Ford Axing all cars except Mustang and Focus Active Crossover in North America

[itguy08]

My town has moved to almost ONLY Explorers. They seem to be replacing the Taurus' with them as they get older.

I've noticed that as well. The drivetrain is the same so I wonder if it's because of the lack of room in the Taurus - the interior is a little on the small side given the size.

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[seth21w]

I want to play devil's advocate here.
What is the difference of a Taurus and a Taurus that is 4 inches taller..? Or a Fusion that is 5 inches taller..?


Subsequently, anyone who is bringing up gas prices and (ford) suv's..? Didn't read, because Ford is going high efficient turbo engines, paired with electric motors for a true hybrid experience.

Also, the Focus Hatchback is staying, as the Sedan offers so much less, there is no point in continue making it, when you can just focus on all kinds of versatile hatchbacks. Ford can make better cars this way.




Good news for Mustang fans.

With the Mustang being the only real coupe Ford sells, it will probably get an option make-over and offer more tiers and possibly introduce a 3rd engine option (v6 EB) ..?

To me its hideousness...There are too many cross overs as it is, they are everywhere and unless your a soccer mom they look rediculous, make a car a car and an suv an suv etc.

 

[Norm Peterson]

Wow. I don't follow much automotive news but this seems surprising. To me anyway

Two words that should be enough to change your thinking here . . . Jim Hackett


Norm

 

[Norm Peterson]

Anyone see this yet?

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/b...25/ford-cutting-car-lineup-earnings/34244867/

Actually, I saw it pretty early in the day but I was loading up for a Track Night in America event so I let it go.

Basically, Hackett is taking Ford in a direction that virtually guarantees I won't be shopping in a Blue Oval store for anything other than another Mustang. There isn't a salesman alive [who] could put me in a truck, SUV, minivan, or crossover.


Norm

 

[UAmach1]

I want to play devil's advocate here.
What is the difference of a Taurus and a Taurus that is 4 inches taller..? Or a Fusion that is 5 inches taller..?

The fact they are taller. I hate being high up. I hate body roll. Why pay for something that's 4-5in higher when I'm instantly going to want to lower it?

Subsequently, anyone who is bringing up gas prices and (ford) suv's..? Didn't read, because Ford is going high efficient turbo engines, paired with electric motors for a true hybrid experience.

Which in a lower, more aero dynamic sedan that also weighs less would give a better return on MPG

Also, the Focus Hatchback is staying, as the Sedan offers so much less, there is no point in continue making it, when you can just focus on all kinds of versatile hatchbacks. Ford can make better cars this way.

The Focus ACTIVE is staying. That car only exists in concepts right now. It's more of a Subaru competitor. I also have no need for a hatch or wagon. So if a sedan is cheaper I'll get that instead. I do like BMW wagons though, just look nice.


In the last month I have driven a QX30, QX50 and QX60. NONE Of them I enjoyed. Not because of options, or power (the 3.7L actually moved the QX50 nicely) but because they are higher up, softer suspension and are just not enjoyable to drive. They felt as bland as you can get and I refuse to allow myself to be bland. I feel like I'm just sitting in them like... This is fine. Sure. Fine. But why should I settle for Fine when I can have fun? I cant have fun in an 2018 SUV without feeling like I'm going to flip. Meanwhile I could toss a 1998 Escort in a corner and feel confident in it.

I don't even keep any of my cars stock for that reason. I want my car to be MINE. Even if its subtle. The Q50 in my sig? It has older G37 optional Forged wheels, tint, CF splash guards, gloss black wrapped roof, JDM window rain guards and a tune. Does it looks stock to MOST people? Yes. BUT it will be enough that even my 65+yo parents would realize which is mine in a fleet of other red Q50's.

I'm still planning to get a Bullitt. I'm already debating PP2 wheels, GT350 springs, and blacking out the faux gas cap. Will most people notice? No, but it will be enough that people will realize mine from the crowded Bullitt meetup.

 

[Norm Peterson]

Thinking long-term, electric CUV's are the vehicle of the future.

It really doesn't matter how true those words are or may become (or who says them, so don't take it personally). I'm never going to want one for at least three reasons each of which is a deal-breaker all by itself.


