If journalists and enthusiasts know how to fix Ford, why doesn't FoMoCo?

Another interesting piece in June's issue of Car and Driver is this article about Ford models that could go a long way to saving Ford. It looks to journalists and enthusiasts that the Way Forward includes a sidetrip to Ford's overseas models. The Falcon/Territory range of rear wheel drive vehiclesl from Australia.
The C1 Focus, including the ST hot hatch, from Europe is another no brainer. Hell, if this was available here in the US, it would be in my driveway as I type this.
But Ford has some great concepts from recent years that if they had the cajones to introduce could really bring some interest back to the brand. The Reflex is just one, obviously my favorite.
With all of the new "Hot Hatch" and CUV models coming out, how about the Faction? I tell you what, bring this out with a turbo 4 like Mazda's CX7 and don't forget the manual transmission option.
And how many times have I said the B-Segment Fiesta, and it's derivatives, would go a long way to bring new customers to Ford? Honda Fit my ass, the Fiesta is it's number 1 foe in Europe, one of the few Fords Honda really keeps an eye on, the other being the C1 Focus.

And as Car and Driver says, Ford should take a couple of risks on niche market cars like the Focus Cabriolet Coupe. I know it's in the US as the Volvo C70, but if I were a Ford dealer I would be screaming at Ford management to bring me product like this.

So I ask again, if journalists and enthusiasts can see these oportunities, why can't Ford ?

Car and Driver's spoof article a little late for April Fool's day, but still interesting

In the June issue of Car and Driver, John Philips wrote a spoof review of the fictional Ford Futura Sprint GTA wagon. And right from the start I have to say that I knew how to photoshop like these guys. They've done an excellent job of creating a Fusion wagon from a Mazda6 SportWagon. Now sure they did this as a joke, and a little late for April Fool's Day, but it was an interesting read none the less. The article is linked in the title field for you to read.
But aside from the humor, it's a great oportunity to see what a Fusion/Milan wagon may look like. Sure you have to ignore the driver's side rear suicide door, and the passenger side lack of a rear door, as well as the exhaust tip exiting from the quarter panel. But I hope Ford has taken a look at this article, with a thick skin, because behind the barbs in Philip's article is a chance to see what kind of buzz will be generated by this article.

I had noticed that AutoBlog had a short piece on the article, and if I check I'm sure I'll find that Jalopnik has made sport of it, but will there be others like myself that see the potential? Will Ford be able to look beyond the humor and recognize the potential?

I've been saying for quite a while, and I know there are others that feel the way I do, that Ford should introduce a wagon version of the Fusion/Milan. Also I've got to get on MY computer and learn PhotoShop, so I can do cool stuff like this.

It's Friday !

It's Friday, and that means you need to go over to Mark Tapscott's blog and check out the Carnival of Cars!!!

It's not up this early in the day, but hopefully Mark will have it up by mid-day. I know he's been plugging along with one hand since his recent injury and wish him a speedy recovery.

Don't forget to check out Bob's CarsCarsCars! blog and Joe Sherlock's ViewThroughTheWindshield, both linked at right.

Blogging still slow, too complicated to explain, but my computer access is limited right now. And no, I'm not in the county lockup or anything, just experiencing technical difficulties.

Random thoughts on new small cars, B and C segment entries

Like a lot of people over the last few months I've been squawking non stop about the need for new entry level cars that achieve better fuel economy and would be more affordable. The B-Segment cars available in many overseas markets. Cars like Toyota's Yaris, Honda's Fit and Ford's Fiesta. And this week there's quite a bit of information about these new entries online and in print. Online Robert Farago of the The Truth About Cars reviews the new Yaris and it's a good read.
Of course Mr Farago, can't resist flinging mud at the Pinto. Aparently he wasn't too happy with his first car and like many journalists print or otherwise, will not let the Big 3 forget the sins of the past. And while I liked my Pinto, that's probably a good thing. Ford can't afford to go at this half assed. Any new product needs to be their "A" game, even if it is a B Segment.
And I've said it before Ford has the car they need to compete in this segment, a world class entry that has a proven track record. And with spin offs of this chassis that cover more than just the 3/5 door as I've pointed out before. But what about the "C" segment? More on that below.
While some of the new models coming are B Segment, it has become clearer to me that not all are. Now I'm reading the term "C" segment, especially in regards to Nissan's Versa. But in the B Segment, expect the Honda Fit to dominate with it's excellent packaging and high quality. But in Europe and other markets, Ford goes head to head very well with the Fiesta.
So I guess the "C" segment is another way of saying Compact, which of course every manufacturer already has product in place. But the trend is to bring prices down in this segment. Now it's no secret that I want the C-1 Focus to come to the US, and based on my recent purchase of it's sibling Mazda3, I know it can be sold competatively, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
Volkswagen's reintroduction of the Rabbit, with lower content and price is one that caught me by surprise, and I think will bring back core customers to VW. But these C-Segment models aren't as fuel efficient as their B-Segment competitors, especially when you factor in the Honda Fit Hybrid that will eventually come to market. In fact the only one that will be a real economy achiever will be VW's TDI Rabbit.
But the biggest surprise for me was the new Nissan Versa. I had read that it was a new B-Segment model, but it's really just a rebadged Renault Megane, a C segment model in size and economy. I guess the Sentra is moving up in size and price. The Versa will have a base price around $12k, less than even the Honda Fit, but it's Focus sized and only gets 32 mpg.

