Ford doing it tough....

[SS V8]

At Ford's Geelong plant on Friday May 1 General Manager Marin Burela addressed staff on the recent downturn in the motor industry and to allay concerns associated with possible future job losses and plant closes.

While there he took the opportunity to announce to staff that Ford Australia would be offering to all Ford Australia employees two introductory letters to offer discounts to friends on the purchase of new cars. Whilst details as to the magnitude of the discount has yet to be circulated it is undertsood to be significantly higher than anything previously offered, but just short of Ford employee pricing. :goodjob:

Maybe the HSV prices of Clubsport for $51,000 and GTS for $59,000 drive-away by end of December was something Ford may have heard worked.
Would an FPV GT for $50,000 drive-away be enticing ??? :doh:

[HSV700]

Would an FPV GT for $50,000 drive-away be enticing ??? :doh:

Not to me. I think Fords biggest mistake was to drop the V8 back in the 80's.

Their was 10 or more years where kids would only support Holden and those same kids are the buyers which IMO make up the difference between the numbers Holden sell to the numbers Ford sell and once you support the other brand its very hard to get those buyers back to buy their cars.

Another mistake IMO is 5.4 is just not big or powerfull enough anymore, their need a 6. something with DOH cams. I beleive that Holden need to lift their game as well, but they are only doing what they need to keep 1 or 2 step ahead of Ford.

[Hamico]

Sounds like desperate times call for desperate measures....

"If the Australian public don't want our cars, maybe we can flog them off to staff and their friends"

.

[Carby650]

Sounds like desperate times call for desperate measures....

"If the Australian public don't want our cars, maybe we can flog them off to staff and their friends"

.

Isn't that similar to what Holden did end of last year.
The only reason I bought my SS Sportwagon at the time was due to the huge discount. $13k under RRP.

cheers
Carby650

[Hamico]

Isn't that similar to what Holden did end of last year.
The only reason I bought my SS Sportwagon at the time was due to the huge discount. $13k under RRP.

cheers
Carby650

I don't re-call Holden having employee pricing last year ?

[kpop]

this is my 1st holden, so i was never into the holden vs ford side of things.

literally the one thing that made me not buy a ford - the steering wheel. my god its the ugliest heap of turd i have ever seen. the new FPV's are even worse. 2nd was the interiors - very very cheap and plain looking.

and HSV700, i think 5.4L is enough? its just the dinasour technology they are using that its not upto your standards. the europeans and the japs can and do make engines with a smaller capacity that will hand the 5.4 its rear on a plate any day.

[XmFoRdFaLcOn]

this is my 1st holden, so i was never into the holden vs ford side of things.

literally the one thing that made me not buy a ford - the steering wheel. my god its the ugliest heap of turd i have ever seen. the new FPV's are even worse. 2nd was the interiors - very very cheap and plain looking.

and HSV700, i think 5.4L is enough? its just the dinasour technology they are using that its not upto your standards. the europeans and the japs can and do make engines with a smaller capacity that will hand the 5.4 its rear on a plate any day.

Reverse everything you just said ( except the steering wheel, it may not be the prettiest but a silly reason not to buy a car! ) and you will be closer to making any sense

[Carby650]

I don't re-call Holden having employee pricing last year ?

No they didn't. Point being that they were still giving the cars away for next to nothing to get people to buy.
Their tack might be different but aimed at the same result.

cheers
Carby650

[vecommo]

Funny how I recall all the Ford fans rambling on about how Holden only sell so many cars because of extreme discounting, while Ford doesn't discount and therefore has a much higher profit margin etc... This seems to contradict all that.
I'm glad I don't know anybody that works at Ford (nor would I want to). I wouldn't drive one of their pos if they gave it to me for free.

[Ghia351]

I don't re-call Holden having employee pricing last year ?Holden increased their employee discount level because the public were buying better...the new employee pricelist was posted on here last year.


Funny how I recall all the Ford fans rambling on about how Holden only sell so many cars because of extreme discounting, while Ford doesn't discount and therefore has a much higher profit margin etc... This seems to contradict all that.
I'm glad I don't know anybody that works at Ford (nor would I want to). I wouldn't drive one of their pos if they gave it to me for free.It's a car brand not the mongrel that pinched your girlfriend....

[planetdavo]

I don't re-call Holden having employee pricing last year ?
There was plenty of it if you worked for them...:hide:

[Party Pete]

The problem with all of this is that for every customer you make happy with the discount, you piss off one who paid a higher price and just watched their car depreciate even faster than they expected. As long as Ford and Holden take this approach, their depreciation will be considerably higher than the industry average and people will be wary of buying them without a huge discount. It's hard to build brand loyalty this way.

[macca_779]

Funny how I recall all the Ford fans rambling on about how Holden only sell so many cars because of extreme discounting, while Ford doesn't discount and therefore has a much higher profit margin etc... This seems to contradict all that.
I'm glad I don't know anybody that works at Ford (nor would I want to). I wouldn't drive one of their pos if they gave it to me for free.

