Ford Motor Co. Shutdown plants...

[Marauder2005]

My buddy (A GM Fan & Ford hater :rolleyes: ) told me today Ford is shuting

down three plants. Can anyone confirm this? I am used to busting his

chops about GMs current "crisis" :)

[Agent M79]

Might be worse than that. CLICK (http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=13545)

[Marauder2005]

Oh poopie, I knew Ford was not doing so good but I did not know

they were in that much hot water. Now my old come back, "last time I

checked GM can not cash its checks anymore" will not work. ;) :rolleyes:

[Agent M79]

GM and Ford are suffering greatly from the gas cost backlash and a saturated and declining SUV market among other things. CLICK (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10366219/from/RS.2/)

I fear we are facing something eerily similar to the mid-70's to mid/late-80's where domestic automakers (is Daimler-Chrysler still 'domestic'?) weren't prepared to serve the American market and foreign competition did.

I suppose we are a little better off now since at least some foreign brands are built here.

[HwyCruiser]

Might be worse than that. CLICK (http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=13545)


Mark Fields, the man behind the so-called "way forward" plan, will present it to the board, along with his proposals for revitalising the individual Ford, Mercury and Lincoln brands.

He is said to be keen to prioritise attracting younger buyers, developing new models to compete with models such as Toyota's Scion range, and the revival of Mercury. Ford had considered killing off the Mercury brand, but is now to target it more towards women and younger buyers.

How 'bout this for a new slogan: "Not your grandparent's Mercury."

Mercy killing, please.

[Marauder2005]

GM and Ford are suffering greatly from the gas cost backlash and a saturated and declining SUV market among other things. CLICK (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10366219/from/RS.2/)

I fear we are facing something eerily similar to the mid-70's to mid/late-80's where domestic automakers (is Daimler-Chrysler still 'domestic'?) weren't prepared to serve the American market and foreign competition did.

I suppose we are a little better off now since at least some foreign brands are built here.

Thanks for the update on things, just the thought of not having these

cars around (GM/Ford/Chrysler) would be a blow to America's pride in

a way. After all, ever been to NASCAR? Where they hand out the mini

American flags "made in China". I mean what are we gonna have left,

made in America, Japanese cars.....:alone:

[Donny Carlson]

They were going to build a new plant for the Five Hundred and close the ATL assembly plant, which built Taurus and Sables. I don't think they built the Five Hundred plant, or it was put off. This, along with the closing of GM's Doraville Assembly plant, will be a double hit on the ATL auto economy.

I guess closing Wixom means the GT comes to a close, or they're gonna move the final assembly somewhere else.

[gilby04]

GM and Ford are suffering greatly from the gas cost backlash and a saturated and declining SUV market among other things.

^ I think you're right on.

I fear we are facing something eerily similar to the mid-70's to mid/late-80's where domestic automakers (is Daimler-Chrysler still 'domestic'?) weren't prepared to serve the American market and foreign competition did.

^ I think you're right on.

I suppose we are a little better off now since at least some foreign brands are built here.

^ I think foreign brands built here will further supplant the domestic brands.
I dread to think what GM & FoMoCo market share will be by the 2008 model year.

[merc6]

What the hell. ford is already using mazda and visa versa. 6 is modified 3.0 duratec and my 2.3 is mirror of the ****edus. hell probe took on the 626 engine and merc capri is turboed miata engine. Ford needs to stop building overseas beasts and spread the wealth here. Who all knew about the focus ST and it's volvo turbo inline 5 or the cosworth escort?

[STLR FN]

The Five Hundred/Montego is built at Chicago Assembly and the GT was planned from the beginning as a three year model run totaling 500/yr.
They were going to build a new plant for the Five Hundred and close the ATL assembly plant, which built Taurus and Sables. I don't think they built the Five Hundred plant, or it was put off. This, along with the closing of GM's Doraville Assembly plant, will be a double hit on the ATL auto economy.

I guess closing Wixom means the GT comes to a close, or they're gonna move the final assembly somewhere else.

[jdando]

"St Paul, Minnesota, which currently makes the near-obsolete Ranger pick-up;"

That is the plant is near my town :(

jeremy

[wchain]

What the hell. ford is already using mazda and visa versa. 6 is modified 3.0 duratec and my 2.3 is mirror of the ****edus. hell probe took on the 626 engine and merc capri is turboed miata engine. Ford needs to stop building overseas beasts and spread the wealth here. Who all knew about the focus ST and it's volvo turbo inline 5 or the cosworth escort?

the Duratec V6 is borrowed from the Early 2.5L V6 used in the Probe/MX-6 and Contour/Mystique. Its been a Mazda Engine For a While.