So now I've got to organize my thoughts more clearly. In the B segment we will have the Fit, Yaris and Aveo all achieving 40 mpg, but the Honda will be priced closer to the larger C segment cars? Chrysler has brought out the new Caliber to replace the Neon and fill their C slot with a base price around $13,500 it's very close to the Yaris and Versa, but so is the existing Focus. The Focus C170 US version has a base price of $14k for the 3 door and with discounts the price is right there. And the Focus with the 2.0 L achieves 34 mpg, not really that far off the B segment models. So it seems that the "bottom" of the market is getting more confusing. If you're looking for low price, there are options. If you're looking for higher milage there are options also. And of course if you want both low price and better milage there are options, but not as clear.

The best for economy will be the VW Rabbit with the TDI Diesel and the upcoming Honda Fit Hybrid, but neither will be below $17k by my estimate. And if you're just shopping price, the Focus is still a viable option, as are the Versa, Yaris and Aveo. I'm still thinking that Ford should bring the Fiesta here and move the Focus up a little when they bring the C1 here, but it may have been a smart move on their part to delay until 2008/2009. Only time will tell, but it's going to be interesting how these new models shake out.

Ford S-Max review from UK. When was the last time you heard the word "dynamic" about a minivan?

I found this review of Ford's S-Max people mover on the UK website Auto Express, and it just makes you think. If Ford can make such compitent vehicles in Europe, why can't they do this in the US? As Ford sidesteps out of the US mini van market in the near future, they build 3 different sucessful models for Europe.

Read the review and ask yourself when the last time you read "Dynamic" about a Ford product? Why are the best Fords either overseas or "partner" product? Why am I driving a Mazda instead of a Ford?

Ford Diesels down under

To remind readers, the Ford Territory is an Australian Car based SUV crossover, similar to the Ford FreeStyle here in the US. Based on the Falcon chassis, with optional all wheel drive and powered by Falcon I-6 engines, including the Turbo. And now there's news that Ford of Australia is responding to consumer interest in Diesel powertrains.
Interesting point raised is that the higher cost of the Diesel powertrain will not be recovered by fuel cost savings like the LPG versions of the Falcon, but still consumers are interested. I'm sure the Diesel will be the 3.0L V6 from Europe. And I just wish we could get this in the US.

Interesting news about Ford Australia

Quite a lot of buzz about Ford Australia this week. It seems that the Australian Federal Government and the Victoria State Government are investing in the future of Ford. The articles like the one in the title link seem to support this invest ment, but others are not all in favor .
It seems that the Australians are going to invest $50 million in a new design center that will work on the replacement for the domestically designed and built Falcon/Territory range as well as work on Light Commercial Vehicles for export. You can read more here, but these articles are leading to speculation already, that the Crown Victoria replacement will be sourced from the new Falcon much like GM's GTO was sourced from Holden.

It's too early to say, but a new "world class" rear wheel drive chassis sounds great. But all of these articles talk about the shrinking of the market for these cars in Australia, and with gas prices on the rise in the US, will it be too late? And didn't Ford just redesisgn the Ranger? So what light commercial vehicles will be designed in the new facility?

Blogging is very sporadic still, because repairs were stalled at my house, and life is still not anywhere near normal.

B-Segment, is it time for Ford to act? Or is it too late?

