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Top 10 Turnaround Tips for GM/Ford/Chrysler - READ ONLY

161 messages,  Last post on Feb 14, 2010 at 8:26 PM

You are in the Automotive News & Views-Archives Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford

Messages Page 16 of 17

#142 of 161 I Thought... by jchan2

Jul 11, 2006 (6:22 pm)

GM sold its stake in Isuzu and that they no longer have control in them.
 
I may be biased, but I believe that Saab should not be dropped.
 
I also think that Saturn should be retooled as a "youth" brand, ala Scion.

#143 of 161 Refocus Mercury to be European...? by kjnorman

Jan 31, 2007 (7:30 am)

I think Ford could be helped by bring over some of their European products to the States. Like GM is doing with Saturn, Ford should shape Mercury to be a more sporty, European focused brand.
 
They should start by introducing the new Mondeo.
 

 
(Image from Autoexpress.co.uk)
 
The new car looks very sharp and should compete well with Saturn Auras (essentially a European Opel Vectra) and other midsize cars. I think the style of the car might even work with the waterfall grill that mercury loves.
 
This strategy would differentiate Ford from Mercury and give the Mercury brand a much needed infusion of appeal. Ford could then keep its ugly three bar grill to be "brash and American".
 

#144 of 161 Re: Refocus Mercury to be European...? [kjnorman] by anythngbutgm

Jan 31, 2007 (7:47 am)

Replying to: kjnorman (Jan 31, 2007 7:30 am)
Yeah, that car is pretty nice. It would do very well if Ford doesn't muck it up like they did the Contour.

#145 of 161 Re: Refocus Mercury to be European...? [kjnorman] by nvbanker

Jun 10, 2007 (8:52 pm)

Replying to: kjnorman (Jan 31, 2007 7:30 am)
Ford tried that with the Merkur line a couple of decades ago. Problem was, while the Merkur was fast, it was also very european, in that it started rusting in the showroom, and was miserably unreliable. Didn't work here. Miserably unreliable only sells in America if it's German or English elite.
 
But I agree with your premise. If they did it well.....it could work.
 
I don't know if Ford will make it or not. A lot is riding on the rebirth of the Taurus on the back of the very good, but very undesirable 500 and Freestyle. A lot is in a name - I just hope it's been restyled enough. Ford has not much else out there new to ride on, and they need to sell a buttload of cars to generate enough cash to stay alive while they develop more new cars.....
 
The Focus desperately needs a replacement, as does the Ranger. The Fusion is doing well, but the Edge is uncertain at this point. Lincoln has been totally ruined - it may never recover.
 
The Mustang is cool, and it's good, but what's next there??
 
The Ford trucks are languishing a bit too. The Expedition has to stay competitive in the looks department now that GM has copied their style, making their SUVs look fresher than Fords. If not, just like the Fords. The Explorer - clearly the best ever made, is slated to be converted to a crossover - a mistake, IMO, but I guess we'll see. I think Alan is trying all the right moves - can he do it in time is the question.....

#146 of 161 Re: Refocus Mercury to be European...? [nvbanker] by davethecarnut

Jun 10, 2007 (11:21 pm)

Replying to: nvbanker (Jun 10, 2007 8:52 pm)
Ford should absolutely bring that Mondeo over here. What a great looking car. Very close to the 3 series BMW but not quite as "Bangled". But Alan may not bring it over. Bill will have to remind him it's not made by EADS.

#147 of 161 Re: Refocus Mercury to be European...? [nvbanker] by baggs32

Jun 11, 2007 (6:20 am)

Replying to: nvbanker (Jun 10, 2007 8:52 pm)
Edmunds has a spy shot of a RWD Aussie Ford Falcon tester being uncrated in Detroit so it looks like anything is possible right now.
 
Although, the news of the Mondeo being considered for the U.S. did break a few months ago and IIRC Mullaly already said no or not yet anyway. I think he did approve the S-Max for the U.S. though.

#149 of 161 What Chrysler need to do... by albook

Nov 17, 2007 (9:44 pm)

Just heard that Chrysler LLC is making major changes (Dodge all trucks?).
Here is what they really need to do:
 
Dodge-
All models can stay except the Nitro, Caliber, and maybe Dakota. Interior quality should move up extensively. The exteriors should move away from this bold look to a more refined look (except the Challenger). The Charger is an awesome car, so that can stay bold. Replace the Caliber with something that better competes with the Civic/Scion tc.
Jeep-
Easy. Cut the slow selling Compass. Turn the Patriot into a real softy so people will stop complaining about the way it handles and interior, but keep its offroad ability. I think there is reason enough for the Comander to stay, but Cerberus has been chop happy, so if they had to chop something else, It would be this. Push Jeep's exclusivity.
Chrysler-
Hard. Move to luxury (sort of like between Buick and Cadillac). Chop the Sebring line completely. Replace with something that could almost compete with a CTS or BMW 3. Don't Change 300- just improve the interior and driving dynamics to be able to compete with the likes of Cadillac STS. Chrysler Aspen=gone. Replace this and the Pacifica with a crossover that competes with the Acura MDX. Keep the Town & Country.
 
This way, none of the brands overlap. Only two loke models would be the Town & Country and Caravan- and they sell! I hope Chrysler LLC is reading.

#150 of 161 Lincoln MKS by albook

Nov 17, 2007 (9:49 pm)

A great car- for 5 years ago. The exterior looks dated. The grille- which came straight from the MKR- looks bad here. And the back end- plain. At least this isn't a Ford model in a tux. And the interior is nice.
A step up for Lincoln, but they still have a ways to go. Their greatest product- the MKX is nothing but an Edge with one of Lincoln's many different grilles.

#151 of 161 Who's in trouble? by albook

Nov 17, 2007 (10:01 pm)

No brainer. GM is in the least. Ford is in the Most. Chrysler is in between. GM has totally reformulated its brands, revitalizing both Buick and Pontiac- which were in trouble, and making quality a lot better. Caddy is a BMW fighter. For the first time in a while, i actually want to buy a GM vehicle.
Chrysler has a lot of reworking on its hands, but it has some potential. They are however making the most drastic changes. But Ford is by far worst off. They are still desgning cars that are outdated and no one wants- like the MKS, and the 500-er-Taurus. Its best efforts still fall short, like the Edge (which needs a third row) and the Flex (which should be an Edge with a third row). Ford still needs to sell Jag and Land Rover. They need to focus more.

Messages Page 16 of 17

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