Falcon Taxis - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

AU_guy · 07-15-2002, 06:21

What do you think about Ford making a specific type car purely for taxi usage? I think that the fact 95% of cabs are Falcons, it kinda hurts the nice car image a bit, I mean it is the same inside as a TE50!!! Well basic layout anyway.
Maybe they could look at carrying over the current AU series interiors into the Barra cabs, just so the cabs are "below" the luxury type standard Ford are looking for in the new Falcon.
Hey, there aint nothing wrong with the current layout though, the cabs still will be rather well equipped at AU spec!!!

Troutman · 07-15-2002, 06:46

It's a question of economics. Why build 2 interiors on a production line when you can build one?

AU_guy · 07-15-2002, 07:08

Ford Australia - Economics?? Hmm, they just dont go!!!
4.1 engine still being made along side the new 3.9/4.0?
XG XH utes, still being madse along side EF/L and AU Falcons?

Troutman · 07-15-2002, 21:48

hehe I think they've finally sorted those matters out now. Don't forget, there are already 2 interiors (presumably for Barra also) for the Forte/Futura and the Fairmont. This in my opinion solves the problem of the Fairmont resembling a taxi.

jbugeja · 07-15-2002, 23:09

AU_guy, I hear ya but I agree with Jack - it doesn�t make economic sense. Anyway didn't they do vinyl interiors and Fairmont courtesy lights for rear passengers on AU Taxi's. I remember being in one that had this.

anondealer · 07-15-2002, 23:55

I personally hope that Ford do not make another Taxi pack. Taxi drivers always expect to buy their cars at a price below cost, they never service with the dealers, they expect us to sell them parts at trade price, and the mere fact that they are driving Falcon devalues the car in the mind of the retail public.

If I never see another new Falcon Taxi it will be too soon. Let someone else look after such a marginal segment.

Sundeep · 07-16-2002, 00:23

What would Melbourne be without Falcon taxis?

My dad is a taxi driver and prefers the Falcon to anything else for it's power, versatility, space, comfort and low running costs.

I also think that having the Taxi Pack and normal Falcon the same tarnishes the image of Falcon just a bit, because I have heard a few people say 'Falcon = Taxi'.

I think that AUII, as someone else said as well, should stay as the taxi pack even when BA is released. But it would be too complicated and you would get those taxi drivers who just go and respray Fairlanes purchasing as normal Falcons from dealers.

Ah well!

Sundeep

tickford2001 · 07-16-2002, 00:33

according to the news last night the base price of barra is going to be $35k - could cause the number of taxis sold to drop

Sundeep · 07-16-2002, 00:48

I doubt it, the price rising 3-4% won't make a difference in fleet purchases at all.

Taxis make about a dollar off every kilometre they travel!

Sundeep

CATman · 07-16-2002, 03:07

who relly gives a flying fark, c'mon, ford make a lot of $$$$$$$ of taxis and other contracts so y the hell would they stop them, and for gods sake, so what if it looks like a taxi thats bloody because a taxi is the same dam car, there not goin to go out and do totally different things to a taxi, just look at the seats floor everything there made to b hosed out to get rid spew stains.. but there still the same

ok i feel better now.
just my 2 c worth