B-Segment cars are sub-compact usually hatchbacks and very popular around the world, because of their utility and economy. And there are few manufacturers that don't have models in this segment outside of the US. Even "American" Manufacturers build B-Segment cars. Like this Chevy Aveo, which is in reality is a Suzuki Swift. And I like many people have been anticipating the growth of this segment again in the US market. For several years Chevy and Toyota were the only B-Segment models available in the US.
But Honda sees potential for sales, and is moving to dominate this segment with their Fit 5 door hatch. Available in base of "Sport" trim, with 100 hp and achieving 40 mpg, it's reasonalbe to assume that Honda will be the class leader. I've seen several on the road already and they only landed on dealer lots April 20th. I walked around one in a parking lot, comparing it to the Subaru Impreza for size. The wheelbase is close as is overall lenght, being only slightly shorter. But it's amazing the sense of space available in the Fit. And in the Sport trim, it doesn't apear cheap at all.
Now Toyota doesn't want to miss out on the feeding frenzy, so they've replaced their Echo with a 3 door and 4 door Yaris. I haven't seen this on the road, although I was not impressed with what I saw at the Javits Center last month. But it will follow the Fit's basic formula of 100 hp and 40 mpg, and Toyota faithful will flock to it.
Now Ford, unlike GM, doesn't need to go to a partner for a model in this segment. Ford has built one for decades, 3 decades to be exact. The Fiesta available in 3 or 5 door hatch all over the world, with about 100 hp and 40 mpg. A perfect head to head competitor for the Fit/Yaris/Aveo and quite stylish too. I had the chance to see these up close a few years ago in Ireland, and they're sharp looking quality cars.
Toyota sold the Echo as a sedan body, and will bring a Yaris sedan to market as well. For some reason, marketing types believe Americans will prefer 4 door sedans to 5 door hatches.
Well Ford can handle that need if it arises. This Ford Ikon, is essentially a Fiesta sedan with trunk. Hell, Ford could be ready with almost any style of vehicle built on this chassis, 2 door sporty coupe like the Reflex and Puma, 3 and 5 door hatch, 4 door sedan, 5 door mini SUV or MPV (Fusion/EcoSport) and pickup (Courier/Bantam.) All are currently built by Ford around the world.
But with the Yaris and Fit here now and the aggressive marketing going on now, can Ford get a quality Fiesat to Market soon enough? Will this be a short lived fad, or is there a long term market for B-Segments?

Ford's last B entry in the US market was the Festiva/Aspire which the company brought out, didn't market or support and let die. Ford knows how to build good cars, it just seems that they dont' know what to do next. What do you think?

I told you it's a Ford

See? I told you it's a Ford. Ok, so I scraped the other letters off, but it really is a Ford. I used a Ford discount and the chassis is a Ford design.
So while to the uninformed it may seem like I turned my back on the Blue Oval, I still bleed true blue, just while humming that stupid Zoom Zoom Zoom song. I need to thank several people for helping with the purchase of my car; Moses, Bob, Randy, Kevin, David, George, Tom and Roger, thanks for making this a fun purchase and relatively painless.

Blogging will still be slow this week, the house isn't back together and my older brother is getting married this week. But I'll try and post when I can. In the mean time, don't forget to check Jalopnik, Cars Cars Cars, The AutoProphet, View Through the Windshield, AutoEratic,TapScott Behind the Wheel, AutoBlog and the others on the sidebar. Those links are there for a reason, they lead to what I consider the best of the automotive blogsphere.

Got it! Love it !! My C-1 Mazda3

So here it is my Mazda3, or as I like to think of it "the Focus I should have." After looking at cars from many manufacturers I settled on the Mazda3. Settled is the wrong word, it implies that I compromised and I really didn't. I test drove Hyundai, Chevy, Dodge, Ford, Honda and Mazda, looked up many others and the Mazda won hands down. This was a surprise to me, because I was certain that the Dodge Caliber would be my new vehicle. But a benefit of buying the Mazda is that it's loosely a Ford. Not just a Ford, but the C-1 platform used by the Focus world wide.
This car is wonderful, the quality materials used throughout and the driving experience are what sold me. The 2.3 L I4 with VVT makes 160 hp and 150 lb ft of torque and the 5 speed manual is among the best gearboxes I've ever had. The power comes on low and is there across a broad band, and while it can rev high, the sound is music rather than the thrashy clattering sound of the Dodge. The chassis is fantastic, capable handling in good comfort, the perfect balance. The 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS are amazing, bringing you down from speed with great grip and feel. There is room inside for 4 real adults, and with the rear seats folded it's a real utility wagon. That's right I said wagon, you can call it a 5 door, but with that much space, I like to think of it as a small wagon.