You really are a complete tosser aren't you. Your second last sentence pretty much sums it right up. Its guys like you driving Holdens that give us a bad name.

[SS V8]

Here's the email to Ford employees from Marin Burela. As said previously discounting effects prices and frustrates those who paid higher, but it's got to be better for Australian manufacturing than lining the coffers of overseas manufacturers when we we read "Korean car sales are booming". I hope for Ford and GMH's future in Australia this stems that cash flow exodus.

Team,
Over the past few months I have received suggestions, enquiries and requests from many Ford Australia employees on how they can assist Ford's progress in the drive to increase sales, and in particular how, if it was possible, the Company could provide an opportunity for all employees to be ambassadors (or advocates) for the Company, which would enable them to provide their friends a special purchase price on selected Ford products.

I am very pleased to announce that the following offer will be provided to all Ford Employees, Ford Contractors, and Retirees:

· Special discounted pricing for two of your friends#, plus $500 (Incl. GST) worth of Genuine Ford or Supplier Branded Accessories absolutely free!^
· Ford Contractors* are also eligible for an additional two personal purchases
· Eligible vehicles:
· All 2007 or 2008 plate vehicles
· 2009 plate SY Territory
· 2009 plate FG Falcon Sedan / Ute (up to & including April build)
· 2009 plate SY Territory MkII (up to & including May build)
· Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) are not included in this Program
· Offer only available through Southern Region Ford Dealer
· Eligible vehicles must be ordered & delivered between May 1 - June 30, 2009
· No Reportable Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)#

What do you need to do?
· Use the attached information to let your friends know about the great deals available
· Obtain a Ford Friends Purchase Authority Form from your HR Representative
· Complete the form and have it signed by your HR Representative
· Provide your friend with the approved form, which they should present to a Ford Dealer at the time of purchase

Ensure you take advantage of this amazing opportunity to offer your friends the mates' rates they've been asking you for!

Regards,

Marin Burela

^Excluding fitment.
#Please note that as a result of the FBT treatment of the program, relatives of employees/retirees/Ford contractors are not eligible to participate.

*Contractors who were former Ford employees will not be eligible to purchase personal vehicles.


