Fairlane's future

[mattcosa]

For those with a keen eye, Fairlane is probably going to disappear after Orion Falcon for an extended period of time.

It's a simple matter of money and market. Aussy market isn't big enough to sustain a dedicated model like Fairlane. The Holden Satesman would be facing the same situation if it wern't for GM letting the Stato go overseas.

Unfortunately for our local Fairlane, Ford US is not as keen on replacing the Crown platform with one developed here or jointly. Major disappointment from our perspective, and another local product gone.

And then this thing lands: [see link]
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...=2,Interceptor

According to drive, Ford AUS have a hand in the development. So it's not quite as bad as it seems. Fingers crossed we wont see the end of Fairlane (yet). Probably see this thing around 2010-12.

There's always hope!

http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...rticleID=22580

[aussiblue]

This has been rumoured for years but so far they keep making Oz Fairlanes and LTDs. The cost is contained as they are made on the station wagon platform (hence the narrow wagon rear doors) and it's only the metal work rear of the rear door rear panel that is unique. I also assume Ford want to mainatain a prestige market leader model and not surrender that segment to GMH. Nonetheless there does remain the risk we will end up with a Canadian (or perhaps eventually a Mexican) made Crown Victoria.

[Fairlane]

actually seeing the nature of the new Holden Wagon (Sportswagon or whatever it is) and the curiosity of Ford US, i predict that the Ford LWB, may survive into Orion now.

Holden by the looks of it has handed the whole fleet wagon market to Ford Aus and with these new number, IMO the LWB platform and the Fairlane will survive for a few more years yet.

[LeadFoot81]

What IS the deal with Holden's sportaswasgon? I had a theory a while back itd basically be a Torana style thing, but since then have heard rumours of a Holden mid-size Torana style thing. So I'm not sure if theyre dumping the standard station wagon layout.

[XR Martin]

This could be a possibility as a Fairlane too, the Lincoln MKR prototype. Has a Twin Turbo 3.5L V6 with 310Kw.

[LeadFoot81]

I like how theyve integrated the Lincoln logo into several parts of the car.
As much as Id hate to see the Aussie Fairlane and LTD go, something like might sell well. Ulta luxurious and different looking without the 'stigma' of a local badge.

[MAFIA]

That looks more of Alfa Rameo body with an ugly front and that glass roof...i don't think so Tim!!! There go the Tinting bill!

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by MAFIA

That looks more of Alfa Rameo body with an ugly front and that glass roof...i don't think so Tim!!! There go the Tinting bill!

I imagine the roof uses a similar setup to various Mercs, Electrochromatic glass. You can adjust the darkness of the glass with a push of a button.

[XR8-260]

I don't see any reason to get a fairlane when there's terrific models such as the fairmont ghia out there.

[JPFS1]

there's more at stake than just Fairlane if Ford AUS don't get an export program approved soon.

[Bluehoon]

Originally Posted by JEM

there's more at stake than just Fairlane if Ford AUS don't get an export program approved soon.

Spot on. Orion is make or break time.. 6 power plant is being prepped too.

Same for FPV..

[Falc'man]

Originally Posted by JEM

there's more at stake than just Fairlane if Ford AUS don't get an export program approved soon.

How soon is soon?

[Tles]

Fairlane and Crown Victoria would be a more mainstream product than Interceptor - definitely room in US Aus and Arabian markets. Even 300C which is more Interceptor market has an longer extended model. The rear seat room is the important part. The Lincoln MKR is more Coupe/Sedan so again longer required.

The difference has to be the ute and wagon wheelbase and it's potential for overseas applications. This platform would even hold potential for the extended versions of the US Fairlane(Bronco style SUV) which are acknowledge as coming up for Lincoln in 08. Maybe even a Territory style dual cab ute and LWB SUV rather than the Falcon style cabinned current ute series.

[Iphido]

Fairlane and LTD could be based off the regular Falcon wheelbase. Much like Camry/Aurion.

Fairlane and LTD could include features like a glass roof, real timber in dash/doors, etc. Having an all glass roof would certainly distingish the model above a fairmont Ghia in a meaningful way.

If Ford could tie up the China/Middle east market there would be plenty of volume for a Fairlane and LTD with decent engineering (like the statesman now).

2010 would be the earliest it would appear. If was approved today.

[The Stylist]

Originally Posted by Iphido

Fairlane and LTD could include features like a glass roof, real timber in dash/doors, etc. Having an all glass roof would certainly distingish the model above a fairmont Ghia in a meaningful way.

