jpd80

Thanks for that image Richard, something foreigners should be aware of?

True but I'm not convinced that is happening here as the weighty Zeta body has to go. I'm thinking the lighter Sigma Body will be use and made with more flexibile with the Zeta's suspension used on low series. In that instance, it would be more like a DEW Lite, a reach down from an expensive platform. Maybe this is a pointer to the Ford global RWD platform, same floorpan/frame but different suspensions for low/high series cars. That way Mustang and a "Maverick" could have Mac Strut/SRA/IRS and the High Series RWD uses Falcon suspension. In a quirky way, maybe the rudiments of the system are staring us in the face and all divisions lose nothing and gain everything.

Apples to apples, Pontiac G8 V6 Vs Taurus V6

Could it be the MKT?

Well, GM must be feeling the pinch. I know some here on BON will question the wisdom of having such a comprehansive range of vehicles on the one platform. I guess it's a bit like GM's version of the Ford DEW platform vision - so I wonder if they can pull it off or will history repeat itself?

I'm always a bit wary of article where percentages are quoted. For arguements take, if Tundra sales off say 17% of 200K/year, that would be 34,000 down but for F Trucks that same 17% on 650K/year becomes 111, 000. Easy to see which company gets hurt more.

My mistake the Fivehundred we drove did have a six speed, it was the older Taurus that had the 4-speed auto.

I recon the guys with contraversial thoughts on Ford or the motor industry should have a sticky thread or a link so they don't have to keep explaining their beliefs to new comers. Maybe a protaganist's corner where gloves are off?

Nah found that one out in the middle of LA traffic.

I must have had the thing in 3, no wait it had a 4-speed auto!!!

I drove one while in your countray a few years ago and I don't think the little 3.0 Fivehundred is a looser at all. A 6- speed auto would really help, also had they kept going with kinetic style, it woulda looked like the current Mondeo. Thanks for the comments on the Falcon, they look great in the flesh, they made it too good for Dearborn to ignore, blew the socks off Kuzak last Friday. (sorry about typos, too much rum in the drink...)

That's your wildest prediction yet but I see why, Press is taking the knife to the dead wood before the market does:

Fuel economy was never the issue with the Fivehundred.

I believe the 2008 Taurus would get the same fuel economy, does that ring a bell?

It's a longshot but PSA (Peugeot/Citroen) may look at Volvo as their possible luxury marque. Ford already has a diesel engine alliance with PSA so maybe something further down the track. BTW, I don't believe Ford will sell Volvo inside of the next two years.

In all fairness, I don't think it's like that at all! Inside Ford, the latest Falcon is highly regarded and is an example of cooperation that has been occurring all around Ford. It is basically a template of how a home division can build a car utilising all of Ford's resources including Volvo. We ended up with a Falcon like no other - it trancends all previous build quality standards for Ford Australia and if this is an example of what Kuzak has in mind for all of Ford's cars - I say bring it on!!! FoE assisted with supply of a Bordeaux built 5-speed auto transmission and single sided frame technology and Volvo assisted FoA by giving them the EUCD Slim door technology.

An insiders tells me that on Thursday Kuzak said that "he had a plan in his head" so maybe no decision yet. I don't like to spread rumors and then look foolish later. Either way, there's a lot of great work gone into this Falcon- I'm sure it won't be lost.

I take it that's the new GRWD interior then, the reversed Mustang?

Ford and GM are poles apart, I now think GM is 12-18 months behind Ford. GM hasn't done the hard yards yet and don't look like starting anytime soon.

Ford has made real changes to its North American business, GM has not. Guess which one is being found out big time?

Edit, Unfortunately for FoA, Detroit wants to do its own platform so matter how good the Falcon is, the US will probably get its way and the Falcon will switch to the US platform in 2013. Kuzak's trip to Australia was to: 1. Drive the new Falcon and its competitors, he was amazed by the Falcon "Best car bar none!" 2. Discuss FoA's renewed desire for RHD and LHD exports to UK, Middle East and China. 3. Discuss the RWD strtegy Kuzak was heard to say "he has a plan in his head", probably best released when back in Dearborn. Last time he announced something from the US it was all bad news for FoA. Either way we all get a new efficient RWD platform and I'm happy with that.

I know the wheel is on the wrong side but this is what a good interior looks like:

The South Carolina expansion won't be finished for another four years.

Now that the UAW deal has been reached, Jaguar and Land Rover are sold, I think the pressure is off. Look at the timing on sales Aston Martin - March 2007. J/LR - March 2008. I don't think you'll see any move on Volvo before this time next year, if they're considering it that is. By then the cash burn will be finished and North America should be break even turning profitable. As for Ford's ego, the mortgage was an additional $24 billion or only 20% of one year's revenue.

They already have the South Carolina plant for exclusive production of X5 and X6. The expansion is for inclusion of the X3 and increased production of X5 and X6. BMW spending $750 million to expand US plant; 500 new jobs created It looks more like BMW are very self intent and not looking at Volvo at the moment, ask the same question in 12-18 months and the answer may be different. Don't expect any change in position either until financial lending eases.