[Discovery]

Ok guys. Here's your chance to let the people at Ford know what a great job you think they are doing. This thread will be available for comment until next Wednesday 16th May. Following this I will send all replies on to those who should be hearing them. Remember, positive comments only.

Have a say and make a difference

 

[FM]

Sorry, this is gunna be looong...

As an addition, please don't post crap in this thread. If this is going to Ford, lets look like we know what we're on about. Any useless post will more than likely be edited/removed to keep the thread on course. Lets do this thread right guys... :thumbup:

Me first. The news a few days ago about the 220 synergy going into the XR8 is the best news I've heard from Campbellfield for quite some time. Big thumbs up for that. :thumbup:
I drive an AU S pack every day & I can honestly say I think the car is a fantastic drivers car. Nice and stable on the road with enough go when you need it. It's a manual and I find the gear change to be very sweet. Suspension is firm and has plenty of grip when required.
For improving the Falcon I think the best thing would be to get rid of the horrible arse end (which is happening anyway) and put a decent stereo system into it. I've got the basic stereo (Single CD 100 watt) and while it's not bad, a few minor improvements would make it heaps better. Decent speakers would be a start. Pump up the wattage and your getting close. You get my drift.
Alloy wheels... Don't get me started. Holden design has been killing Ford in the alloy wheel stakes for far too long now. While Ford has dome decent rims (AUII XR, my choice..) the majority are shockers...
I don't mind the interior of the Falcon at all. It's very user friendly and not too bad on the eye.
That's all I can think of for now, I'll get back to ya if I think of anything more.. :thumbup:

 

[FM]

Just remembered...

Tickford/FTE - Lets get for real with these guys. The Tickford wings are the best thing Ford has got going for them at the moment. Why? Because Tickford equals performance and quality. They need the resources to be able to deliver. Look at it this way. The higher Tickford achieves, the better the base falcons are going to be. From what we hear, this is happening and it must not stop. Ever!.
FTE is a mess. The cougar doesn't belong there. It is not a performance car. Tickford equals performance remember. The T-Series is a good concept that needs a bit of work. Maybe a name change for the cars is in order but the basic philosophy is on the money. Lairier "look at me" body kits are also required big time. These must be quality too, not cheap plastic add-ons that fade and fall off after 3 years.
Only cars with blistering performance should be considered for FTE. Focus RS is a good start. Focus Cosworth is ideal. These cars are going to be the ones people aspire to own. Not get laughed at because they own one.
Not only must these cars have outstanding acceleration/braking, they must also be able to take a corner. Something the current cars do with ease. All they need now is the poke to match, which should be coming. :WH:

 

[Discovery]

Sorry, there seems to be a little bit of confusion about what I am looking for here. What I am after are replies which include comments such as:

1) How much do you love your Ford?
2) How many Ford's have you owned?
3) How much do you like the new We Have Ignition ads?
4) What do you see that is positive for the future of the company?
5) Which race teams/drivers do you admire? Why?
6) Have you got any memorable stories/funny stories about yourself and your Ford?
7) Anything else you see as positive for the Ford Motor Company of Australia.

C'mon... tell me how much you love 'em!

 

[Donut King]

I admire Dick Johnson because he built up his racing team from the ground up and kept fighting for Ford in the races even though Ford wasn't interested. He was able to homologate the falcon for use in group A instead of the Mighty Sierra but Ford Oz wasn't interested in helping him out so he was forced to use the Mustang, and then the Sierra which he turned into a world beater despite a lack of support.
He flew the Ford flag throughout the 80's and early 90's and built up a succesful racing team and business in the process. And for this I admire him. He's a true battler who fought the odds to become a successful races and household name.

 

[bobr]

My AU XR6 is the first NEW car I've bought.

Had plenty of misgivings spending all those hard earned dollars - the usual "you lose $6,000 as soon as you drive out of the showroom", but as soon as I drove the car I LOVED it!

I didn't realize just how good the AU chassis is in comaprision to many other contemporary cars which I drive.

Tasmania has LOTS of great bendy roads and the more I drive my XR the more I like it......

Owned only one Ford prior to the XR - an EF II wagon - a good wagon - could carry half a house in the back!



