Anyone heard anything on the Falcon wagon yet?

Brazen · 18-03-2010, 07:18 PM

I was under the impression that a decision would be announced December/January, well thats come and gone and still no word.

Anyone heard anything on the grapevine, I guess no news is bad news, but with so many large fleets who plan orders months in advance I would assumed some news would be floating around by now.

A short while ago Burela changed his tune a little and said that Falcon wagon could be sold alongside of Mondeo rather than have Mondeo replace it - probably due to continuing stronger than expected Falcon wagon sales and lower than expected Mondeo wagon sales.

I am still waiting on a decision before trading in the current hauler, not that im hopeful but I just know I would kick myself no end if I went out and bought a Sportwagon and then knowing my luck find out the next day that the Falcon wagon was going to be updated. I was going to sign for the Holden in January, but thought Id keep waiting for the Falcon announcement. With the FG, in living memory I cannot remember a Falcon so much better than the opposing Commodore, so I continue to wait.

So any whispers from Ford or suppliers? any word on the next Telstra tool of trade vehicle?

jpd80 · 18-03-2010, 07:23 PM

Interesting that Ford's preference for the mondeo station wagon has fallen flat
and in comparison, Holden's Sportwagon is powering on with private buyers...

bigdude1011 · 18-03-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brazen

any word on the next Telstra tool of trade vehicle?

Toyota Hiace/Hilux with canopy/Ranger with canopy

Brazen · 18-03-2010, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdude1011

Toyota Hiace/Hilux with canopy/Ranger with canopy

Wow, so that basically confirms its dead then. Im surprised they didnt go with a Falcon LPG ute with canopy, especially with its safety ratings and comfort. I also thought Ford would have been banking on the Mondeo wagon taking over the role.

jpd80 · 18-03-2010, 07:41 PM

I also remember someone from Telstra posting that Falcon wagon
has been removed from Telstra vehicle procurement lists.

I think Burela fiddled while Rome burned....

vztrt · 18-03-2010, 07:48 PM

Getting more and more signs that the wagon is dead. So don't hold your breath. Guess they see better profits with making more terri's, utes and sedans.

Paxton · 18-03-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

Getting more and more signs that the wagon is dead. So don't hold your breath. Guess they see better profits with making more terri's, utes and sedans.

It depends on what happens with the LILPG system. If it is still delayed, and the exemption for Euro IV still stands, we have Wagon until the end of the year. Then it all depends on whether Ford have engineered the Copperhead engine for LILPG.

I'd say it is a gonner, but then again, stranger things have happened.

SVTVNM · 18-03-2010, 08:09 PM

I had a family member who has worked for Telstra for like 20+ years tell me the other day they Falcon wagon was no longer available

vztrt · 18-03-2010, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paxton

It depends on what happens with the LILPG system. If it is still delayed, and the exemption for Euro IV still stands, we have Wagon until the end of the year. Then it all depends on whether Ford have engineered the Copperhead engine for LILPG.

I'd say it is a gonner, but then again, stranger things have happened.

It was a goner in 06, but it survived. So you never know.

Terraplainin' · 18-03-2010, 08:27 PM

Reading through the comments on that inane article on news today unearthed the following...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy of Geelong Posted at 11:30 AM Today

Falcon has been designed for left drive, just check out the dash panel for the steering shaft has a stamping there, and left drive has been engineered since AU. The reason Falcon isnt exported to the US is we (i work there) cant send another vehicle of the same class to the same market that Ford has another vehicle in. ie Crown Victoria. Also say goodbye to the wagon by oct this yr and the ute has just ben placed on life support due to the "One Ford' policy.

Comment 166 of 244

So, just to October then. Maybe.

PS. Andy, if you work for Ford, maybe best not to comment on a public website...

Paxton · 18-03-2010, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terraplainin'

Reading through the comments on that inane article on news today unearthed the following...

So, just to October then. Maybe.

PS. Andy, if you work for Ford, maybe best not to comment on a public website...

Falcon is 'Design Protected' for LHD. This means that there are components of its interior that allow an easy conversion to LHD should the need be. The Console is one part, as is the firewall, and a number of other parts. Whilst we're on that subject, Ford has very nicely allowed Ford to use front suspension parts that will take a front driveshaft should the need arise. Oh no, FWD Falcon!!!

Edit: that being said, he is right about the Wagon. We're not expecting LILPG until then. For the why, you'll have to figure that out yourselves.

Ghiadude · 18-03-2010, 10:33 PM

So we cant send falcon stateside because of the panther platform........

