Topic: Toyota managing to match Ford's quality.

[tpl]

              "traditional" Honda/Toyota buyer."

Love it!

Time flies. When I came here in 1975   Hondas were weird little cars , Toyotas and Datsuns rusted and a "traditional car buyer"  started with a Chevrolet, moved up to an Olds or a Buick and topped off with a Cadillac when they got the gold watch at 65.   Equivalents of course in Ford and Chrysler.

College profs bought a Peugeot or  a diesel M-B or the REALLY far out ones bought  SAABs.

[Mitlov]

The Big Three won't stop the downward slide of their market share until they change their reputation for poor quality, but even more importantly, fill their showrooms with appealing models arranged in a well-thought-out line up that appeals to the "traditional" Honda/Toyota buyer.

I agree, both are important.  Ford has definitely gotten the reliability thing under control--like people have said, its CR ratings are quite impressive now.  GM's really impressing me new offerings that make me say "I want that" (from the Astra to the Malibu to the CTS to the Outlook to the Sierra to the Sky).  (Unfortunately, Chrysler is still struggling on both fronts).  If one of them could combine Ford's strong reliability with GM's cool offerings, they'd be back on top of the market right now.

[safristi]

SUIT suet yerself PROF........I'm buying a WOLVA .... I rest my Laurels  Case yer HONOOOR

[ArticSteve]

Driven a Ford lately?
 
FABRICE TAYLOR

Read Bio | Latest Columns
May 30, 2008

For most of us, the answer is a resounding "no." Another Ford slogan, "Quality Is Job One," turned out to be laughably ironic. Now, the second-biggest of Detroit's Big Three has two simple words for the car-buying public: Buy one.

So, will consumers bite?

Let's examine the odds. Ford's global market share has been caving to the Japanese carmakers, and its losses totalled $15 billion (U.S.) in 2006 and '07. And although Ford posted a small profit in the first quarter, overall U.S. auto sales in 2008 look set to come in well below the 16 million that's considered healthy.

Ford's problem? First, consumers no longer trust the quality of its cars, and rightfully so. Second, it has a bloated, unionized cost structure. Third, it was mismanaged and routinely failed to predict what consumers wanted.

Almost two years ago, Bill Ford relinquished the corner office to Boeing veteran Alan Mulally, who immediately started cutting fat and negotiating more favourable labour contracts. The carmaker has already cut $3.3 billion (U.S.) in costs since the start of 2006; Mulally plans to cut $5 billion (U.S.) in total by the end of '08.

He's also in the process of shedding Ford's luxury unit and has tried to revitalize the core lineup with new cars and features. Although sales of its most profitable vehicles--trucks and SUVs--are falling fast, sales of the Focus were up 33% in January, which proves that Ford can appeal to the crucial young buyer. Plus, its manufacturing quality, according to Consumer Reports, is getting better.

What's missing? Consistent sales volume. In industry parlance, Ford has to address its "consideration" problem: how often buyers consider its models. A lot of consumers won't even think about buying a Ford--there's something uncool about it. According to J.D. Power, half of car shoppers walk past Big Three dealerships with nary a glance. Ford's own research shows it has a consumer approval rating of 44%. Toyota's is 74%.

Enter Jim Farley, the marketing whiz Mulally poached from Toyota in 2007. Farley is behind Ford's elegant "Drive One" slogan, and he has aligned the 4,000 dealers who control three-quarters of the $1.5 billion (U.S.) spent on Ford-related advertising. Ford is also doing some aggressive guerrilla marketing, like the "Swap Your Ride" campaign, in which a fake market-research firm tracked down owners of rival brands and asked them to drive a Ford--then taped them raving about it.


Ford attempted this same strategy with it's fake F150 v. Tundra videos. 

[Cord]

My point is that Strategic Vision is putting out this survey to promote their own consulting business.

That's funny. Sort of like when Honda puts out a car to promote their auto manufacturing business. The nerve!

Your post might make sense if you had said "Sort of like when Honda puts out a television commercial to promote their auto manufacturing business."

When Honda builds and sells a car that is the product for which they are paid. When Strategic Vision published this survey it was at their own expense in order to draw attention to the marketing consulting they do for private clients. This published survey is not the same thing as their normal consulting products.