Ignition ads - these are the only ads about which I've actually heard unsolicited good comments from people I know - keep it up with more of the same.
These ads can only help change the previously rather staid image of Ford in the community to something befitting the Company that builds the only Australian cars!!


It seems that Ford have woken up to the fact that there is a market out there for good looking cars AND high performance cars and are doing something about it.

Race teams: FTR (of course). They haven't had the best of luck but things are looking better for their future and indeed for Ford Racing in general!

I've driven plenty of different cars but what will my next car be? - FORD

 

[HSE2]

Ok I have owned about 5 Fords although my AUXR8 was the first that I bought new. Even to this day it brings a reason to smile to my face, and for me the decision to move on won't be easy. When I bought this car it was largely sight unseen and I loved it the first time I saw it. Could it have been better, absolutely, but for me this was the first serious attempt by Ford at a performance Falcon since the 70s. This was my reason.

There is an air of expectation amongst Ford followers that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The new ads are in my opinion the best that have come out from Ford in the last 15 years so a big well done to the people responsible for them. Like wise, the web site is also a credit to the company.

I have followed motor sport ever since I can remember. Became a fan of Glenn Seton when Moffat retired. His 87 drive across the top of THE mountain is something I will never forget. His failure at the great race when so close had me leaving the house to go for a long walk to get the knot out of my stomach. When he aligned himself with Ford credit and later FTR I was so happy that my favourite drivers merchandise carried the treasured Tickford badge. I don't own too many clothes that don't carry the Ford or Tickford badge. Why is this important to me?. I drive a Tickford car. I will always drive a Tickford car and to see this brand name at the top of the winners list is to me absolutely paramount. One day I will be able to wear all my merchandise and have it recognized as the team to be associated with and the street car to be seen in.

I have no doubt in predicting that the future looks bright because of the leadership that Geoff is showing in the public arena but at the same time I acknowledge that one person alone can't achieve the the necessary objectives to regain the respected No 1 position affords.
In conclusion there is only one car company in the world. It just so happens that the Australian division produces the best Fords in the world.

 

[Discovery]

Fantastic!

That's what I am looking for. Keep it up.

 

[FM]

I think my previous email sums up how I feel about the Ford Motor Company of Australia. Anyone seen my left arm??

 

[GTHO4]

I have had a passion for Ford since I was a kid and have owned 11 Fords.
My 1994 ED XR8 was the first new Ford I have bought and still have it today which has never had problems so I am pleased with the quality and reliability of the car Ford has produced.
Since Ford brought back the V8's in 1991 I knew there would be a bright future ahead.
Now with it's new advertising and promising looks and excellent quality in their cars I think it won't be long before Ford will lead the automotive market... excellent job guys!
It is great that Ford Finally has returned to motor racing supporting drivers like Craig Lowdnes and Glen Seton as they show a promising future in motor racing for many years.
I still remember watching Bathurst in 1977 seeing Allan Moffat and Colin Bond coming 1st & 2nd it was a great moment for me and other Ford fans and hope to see that happen again at Bathurst.
Geoff Polites since you took charge you have shown to all of us that you are definately the man for the job in bringing Ford to the top and I have no doubt that the future of Ford is going to be even better.
WELL DONE GEOFF!

 

[Aussie Pete]

I grew up around Fords with my Dad driving a selection of Falcons whilst working for NASA at the Canberra Tracking Stations. They went from Holdens to Fords because the Falcons could handle the trip into the mountains every day.

When I started driving my first self-purchased car was of course a Ford V8. A nice XC GXL 302 4 speed. A variety of Fords followed amongst others before Ford lost their way with trashing the V8.

Well, since then all my friends know me as a fanatical Holden/HSV man including years helping run the NSW HSV club. However, I am now comfortable being shunned by them having seen the light at the end of the Ford tunnel. The 220kW XR8 was the catalyst that has brought me back. A new one is on the way.

The Falcon is a fine car. The staff at Ford do a great job putting them together (there's always ways to improve though), and I can tell there is an upbeat tempo amongst staff when I talk to them on the phone.

Guys and Gals of Ford Australia; I am back. And it's because of all of you. Each one of you plays a small part in building every car either directly or indirectly. However, your effect on this buyer has been far more dramatic than that. Go get the rest of those Holden and Toyota Chicken Car drivers and show them why Ford is BACK!