Ford Friends Pricing
Cum-Feb 2009 Plate Falcon Passenger
18833 XT Sedan (5AT) 37,690 28,542
18834 G6 Sedan (5AT) 40,990 31,129
18838 H A G6E Sedan (6AT) 48,190 36,773
18835 XR6 Sedan (6MT) 40,990 29,399
18838 Y A G6E Turbo Sedan (6AT) 56,390 43,096
18835 Y M XR6 Turbo Sedan (6MT) 46,590 35,447
18835 Z M XR8 Sedan (6MT) 46,590 35,447
Post-Mar 2009 Plate Falcon Passenger
18833 XT Sedan (5AT) 38,290 28,512
18834 G6 Sedan (5AT) 41,490 31,020
18838 H A G6E Sedan (6AT) 48,490 36,507
18835 XR6 Sedan (6MT) 41,490 29,301
18838 Y A G6E Turbo Sedan (6AT) 56,490 42,676
18835 Y M XR6 Turbo Sedan (6MT) 46,990 35,262
18835 Z M XR8 Sedan (6MT) 46,990 35,262
Cum-Feb 2009 Plate Falcon Ute
45813 Falcon Ute C/Cab (6MT) 28,295 21,459
45814 R6 C/Cab (6MT) 30,295 23,047
45815 XR6 C/Cab Ute (6MT) 35,090 26,853
45873 Falcon Ute SSB (6MT) 28,695 21,777
45874 R6 SSB (6MT) 30,695 23,364
45875 XR6 SSB Ute (6MT) 35,490 26,171
45875 Y M XR6 Turbo SSB Ute (6MT) 39,490 30,294
45875 Z M XR8 SSB Ute (6MT) 39,490 31,794
Post-Mar 2009 Plate Falcon Ute
45813 Falcon Ute C/Cab (6MT) 29,295 21,357
45814 R6 C/Cab (6MT) 31,295 22,944
45815 XR6 C/Cab Ute (6MT) 36,090 26,751
45873 Falcon Ute SSB (6MT) 29,695 21,674
45874 R6 SSB (6MT) 31,695 23,262
45875 XR6 SSB Ute (6MT) 36,490 26,464
45875 Y M XR6 Turbo SSB Ute (6MT) 40,490 30,191
45875 Z M XR8 SSB Ute (6MT) 40,490 31,691
2009 Plate SY Territory
38521 RWD TX 38,490 27,166
38525 RWD TS 43,990 31,477
38527 RWD Ghia 51,990 37,747
38581 AWD TX 43,490 31,085
38585 AWD TS 48,990 35,396
38587 AWD Ghia 56,990 41,666
38588 AWD Turbo 53,990 39,314
38589 AWD Turbo Ghia 65,920 48,287
2009 Plate SY Territory MkII
38921 RWD TX 39,490 31,952
38925 RWD TS 44,490 35,871
38927 RWD Ghia 52,490 42,141
38981 AWD TX 44,490 35,871
38985 AWD TS 49,490 39,790
38987 AWD Ghia 57,490 46,004
38989 AWD Turbo Ghia 66,420 52,773
2008 Plate WQ Fiesta
17531 LX 3 Dr Hatch (MT) 15,990 15,320
17551 LX 5 Dr Hatch (MT) 16,490 15,788
17535 Zetec 3 Dr Hatch (MT) 18,490 16,997
17555 Zetec 5 Dr Hatch (MT) 18,990 17,447
17558 Ghia 5 Dr Hatch (MT) 20,490 18,799
17534 XR4 Hatch (MT) 24,990 23,516
2008 Plate LT Focus
16737 CL Sedan (MT) 20,490 18,074
16727 CL Hatch (MT) 20,490 18,074
16735 LX Sedan (MT) 23,990 20,287
16725 LX Hatch (MT) 23,990 20,287
16731 Zetec Sedan (MT) 26,490 22,457
16721 Zetec Hatch (MT) 26,490 22,457
16739 Ghia Sedan (AT) 29,490 25,061
16729 Ghia Hatch (AT) 29,490 25,061
16822 XR5 Turbo Hatch 36,990 30,107
16726 TDCi Diesel Hatch (MT) 27,990 22,969
16711 Coupe-Cabriolet 45,490 32,485
2008 Plate MA Mondeo
19741 LX 4Dr (AT) 29,990 26,032
19742 Zetec 4Dr (AT) 34,990 30,372
19752 Zetec 5Dr (AT) 34,990 30,372
19743 TDCi 4Dr (AT) 37,990 30,976
19753 TDCi 5Dr (AT) 37,990 30,976
19722 XR5 (MT) 41,990 35,448
2008 Plate ZD Escape
34842 XLT 31,990 26,873
2008 Plate PJ Ranger
57732 4x2 2.5l Diesel R/C CC 21,990 18,949
57734 4x2 2.5l Diesel R/C PU 23,990 19,630
57733 4x2 3.0l Diesel R/C CC 27,490 22,573
57738 4x2 3.0l Diesel S/C CC 29,990 24,675
57737 4x2 3.0l Diesel D/C CC (AT) 34,590 28,542
57739 4x2 3.0l Diesel S/C PU 30,990 25,516
57736 4x2 3.0l Diesel D/C PU 32,590 26,861
57741 4x4 3.0l Diesel R/C CC 31,990 25,696
57744 4x4 3.0l Diesel S/C CC 35,990 29,059
57743 4x4 3.0l Diesel S/C XL PU 36,990 29,900
57751 4x4 3.0l Diesel S/C XLT PU 42,990 34,945
57749 4x4 3.0l Diesel D/C XL CC 37,990 30,741
57746 4x4 3.0l Diesel D/C XL PU 38,990 31,582
57750 4x4 3.0l Diesel D/C XLT PU 44,990 36,626
2008 Plate Transit
54809 SWB Van FWD 2.2 TD 34,990 30,335
54810 MWB Van FWD 2.2 TD 36,490 31,597
54814 SWB Van RWD 2.4TD 38,490 33,279
54816 MWB Van RWD 2.4TD 40,490 34,962
54819 LWB Van RWD 2.4TD 42,990 36,165
54818 LWB (3.6t) Jumbo Van RWD 2.4TD 44,990 37,848
54845 LWB (4.5t) Jumbo Van RWD 2.4TD 46,990 39,530
54820 LWB Single Cab C/C RWD 2.4TD 37,990 31,959
54821 EF LWB Single Cab C/C RWD 2.4TD 41,990 35,324
54827 LWB Dual Cab C/C RWD 2.4TD 41,490 34,903
54828 EF LWB Dual Cab C/C RWD 2.4TD 45,490 38,268
54833 LWB Bus RWD 2.4TD 50,990 42,895
Note * Plus $500 worth of Genuine Ford Accessories!
Includes all current Retail Incentives.

[Road Warrior]

Ford Friends Pricing
Post-Mar 2009 Plate Falcon Passenger
18838 Y A G6E Turbo Sedan (6AT) 56,490 42,67618835 Y M XR6 Turbo Sedan (6MT) 46,990 35,262


Holy crap!

Just goes to show how much 'meat' there is in car maker's profit margins to offer discounts like that.

[Carby]

I think Holden should start looking over it's shoulder. Ford is not too far behind them in total sales (for the month) , and the difference in Falcon to Commodore sales is less than a thousand. Take out the Sportswagon and the Falcon sedan may already be selling better than the Commodore sedan.

