Falcon future unsure as Ford expected to cease AU manufacturing in 2016

Ford hasn't said anything about it, but those who predict and those who do business with Ford in Australia expect The Blue Oval to cease production there as of 2016. The primary reason cited is the arrival of Euro 5 emissions standards on November 1, 2016, which are too stringent for the company's bread-and-butterFalcon sedan and Territory crossover to pass. It's been said that it would cost Ford millions to reengineer and retool, but sales of the Falcon sedan have been down for so long now that Ford announced earlier this month that 440 people would be let go from its two plants there.

In fact, Ford has slowly pulled back its local Aussie position for years, closing its Geelong engine plant in 2010 at a cost of 600 jobs, as the value of the Australian dollar, cautious consumers and tarriff reductions in the overall market have made imports tougher competition and depressed margins. It is the Falcon's troubles that are especially painful, though, causing a four-week plant idling in August and a planned production cut of 25 percent in November.

In view of Ford's moves and the company's silence on its plans, suppliers have been rewriting their business plans for a future without Ford Australia, letting go of workers and going into receivership. Ford's departure would mean the loss of 3,000 jobs directly, with more to come in the supply chain and incidental industries. Also lost should this come to be: the legendary rivalry between the Falcon and General Motors' Holden Commodore, not to mention that between Ford Performance Vehicles (the FPV GT from 2008 is pictured above) and Holden Special Vehicles.

The front- and all-wheel-drive Ford Taurus range is expected to replace the rear-wheel drive Falcon, and as as-yet-unnamed crossover would fill in for the Territory. Ford has had a manufacturing base Down Under since 1925 – leaving the country would mean only General Motors and Toyota would remain as domestic producers.

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Ford recalls 10,000+ 2013 Escape crossovers for brake-pedal interference issue

                                                             

A Ford factory employee noticed a potential issue with the carpet padding on the left side of the center console trim on the 2013 Ford Escape that has resulted in a recall of the hot-selling new crossover. If the padding gets out of position, it can push the trim piece out, reducing the clearance for the driver's feet between the accelerator and brake pedal. When the driver moves his or her foot from the accelerator and brake, it foot might hit the side of the brake pedal and increase the stopping distance.


Ford has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a full recall of all 10,000 Escape models has been initiated – that's 8,266 here in the States, a couple thousand in Canada and a couple hundred in Mexico. Owners will be notified later this month, at which time they can take their vehicles to the dealer for repair free of charge.

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Ford India launch the Fiesta Classic Titanium

                                      

Ford's trusty steed, the Fiesta Classic, even after the launch of the New Fiesta has soldiered on and done fairly well in the Indian market. Now, in line with their "Go Further" motto, Ford have today launched the Fiesta Classic Titanium, a new variant that slots in right between the existing CLXi and SXi variants.


In addition to the features currently available on the Fiesta Classic, the Classic Titanium carries a spruced-up exterior, with body-coloured ORVMs, blackened radiator grille and new alloys. The insides have received a shot in the arm too, with beige livening up proceedings, to go along with a Bluetooth-equipped stereo with speed-sensing volume controls and automatic speed-sensitive door locks.


Apart from these inclusions, the Classic Titanium remains mechanically identical to the other variants, and is available with the 1.6 Duratec petrol and 1.4 TDCi diesel engines. Ford quote ARAI-certified mileage for the diesel Classic Titanium at 32.38kpl, and 21.27kpl for the petrol.


Offered in six shades and clubbed with a two year/100,000km warranty, the Classic Titanium is now on sale for Rs 6.86 lakh for the petrol and Rs 7.82 lakh for the diesel (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi)


Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India, said, “We have been listening to our customers to offer a value proposition with smart technologies and best-in-class features with the introduction of the Titanium variant in our Ford Classic range. By bringing in Bluetooth telephony in this segment and integrating eight other outstanding features, we have delivered on our promise to democratise technology and add unmatched value to a reliable, fun-to-drive Ford Classic. With its refreshed interiors, amazing fuel-efficiency and performance, the Classic Titanium is one of the most compelling products in its segment today.”

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