justins

I think the idea is that the Everest will be the 7 seat option, but for mine they're in different segments - Everest more of a Prado / Fortuna competitor, Edge more of a Kluger competitor. I think FoA want 7 seat Everest to straddle both...

I wonder if the extra numbers came from an allocation originally meant for somewhere else (UK perhaps?). As an outsider, it seems unlikely they'd just decide to roll an extra 2000 units down the line. Whatever the case, great news for those waiting. Also interesting that EcoBoost sales are starting to pick up as % of overall sales, especially in the drop-top.

Thanks for the reply akirby. That is exactly my point. NOT 2 or three versions of the same product i.e the new Fiesta - one for Europe and, as you have suggested, a modified C segment platform for US. They did away with multiple platforms for models being sold in multiple markets - Fiesta, Focus, Escape, Mondeo / Fusion (they used Toyota as the example - Camry is basically the same all around the world, as is RAV4, Corolla etc.). Now they're talking about going back to multiple platforms for Fiesta? Doesn't make sense to me...

Isn't this moving away from the 1-Ford that was key to Ford overcoming it's financial troubles. 1 car, 1 platform in every market - Fiesta, Focus/Kuga/Escape, Fusion / Mondeo..?

Why is Lincoln's multimedia site so goddamned awful? Not responsive for mobile devices, no simple slideshow to be seen... seriously, in a multimedia world, their multimedia site sucks...

Not much you can do with a big barn door :-D

OK scrap the frameless gullwing doors, the steps and tone down the interior and it's not too far a stretch to see that in production. I'm not much for the gullwing doors, even on the concept, though I know they give better access for photos etc. Once the frames get put around the windows, I think you'll be looking at blacked out b, c and d pillars to fake the flow through effect.

There is now a 12 month + waiting list for Mustang here in Oz, with 6000 orders on the books... http://www.caradvice.com.au/426077/ford-mustang-waiting-list-out-to-2018-with-over-6000-orders/ Only 12% of orders for 4cyl model. Surely with this sort of demand from such a comparatively small market, they'll think about sending some of the special models here as well? Thoughts?

Sorry, the sarcasm didn't come through in the type :-) I was trying to demonstrate that the perception of the current Falcon (the current axe, new handle, new blade) being anything like the 60's or even 80s Falcon (grandpa's axe) is incorrect. :-)

The Falcon platform is a bit like grandpa's old axe. It's had a few new blades and the handle has been replaced a few times, but it's still grandpa's old axe, right?

They've dropped the DSG in Thai built Focus that we get in Oz. Now has a standard TC 6 speed and apparently it's great.

This isn't a mule. It's a press vehicle (possibly pre-pro but not determined as yet), so not good considering these things are on sale and there's possibly a fault somewhere. Also not good if they find a problem and it turns out to affect all Rangers as well. I'm hoping it's a fluke one-off as well...

http://www.news.com.au/finance/business/manufacturing/new-ford-everest-suv-catches-fire-during-a-test-drive-destroyed-by-the-blaze/news-story/86b4c77b9a90026c85be3b7b875a04cd#itm=newscomau%7Chome%7Cnca-homepage-network-most-popular-newscomau%7C1%7Cnew-ford-suv-bursts-into-flames%7Chomepage%7Chomepage&itmt=1449099065412 It'll buff out...

Does the MKS really look that ordinary in real life? Wow...

The 3 speed didn't last long. EA update had 4 speed. 3sp was a BorgWarner, 4sp a BTR (subsequently Ion, then DSI, now owned by Geely).

Ford have repeatedly said Mondeo (Fusion) will take over from Falcon duties as their "lergest" sedan / hatch / wagon. With Holden erring towards the Insignia as their "replacement" for Commodore, I honestly don't think we'll see Taurus in Oz any time soon. That market here is dead unless you're talking the performance v8 market, and I don't see a performance v8 Taurus on the horizon...

Here you go... http://www.lincoln.mx/vehiculos/marklt

Subaru put 2 jump seats in the back of the BRAT so they could sell it as a passenger vehicle :-)

As for competitive markets, take a look at the Australian market. Approx. 1 million sales per year TOTAL, yet more manufacturers and models available here than anywhere else in the world...

Love the Cyrus commercial. Take the long way.

I was wrong...

Fantastic book! Loved it and highly recommend it as well. I actually can't believe this story about Lincoln still makes news, because it was in the book for all to see...

Let's not forget, for the most part it was Fields' "Way Foward" plan that formed the basis of what Mulally put into action when he got there. Fields just didn't have the manpower, following, balls (choose whichever fits best) to put the plan into action. It took an outsider to not care about pushing through with it and them implementing the management / leadership structures to back it up. Fields didn't start off a Mulally follower, but was one of the first to become one (according to the book). I think he'll do a good job now that the culture has changed. He obviously wasn't the man to change the culture, but I think he knows where Ford is heading now. I think he has that vision. He certainly proved himself at Mazda.

I think this is why Ford EU is stepping up the game with the Vignale line.

Nope. It wouldn't need to make a call per se, but simply use your data connection.