My tip is that the Falcon will outsell the Commodore by years end - the upgraded engines we hear off so often will come too late in my opinion to forestall them losing P1 sales position.

[nang3]

Funny how I recall all the Ford fans rambling on about how Holden only sell so many cars because of extreme discounting, while Ford doesn't discount and therefore has a much higher profit margin etc... This seems to contradict all that.
I'm glad I don't know anybody that works at Ford (nor would I want to). I wouldn't drive one of their pos if they gave it to me for free.

morning cyclops troll !!!!

thats a great price on a G6E Turbo!!!!

[snappy]

this is my 1st holden, so i was never into the holden vs ford side of things.

literally the one thing that made me not buy a ford - the steering wheel. my god its the ugliest heap of turd i have ever seen. the new FPV's are even worse. 2nd was the interiors - very very cheap and plain looking.

and HSV700, i think 5.4L is enough? its just the dinasour technology they are using that its not upto your standards. the europeans and the japs can and do make engines with a smaller capacity that will hand the 5.4 its rear on a plate any day.


This made my day . Stick to what you know mate judging steering wheels.
I would also like to see a list of these jap and euro motors that will hand the 5.4 its rear as you put it . For the same price . Then if you manage that find one that matches the 4l turbo - F6 was voted the best sportscar in the world for under 100k (top gear magazine).
Also when did dohc become dinosour technology.
The truth of the matter is both ford and holden makes really good cars for the money we pay . An its attitudes like yours is the reason we will lose them in the future. Bang for buck aussie all the way.

[Mikey]

morning cyclops troll !!!!
Excuse me! How is he a troll? One eyed absolutely but a troll!!! This is a Holden forum and he is pro Holden, Big deal. If he posted this post on a Ford forum, I would agree with you. He is no more one eyed than some anti Holden posts I have seen posted by proFord fans on a particular Ford forum and I say, “good on em”!

I don't necessarily agree with much of what VECOMMO post (or what I have seen on other forums for that matter) but he (and they) are entitled to their opinions. Just because VECOMMO does not like what you drive it doesn’t mean he is a troll.

Harden up princess!

[nang3]

ROFL calm down mate, you are right though - a troll wasnt the right word for him but hes definitely a one eyed fanboi thats for sure !!


"I'm glad I don't know anybody that works at Ford (nor would I want to). I wouldn't drive one of their pos if they gave it to me for free."

that doesnt sound much like an automotive performance enthusiast like the majority of those on here does it??

[BLACK 346]

vecommo;"I'm glad I don't know anybody that works at Ford (nor would I want to). I wouldn't drive one of their pos if they gave it to me for free.


nang3;1496070]ROFL calm down mate, you are right though - a troll wasnt the right word for him but hes definitely a one eyed fanboi thats for sure. that doesnt sound much like an automotive performance enthusiast like the majority of those on here does it?? !!




I agree, how could you possibly get that upset at a particular
brand of car. It's not like one of them might have rogered your
mrs or something :werd:

[kpop]

This made my day . Stick to what you know mate judging steering wheels.


what can i say, im aesthetically minded. appearance plays a large role in my vehicle choice. i dont want to spend all my driving time staring at an ugly pile of turd. even the new fords, they just look a mess to me, much like federation square.

[lowriding]

45875 XR6 SSB Ute (6MT) 26,171
45875 Y M XR6 Turbo SSB Ute (6MT) 30,294


jesus cheap XR6 ute $26k , XR6 turbo ute $30k :shock:

[vecommo]

Excuse me! How is he a troll? One eyed absolutely but a troll!!! This is a Holden forum and he is pro Holden, Big deal. If he posted this post on a Ford forum, I would agree with you. He is no more one eyed than some anti Holden posts I have seen posted by proFord fans on a particular Ford forum and I say, “good on em”!

I don't necessarily agree with much of what VECOMMO post (or what I have seen on other forums for that matter) but he (and they) are entitled to their opinions. Just because VECOMMO does not like what you drive it doesn’t mean he is a troll.

Harden up princess!

Thank you Mikey for setting the record straight.... well said.

I am well aware there are a certain minority here who despise me, but you know what? I couldn't give a rats behind. This is an automotive forum, not a popularity contest and I will speak my mind as I am free to do so, rather than modify my opinions to keep this certain minority happy. Those who do not like what I say can either like it or lump it, but rest assured I will not be losing a microsecond of sleep either way.

Yes, I have a strong dislike for the vehicles which Ford produces.... It probably all started in the 80's and 90's when I was growing up, watching Holden bring out cars such as the Group A's, VL Turbos, Walkinshaw etc etc, while all Ford could manage during this period was a series of bland, asthmatic and shoddily built taxis with about as much appeal as a concrete slab. They have, without a doubt, brought us some of the most horrid vehicles ever to grace our roads... XD-XF, EA, AU and now the terribly ugly FG to name a few, and these memories cannot be erased.

