Thread: Ford Geelong - good news

Originally Posted by mox

Maybe Ford was considering it preferable to have shorter engine compartments in future models. However, it appears to me that an in line 6 cylinder motor should be cheaper to make than a V6 of the same capacity. So it seems Ford Australia are just going to do some improvements on what they already have to conform to emission standards. Probably a safer bet than any largely new design, with increased risk of problems and warranty claims.

In recent years there have been knockers of the Jeep in line 6, which is slightly longer between cylinder centres than Falcon and Holden, claiming it was antiquated - with pushrods and hydraulic lifters. It is was what evolved from the 232 cubic inch Rambler /American Motors Corporation motor that was a new design in April 1964. I wonder how the V6 that replaced it compares on cost and long term reliability?

Will be interesting to see how long the British or European Ford motor will be used in Defenders under Tata ownership.

Might have a bit more to do with the cost of either keeping or replacing the in-line six. Don't know what it was going to cost Ford Aust to re-tool and set up for the imported V6, but of the estimated $21 million that it is costing to update the in-line six for higher emission standards, the Australian Government (read taxpayer) is contributing more than $13 million.

If Ford Australia had to stand on its own two feet, it would quickly sink - unlike Holden, which has already demonstrated the ability to support itself. The reasons for this have nothing to do with quality of product, but are directly related to poor business planning / management. Both GMH and Ford Australia produce vehicles which are more than capable of holding their own on the international market as far as quality and technology are concerned. The ONLY thing keeping GMH profitable is its export program - Ford Australia has not shown this level of forward thinking, and I believe that it's only a matter of time before Ford Australia falls over, unless the government continues to bail them out.

Ford didn't do the Capri export program properly and it put them off further export efforts which, as you say, is a real shame because at the moment the Falcon is a superior product to the Commodore.

All you GMH fans don't get your knickers in a knot I did say "at the moment".

And V8s are great for export to the Arab market too - Holden have done really well with that !

Originally Posted by VladTepes

Ford didn't do the Capri export program properly and it put them off further export efforts which, as you say, is a real shame because at the moment the Falcon is a superior product to the Commodore.

All you GMH fans don't get your knickers in a knot I did say "at the moment".

And V8s are great for export to the Arab market too - Holden have done really well with that !

Sorry Vlad but i disagree that ford is superior "at the moment". Very close to Holden but not superior .

Holden have out sold and won most car awards out of the 2 in the last 12 years.
But in saying that Ford is still a very nice car and would own one if holden wasn't available. And the build quality is awesome in these cars now . The VE is outstanding inside and out .

This is a couple of pics of my mates new ute .........

So what are you comparing them too?.So you think they are great cars,great at what?.I don't see any technology in them at all,a stock defender is more high tech than either of them.All they are are a pair of family sedans with 60's vintage engines in them and nothing else.Go and open and close the doors on a VW golf,likewise the foulcan and bomberdoor,you'll see what the difference is between well built and just assembled. Pat

Originally Posted by PAT303

So what are you comparing them too?.So you think they are great cars,great at what?.I don't see any technology in them at all,a stock defender is more high tech than either of them.All they are are a pair of family sedans with 60's vintage engines in them and nothing else.Go and open and close the doors on a VW golf,likewise the foulcan and bomberdoor,you'll see what the difference is between well built and just assembled. Pat

Well if your going to compare the technology of the austrailian cars with a Defender , That just shows what you know about modern day cars
The Defender is still in the 40,s Which i own a Defender and also drive new holdens everyday , so my experience with them is proof

Originally Posted by PAT303

So what are you comparing them too?.So you think they are great cars,great at what?.I don't see any technology in them at all,a stock defender is more high tech than either of them.All they are are a pair of family sedans with 60's vintage engines in them and nothing else.Go and open and close the doors on a VW golf,likewise the foulcan and bomberdoor,you'll see what the difference is between well built and just assembled. Pat

You really don't know your australian cars then . Seeings that the falcons and commodores are now being compared to BMW's and the Mercedes . And is some case's the calais and fairmont are better than the cars just mentioned . Both Holden and Ford have all the same gadgets as the euro cars . Just don't have the gadgets that are a waste of time and push the price up

Rangieman a defender is more high tech than either Australian cars,the body design dates back a lot of years but under the skin it is more modern than anything Aust or Japan or the US make,Tojo's ''new'' TDV8 is no more than a 20 year old Tdi with huei injectors.Mick if you think either is up to mercedes or BMW standard you need a lie down.Both as well as Volvo's and VW's are a popular vehicle in my family,a couple of home grown have been bought over the years but after lot's and lot's of oil leaks,breakdowns,poor tyre wear,bits falling off,zero resale they are not sort after now. Pat

Originally Posted by PAT303

Rangieman a defender is more high tech than either Australian cars,the body design dates back a lot of years but under the skin it is more modern than anything Aust or Japan or the US make,Tojo's ''new'' TDV8 is no more than a 20 year old Tdi with huei injectors.Mick if you think either is up to mercedes or BMW standard you need a lie down.Both as well as Volvo's and VW's are a popular vehicle in my family,a couple of home grown have been bought over the years but after lot's and lot's of oil leaks,breakdowns,poor tyre wear,bits falling off,zero resale they are not sort after now. Pat