jpd80

Does this mean the Focus and Escape move to Ford's Imported vehicle CAFE Register? If so, I can't see this helping domestic CAFE numbers.

The Asian manufacturers see sales decline similar to Ford, GM and Chrysler as economy slows. GM and Chrysler idle plants and increase incentives to move mounting inventory stock. Ford's inventory stocks hold steady as sales decline slightly in 2008.

Yeah, but do you end up with the 300C styling problem? Everybody loves it for about 12 months and then they move on...

Ford S-MAX Interior dimensions: Front (mm) Maximum effective legroom (rearmost normal) 42.8" 2nd row (mm) Minimum effective legroom (nominal) 39" 3rd row (mm) Minimum effective legroom (nominal) 28" Ford Territory Interior dimensions: Front (mm) Maximum effective legroom (rearmost normal) 44.1" 2nd row (mm) Minimum effective legroom (nominal) 41" 3rd row (mm) Minimum effective legroom (nominal) 33.5" - similar to Mustang Rear seating

This is a really good read and will bring our North American and European cousins up to speed with what's happening down under. LINK TO ARTICLE Here's a few paragraphs: The new stamping plant will also elevates Ford Aus build techniques to parallel what is done in USA and North America, an important point when sharing platforms or building other people's cars (FoE & FNA).

The only mergers we'll see is all of the regional Ford divisions working together, they truely acted like separate companies. One example, Ford AUS Falcon sharing with FNA Mustang: - Adopting corporate V6 = $2,000/car savings, - Adopting corporate transmissions = $1,000/car. - Adopting common platform with = $500 million/product cycle. This adds up to a huge savings in costs In a small market like Australia where local production is about 70,000 units, all Falcon related.

I know you're not privy to CAW but, 1. Will CAW (Hargrove) have to negotiate wage reductions and paid time off? 2. Do you see any fireworks from members or will it be like UAW negotiations/ratification?

Let's hope Ford continues to make more profit from less sales.

Agree, the USD will appreciate and maybe Buzz Hargrove can use that expectation to prevent any 2 - tier wage agreements. Also, The difference between Canadian and US wage and benefit costs isn't as bad as Detriot Vs Asian manufacturers. I couldn't see Ford gaining too much with 2 - tier wages in a one shift plant like STAP but maybe Oakville is the key?

That's all about to dramatically change, a second ruler has been ordered for 2008......

I think PC is right, Looks like the high series interior on the S-Max Not bad for a people mover.

With spy shots of heavily camoed 2010 Mustangs in late 2007, I'd say thats Product Confirmation stage for 2010 Mustang which means the new platform for the 2012 Mustang will be started this year.

The Chinese are going to resurect Leyland/BMC and take the world by storm. Tata with the profits of Jaguar and Land Rover will storm away to massive success. Chrysler will face devestation this year.

Does this mean, Ford, GM and Chrysler will be looking to reduce Canadian wage and benefit or not? Does this affect Ford's investment in STAP for 2009 Panthers or is this a non issue there?

Actually, with new UAW contracts and a stronger Canadian dollar, 2008 will be an interesting year for Canadian auto production.

Seems the question should be, what is Lincoln's flagship used for now? Where do most Town Car sales go? Forget all romantic ideas about going after Audi or BMW or whatever, Lincoln should replace the Town Car with a long wheelbase MKS for liveries, a slipping sales area. That would improve the brand's youthful image and give liveries a greener car (V6 Flex fuel).

YAWN, This was all put to bed 12 months ago by Ford.

FoE can keep those Cabriolet problems to themselves Ford Jellymoulds. FoA had a bucket load of problems with the ill fated FWD Capri exported to NA 1991-1994. It was based on a Ford Lazer/Mazda 323 but that didn't save it. Only hope the Americans forgive us one day......

Australia will stamp and produce the main stream RHD C2 hatchback / sedans and import the specials like Focus ST and Coupe cabriolet versions. I can see USA doing a similar thing with specialist versions.

I wouldn't wish Pintos on anyone. The strut design and 2.0 engine were pinched from FoE

Actually, base the next Mustang on a RWD version of the C2 Focus and a Pinto is an easy do. Good luck getting anyone to actually buy either of them.

Yes, Another successful Aussie actor. Gotta sound like an American to fit in. An interview: Heath Ledger talks about the Joker

Easiest option would be based on Mustang with a longer wheelbase, like previous Cougars. A 2-door Lincoln might do well if it looked like that.

You don't realise what happened in 2006. Before locking in their Orion Falcon, Ford Australia spent nearly 6 months clinicing the Zeta based VE Commodore. Knowing this would be the basic chassis for several models intended for North America, Ford Aus acquired several Zeta Commodores and completely reviewed their engineering and dynamics. They were also disassembled with the intention of reviewing the building process, chassis flexibility, power train, Suspension modules and electrical systems. All of this information was also forwarded to head office. That was over 12 months ago. Evidence suggests that the Zeta platform is too heavy for inteended purpose which will severely limit its roll out in the USA. The Camaro and Pontiac G8 may well be the only two Zetas produced in North America as GM totally reviews it RWD Impala plans. I am certain that there are no secrets regarding the Camaro that Ford doesn't already know. Far from letting the Mustang wither, Ford can make valid decisions on the direction of any changes needed and cover any possible advantages the Camaro might have. Merry Christmas from Australia.

Go through and knock out all of the crap, it's actually a positve review but only about 4 short paragraphs long, LOL. Helps if you read it in reverse from bottom to top.