"St Paul, Minnesota, which currently makes the near-obsolete Ranger pick-up;"

That is the plant is near my town images/smilies/frown.gif

jeremy

Dont worry, the Ranger pickup is not obsolete. What you guys need to remember is, that cars like the Ford taurus, Panther Platform, Ranger etc. are popular among fleets, such as businesses, leasing companies and rental car companies. These cars have done so little evolution/changing, that margins are high for Ford. Thats why they keep making them. When was the last time someone went out and said "Oh man, I want a Ford taurus." its someone who is shopping for a Midsize car who cant get into a camry/accord, so you get a "Program Car" from a used car lot.

Ranger appeals to Gen X and Y'ers that have active lifestyles I think, it's overdue a redesign, but still a great selling compact pickup.

Just my .02

[jgc61sr2002]

The NYPD has several hundred new Chrysler products they are testing.
FMC beter watch out, the only took over when Chrysler eliminated rear wheel drive.

[Sully008]

When was the last time someone went out and said "Oh man, I want a Ford taurus."

Just my .02

Hey, I resemble that remark!:D When the Marauder came out, I almost choked on the MSRP that I went and leased a Taurus instead.

merc6 - I knew all about the "World" market Fords long ago when I bought my used XR4Ti in 1991. The XR4ti was one of the first late model "World" platforms to come to North America in 1985. Another was the Australian Mercury Capri convertible in the early '90s. Of course, Ford didn't/couldn't market them the way they should've been so they went bye bye. I've been dreaming about Ford N.A. bringing over the AUS Falcon for the last 4 years. I even bought a jacket from the now defunct Gibson Motorsports team that used to run in the Australian Supercar series.

Ford might turn it around. The Fusion seems to be a hit with the press, the new Mercury girl is definately turning heads, I guess we'll see what happens.

[Dr Caleb]

Who all knew about the focus ST and it's volvo turbo inline 5 or the cosworth escort?

Me! I showed my sister (2000 Focus) the ST after I saw it on Top Gear. She wants one! It does look like a nice car.

[FastMerc]

We have a plant closing here in Ohio.But all the foreign competition SHOULD have never been let in this country:mad2: That is one reason the muscle car will never flourish again!!!

[Marauder2005]

The NYPD has several hundred new Chrysler products they are testing.
FMC beter watch out, the only took over when Chrysler eliminated rear wheel drive.

Chrysler building somthing rugged enough for police use that will last?

After a year of police abuse the uni-body design and Chrysler reputation

will prove that curb hopping, high rpm driving, and big time idling is

somthing that a Chrysler vehicle's are not built to do.

[jgc61sr2002]

Chrysler building somthing rugged enough for police use that will last?

After a year of police abuse the uni-body design and Chrysler reputation

will prove that curb hopping, high rpm driving, and big time idling is

somthing that a Chrysler vehicle's are not built to do.


In the 60's , 70's and 80's Chrysler products were used by most Police Departments.

[Marauder2005]

I was speaking of more recent Dodge products. I don't believe they

have a platform or motor to handle the abuse. But I do agree that the

60s/70s/80s Chrysler products were at the top of the list.

[Bruce Wayne]

Spread the word and BUY AMERICAN! before it's too late. Thousands of spin-off jobs are affected by these plant closings! We need this tax base to build schools, bridges, infastructure etc. Don't expect toyoto, honda vw etc. to invest in our economies. Lets pull together and get these good ol'e AMERICAN companies back to work!

[DEFYANT]

Back on track:

Since this thread is about FMC shutting down plants and laying off 30K employes....

I wonder why this announcement came out now? Three weeks before Christmas! If I was a UAW, I really feel miserable.

[TripleTransAm]

Spread the word and BUY AMERICAN! before it's too late.

I agree. In fact, let's make a deal: I understand you work in the auto industry... spread the word, tell your fellow employees to build QUALITY! before it's too late.

Look at my stash of cars and you'll see where my allegiance lies... but after 2 MMs I strongly suspect my next purchase won't be local (unless D-C manages to convince me their 300s/Magnums/Chargers are solid and build to last).

[captJ696]

Chrysler building somthing rugged enough for police use that will last?

After a year of police abuse the uni-body design and Chrysler reputation

will prove that curb hopping, high rpm driving, and big time idling is

somthing that a Chrysler vehicle's are not built to do.

D/Chrysler Jeeps as far as I know are utilized by NYPD on a limited basis; not patrol.

[Marauder2005]

FMC/GM refuses to make quality, cut every corner at all costs, including

bankrupsy(sp)...

[STLR FN]

Steve you have very valid point, one I take seriously at MTP, unfortunately it is hard sometimes to build quality when you have a quality issue and a supervisor tells you to ship the problem because he/she is worried more about quantity.

It gets a lot more in depth but I don't think Logan will like me taking up valuable space.
I agree. In fact, let's make a deal: I understand you work in the auto industry... spread the word, tell your fellow employees to build QUALITY! before it's too late.

Look at my stash of cars and you'll see where my allegiance lies... but after 2 MMs I strongly suspect my next purchase won't be local (unless D-C manages to convince me their 300s/Magnums/Chargers are solid and build to last).

