims across the country. And in turn get us reduced insurance rates. By the same token I also think that it would take an American autombile engineer 20 years to figure out how to put one in the steering column.

Answer 3

They did. They brought the Focus to North America after releasing it in Europe. Not sure which vehicles your referring to but the consumer market preferences are much different in North America. Namely power! Roads are much smaller in Europe, parking spaces rare and gasoline cost three times higher.
That said, I drive a MINI Cooper in North America so I love European styling but what I like is often different to the ``Give me Mopar power and muscle`` north american crowd.
Arrrr arrr arrr! Different strokes for different folks but I hardly believe anything in Fords European lineup will save them in North America and they will look at other options.

North American car market has always been boring. The K car and later the minivan saved Chrysler from bankruptcy in the 80s.The Taurus saved Ford.

Answer 4

Also check out Ford of Australia. They manufacture a vehicle called the "Ute" which is roughly the equivalent of the old Ford Ranchero. It's a beautiful car.

Answer 5

So are they a stable investment?...... NO motor vehicle, NO style of motor vehicle is a stable investment. Now I see no reason to think of a Mustang as basically a whiteboy motor vehicle. they're constructive vehicles or a minimum of i admire them yet then for $8,000 it actual relies upon on what you purchase. A 6 cyl. that has been dealt with could be constructive, A V8 it rather is taken motor vehicle of could be a stable one... yet how became it pushed.. a warm rod? you will possibly be able to get junk. So get one in case you like, yet have it appeared at in the previous you purchase.

Answer 6

I hate ford cars but the european fords look good... I think it would be smart of ford to implament some of the european designs into their american sector

Answer 7

Personally, I would LOVE to see an AWD Focus. I really do not understand why they are so dead-set against brining the euro-Ford designs across the pond.

Answer 8

ahh... because Ford USA didn't have to change. Europe, faced with huge losses, layoffs, plant closings, etc. ABSOLUTELY had to change. You will see the USA follow suit, now that Ford is bleeding money and the main culprit is the US performance.