The future of Ford....

knightmare1015 · #1 10-15-2011, 03:14 PM

Now that we all know that Ford is getting rid of alot of models this year, my question is this. What is their future outlook towards product development and other technologies? What are they doing to, or going to do to improve their products? Where do you guys think that ford can improve what they have to offer to compete with the other manufacturers?
I'll go ahead and start where I think they could improve. I think that Ford would do well to explore technology involved with building their own version of an I4 or 6 cylinder diesel engine. I think the smaller diesel engine market has been neglected over the years myself, but that's just me though. I also think it would shake things up in the auto industry as well.

Sonic04edge · #2 10-15-2011, 03:16 PM

We dont have much of a demand for small diesel in the states. As much as we would like to have them. There just isn't a market for them here.

lovemud · #3 10-15-2011, 03:19 PM

IMO i think wit ford not taking the bail out a few years back kind hurt them and by taking models of the line should get for back up the the RED and help the comp out some

Tom · #4 10-15-2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knightmare1015

Now that we all know that Ford is getting rid of alot of models this year

Exactly what models are they getting rid of (besides the Ranger of course)?

99rangerguy · #5 10-15-2011, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom

Exactly what models are they getting rid of (besides the Ranger of course)?

This. ^

Ranger_EDGE · #6 10-15-2011, 03:47 PM

crown vic is now gone

Fordzilla80 · #7 10-15-2011, 03:51 PM

Ford will advance when technology advances. The better question is what technology will bring us next, because what Ford is working on now is obviously something that has already been discovered.

knightmare1015 · #8 10-15-2011, 03:55 PM

So far these vehicles have came up. The Crown Vic, Ranger, they mentioned the Fusion a few times, but I kindly doubt it and the Mercury line is consider gone as well. That's what I got from that CNBC episode called "Ford rebuilding an american icon". They're suppose to do an updated version pretty soon.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonic04edge

We dont have much of a demand for small diesel in the states. As much as we would like to have them. There just isn't a market for them here.

I know, but I would like to see it though (smaller diesels that is).

DHEM · #9 10-15-2011, 03:55 PM

well other than the Ranger, the sport trac died, the crown vic died, e-series is in question, expedition is in question, and the flex has a small possibility, but there was one with a masked off front end seen driving around a few months back. Plus Ford is killing off other platforms around the world, such as the falcon which is planned to be replaced by the taurus.
I think the Escape might get axed or something, Their is sopposedly a concept one driving around but Ford s also saying that the c-max will be brought to america, so i dont know what going on there.

Fordzilla80 · #10 10-15-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DHEM

Ford s also saying that the c-max will be brought to america, so i dont know what going on there.

-.-

knightmare1015 · #11 10-15-2011, 04:06 PM

I think we can safely say that Ford Motor Company is sneaky. Ford did mention getting rid of the Fusion a couple of times, but I really don't know why they would though.

DHEM · #12 10-15-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordzilla80

-.-

c-max to be brought to america

And the future escape

maybe im the only one who sees a problem with 2 vehicles that are virtually the same being sold in the same market

Sonic04edge · #13 10-15-2011, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by knightmare1015

So far these vehicles have came up. The Crown Vic, Ranger, they mentioned the Fusion a few times, but I kindly doubt it and the Mercury line is consider gone as well. That's what I got from that CNBC episode called "Ford rebuilding an american icon". They're suppose to do an updated version pretty soon.

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I know, but I would like to see it though (smaller diesels that is).

Fusion isn't going anywhere its one of their best selling cars. After owning a 2010 for a year they are a great car. Ford did it right with that car.

knightmare1015 · #14 10-15-2011, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonic04edge

Fusion isn't going anywhere its one of their best selling cars. After owning a 2010 for a year they are a great car. Ford did it right with that car.

I know and feel the same way, why people mention this model is beyond me. It would be a stupid move on their part if they did. The Focus, Fusion, Fiesta, and F150 are their best selling vehicles right now. All I'm saying is that Ford mentioned it but never really said for sure that they're getting rid of it, and CNBC took that statement and blew it out of proportion. But then again look what happened when they discontinued the Taurus. It is possible for them to make the same mistake though.

OhioMike · #15 10-15-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

IMO i think wit ford not taking the bail out a few years back kind hurt them and by taking models of the line should get for back up the the RED and help the comp out some

The idea of the bailout was to help the companies that weren't doing well. Obviously, GM and Chrysler were hurting, and it was a matter of get funding or close up shop for good. GM was losing 11 billion a year. They were out of options, and none of the creditors were willing to extend more cash to them. FORD did the right thing by not taking the money, and they are trimming there product lines that aren't doing well, such as Mercury. A Lincoln/Mercury dealer by me already changed their sign to 'Lincoln'. Ford isn't in the red, and in fact, has been making money the last couple years. I think they showed confidence in their product, their company (employees and management), etc. by not taking the bailout, and there is a lot of criticism towards companies like GM that could not survive w/o taking taxpayer money -- eventhough they paid it back.