A couple of the Forum Directors had the opportunity to meet with Ford Australia President, Tom Gorman today.
The purpose of the meeting was to introduce ourselves and this forum to him but he'd already taken the opportunity to browse through the site himself.
From a personal viewpoint let me say that I found him to be an enthusiastic and passionate individual with the best interests of Ford and the customer base as his main priority and I wish him well during his time here. GP's shoes may well be large ones to fill but Tom presents as a straight shooter with a clear vision for the Company in this country.
During the discussion Tom agreed to provide us with answers to a few questions that we might like to pose as a means of introducing himself to the membership here.
We have undertaken to compile a list of questions from the members and forward them to him for reply.
If there is anything you would like to know either about the man or the direction he intends to move Ford Australia in then please add your questions to this thread and we will make a reasonably short list and pass them on.
Thanks to Tom for making the time available in a busy schedule and to Sheila Vernon for (1) putting in the good word and (2) finding the time in that busy schedule.
Well, for one I'm sure all of the Ford fanbase in Aus would like to be assured that the falcon will stay in a RWD configuration for many many many years to come.
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It seems that what is considered by many as arguably Australia's biggest automotive disaster, the sales success (or lack thereof) of the AU Falcon and the attempted introduction of the Taurus as an attempt to drive Australia towards a dumping ground for surplus US product/ideas/formulas. Has FoMoCo realised that Australia is a distinct market with distinct tastes and strong ideas about what makes a good motor vehicle? Will we ever again be placed in a position of having US styles and trends imposed on us again or will Ford Aus be given more of a free hand to produce cars, motors etc for our own market and hopefully to a larger world market?
I drive, I vote and I'll go out of my way to see you out of government Mr Bracks. You lied your way into power and you lie to keep it. Enough lies!!! You're out of here!
Well, for one I'm sure all of the Ford fanbase in Aus would like to be assured that the falcon will stay in a RWD configuration for many many many years to come.
First off welcome Tom to the forums and to Ford Aus. Hope you enjoy it.
As MADXF above stated some kind of reassurance that our Falcon will be RWD for the rest of out lifetime would be good, as would be if possible some kind of indication of how long Ford Aus will continue to use the I6. I think it is a great engine and would like to see it continue to power our Falcons.
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I'd also like to know what the go is with Ford Australia on a global level. The one thing I hear over and over from mates in the US is the lack of RWD cars other than performance models. I don't think I'd like the idea of a FWD based market.
1. Does he have a job for a Ford mad chic/lawyer? J/K! LOL
2. The RWD question is a big one.
3. I have read that Tom was not really all that knowledgeable of Aussie car culture before he came here...so... has he got something up his sleeve to keep up with and even go past the Holdens as far as performance is concerned?
4. Would Ford consider making a coupe? XR coupe, GT coupe, whatever?
4a Would Ford consider making an AWD Falcon in the future?
5. Is it within the realms of possiblity for Ford to bring out a blown/turbo V8 in the range?
6. What is the long term plan for the Focus? Can they or will they make them more powerful?
7. Will Ford give the NA XR6 more power than the base models?
That's it.
Thanks.
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