My hatred for the brand however, stems not so much from the cars themselves, but the sheer arrogance of a) The company itself; and b) It's supporters and their attitude towards Holden.
Read a Ford press release and it is so full of self praise that they would have you believe they cannot possibly put a foot wrong..... This is from a company that, in the 21st century, cannot properly design a braking system, fit balljoints that do not break, or build vehicles that do not rust.
Their handling of the brake failure issue is another prime example of their sheer arrogance, gambling with peoples lives, then only acting after they had been backed into a corner by the media. Even then they still did a half arsed job by only recalling the Territory, despite a significant number of reports of the same issue with the Falcon.

Then there is the sheer arrogance of its supporters. Not a day goes by when there are numerous derogatory anti-Holden threads on the Ford Forums, making a mockery of Holden, its cars and its supporters. Take some time to read through them then compare the attitudes of the members there compared to those here. Despite all this, although I strongly disagree with what they are saying, they are on their own forum and they have a right to say whatever they like.
What really gets to me however, is that they have the sheer audacity to come to this HOLDEN forum and offer absolutely no input to the discussion other than to:
a) Question, attack and antagonise anybody who may dare have a negative opinion of Ford.
b) Ridicule the Holden product and its supporters.
c) Push and promote the Ford product and their pro-Ford agendas, with the intention of 'converting' us.
Those who meet the above criteria are otherwise known as 'TROLLS'.

How about I join up to the Ford Forum and do nothing but promote Holden and attack anybody who has an anti-Holden opinion? I'd love to see the reaction I would get... I wouldn't do that however, as that is just SAD.

As a Holden enthusiast, I am grateful that this forum exists and I have the upmost respect for the people who run it and the majority of the members here, however the quality of this forum is being ruined by the trolls which I have described above...they are the main contributing factor for threads turning to shit here and something needs to be done to restore this to a place where Holden enthusiasts can discuss Holdens without having to constantly put up with their BS.

[FatBoy]

I've always been a Holden man, have never owned a Ford.

I'd happily own a FG XR6T or FPV, they are very very nice cars. Lay off the crack champ...

[pah]

I've always been a Holden man, have never owned a Ford.

I'd happily own a FG XR6T or FPV, they are very very nice cars. Lay off the crack champ...

Ford in The USA seems to be doing OK. No: 2 in the market place again.

I sold my VY Gen III and bought a new FG XR6T. My 6 speed manual is mighty clunky. If I'd known that, I'd have bought the 6 speed auto - it's apparently a gem of a gear box. XR6T economy is a tad better than the Gen III and it pulls like a Saturn 5 Rocket. The FG XR6T also handles quite well straight out of the box.

My advice - DON'T BUY AN XR6T MANUAL! The bare minimum would be to take an XR6T manual for a very thorough test run before making up your mind. Trickle the car down a quiet road in 1st gear on a feathered throttle (balancing between accelaration and deceleration) at about 5-10 km/h.



PAH

[Ghia351]

I think Holden should start looking over it's shoulder. Ford is not too far behind them in total sales (for the month) , and the difference in Falcon to Commodore sales is less than a thousand. Take out the Sportswagon and the Falcon sedan may already be selling better than the Commodore sedan.

My tip is that the Falcon will outsell the Commodore by years end - the upgraded engines we hear off so often will come too late in my opinion to forestall them losing P1 sales position.Not so sure about that however to help Holden along the S.A government has told it's fleet dept to replace all Mitsu 380's with VE's...apparently fuel economy isn't a factor....

[BossV8]

Employee discount is 22%, plus there are the bonuses that was outlines in the email from the president.

I suppose it has it downsides, but then again on the flipside, it gets cars off the lot from the factory, it keeps stock moving. It keeps the factory workers and subcontractors in work, while they weather the financial storm. Sure it means a much less profit margin in the present but once things (hopefully) pick up, they are in a position where they still have their best workers. Resale values wouldnt be as affected as selling to the public with subsidized discounts. It's also better than a heap of cars registered as company cars or demo's sitting on a lot yet not even driven to boost sales numbers on paper.

vecommo am I still on your ignore list? I miss our little tiffs....lol

[nang3]

Thank you Mikey for setting the record straight.... well said.

I am well aware there are a certain minority here who despise me, but you know what? I couldn't give a rats behind. This is an automotive forum, not a popularity contest and I will speak my mind as I am free to do so, rather than modify my opinions to keep this certain minority happy. Those who do not like what I say can either like it or lump it, but rest assured I will not be losing a microsecond of sleep either way.

Yes, I have a strong dislike for the vehicles which Ford produces.... It probably all started in the 80's and 90's when I was growing up, watching Holden bring out cars such as the Group A's, VL Turbos, Walkinshaw etc etc, while all Ford could manage during this period was a series of bland, asthmatic and shoddily built taxis with about as much appeal as a concrete slab. They have, without a doubt, brought us some of the most horrid vehicles ever to grace our roads... XD-XF, EA, AU and now the terribly ugly FG to name a few, and these memories cannot be erased.