[bigslim]

DJ, you can talk until you are black and blue and some will never get it. You have to work in the industry to understand. This is the reason I never tell anyone how to run their job.

[STLR FN]

Yeah I know I know.
DJ, you can talk until you are black and blue and some will never get it. You have to work in the industry to understand. This is the reason I never tell anyone how to run their job.

[UAW 588]

unfortunately it is hard sometimes to build quality when you have a quality issue and a supervisor tells you to ship the problem because he/she is worried more about quantity.



DJ, you can talk until you are black and blue and some will never get it. You have to work in the industry to understand. This is the reason I never tell anyone how to run their job


AMEN TO THAT BROTHERS!!!!!!!!!!

[Petrograde]

Spread the word and BUY AMERICAN! before it's too late. Thousands of spin-off jobs are affected by these plant closings! We need this tax base to build schools, bridges, infastructure etc. Don't expect toyoto, honda vw etc. to invest in our economies. Lets pull together and get these good ol'e AMERICAN companies back to work!

amen to that!

It seems to me that finding 100% American products is becoming increasingly difficult. We've outsourced too many industries... computers, textiles, ..and god help us,.. now the automotive and steel industries.

We MUST crack down on this before every industry we have is imported to China and India.

What's the answer? We could start by imposing stiffer import taxes. But, we really need to bring industrial and tech trade back to the U.S.

We could end up being a 3rd world country in the next 30 years. I'm not sure what exactly we need to do,.. but we better do something!

[TripleTransAm]

Steve you have very valid point, one I take seriously at MTP, unfortunately it is hard sometimes to build quality when you have a quality issue and a supervisor tells you to ship the problem because he/she is worried more about quantity.

I can understand that. I've been in similar positions myself (though not in the same industry, of course) and I am thankful to be currently in a position to be able to reject this kind of pressure and have the support of upper management... middle management comes and goes. I hope it's not too late for my industry. Let's hope it's not too late for the auto industry.

For the auto industry, I am on the receiving end of the product... the end user, the guy whose money ultimately ends up in the worker's pockets. As a consumer, I have a hard time dealing with misrouted wiring, short circuits, and grounds that were never connected at the factory. We're all consumers... I doubt many of us would walk away from a [insert fast food chain] counter, realize they'd forgotten my order of fries and drink with the 'trio' I ordered for the 4th consecutive time, and not turn around and consult the manager for corrective actions (or for the meeker types, simply not come to this restaurant ever again and go elsewhere instead).

We are extremely fortunate here to have members directly involved with the auto industry, who can carry the message to their peers and management that we want our drinks filled, our fries included and our burgers cooked.

[Joe Walsh]

I just keep watching my FORD STOCK spiral down the drain...:(

I should have dumped it years ago when it still had a decent price and I still had a net gain....now I'm stuck with it.

No sense in selling $25 shares at today's $8/share price...:bigcry:

All I can do is hang on to it and hope that FORD can get their ***** together.:depress:

[Marauder2005]

They should buy honda out and rebadge all the Hondas with Blue Ovals,

it might help :rolleyes:

[FastMerc]

All the politicians in D.C. NEED TO GO starting WITH a BUSCH,and all the fooled american folk need to get wise,about what they are buying.And realize that th 20,000 Toyota only cost 3,000 to build!If that with cheap labor.......

[Marauder2005]

All the politicians in D.C. NEED TO GO starting WITH a BUSCH,and all the fooled american folk need to get wise,about what they are buying.And realize that th 20,000 Toyota only cost 3,000 to build!If that with cheap labor.......

Thats all it costs to build? Id pay that :cool:

[Ken]

Back on track:

Since this thread is about FMC shutting down plants and laying off 30K employes....

I wonder why this announcement came out now? Three weeks before Christmas! If I was a UAW, I really feel miserable.The last job (Econoline/Clubwagon) is rolling off the line at my plant in the next hour. Then Lorain Assembly will be history. Production is being consolidated about 17 miles east at Ohio Assembly. The Body was previously built and painted at Ohio, then trucked 17 miles to Lorain for its trim and chassis. Some jobs are being lost in the move, but 1000 or more jobs were lost when the Mariner production ended at Ohio Assembly in August. We just got word last week that retirement packages are forthcoming. Looks like I get to retire almost one year early.

Ken

[Marauder2005]

The last job (Econoline/Clubwagon) is rolling off the line at my plant in the next hour. Then Lorain Assembly will be history. Production is being consolidated about 17 miles east at Ohio Assembly. The Body was previously built and painted at Ohio, then trucked 17 miles to Lorain for its trim and chassis. Some jobs are being lost in the move, but 1000 or more jobs were lost when the Mariner production ended at Ohio Assembly in August. We just got word last week that retirement packages are forthcoming. Looks like I get to retire almost one year early.

Ken

Sorry to hear that Ken, you would think Ford would learn from GM but

nope, that would make sense:rolleyes:.