2010 would be the earliest it would appear. If was approved today.

Yes the Fairlane definately needs to have a unique point of difference, with some high end spec levels.

I hope it has been approved earlier than we think, wishful thinking though.

[VZSS250]

Unfortunately the article is nothing more than speculation. Ford Australia announced to the world that it wasn't interested in building Fairlanes the day they unveiled the lame BA Fairlane. Looking much like a Falcon, the BA Fairlane showed that Ford was withdrawing its committment to serving the long wheel base market in a meaningful way.

As Holden continue to reap the benefits of genuine and substantial styling and engineering efforts in relation to Stateman and Caprice, Fairlane sales have come to a complete stand-still, supported only by sympathetic Government fleet managers. No private buyer in their right mind would pay good money for a Fairlane at the moment.

Ford's pathetic efforts in upgrading the V8 to compete against Holden's unrelenting revisions to its powerplants have also contributed to declining sales of not only Fairlane, but the whole Falcon range. No amount of overhead cams and valves can hide the fact that the Boss cannot take up the fight against the compact and light 6.0 litre V8 in the Holden range.

Not only that, but why must Fairlane endure with the standard V8, rather than the high output XR8 unit? Once again, this points to the overall problem - Ford Australia can't be bothered doing anything that isn't guaranteed to make money.

In the same way that Ford abandoned V8 buyers from 1983 to 1991 because they were not making Ford Australia enough money, so too will Fairlane buyers be abandoned.

And so Fairlane buyers must join the long cues to get their butts in a Statesman or Caprice, which is currently selling enough to have been viable model even in the absence of an export market.

Fairlane buyers switching to Statesmans? Not such a bad thing given how unquestionably superior the Holden LWB package is at the moment. Drive one and you will see how far behind Fairlane has fallen. Exterior styling, interior ambience and the ferocity of the 6.0 litre motor in the big Holden leave the Fairlane feeling limp d*cked.

[stevz]

Well said!!

[jarridtheruler]

It would be sad to see the fairlane go, but i would not be suprised if it did. Especially when you consider their recent sales figures

[outback_ute]

Originally Posted by VZSS250

Unfortunately the article is nothing more than speculation. Ford Australia announced to the world that it wasn't interested in building Fairlanes the day they unveiled the lame BA Fairlane. Looking much like a Falcon, the BA Fairlane showed that Ford was withdrawing its committment to serving the long wheel base market in a meaningful way.

Need to give them a bit of latitude with the BA Fairlane as they had spent way above the odds on the Falcon and the cupboard was bare when it came time for the Fairlane - mind you I think just sticking Territory lights on it at least at Mk2 time instead would have given some decent differentiation for a modest cost.

[Walkinshaw]

Ford needs to look back at what sold.

Falcon Front


LWB front


Differentiation is key (but costs $)

Even DA-DC's were vastly diffrent front and rear to SWB

[XR Martin]

Fact is Holden can afford to spend big dollars on the Stato/Caprice due to exports, Australian sold ones will only make up 10-20% of total sales.
Ford dont have that export program so it cant justify spending big dollars on a car that at best will sell 300 a month.
Wouldnt matter what it looked like, theres just too much competition nowadays with quality Euros, unlike back in the 70s and 80s.

[banarcus]

Agree pretty much with what the SS(troll) fella said about the Fairlane but not the boss V8 part. He and many here love to read the mags for their assessment on the Ford V8 and have no or very limited experience(an LS1 isn't the be all and end all either). Holden are onto a good thing because of GM supply Holden with a good crate motor and a foreign market to cover the cost of building such a different car to the base Commodore. With similar resources, any motor maker can do similar things. Also I dont believe that Fords sales fortunes across the board are remotely related to their reluctance to constantly upgrade power in their V8s either.

[VZSS250]

Originally Posted by Walkinshaw

Ford needs to look back at what sold.

Yep, this was the best LTD by far, 351 and all. I'd love to have one in mint condition.