Norm

 

[Norm Peterson]

To every one up in arms, did you not see the part where the Mustang isn't going anywhere? Why do you all care about their sedans and hatchbacks?

(1) The Mustang isn't going anywhere . . . yet

(2) More often than not, I've had to shop for a car that could carry at least 4 people in reasonable comfort. Even now, that's still going to be every other time, and Hackett has apparently taken Ford completely off any future family car short list.


Norm

 

[Fatguy]

Ford still owns the police segment. The Taurus-based Interceptor is the fastest, best handling, police vehicle in the Ecoboost trim. The only thing the POS Dodge has is it goes to 150 vs Ford's 149. They sell a ton of them.

Some interesting reading 2018 Michigan State Police Vehicle Tests

Here in Toronto we got a ton of 3.7L Taurus cars but you will see a handful of Chargers on the highways. For you V6 guys, note that the horsepower numbers are unchanged from the 2011 year at 305 with the AWD coming in at 304 (rather than the 300 for the Mustang). Ford Marketing just whimsically creates whatever horsepower figures it wants to sell a specific brand of car. I’m still waiting for the sub 5 second 2018 stock Ecoboost claim. BUT, they are not dumb enough :rant:to play that game with governments that could sue. Bravo Ford bravo...

 

[w3rkn]

The fact they are taller. I hate being high up. I hate body roll. Why pay for something that's 4-5in higher when I'm instantly going to want to lower it?


Which in a lower, more aero dynamic sedan that also weighs less would give a better return on MPG


The Focus ACTIVE is staying. That car only exists in concepts right now. It's more of a Subaru competitor. I also have no need for a hatch or wagon. So if a sedan is cheaper I'll get that instead. I do like BMW wagons though, just look nice.


In the last month I have driven a QX30, QX50 and QX60. NONE Of them I enjoyed. Not because of options, or power (the 3.7L actually moved the QX50 nicely) but because they are higher up, softer suspension and are just not enjoyable to drive. They felt as bland as you can get and I refuse to allow myself to be bland. I feel like I'm just sitting in them like... This is fine. Sure. Fine. But why should I settle for Fine when I can have fun? I cant have fun in an 2018 SUV without feeling like I'm going to flip. Meanwhile I could toss a 1998 Escort in a corner and feel confident in it.

I don't even keep any of my cars stock for that reason. I want my car to be MINE. Even if its subtle. The Q50 in my sig? It has older G37 optional Forged wheels, tint, CF splash guards, gloss black wrapped roof, JDM window rain guards and a tune. Does it looks stock to MOST people? Yes. BUT it will be enough that even my 65+yo parents would realize which is mine in a fleet of other red Q50's.

I'm still planning to get a Bullitt. I'm already debating PP2 wheels, GT350 springs, and blacking out the faux gas cap. Will most people notice? No, but it will be enough that people will realize mine from the crowded Bullitt meetup.

Having a taller car doesn't mean you sit taller and feel more roll, & designing a new car from scratch to be designed to be taller with less roll..? New platform, new materials, new goals..?

I am quite sure Ford could design the Ford Escape Sport with tighter suspension & fatter tires, etc. They could do the same for a Ford derived sportswagon too... in place of the Taurus.


Again, MPG isn't an issue as FORD will be using more and more electric assist motors in their SUVs. And offer more and more "sport" because of it.



As for Sport SUVs..?

I have always said Lincoln needs a 4-door "euro-hatch" like the Panamera/Qx60 (& also a 2-door sports hatch based off the S550).

 

[UAmach1]

Having a taller car doesn't mean you sit taller and feel more roll, & designing a new car from scratch to be designed to be taller with less roll..? New platform, new materials, new goals..?

I am quite sure Ford could design the Ford Escape Sport with tighter suspension & fatter tires, etc. They could do the same for a Ford derived sportswagon too... in place of the Taurus.


Again, MPG isn't an issue as FORD will be using more and more electric assist motors in their SUVs. And offer more and more "sport" because of it.



As for Sport SUVs..?

I have always said Lincoln needs a 4-door "euro-hatch" like the Panamera/Qx60 (& also a 2-door sports hatch based off the S550).

The QX60 and Panamera are VERY different vehicles. I would also say there is NOTHING sport about the QX60.