I'm very impressed and happy with my purchase, and would just wish for one thing further. I wish this had a blue oval badge, that this was the Focus we should have in the US. Other than that, I can deal with it.
I refuse to hum that little Zoom Zoom Zoom song, no matter how much it runs through my head as I zip around.

My C-1, why can't it have a blue oval on it?

So, as I get closer to being a Mazda owner, I'm asking again, why can't I get this car with a Blue Oval badge on it? If all goes well, I'll be picking up my new Mazda 3 five door hatch this week. And although I could have bought a Focus with similar equipment for a couple of thousand less I just couldn't do it, no matter how good the discounts are.
I mean, this is the car I really want, the Ford Focus that the rest of the world gets, the C-1 Focus. But if I want it here in the US, I have to buy the Mazda. The reasons I had heard all involved cost of production and price point. But since I'm willing to pay thousands more for the Mazda, I'm not convinced others wouldn't pay a slightly higher price for the updated Focus.

I was talking to my nephew yesterday, and when I told him I was buying a Mazda3, he thought it was the Speed3. He actually sounded disapointed that I hadn't popped for the extra 90 hp. But as I've said before, my "Boyracer" days are over.

Ford needs to bring the C1 based Focus to the United States and quick. Not that the older Focus isn't a good car, but the C1 is a great car. I've linked again to the petition online asking for to do just that, in the title.

I took a test drive on Saturday in the Mazda3, and every surface feels of quality materials, and the ride and handling were outstanding. Power isn't supercar level, but 160 hp is just 10 shy or my Ranger's 170, and more than enough for average driving. I can't wait for my first road trip in the new car. There are more electronic features than I ever thought I would buy or ever expect at this price level. Just a quick list; Zenon headlights, Auto A/C, headlights and wipers, heated leather seats and a really loud (but clear) Bose stereo.

So if Mazda can sell this loaded C1 here in the US, why can't Ford?????

MyFordDreams down for a few days

OK, so I'm forced to go dark for a few days, as I said earlier in the week. A combination of Job, Home Repairs and a mini vacation will result in MyFordDreams being offline until Monday or Tuesday.

I would suggest that you click the links on the sidebar, especially CarsCarsCars! ViewThroughTheWindshield and don't forget TapScottBehindTheWheel. Jalopnik and AutoBlog get you the news, but these guys are fun too. And tomorrow is Friday, so don't forget to check out the Carnival of Cars.

One quick interesting site I found at AutoBlog;
http://www.shiftyworld.com/

CX-7 for Europe to have turbo Diesel in 2008

I found this interesting article at WhatCar, a UK web site, about the CX-7 and the differences for the UK/European market. While initially it will have the same detuned MazdaSpeed 2.3 L Direct Injection Turbo 4, although probably making slightly more power than the US version's 244 hp, in 2008 it's expected to be joined by a Turbo Diesel. Another interesting point was that while in the US there will only be a 6 speed automatic transmission, for Europe there will also be a 6 speed manual. But they won't get the front wheel drive option, all UK/European CX-7s will come standard with the all wheel drive. With a target price around 25k pounds, it's expected to come with most options standard.

Mazda3 forums

You know I really wanted this C1 Focus ST, but since it's not sold in the US....
It looks like I'm getting the closest thing possible in my price range.

And since I'm almost a Mazda owner, I figured I'd check out the Mazda 3 forums. Igor a frequent commentor here, has mentioned them in his comments. I linked in the title if you want to see for yourself.

Reflex rant, if I talk about it, will they build it?

