Scoop - Territory First Drive!!! - Page 2 - Ford Forums

Devil_Racer · 12-15-2003, 06:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by casrms1450

The Explorer has been a sales failure for Ford. Does not sell as well as expected. The F Trucks are exceeding sales expectations.
Sales for August 2003 : Landcruiser 1180. Nissan Patrol 730. Explorer 115.

Whoa 115 that is really shocking, completly butt kicked by the opposition. In a way it doesn't suprise me, the tribute is a better option anyway and cheaper I believe (will look it up).

How much are the F trucks selling seems they're the only ford apart from the falcon constantly improving sales.

cheers, Glenn

JR · 12-15-2003, 16:22

You're talking about the Escape when you mention the Mazda Tribute (they are the twins), not the Explorer.

Some of the sales differential between the Explorer and it's opposition can be explained by the brilliant advertising strategy employed by Ford: "Pretend it doesn't exist and don't spend a cent on television advertising and it will sell it's arse off!"

BUT, I would think the Explorer and the Territory will co-exist in the line up for at least the near future for one simple reason - "There will be no V8 option available in Territory at launch"

I would think the Explorer is at least safe until a V8 option arrives with (presumably) the second generation Territory around 2007/08?

outback_ute · 12-15-2003, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curls

I think your own post describing the body work changes needed kills the chance of this happening...maybe it opens they way for a Mondeo wagon WITH V6 (fools if they don't) or Mazda 6 etc...to cover the normal wagon market.

I think funkypig was talking about a next generation wagon, where it is possible - not likely mind you, just possible.

Also I would agree on the Explorer staying on for the V8 for the time being, as well as because it is (slightly) more off-road oriented. Ford have never had a real hard-core off roader to compete with the Patrol and SandBruiser so perhaps the Expedition might be a reasonable proposition to replace the Explorer being that bit larger to separate it from the Territory. If they could get the build quality, price, equipment and suspension setup right it could be a goer. (I think I�ve answered my own comment there however!)

FordHawk · 12-15-2003, 16:54

Sounds as though Territory is heading in the right direction...nice to see that the prototypes are liked by the journos. Lets hope that by launch the niggling little problems are all ironed out. Lets also hope that persistent problems on the BAs such as brake shudder do no cross over to the cross over :s6: (pun intended)

carazy · 12-15-2003, 18:48

Looks like the wagon is dead and with a price of around $30k for the base model Territory I think it should be.
It's a low volume seller and hasn't had any real money spent on it in years.
Good riddance I say. I think most sales men/women would be better off with the rwd territory anyway.
I'm sure some will piss and moan but I think this will be the better option.
Good on ya Ford this is a car I'll most likly be buying

Timmeh · 12-15-2003, 23:54

7 Months until it goes on sale?? It'll need a face lift before it hits the streets, we've been seeing the body style for so long...

Good greif. I also don't see how its introduction is "the most significant model that has been introduced since the first Holden". It's another model in the line up. Whee...

Tim

The Stylist · 12-15-2003, 23:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by russellw

According to my newly polished crystal ball the wagon will cease to exist post Territory.
Might cause some issues in the repmobile market and Tosstra (the major buyers of wagons) but I'd be fairly confident FOA have already covered that ground.
Outside of those two segments it wil be left to the 2 dozen private wagon buyers to hold the wake.

Cheers
Russ

Hopefully this won't have to apply to the Territory but Ford have to be careful here. In New Zealand when Toyota brought in the current generation Camry sedan they had no new generation wagon to come with it, so they imported the Avensis Verso to take the camry wagon's place. Now I'm not saying that the Territory is in the same category but for those who don't know the Avensis Verso is an MPV-like vehical with a higher seating position than the Camry.

Now the previous generation Camry was favourite here in NZ (I don't know why as it was so boring it made cardboard boxes look appealing) but the Avensis Verso was a huge flop - apparently the market didn't want to drive around looking like soccer mums with facial hair or more importantly, drive around in a high seated van-like vehicle.

Eventually Toyota had to do a backflip on the Avenis Verso and import its more station wagon-like Avensis (not to be confused with the Avensis Verso). So the Falcon wagon "may" still have its place in future Ford vehicle lineups.

casrms1450 · 12-16-2003, 06:47

No_Boundaries, hows this for being butt kicked ?
Queensland VFacts. Sales to end of October 2003.
Landcruiser 3344 for 61.9% market share.
Nissan Patrol 1874 for 34.7% market share.
Ford Explorer 186 for 3.4% market share.
Even BMW X5 had 411 sales !!
Jeep Grand Cherokee 299 sales.
Benz M Class 230 sales.
Explorers days are fading fast.

RICHO · 12-16-2003, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by casrms1450

No_Boundaries, hows this for being butt kicked ?
Explorers days are fading fast.

That's because it is and always has been a poorly finished, poorly built piece of rubbish.

It actually isn't that bad off road and will easily keep up with a Landcruiser in 99.99% of off road circumstances. And the most recent model I actually think looks okay, very Amercian but still okay.

But it's finish (panel gabs, platics quality, etc) is so far behind that of its competitors its just not funny.

XRated · 12-16-2003, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Sparkle

Territory is forecast to eventually account for around 30,000 sales per annum. To do that, Ford has already indicated pricing will start for the RWD base model in the high $30,000 bracket, with all-wheel drive worth a premium of around $3000.

I don't see how Ford are going to fill the gap for "Wagon Buyers" if the base Territory is going to be so expensive. Read, "RWD base model in the high $30,000 bracket". Personally, I don't think it's such a good move and looks more like a scheme to sell more Territorys.

Should be a great product all the same.