[chevypower]

I have read some good theories about why the Fairlane isnt doing so well, and some shocking theories to improve sales. I dont think sticking some garnish is going to make it a better car, or even a better selling car. Sticking a Boss 260/290 in it won't make it more appealing to the general public either, might in fact work against it (although it will appeal to a few Ford fans, i dont think sales will go up). Putting a 5 inch digital speedo is not the answer either. (these are answers of the past)
I believe people are moving away from this segment in general for a few reasons. People used to buy these things because they had that little bit more in them, the comfort levels were exceptional and unmatched power. These days, with high fuel prices, people dont want the highest litreage engines possible, they want good performance with a balance of fuel economy. They want to feel unlimited with their vehicles, and versatile so a lot of sales goes towards SUVs and cross-overs. Imports are taking away sales also, with less sales tax on them these days. This is a good thing, they shouldnt be forced to buy a Fairlane which might not suit them as much. Cars that are dedicated luxury cars dont have much over any other car these days. Any feature you want in a car, you can just about have in any car you want. You can get performance in any other car segment too.

For the Fairlane to really work now, it has to match the European cars in looks and quality, should have rear heated and cooled reclining seats, have world class direct injection, diesel and hybrid power, air suspension, resemble an S-Class, 7 Series, A8 or Maybach basically for a lot less money. If it's nothing special like that. It wont really work.

[VZSS250]

The other problem is that the LTD has stooped to being a LWB Fairmont Ghia. Its time they took it to another level like LTDs of the past. Give it a leather dash, full leather door trim, air conditioned seats, extensive black woodgrain (per BMW), a TV, etc. The LWB cars just dont have any wow factor that the SWB cars dont have.

The Caprice at least makes an effort with LCD screens in each headrest, heavily contoured rear seat, unique dash, softer leather, upspec door trims and that fantastic Bose stereo.

[Paull]

Originally Posted by chevypower

I have read some good theories about why the Fairlane isnt doing so well, and some shocking theories to improve sales. I dont think sticking some garnish is going to make it a better car, or even a better selling car. Sticking a Boss 260/290 in it won't make it more appealing to the general public either, might in fact work against it (although it will appeal to a few Ford fans, i dont think sales will go up). Putting a 5 inch digital speedo is not the answer either. (these are answers of the past)
I believe people are moving away from this segment in general for a few reasons. People used to buy these things because they had that little bit more in them, the comfort levels were exceptional and unmatched power. These days, with high fuel prices, people dont want the highest litreage engines possible, they want good performance with a balance of fuel economy. They want to feel unlimited with their vehicles, and versatile so a lot of sales goes towards SUVs and cross-overs. Imports are taking away sales also, with less sales tax on them these days. This is a good thing, they shouldnt be forced to buy a Fairlane which might not suit them as much. Cars that are dedicated luxury cars dont have much over any other car these days. Any feature you want in a car, you can just about have in any car you want. You can get performance in any other car segment too.

For the Fairlane to really work now, it has to match the European cars in looks and quality, should have rear heated and cooled reclining seats, have world class direct injection, diesel and hybrid power, air suspension, resemble an S-Class, 7 Series, A8 or Maybach basically for a lot less money. If it's nothing special like that. It wont really work.

Closest to the mark so far I think.

That is, buying choices are changing, more on offer eg hybrids/cross overs etc and also the lack of the export market. Also, Ford does not have the State/Federal government fleet markets sewn up as GMH does.

I used to think differentiation was the key, however now, not so much so. That is, back when the P6 was available (1976 - 1979), there really was a class distinction bewteen the povo pack Falcon to that of the Fairlane and then onto the LTD. Mainly due to other vehicles on the market, price and also availability of credit. Put more simply, if you had a P6 LTD, you really were a 'somebody' and you could show this off by having an LTD.

Today, cars have become more generic and the only real differences are seen to be between sizes. That is, a Focus compared to a Falcon compared to a commercial. Put more simply, do you get status from a Fairlane/Statesman or more so from a BMW large saloon???

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by VZSS250

The other problem is that the LTD has stooped to being a LWB Fairmont Ghia. Its time they took it to another level like LTDs of the past. Give it a leather dash, full leather door trim, air conditioned seats, extensive black woodgrain (per BMW), a TV, etc. The LWB cars just dont have any wow factor that the SWB cars dont have.

The Caprice at least makes an effort with LCD screens in each headrest, heavily contoured rear seat, unique dash, softer leather, upspec door trims and that fantastic Bose stereo.

Which comes back to the fact Ford cant afford to add those features because it doesnt have the export market that Holden does.

Holden have even said the Statesman wouldnt have been viable without the export market it has.

[bigAl]

point 1. fairlanes are ugly
point 2. no features
point 3. ^^see point one^^

[csv8]

Lincoln MKZ pleeze Ford AUS