If Strategic Vision had indeed been paid to publish this survey by one of their clients (let's say Ford) it would be a Ford advertisement pure and simple.


But I though that you were trying to spin this survey as being legitimate evidence for the quality of Ford's cars.

You're really taking all of this to heart aren't you.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Driven a Ford lately?
 
FABRICE TAYLOR

Read Bio | Latest Columns
May 30, 2008

Who is Taylor and why should we care? no Link

[MKII]

Let's examine the odds. Ford's global market share has been caving to the Japanese carmakers, and its losses totalled $15 billion (U.S.) in 2006 and '07.

AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 24, 2008 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported a 2007 full-year net loss of $1.35 per share, or $2.7 billion.  This compares with a 2006 full-year net loss of $6.72 per share, or $12.6 billion.

For the full year, Ford’s worldwide Automotive sector reported a pre-tax loss of $1.1 billion, compared with a pre-tax loss of $5.1 billion a year ago.

Worldwide Automotive revenue for 2007 was $155.8 billion, compared with $143.3 billion a year ago.

North America: For 2007, Ford’s North America Automotive operations reported a pre-tax loss of $3.5 billion, compared to a loss of $6.0 billion a year ago.

South America: Ford’s South America operations reported a full-year pre-tax profit of $1.2 billion, compared with a profit of $551 million a year ago.

Ford Europe: Ford Europe’s full-year pre-tax profit was $997 million, up from $455 million in 2006.

Asia Pacific and Africa: For full-year 2007, Asia Pacific and Africa reported a pre-tax profit of $40 million, compared with a pre-tax loss of $185 million a year ago.

Mazda: For the full year, Ford earned $204 million from its investment in Mazda and associated operations, compared with $168 million in 2006.

http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=27534

Fabrice Taylor (born 1968) is a Toronto journalist who became publisher of the Ottawa edition of Frank, a Canadian satirical magazine.

As far as Europe, Toyota has not found the right mix for the Kool-Aid over here as market share this year is on a downward slide, Toyota sales -9.3 with market share for 2007 @ 5.7 dropping to 5.0 year to date 2008, and Lexus sales
 -20.1, with a steady 0.2 market share. ( This info is to counter Fabrice's global market share caving to the Japanese carmakers comment.)
 http://www.acea.be/images/uploads/files/20080516_PRPC-0804-FINAL.pdf

[safristi]

..Oh that WANK magazine...................where JOB1 is a H**D-Job....

[ArticSteve]

You're really taking all of this to heart aren't you.

haha    it's your thread .....  Toyota managing to match Ford's quality 

[SkiBunny]

Looking at Consumers Reports list of best vehicles, both Toyota and Ford are clearly lagging Honda and Hyundai:   

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435705

Ford-Mazda significantly outshines Toyota in this Consumer Report list.  So it appears, at least according to this latest CR report, that Toyota actually has a ways to go to match Ford's quality in this segment

[Zoo]

Let's examine the odds. Ford's global market share has been caving to the Japanese carmakers, and its losses totalled $15 billion (U.S.) in 2006 and '07.

AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 24, 2008 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported a 2007 full-year net loss of $1.35 per share, or $2.7 billion.  This compares with a 2006 full-year net loss of $6.72 per share, or $12.6 billion.

For the full year, Ford’s worldwide Automotive sector reported a pre-tax loss of $1.1 billion, compared with a pre-tax loss of $5.1 billion a year ago.

Worldwide Automotive revenue for 2007 was $155.8 billion, compared with $143.3 billion a year ago.

North America: For 2007, Ford’s North America Automotive operations reported a pre-tax loss of $3.5 billion, compared to a loss of $6.0 billion a year ago.

South America: Ford’s South America operations reported a full-year pre-tax profit of $1.2 billion, compared with a profit of $551 million a year ago.

Ford Europe: Ford Europe’s full-year pre-tax profit was $997 million, up from $455 million in 2006.

Asia Pacific and Africa: For full-year 2007, Asia Pacific and Africa reported a pre-tax profit of $40 million, compared with a pre-tax loss of $185 million a year ago.

Mazda: For the full year, Ford earned $204 million from its investment in Mazda and associated operations, compared with $168 million in 2006.

http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=27534

Fabrice Taylor (born 1968) is a Toronto journalist who became publisher of the Ottawa edition of Frank, a Canadian satirical magazine.