My hatred for the brand however, stems not so much from the cars themselves, but the sheer arrogance of a) The company itself; and b) It's supporters and their attitude towards Holden.
Read a Ford press release and it is so full of self praise that they would have you believe they cannot possibly put a foot wrong..... This is from a company that, in the 21st century, cannot properly design a braking system, fit balljoints that do not break, or build vehicles that do not rust.
Their handling of the brake failure issue is another prime example of their sheer arrogance, gambling with peoples lives, then only acting after they had been backed into a corner by the media. Even then they still did a half arsed job by only recalling the Territory, despite a significant number of reports of the same issue with the Falcon.

Then there is the sheer arrogance of its supporters. Not a day goes by when there are numerous derogatory anti-Holden threads on the Ford Forums, making a mockery of Holden, its cars and its supporters. Take some time to read through them then compare the attitudes of the members there compared to those here. Despite all this, although I strongly disagree with what they are saying, they are on their own forum and they have a right to say whatever they like.
What really gets to me however, is that they have the sheer audacity to come to this HOLDEN forum and offer absolutely no input to the discussion other than to:
a) Question, attack and antagonise anybody who may dare have a negative opinion of Ford.
b) Ridicule the Holden product and its supporters.
c) Push and promote the Ford product and their pro-Ford agendas, with the intention of 'converting' us.
Those who meet the above criteria are otherwise known as 'TROLLS'.

How about I join up to the Ford Forum and do nothing but promote Holden and attack anybody who has an anti-Holden opinion? I'd love to see the reaction I would get... I wouldn't do that however, as that is just SAD.

As a Holden enthusiast, I am grateful that this forum exists and I have the upmost respect for the people who run it and the majority of the members here, however the quality of this forum is being ruined by the trolls which I have described above...they are the main contributing factor for threads turning to shit here and something needs to be done to restore this to a place where Holden enthusiasts can discuss Holdens without having to constantly put up with their BS.

some reasonable points and of course some blatant fanboy comments too.... good on ya for speaking ya mind as i reckon the world is too PC nowadays, but just dont expect people to show you much patience or pay attention when you go on like a mindless Holden Nazi about how crap fords are.

In fact it sounds like you've never driven an FG turbo ford as most Holden enthusiasts who have do actually admit it is a great car as they can see past the badge and recognise it as another good performance car along with their Holdens.
But like you said its your opinion and if you want to keep a narrow mind thats up to you.



What really gets to me however, is that they have the sheer audacity to come to this HOLDEN forum and offer absolutely no input to the discussion other than to:
a) Question, attack and antagonise anybody who may dare have a negative opinion of Ford.
b) Ridicule the Holden product and its supporters.
c) Push and promote the Ford product and their pro-Ford agendas, with the intention of 'converting' us.
Those who meet the above criteria are otherwise known as 'TROLLS'.


I agree, there is no place for one eyed ford supporters like that - fair enough light hearted banter and piss taking will always be around - but blatant one eyed narrow minded fanboyism of any brand is a waste of time and space and doesnt exactly fit in with the goals of an online forum, which IMO is to share information and discussions about certain products and their competitors.
But of course there are trolls and one eyed supporters in all brands, and by your own admission you happen to be a one eyed holden fan which is fair enough.
Me personally, i dont give a fark about a brand name, its history or company politics or any other crap.. as long as the car is the best that i can get for my budget in terms of looks, performance and fulfilling any other criteria then i really dont give a shiit what badge it has

[FatBoy]

Ford in The USA seems to be doing OK. No: 2 in the market place again.

I sold my VY Gen III and bought a new FG XR6T. My 6 speed manual is mighty clunky. If I'd known that, I'd have bought the 6 speed auto - it's apparently a gem of a gear box. XR6T economy is a tad better than the Gen III and it pulls like a Saturn 5 Rocket. The FG XR6T also handles quite well straight out of the box.

My advice - DON'T BUY AN XR6T MANUAL! The bare minimum would be to take an XR6T manual for a very thorough test run before making up your mind. Trickle the car down a quiet road in 1st gear on a feathered throttle (balancing between accelaration and deceleration) at about 5-10 km/h.



Still tossing up which way to go next mate...

I'd love a VE but the missus won't drive a manual - so auto it has to be.
Problem is the VE is a cracking car, let down by a shitty auto 'box. The Ford 6spd auto is sensational - and probably the reason why i might end up in a (shudder ! :) ) Ford for the first time ever...

[nang3]

FatBoy - have you driven a G6E turbo??? if not go take one for a lap as they suit the ZF auto perfectly.. make sure you give it a bit of loud pedal once its warmed up as it really transforms the car from conservative quiet luxo cruiser to 12 second animal

[davus]

Reverse everything you just said ( except the steering wheel, it may not be the prettiest but a silly reason not to buy a car! ) and you will be closer to making any sense

Dude - you have a "ford" username, visitng an LS1 forum, with your current ride being listed as a landcruiser!.......confused much????