The Reflex concpet that's been making the rounds at auto shows, and is featured in literature from Ford as part of the "Driving American Innovation" and "Design for the road ahead" is my new favorite concept. It even apears, as a clay model, in the picture of Mark Fields above.
It's a fresh design, that hilights new technologies, and you hope new ways of thinking from Ford. A small coupe with seating for 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children with a Diesel/Electric drive system that could achieve 65 mpg, there's a lot I like about the Reflex. There are some things that I could do without also. But what stuck me hardest was the styling, like a scaled down GR-1, it's sleak and muscular. I was less than 6 feet from it as it rotated on the stand in the Javitz center, and couldn't find a line I didn't like. Of course I'd loose the "butterfly" doors, but I'm old fashioned.
The Reflex could be a real neat little car, but when you read print and online articles about it, there are some goofy ideas. For instance, I've read several times, that the Reflex was designed with small urban families in mind. What horse shit, excuse my language. But what family is going to buy this, only to grow out of it quickly? No, this isn't for families, this is for single people or couple without children. I wouldn't even put my dog in the back. Small families will get more out of the Mazda5 or a Focus. But now I'd love the Reflex. And I could see some college age person or recent grad liking the small coupe. It's a hatchback, so there would be enough utility for a couple of suitcases or such, but not enough for diaper bag and baby buggy.
And as for the interior on the conept, leave out the recycled Nike materials and "Slimline Suspended-Mesh Front Seats" they're not going to cut it. Real people have to sit in the car, and they need to have seats that will be comfortable and safe for a 4 hour drive. And solar panels in the roof? I'm not sure, maybe for the tree huggers, but I want a sunroof that opens, so I'd pass.
I see this as a practical sport coupe, doesn't matter to me if it's front or rear wheel drive, it's not a race car. But as I've said before, if it's built on the upcoming B-Segment platform, with it's front wheel drive and sub 2 liter 4 cylinder engine, that would make it more likely to be built. Like the Ford Puma from Europe, it could be built off the Fiesta platform, have 150 hp and still get nearly 40 mpg. Hell with a Diesel or the concepts Hybrid drive it could be sporty, quick and economical. And it's one of the few cars that I wouldn't hate in Silver. And anyone who knows me knows I hate silver and white cars.

So if I keep writing about the Reflex, do you think it could create enough buzz for FoMoCo to build it? I hope so.

Ford around the world does fine

Candice's recent e-mail got me thinking about Ford's performance on a global scale;
While all the news about Ford has been how poorly they're doing in US market, it's also true that around the world Ford is doing very well. In fact, it's Ford's sales around the world that keep them afloat. While market share shrinks in the US, it's growing in places like China, Russia and India, and stable or increasing marginally in places like Europe, Africa, Latin American and Asia. And why is that? Well it's simple, Ford has been in many of these markets for decades, and produces cars that are flexible and competative. Take the Fiesta pictured above, it's available in most of the markets Ford does business in.
And Ford doesn't shy away from Niche vehicles either, take the Ka, a sub-sub-compact, based on Fiesta mechanicals that's poplular in Europe and available in other markets like Latin America (including Mexico.)
The Ford Focus is a "World Car", the staple of Ford's business world wide. Despite the US version, the Euro version is actually the Focus for the majority of the globe, available anywhere Ford does business (except North America) in 3/5 door hatchback, 4 door sedan and station wagon models, with several gasoline and diesel power plants. There are even Flex Fuel and Hydrogen Fuel Cell test fleets. Besides the F-Series truck, this would be the next most recognizable vehicle from Ford on the world market.
But it's not just small cars that Ford does well, in Europe they have several MPVs, what we call Min Vans. From the Focus based C-Max, to the S-Max and Galaxy, Ford has MPVs that are stylish, practical and bottom line sell well. One big part of Ford's sucess in world markets is the common platforms and powertrains used to share the costs of production.

The Ford Mondeo is better known around the world, than the Taurus ever would be. The mid-size sedan and wagon see duty from Europe and Asia to Latin America and Africa. Ford tried to bring this to the US as the Contour, but it's size was too small to compete well, and Ford didn't manage the model well here.
Some markets closer to the US model, like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa get special models available nowhere else. The Falcon range includes sedans, wagons, utes and crossovers. And they're compitent powerful vehicles with an apeal that would make them good sellers in the US.
But the real point of mentioning the Aussie Fords, is to illustrate that Ford can and will adapt to each market, with vehicles tailored to them.
And the F-Series isn't the only winner on a global scale for Ford. The Ranger/Courier is among the worlds most popular compact trucks. And for good reason, with the available petrol V6 and Diesel I4, now joined by a new Diesel V6, they have the power and economy the world needs. While Ford has let the Ranger grow stale here in the US, they know better than to neglect it on the world scene.

That's why this new Ranger concept was shown in Thailand instead of New York or Detroit. Ford knows how important it will be for them in world markets, emerging or established. Too bad they don't recognize how viable this could be for the US. Especially with gas over $3 a gallon, it would be great to see the new Ranger here.

Overall Ford knows what it takes to compete on a global scale and responds quickly to changes and trends in these markets. They design vehicles and plarforms that are adaptive and competative. It seems that Ford gets the idea globally, but in the US the message gets lost in translation. Or maybe it's consumers, I'm not sure who to blame now.