But the panther platform just died.............................................. .................................................. .................................................. ...........................................
Falcon is design protected for LHD and front driveshafts....what about a 4wd falcon???

jpd80 · 18-03-2010, 11:12 PM

Falcon's engineering is preserved for LHD and AWD, not 4WD

Brazen · 18-03-2010, 10:56 PM

Oh well, I think its kind of sad its dying, its been around for 40 years and like the Fairlane it will be going to the big scrap yard in the sky. I understand business is business but as a car enthusiast its still a shame to see a great car finish.

I guess we should be glad it lasted this long, the fact it still sells yet it is basically 12 years old shows there is a market for this type of vehicle. Correct me if im wrong but I think it is still outselling the entire Mondeo range.

And its also a shame to see a major fleet like Telstra replace an Australian made car with Thai made Hiluxes and Rangers, it would have been good to see them go to a Falcon or Commodore ute.

FG LiLPG XR6 Falcon wagon, now thats a Ford I would love to have had!

fordOwner · 18-03-2010, 11:06 PM

Imagine if they unveiled an FG wagon and RTV ute. Nothing fancy just "Built Ford Tough" with a massive advertising campaign directed towards fleet and the younger market.
I reckon they could just sit back and watch the vehicles roll out of the factory.

music189 · 19-03-2010, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordOwner

Imagine if they unveiled an FG wagon and RTV ute. Nothing fancy just "Built Ford Tough" with a massive advertising campaign directed towards fleet and the younger market.
I reckon they could just sit back and watch the vehicles roll out of the factory.

Well I know off 1 companythat would order 60 RTV's if they would bring them back

csv8 · 18-03-2010, 11:38 PM

Then, how come Holden can sell dunnydores as Pontiacs, when GM has a similar car in America ?????

last fairlane · 19-03-2010, 12:54 AM

Correct me if Im wrong
but didnt the Falcon wagons come out with the XK model
in 1960 thats 50 years not 40
as I definitely had an XL wagon 1962 model in 1972
and I remember paying $250 for it
and that it went around Australia and got 33 MPG
Melbourne to Darwin down the red centre 600 miles of dirt
in those days to Adelaide and back to Melbourne
wjth out a hitch
thanks John

chrisfpv · 19-03-2010, 12:58 AM

Good riddance I say.

The B series wagon is an absolutley horrid vehicle in my opinion, doesn't flow together at all. Look at how many Holden Commo wagons there are on our roads (pre VE) compared to Falcon wagons and you can't argue the point.

Now ofcourse this is a Ford Forum and I know i'm going to get crap for saying this which in a way is sad, but if the B series wagon was anything to go buy then people should've seen this coming a long time ago.

:

FNQracing · 18-09-2010, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR

Good riddance I say.

The B series wagon is an absolutley horrid vehicle in my opinion, doesn't flow together at all. Look at how many Holden Commo wagons there are on our roads (pre VE) compared to Falcon wagons and you can't argue the point.

Now ofcourse this is a Ford Forum and I know i'm going to get crap for saying this which in a way is sad, but if the B series wagon was anything to go buy then people should've seen this coming a long time ago.

:

Here here!

The Falcon wagon is a good work horses. Thats it. Private buyers want something with a bit of flare and style. Such a beast hasn't existed since the 60's IMHO.

Ford have neglected the wagon since AU with horrid styling and a suspension design by Cobb and Co. The current crop just want to make me puke.

As has been said - good riddance.

jpd80 · 18-09-2010, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FFOracing

Here here!

The Falcon wagon is a good work horses. Thats it. Private buyers want something with a bit of flare and style. Such a beast hasn't existed since the 60's IMHO.

Ford have neglected the wagon since AU with horrid styling and a suspension design by Cobb and Co. The current crop just want to make me puke.

As has been said - good riddance.

Station wagon and Fairlane suffered and died so that Territory would get the funding to become reality and prosper,a conscientious decision on Ford's part to change market sectors and follow sales.

FNQracing · 18-09-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

Station wagon and Fairlane suffered and died so that Territory would get the funding to become reality and prosper,a conscientious decision on Ford's part to change market sectors and follow sales.

I would'nt give Ford the credit (wink)

Falcon Wagon was neglected long before AU, its just that the neglect was so obvious when AU was released. By BA, it was a sad joke. In 2010 it was an outright embarrassment.

Fairlane neglect set in at the time of BA. Ford had spent all their money on styling and mechanical upgrades that there was no money left for the LWB models. This is a shame. The Fords were king of luxo barge at one time.

Territory? We'll they've dropped the ball on that one haven't they? Long overdue for a major styling update. Sales are on the slide. Correct me if I'm wrong but that POS Captiva is either outselling it, or getting close.

DanielXR8 · 19-03-2010, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

Then, how come Holden can sell dunnydores as Pontiacs, when GM has a similar car in America ?????