:)

Just kidding mate - couldnt help it.


FatBoy - have you driven a G6E turbo??? if not go take one for a lap as they suit the ZF auto perfectly.. make sure you give it a bit of loud pedal once its warmed up as it really transforms the car from conservative quiet luxo cruiser to 12 second animal

This is actually totally correct. I had the pleasure of driving one of these cars for a few weeks - starting with 2 km/s on the clock. There is no doubt it was an awesome car to drive. Quick, quiet and smoooooth.

[FireArc]

Ford in The USA seems to be doing OK. No: 2 in the market place again.

First in the market place now...

http://fordnewsblog.wordpress.com/2009/05/02/ford-usa-outsells-toyota-in-april/


My advice - DON'T BUY AN XR6T MANUAL!

As far as i was aware, both Holden and Ford now share the same manual transmission? TR6060? Happy to be corrected...either way the box is tough as nails (generally).

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Far out how did this thread turn from employee discounts to this...you get biased and fascist people on all forums. Its actually quite naive to use this as a reason to hate a brand...you will get it any forum you go to including this forum.

Every car manufacturer is doing it tough.

[Excellent]

FatBoy - have you driven a G6E turbo??? if not go take one for a lap as they suit the ZF auto perfectly.. make sure you give it a bit of loud pedal once its warmed up as it really transforms the car from conservative quiet luxo cruiser to 12 second animal

Choices, choices!!! :)

We are definitely spoiled for choices. I was looking seriously at a VE but now I'm not so sure. Maybe I do need to hop into a Ford to see what all the fuss is about. Maybe then Holden might take my business a bit more seriously. :vpo:

[Carby]

FatBoy - have you driven a G6E turbo??? if not go take one for a lap as they suit the ZF auto perfectly.. make sure you give it a bit of loud pedal once its warmed up as it really transforms the car from conservative quiet luxo cruiser to 12 second animal


Must be special - haven't even seen a FG F6 time so fast.

As a matter of fact the last test I saw (wheels Mag) the FPV GT was quicker around the racetrack than the F6 and a VE GTS was about a second quicker.

Apparently all that grunt comes in too much of a rush and cannot be applied easily to the racetrack.

Maybe they should have used a G6ET?:confused:

[Excellent]

Every car manufacturer is doing it tough.

Absolutely.

[SS V8]

C'mon guys get back on track. :vpo:

This post was all about the tough economic climate and the effect it's having on manufacturers who are now offering deals previously unheard of to move stock and stay in business. :goodjob:

Holden and HSV did it and from what I learnt it worked, so well to the point that the stock now held is a lot less than previous, hence delivery times are the norm now rather than move stock around to meet the order.
Dealers are not as flexible to move and swap, would rather keep to sell themselves ?
Which means the usual stock clearance deals will not be what we have seen previously as stock to clear will be minimul.... well until the economy turns around.

I want to hear who has done better ? Has the stock been snapped up ? What's GMH's response going to be, do they need one ?

[FireArc]

Must be special - haven't even seen a FG F6 time so fast.

As a matter of fact the last test I saw (wheels Mag) the FPV GT was quicker around the racetrack than the F6 and a VE GTS was about a second quicker.

Apparently all that grunt comes in too much of a rush and cannot be applied easily to the racetrack.

Maybe they should have used a G6ET?:confused:

G'day

A lady in Perth took her stock FG F6 down to motorplex a few weeks back and scored a 12.69 at Motorplex. This was talked about in the LS1 drag racing section:

Australian LS1 and Holden Forums - View Single Post - FG F6 1/4mile run (http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=1402868&postcount=86)

as you can imagine it caused a bit of a stir on AFF:

Australian Ford Forums (http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11244545)

She then took it back a few weeks later to the Holden Vs Ford day and did a 12.59 second 1/4 mile, still stock as a rock:

Australian Ford Forums (http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257894)

Interestingly the 12.59 second result was a race with a W427 that went one tenth quicker...

Another one went 12.61 @ willowbank stock... Australian Ford Forums (http://www.fordforums.com.au/showpost.php?p=2636316&postcount=5)

Wheels got 12.9 when they compared it with a Porsche and a GTR.

Checkout posts 74 and 75 where two LS1 forums members talk about the article...

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=106970&highlight=f6&page=5

Hope this helps,

Cheers,

Edit: Sorry SS_V8...had the reply window open for a while before you posted...back on track now...

[fatbob]

My 2 cents about the back on track - whereas its annoying that threads get taken offline, I think it shows where and what people are thinking which is what the car makers should actually be looking at - what people are really thinking about. Long as its not just some rant about how so&so isn't as pretty as some other so&so - or a couple of folks just using the forum as an excuse to ... well do whatever.

