Bill Ford and Raptor Approval - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Venom XR · 11-04-2001, 22:02

With Jac out of the picture, some think Uncle Geoff may have a bit more trouble getting approval for funding the Raptor project, and also future Falcons.

Absorb then, this paragraph from an email sent by Bill Ford to Ford employees following Jac's "retirement" posted on BON.

Quote:

This business is about one thing and one thing only - great products - and everything else we do must play a supporting role to this single-minded and uncompromising objective. Therefore, I promise you that we will let nothing divert our complete focus on the automobile business. Yes, we are going back to basics.

Raptor, R5, a 4WD Falcon, whatever you want to call it = great product. In other words, give GP approval ya lousy mug!! No approval = compromise, diversion from your focus, not to mention sheer lunacy!!

Mr Sparkle · 11-04-2001, 22:05

We can only hope his vision of creating "great products" is the same as what we have.. :crazy1:

Let's just hope that the beancounters aren't the ones dictating his visions..

Space Lord · 11-04-2001, 22:06

I wonder how long it will be before we know if the approval has given? Lets hope it all goes well.

Adam W · 11-04-2001, 22:08

Its about time Ford Oz received some good news.:s6:, so lets hope that everything is going along smoothly for Geoff in the US.

Grunter · 11-04-2001, 22:13

Not to cause a riot, but I don't really understand where the R5 concept will fit in?

Why is it needed and is there a market for it? I can't see it being "affordable" to the average family joe and as it's based off a Falcon sized car, it's not going to suit being a mum running down the shops type car.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for new ideas but apart from a AWD XR8/T3 type falcon (/me drools), I don't get it. :bwhoa1:

Adam W · 11-04-2001, 22:17

I guess it can be used in many different ways from XR8 to 4x4 ute, still the biggest point is Holden are doing it so Ford needs their program to go through also.:crazy1:

Venom XR · 11-04-2001, 22:33

The R5 will fit in to a future market which we are seeing evolve now. The medium car market is dead thanks to medium sized cars with 4WD - anything from Imprezas/Libertys to Sante Fe's, etc.

Ford wants to evolve a market that has 4WD Falcon sized family cars. 4WD is perceived by some as safer, and by others as better performing than 2WD.

Ford can't lose by investing in such development, but they have a lot to gain.

Rastus · 11-05-2001, 00:37

Yes, the R5 concept is the way to go, it would be a great investment.
It'll plug up a hole in the line up that the Subies and other Makes have been profiting from... 4wd Family size wagons EG:Outback, Forester.
Like I read somewhere, the 4WD fad is not diminishing, it's here to stay.
As long as Ford are not behind the times and playing catch up to the dark side. They're doing it, so we have to do it also...fast track this thing onto the market.
Russell.

Cobra · 11-05-2001, 00:50

If this 4wd project goes forward I was wondering if Ford Oz could make thier own version of explorer. A really tough 4wd to get down and dirty with patrol/LandCruiser built for tough harsh aussie conditions. Im really excited about a 4wd as i think a falcon 4wd would be a better local alternatice to a santa fe/subaru forseter ect as well as it incorporated onto performance models such as GT.

By the way, where do they build the Holden Jackaroo?

MrPlow2 · 11-05-2001, 01:53

i just hope "back to basics" doesn't mean building boring cars in any colour as long as they are black!