The bottom line - I'm excited about where you are all going (I'm just a bit impatient at times and frustrated). Make sure you look after my 220 XR8 when it comes down the line in a few weeks. It's the fully loaded red one with a new owner sweating about it every day.

Keep it Up People!

 

[laminge]

replies which include comments such as:

1) How much do you love your Ford?
2) How many Ford's have you owned?
3) How much do you like the new We Have Ignition ads?
4) What do you see that is positive for the future of the company?
5) Which race teams/drivers do you admire? Why?
6) Have you got any memorable stories/funny stories about yourself and your Ford?
7) Anything else you see as positive for the Ford Motor Company of Australia.

1) Damm I have been promoting ford for the last 7 years while being invovled in the XR Club, I have given them the best part of $100 grand!
2) 2 of the Babies, an 1991 EB Fairmont Ghia, re-badged as a GT and my pride and Joy 2000 Au2 XR8 Herrod Modified to the MAX
3) Love em, and am very impressed
4) The ability to recons us, the consumers, as having a positive input into design and requirements
5) Yeah... The Time Bowe took me around Calder and scared the Hell out of me, but even more when i drove and he kept yelling out WALL< WALLL<WALLLLLLLLLLL
7) More active in communicating with its buyers, Ie Tickford Day, Car Clubs

 

[TickfordEB]

Growing up my dad owned heaps of Falcons and fairlanes including an EA Fairmont, EB2 Gli, NC Fairlane Ghia (black) (best ever Fairlane IMHO), and an NL Fairlane Ghia. So i have grown up with Fords in the family - and we've never had a problem wth any of them!!!

It was only natural for me to get my own - so for my second car I got my current Ford - a 1991 EB Fairmont. I really wanted the ghia but being 19 and a rating 6 - my insurance company said no way cos it was classified as a luxury car - so i did some research and found out that the EB fairmont is very similar to an EA Ghia (in fact exact same interior, wheels, dash and electrics) so I went with it and never looked back.

To say the least My next car will be a Ford - which one, well it depends on how much I have to spend - for the moment I am happy to keep the EB for while until I finish uni at the end of this year and start full time work (yay!)

I really like the positive direction Ford has taken since Geoff Polites has taken over. I think he is doing a great job and would like to congratulate him and his team for turning the tables around. No doubt we will see the hard work put in by him pay dividends both in the immediate and long term future.

Its also great to see him keep in contact with us here and on the other ford forums. That shows a great respect for Blue Oval owners and I have no doubt most people on this board will agree with me.

The new advertisements are great, I recently saw the SR falcon ad - watching it with mum and dad I say - "gee thats a nice looking falcon" (trying to get Mum to think about upgrading her EF Futura) and she goes "I couldn't see it, it was going too fast!" (for those of you who have seen the ad will know what I mean) and I responded "Yeah, falcons are like that" (OK you had to be there)

It is *GREAT* to see the XR8 get the much needed power boost and level out the playing field in terms of direct competition with the SS. For me personally It takes the SS out of contention if i was choosing between them - whereas before I would have considered going to the dark side


Keep up the good work! (thats for you too Discovery )

Jase

 

[XR_Strider_GuY]

Ok my version of the response details my beginnings of me being a total ford buff and my EF Falcon, i'd like to respond to the other questions but i'd take ages to write....
it's going to be abit long but here goes,

Firstly I really love the falcon i got even though it's only an EF Wagon. It was initially Dads car first and we bought it new in September 1994.
Ok i have to admit this this was our first ford, as previously we have bought toyotas, nissans and heaps of Honda's.
We bought the EF Falcon because we needed a car that would do the long millege(ie Blue Mountains to Sydney every day equates 40,000km a year) and we needed something with decent power and size.(IE the 1993 Camry we had was not up to the job).
I was abit weiry of the quality of Ford's as i hear storys from others owning ford with quality problems.
Geez when we got the car we weren't disappointed in the slightest.
Now since i've bought the car of dad, the EF still feels as tight as it did when we took it out of the showroom.
Even with nearly 190,000km on the clock the engine showed a decent reading on the dyno.