Yeah - I like sometimes how these threads deviate off original topic.
Sometimes .....

Sorry bout that ssv8 - can totally understand your wanting to get back on track though.

[Excellent]

G'day

A lady in Perth took her stock FG F6 down to motorplex a few weeks back and scored a 12.69 at Motorplex. This was talked about in the LS1 drag racing section:

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showpost.php?p=1402868&postcount=86

as you can imagine it caused a bit of a stir on AFF:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11244545

She then took it back a few weeks later and did a 12.59 second 1/4 mile, still stock as a rock:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11257894


Wheels got 12.9 when they compared it with a Porsche and a GTR.

Checkout posts 74 and 75 where two LS1 forums members talk about the article...

http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=106970&highlight=f6&page=5

Hope this helps,

Cheers,

Edit: Sorry SS_V8...had the reply window open for a while before you posted...back on track now...

It would be good if the links were available for all to see. Damn, I wanted to see that video. :bawl:

[bigdogdazza]

I just enquired at my local holden dealer for a new m6ssv with most options and the best he said could do was 59k plus orc needless to say I laughed and walked away so how can I get my greasy mits on a c/sport for 51? PLEASE tell me!

[SS V8]

On another issue related to making a decision to buy or not.

I recently noticed colleagues who missed the jump to a new car during the Holden December sales that the interest rate charged by lease companies which had been around 8.5% some 18months ago dropped to 4.8% in December, has now jumped back to 7.5%.

Those lucky enough to get in would be saving around half the interest rate charges than now. We worked it out over three years on a Clubbsport to be around $10,000 over three years which made the decision so much easier to make. A newer car, under warranty, less klms at lease end than hanging onto the current one and a residual after 3 years of $22,000...on a 317kw R8. Done deal.
:goodjob:

When I rang and asked them why in this climate have you pumped your rates up, siting the obvious question: "don't you want customers" their answer was "they" are being charged more for the money they use to purchase your car, naturally passing that increase onto you their paying customer.:flipoff:

When the deals on offer are this good, even though you think maybe not, the economics prove otherwise. As the Holden and Ford deals will not be around forever getting in now while they are doing deals like this may be the best decision you make, since time and time again, after every crash there is a boom, and, interest rates will rise, prices will rise and businesses start to recover and make money, and you the customer pay more.
The world still turns, just for some it turns at a cheaper rate than others.

When I posted the HSV deals in December others said "oh don't worry they would come back again", well they haven't and won't. The stock sold and they have learnt their lesson of not to have too much stock in reserve. Those days are gone. Plant shutdown days, four day working week at Ford Geelong are a sign of the times. :bawl:

Ford too is now desperate and has been forced to do the same. In the end whether your a Ford or Holden supporter now is the time to stop import flood and buy Australian. Stop waiting for "the boy who cried wolf" scenario to happen, the deals are terrific, if you can afford it, take advantage and save our manufacturing.

Here endeth the lesson. Amen.:bow:

[XmFoRdFaLcOn]

Dude - you have a "ford" username, visitng an LS1 forum, with your current ride being listed as a landcruiser!.......confused much????

:)

Just kidding mate - couldnt help it.

Hehe no worries mate, was actually wondering how long it would take someone to notice. I joined years ago, at the time I had a 64 XM falcon project car ( 302 windsor, c4 etc ) Have had many cars since then. Currently an 80 series cruiser as I was heading towards losing my licence with fast street cars. So now I go drive over things...legally ;P

While technically my partners car...Our "other" car is a BA futura

I'm not here to stir crap at all. I like to see what the opposition is doing. Also I'm a mechanic and forums are a great way to keep up to date with issues to expect from different types of vehicles. After all, theyre often noticed, discussed and rectified on here, long before anyone else hears about it

[nang3]

Must be special - haven't even seen a FG F6 time so fast.

As a matter of fact the last test I saw (wheels Mag) the FPV GT was quicker around the racetrack than the F6 and a VE GTS was about a second quicker.

Apparently all that grunt comes in too much of a rush and cannot be applied easily to the racetrack.

Maybe they should have used a G6ET?:confused:

there is a local FG F6 (stock on factory tyres IIRC) here (driven by a woman no less :bawl: ) that has run consistent 12.6's down at the motorplex.. 12.8-12.9's seems to the rough average for the G6ET ..

I dont know why but the G6ET feels and i think is fractionally quicker than an auto XR6T - same driveline etc apart from the G6ET missing out on an LSD for whatever stupid reason the bean counters came up with.. although the G6ET i drove had no problems kicking sideways in the dry on takeoff very easily, felt like an LSD.


**just noticed FireArc posted all this and more previous to this post.. my bad

[FireArc]

It would be good if the links were available for all to see. Damn, I wanted to see that video. :bawl:

Oh didn't the links work?

[Excellent]

Oh didn't the links work?

You need to be a member there.