Because culturally Ford US has always resisted better products from other Ford outposts. Remember Euro Fords are only now making it into the US market and then only after Ford was looking at the abyss.

GM resisted too, but Bob Lutz, drove the Commodore, liked it and pushed GM to make the Commodore happen stateside. He is a persistant bastard who never took no for an answer. That and Holden employees seem very good at turning their US bosses into fans, when they are based out here.

No one in Ford has ever done the same for Ford Australia and Ford Australia often undermines its own success as well. Culturally Ford Aust just isn't geared up to be the best at anything. They can't promote, support or build markets for their cars. Success stories like the Territory turn into disasters for them, because they just don't get what it takes to be the best car company in this market. How can people like that sell a car to the US that doesn't want it? The answer is they can't and they haven't.

Dam shame for Falcon which in FG guise deserves better, than the last chapter in a book on "History of the Ford Falcon".

Grobbo · 19-03-2010, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

Because culturally Ford US has always resisted better products from other Ford outposts. Remember Euro Fords are only now making it into the US market and then only after Ford was looking at the abyss.

GM resisted too, but Bob Lutz, drove the Commodore, liked it and pushed GM to make the Commodore happen stateside. He is a persistant bastard who never took no for an answer. That and Holden employees seem very good at turning their US bosses into fans, when they are based out here.

No one in Ford has ever done the same for Ford Australia and Ford Australia often undermines its own success as well. Culturally Ford Aust just isn't geared up to be the best at anything. They can't promote, support or build markets for their cars. Success stories like the Territory turn into disasters for them, because they just don't get what it takes to be the best car company in this market. How can people like that sell a car to the US that doesn't want it? The answer is they can't and they haven't.

Dam shame for Falcon which in FG guise deserves better, than the last chapter in a book on "History of the Ford Falcon".

I think you've nailed it right there.

I once heard a brand guru say: "Ford are the best at being 2nd best"

Shame coz they do some good stuff - even got voted 'the company who made the most best cars ever' on Top Gear the other night...

irlewy86 · 19-03-2010, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grobbo

.....

Shame coz they do some good stuff - even got voted 'the company who made the most best cars ever' on Top Gear the other night...

Yeah, but that was in Britain where they love the Sierra/Escorts/Caprice and thats reflected by the success of Fiesta/Focus/Mondeo/C Max

xrford · 19-03-2010, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielXR8

Ford Australia often undermines its own success as well. Culturally Ford Aust just isn't geared up to be the best at anything. They can't promote, support or build markets for their cars. Success stories like the Territory turn into disasters for them, because they just don't get what it takes to be the best car company in this market. How can people like that sell a car to the US that doesn't want it? The answer is they can't and they haven't.

too right especially with promoting......I remember when the BA XR's were first advertised on telly during the V8 supercars and when tv adds were at a certain prime time during the evening, used to always turn it up a bit more for this one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeKFX...1&feature=fvwp

Bossxr8 · 21-03-2010, 02:10 PM

Ute will be next. Ford will keep killing off variants until there are none left, basically handing the market to Holden and reducing volumes until they are so low they will have to shut the place down.

In saying that though the loss of wagon volume will be made up pretty easily by filling the pent up demand for ute and Territory, and by the new LI and V8 engines later in the year, and by new Territory and 4 cylinder Falcon next year. So overall volumes will probably stay the same even with 400 or so less wagons a month.

Road_Warrior · 21-03-2010, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Ute will be next. Ford will keep killing off variants until there are none left, basically handing the market to Holden and reducing volumes until they are so low they will have to shut the place down.

Certainly based on current production numbers, but you've also got to look at the amount of marketing they are carrying out for this car - none at all. If they actually marketed the car instead of expecting people to just buy it, then the ute would never be under a cloud.

Bringing back dealer specials like the 'Tradesman' package would be a good start.

WOTDAH · 19-03-2010, 02:41 AM

To my knowledge Falcon wagon is dead as of the end of this year. Petrol models will stop end on June, gas will stay till the end of year. There are no future design changes for wagon. i.e. no FG model

OZQUAD44 · 19-03-2010, 03:36 AM

I'm getting around in a work BF wagon at the moment. the Wife dove it the other day and was really impressed by the load space. She said she would have one in a shot if it looked better.... Ford haven't even been trying with the wagon for years, and it still sells, go figure.

I suspect one of the reasons the Falcon has stood the test of time is that many derivatives used the same components, keeping costs down. Without the backing of the wagon, the ute, and the LWB, I wonder on how rosy the future of the Great Australian Road Car really is, and FoMoCoAu for that matter.

Funny how Mondeo has come along twice and both times it has failed in this country. I wonder if they had put those efforts into the Falcon if it would be a completely different animal? Perhaps young families would be lapping them up right now?