Since i've owned it i am very impressed with the way the EF goes for a wagon.

My EF inspired me to becoming a total ford buff and i'll definitly be buying a blue oval car from now on.
As i am still at uni my self i won't be buying a new car too soon but when i get out that will be first on my agenda.
Incidently a 1998 EL sits in our drive way as well.

 

[THE DOCTOR]

How much do I like Ford's read on..

For the year ended 2000 I purchased and sold close to $200k worth of vehicles.
For the year ended 1999 I purchased and sold close to $170k worth of vehicles.

This financial year (2001) has been a bummer, sunk most of money into property development, had a Tickford XR8 stolen, (WIZ174) bought another ex Police Chaser to add to the stables. value of purchase's so far is $90K.
I would love for Ford to bring out a GT or a phase 1 version of the XR8. I am building one at the moment, and would like to see if Ford and myself think along the same lines. so far my body has the GT transfer's on the rear gaurds as well as the 351 transfer's on the front gaurd's. to follow are 351 badges and my favourite's the ******* to adorn the lower gaurds.
next is the transplant, due in late June/ July.
My plate's ****** go on next.

Geoff I know your going (OR ALREADY) to read this. If I did'nt love your product I would'nt be posting.

 

[Mr Sparkle]

Ok, the short version
My affinity for the Blue Oval has arisen mainly through family oriented purchasing, eg. parents and grandparents bought XC's from new, brother had XC, and then I started. First was a little KA Laser, followed by an EA2 Fairmont Ghia, and currently the EL2XR8.

As to my commitment and interest in Ford, with the help of some other great guys, we co-founded the NSW Tickford Owners Club, (previously the NSW XR Owners Club). Seeing the Vic club was going so well, we had wondered why nobody had done anything in NSW the same! So... here we are

Believe me when I say I don't like throwing my money away, and I, like a lot of the other guys here, have spent quite a bit on my car and also into the club, and I haven't regretted any of it.

It is reassuring to know that our passion for performance Fords is finally being acknowledged, and that we will have some genuine weapons on wheels to look forward to in the future. :thumbup:

Mike

 

[Discovery]

Keep up the good work! (thats for you too Discovery )

Jase

Thanks Jase!

I'm getting a kick out of reading all your great replies. I am sure the people at Ford will be too.

More please...

 

[THE DOCTOR]

Flickster my darling,
does your center have any info on why Ford canned the 5.8 from the 80's. I know Cleveland was closing etc, but why the axe.
I have just spoken to a mate in the states and according to him they have recently found a warehouse/s full of clevelands. although he would'nt or could'nt comment on the size (351) of the motor, they are according to rumour due to find there way into the market. Have you heard anything.


after speaking to him last night they may be windsor's.
destined for heavy duty trucks (F-series) You would think an american would know the diference between a clevo and a windsor. I mean we know the difference between a ute and a pickup.

 

[Discovery]

 

[Big Block Ford]

I have owned at least 10 Fords to date and loved everyone of them.My parents are also Ford Stalwarts and have been since owning their XP Falcon wagon.I was also a Ford Mechanic and this even furthered my passion for FORDs.Ford muscle is my interest having owned an XA GT Falcon a Sierra Cosworth and currently a big block Mustang.I am waiting for Ford Aus/NZ to put out a Quad cam V8 with the famous 5.8 engine size ,unmentionable KW's ,a 6 spd box ,AWD and the Falcon GT name plate on it.That would shut down the dribble pouring from my Holden mates mouths,the ultimate weapon.
Your new Ignition ad's rock.
I see Ford's premier group of cars as a positive step for the company Jaguar etc will help our image and technology sharing.
Dick Johnson has got my admiration as he has stuck with Ford all the way and is a real team that is right up there.GO!! DJR.I hope the Focus does well in the rallies too.That car is a real image booster.
I see Geoff Polites as being a very positive influence in Aus/NZ.Go hard Geoff go hard.I want to see holden trailing in our dust on the track and in the sales figures.Keep it up everybody and give us diehard Ford guy's something to shut up those Holden guys.
For everyone at Ford to actually take time to listen to us is totally awesome.Thanks Felicity for bridging the gap,I'll pump for a pay rise for ya he he. FORD!!!!:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: