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Automotive News & Views What about the future of Ford Inc?? 
1858 messages, Last post on Oct 16, 2006 at 6:25 AM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
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Replying to: rockylee (Nov 02, 2005 9:01 pm) Now Fusion - it's another story. I hope that Ford has enough sense not to flood the rental fleets with low end Fusions. I think that most recent models from Ford i.e. Mustang, Explorer, Fusion are big hits and are doing very well. Now if Ford could put a 3.5L V6 with 250 HP in the Ford 500 AWD, it will be a Camcord killer, Move aside Maxima and Avalon, here comes a 500. I really like what Ford has done recently, and I wish that GM started to do the same.
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Replying to: 2zmax (Nov 03, 2005 6:36 am) 
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Replying to: nvbanker (Nov 02, 2005 7:43 pm) |
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Replying to: rockylee (Nov 03, 2005 6:43 am) In this segment, it's the success of the middle-of-the-line models that spell failure or success for the vehicle. Biggest problem with the Fusion in my mind is no manual transmission offered on the V6. But I know I'm the one out of touch with the market, as most people want automatics these days... 
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I think he actually is a car nut of some sort, so that is a good sign. It's GM that doesn't have oneone interested in cars (at least not in the upper ranks!). As to the Fusion, if Ford decides that a MT V6 is viable, they could fire it up pretty quick. The car is already set up for a stick, and the drivetrain already is used by mazda, so it shouldn't take too long to put it together.
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I actually feel much better about Ford's future today then a few years ago, just based on the product. I like the 500, and think it will find it's stride as a late bloomer, since it is a nice package. The MMC refresh and 3.5l engine (aka the holy grail), should give it a nice kick in the pants. The Fusion I think will also do well. Mustang is fine. If they can get an updated Focus soon, they would actually have a very strong car lineup, although they will need to replace the Freestyle 9Fusion X-over wagon?), since they need some kind of people mover to replace the Style and taurus wagon.
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Replying to: stickguy (Nov 03, 2005 7:50 am) Got any minivans? Hello...? The Escape, which has been a very good vehicle for them, is now six years old and there's no real news regarding a replacement. They're still carrying deadweight in the form of Lincoln and Mercury. In recent years, has any individual, not employed by Hertz, purchased a Ranger? And while a number of their cars are "good", there's nothing out there I would consider cutting edge. The most cutting edge product they've got is the Escape HEV, which is an aging platform using a modified version of somebody else's ideas. They're treading water instead of drowning. But they're still all wet and not going anywhere.
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isn't the key IMO, or at least isn't what the vast majority of buyers care about. It is nice to have something to get buzz about though. Yeah, the escape is due for an update (although it still seems to sell well). The Ranger needed to be replaced 5 years ago. Actually, I think they should keep it, and add a new nid-size model (ala Taco or Dakota), so something for everyone. The Freestar has been DOA for a while. I thought they were working on a replacement based on the 6/Fusion chassis. If so, they need it ASAP. Also something to replace the Freestyle. How about an expanded Escape to cover the Freestyle slot, and a smaller Xover (something based off the Focus like the C-Maxx or whatever they call it) to slot in below it. Hey, if nothing else, I have lots of ideas. Ford just needs to envision what the model mix needs to be, and then figure out how to get there. Using the Fusion to spawn some mid/large size people movers sounds good, and the new Focus to spawn something smaller. I just think they have some good platforms now (here or in Europoe), and a small window to aggressively leverage them to get new porduct in the showroom. If they can move fast enough and make the right prognosis', they could have a very strong full range lineup in a couple of years. I would concentrate on getting the Ford brand revitalized before spending too much time worrying about scrapping LM, as long as they keep some fresh product over there too. Merc. seems to be stable 9assuming the stuff they have sells OK), the new Aviator should help, but they do need to figure out what the heck to give Lincoln. Somehow, I just root for Ford to get it right, but could care less about GM. That Bill Ford guy just seems nice I guess! |
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Replying to: varmint (Nov 03, 2005 8:18 am) I have been wondering why Ford hasn't been very successful in the FWD min-van market. I remember the days in the 70's when Ford was a leader in offering stations wagons.....the had a station wagon across the line-up. I don't know why they didn't have the same kind of success with the FWD mini-van. Just to clearify, IMO the Aerostar did not compete with the other FWD mini vans. To me they were just smaller Econolines. Same as the Astro. |
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Replying to: 6spdtl (Nov 03, 2005 7:33 am) Umm, not true. But your anti-domestic rant was going really well until then. And as far as using the Mazda 6 platform for the Fusion, that does not mean that Mazda made the Fusion. That shows a lack of knowledge of platform engineering. Ford engineers put a whole lot of work into that car and that work is garnering much praise. But let me guess - you own a Honda. 
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