 

[Hack]

That new Escort is huge! I can see why you wouldn't want that along with all the other sedans. It's a lot of cars that are not that different in size. I see Fiestas regularly on the road here, but I guess they aren't high enough volume sellers. I bet Ford has to sell a handful of Fiestas to make the same profit as one pickup.

I like the Fiesta - I still wish Ford had done a Fiesta RS with 350 HP. The Focus RS is a little large to have 350 HP in my opinion.

 

[mustangfanatic]

While I agree that cars like the Taurus and the Fiesta need to disappear, killing the Fusion is a mistake.

Agree with what others have said, for those of us who enjoy the driving experience, SUV's are just too bland with less than inspiring handling, braking and driving dynamics. Ford can and should develop a performance variant of the Fusion like they have the Focus - there is still a market for performance sedans. The Norh American market still loves performance vehicles and there is a place for a performance sedan in the line up.

Ecstatic the Mustang remains but how much longer before the "Hack" kills it off too? Deeply concerned about the future of Ford

 

[9secondko]

Here’s the thing:

If the car market isn’t making money except for a a few certain models, but the truck and SUV market is raking it in, do you keep spending money where there is no return for your investment?

Hackett concerns me for s number of reasons. I never saw him as a man of vision. But as a short term CEO, he could be the guy to stabilize the foundation. And I think his move is wise at this time.

Sony not too long ago sold off all kinds of things including its own HQ in order to regain capital for smarter investments. They then stopped selling a little of everything in order to sell a lot of a few things. It’s in a far better place today.

Apple does a similar thing. They’ve made a few best in class products and concentrated there. The customers have rewarded them with crazy amounts of money.

Ford has a mixed bag right now. If the result of this move are better vehicles that sell real well then great. Mission accomplished.

I doubt that the money recouped from halted development of poor selling models just sits there. It will likely be used in the development of turning the new lineup into a world class stable of vehicles.

At least that WOULD be the right move.

Saving Money to save money is the death of a company. INVESTMENT is where it’s at. But sometimes you must prune the tree to stop the life from flowing into fruitless areas so it can be used in the areas that produce.

 

[Norm Peterson]

Having a taller car doesn't mean you sit taller and feel more roll, & designing a new car from scratch to be designed to be taller with less roll..? New platform, new materials, new goals..?

Not feeling the logic there . . . If you're not sitting taller, there's no reason to make the vehicle any taller than necessary. Now while you might not feel more roll if the suspension was stiffened sufficiently, that brings on a few problems of its own - vehicles that are relatively taller in comparison to their track widths are inherently at a disadvantage when it comes to overturning, and a stiffer suspension with wider and better tires could well make that a more abrupt situation. Or in this day and age you might end up with an ultra-conservative and non-defeatable stability control calibration that gets too interested too quickly.

Personally, I flat-out don't want to sit up tall in a car seat with my lower legs more vertical than horizontal, or have my eye height above the ground up at or above where it would be if I was sitting on a barstool. It just makes me uneasy to sit that way while moving, so no thanks. According to the literature, my wife's LGT is 59.3" tall, and that's already a couple inches taller that I really like (though I can at least run the driver's seat height all the way down). PITA to wash the roof (let alone wax it).


Norm

 

[Norm Peterson]

Hackett concerns me for s number of reasons. I never saw him as a man of vision. But as a short term CEO, he could be the guy to stabilize the foundation. And I think his move is wise at this time.

Sony not too long ago sold off all kinds of things including its own HQ in order to regain capital for smarter investments. They then stopped selling a little of everything in order to sell a lot of a few things. It’s in a far better place today.

One of the companies I worked at did the same thing with respect to selling off the office buildings that they owned. It wasn't too many years before the company filed for bankruptcy, was sold off, then splintered and the pieces sold off at least once more. The office I'd worked at was completely shuttered.

I doubt that the money recouped from halted development of poor selling models just sits there. It will likely be used in the development of turning the new lineup into a world class stable of vehicles.

At least that WOULD be the right move.

Saving Money to save money is the death of a company. INVESTMENT is where it’s at. But sometimes you must prune the tree to stop the life from flowing into fruitless areas so it can be used in the areas that produce.

Thoughtful pruning, sure. But right now it feels like Ford's got a guy trying to do bonsai with a broadsword.


Norm

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