As far as Europe, Toyota has not found the right mix for the Kool-Aid over here as market share this year is on a downward slide, Toyota sales -9.3 with market share for 2007 @ 5.7 dropping to 5.0 year to date 2008, and Lexus sales
 -20.1, with a steady 0.2 market share. ( This info is to counter Fabrice's global market share caving to the Japanese carmakers comment.)
 http://www.acea.be/images/uploads/files/20080516_PRPC-0804-FINAL.pdf

It sounds like Ford is doing a lot of good things. While I am still leery of a Focus I might change that mindset one day if they keep making better cars. I am already a fan of the Fusion.

[Zoo]

Looking at Consumers Reports list of best vehicles, both Toyota and Ford are clearly lagging Honda and Hyundai:   

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435705

Ford-Mazda significantly outshines Toyota in this Consumer Report list.  So it appears, at least according to this latest CR report, that Toyota actually has a ways to go to match Ford's quality in this segment

Hyundai is doing great right now!
Every new vehicle seems to pique my interest and there are Kias like the Rondo which I really like. The Sonata is on my list when it is time for a mid sizer.

[tenpenny]

And Steve, here's your pic. Looks like a few of the trucks were moved yesterday though.

Not exact location, but where is that lot?  What state?  One thing for sure there is going to be great deals on used Taco engines, transmission, etc., relating to those years.

Funny man. Clark Toyota in Fredericton. Shot from the kitchen window of our office area, I figured you'd ask for a picture.

Corner of Kimble and Alison if you want to Google Earth it.

I was thinking that it's Clark Chevrolet that you'd be seeing from the kitchen, but then I read about you being in temp space...

On the Toyota frame issue - who actually made the frames?  Was it Toyota, or is this farmed out, like others do?

[ArticSteve]

Ford-Mazda significantly outshines Toyota in this Consumer Report list.  So it appears, at least according to this latest CR report, that Toyota actually has a ways to go to match Ford's quality in this segment

Enjoy your Fusion.        BTW, is there an actual documented case of a person purchasing a Fusion or are they all leased?   

[Ice]

Ford simply needs to step up to the plate and offer compelling cars.  The F-150 I have no doubts about as its nearly a defacto standard for trucks.  But their cars have suffered over the last decade...I looked at the Fusion, even sat in one, and was completely turned off by the styling and to some degree the fit and finish quality feel of the interior.  Everyone keeps saying it but really Ford makes cooler cars in Europe.  Make cool cars here too.  Either borrow a few more lines from the Mazda playbook or borrow Euro Ford...or something.

Fortunately they seem to have gotten the message...but it takes time.

[PJungnitsch]

But their cars have suffered over the last decade...

Has Ford NA ever designed desirable cars? I'm thinking Escorts, Tempo/Topaz etc were always serviceable but never something that caught the eye. Seemed to be a 'make em plain so the customers trade up to a REAL vehicle' philosophy at work.

One of the first things I noticed when I went to Europe twenty years ago was how good-looking European Ford cars were compared to ours, even then.

[tpl]

But their cars have suffered over the last decade...

Has Ford NA ever designed desirable cars? I'm thinking Escorts, Tempo/Topaz etc were always serviceable but never something that caught the eye. Seemed to be a 'make em plain so the customers trade up to a REAL vehicle' philosophy at work.

One of the first things I noticed when I went to Europe twenty years ago was how good-looking European Ford cars were compared to ours, even then.

The Escort was a euro idea to start with.  Let us hope.  Mulcahy has suggested that he at least understands that Fords NA car line is not too appealing.  Will he be able to make a dent in the legions of people brought up on the "if big cars are good, bigger must be better" school  of car design. We will see.

[tenpenny]

But their cars have suffered over the last decade...

Has Ford NA ever designed desirable cars? I'm thinking Escorts..

Hey, what about the EXP?  How could you forget that?

[Mitlov]

Has Ford NA ever designed desirable cars?

You tell me:





And don't forget the Taurus SHO.

[Cord]

You're really taking all of this to heart aren't you.

haha    it's your thread .....  Toyota managing to match Ford's quality 

At least you got the play on words. A little late, but you got it.