Solution to Poor FG Sales ?

[4Vman]

Originally Posted by Full Noise

On this note, Ford, like many, run their business on a “just in time” basis, so there’s only so many trucks to supply the plant’s requirements on a daily basis. Quite a lot their parts come from SA so it’s also a matter of those suppliers increasing their output.

They can, to a degree increase this, however, it isn’t without major costs so I dare say, it would be something that would be looked at in the long term.

This is very true... Suppliers also need some kind of reassurance that their investment to increase production isn't going to be a short term thing that they get no payback for.

e.g: a supplier may need to buy an extra piece of plant equipment (or more trucks in your case) to meet anticipated volumes....
The supplier will need a long term commitment to cover these extra costs....

[b0son]

Originally Posted by cycle myth

I'm getting excited if Ford has a full order book to need additional shifts.

if they need additional shifts, their order book isnt full IMO. full equals making as money as they possibly can. doesnt sound like they are. still, if they're selling everything they're making, it gives them reason to feel a little more secure in the car's future.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by b0son

if they need additional shifts, their order book isnt full IMO. full equals making as money as they possibly can. doesnt sound like they are. still, if they're selling everything they're making, it gives them reason to feel a little more secure in the car's future.

Full = the limit of your current parts supply contracts and the balanced line speed of your plant.

You can't add a shift if you run out of parts or the supplier isn't able to deliver them because Ford hasn't
paid him to ramp up production. You can't speed up the line without changing personnel around, timing of builds at each station, timing of parts delivery.

It's not as easy as speeding up the conveyor.....

Here's a funny example: Lucy, Lucy, Lucy

Ford can add a Saturday or two to boost production but they will soon
have to increase line speed, re-balance and adjust supply conditions.

[b0son]

Originally Posted by jpd80

It's not as easy as speeding up the conveyor......

Of course it isnt. But why arent they doing anything to increase production? Lack of faith?

Beat the drum all you like, but 31000 vehicles in 2009 is pathetic compared to 81000 in 1995. How much more could that 31000 be if Ford wanted to do something about it?

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by b0son

Of course it isnt. But why arent they doing anything to increase production? Lack of faith?

Beat the drum all you like, but 31000 vehicles in 2009 is pathetic compared to 81000 in 1995. How much more could that 31000 be if Ford wanted to do something about it?

The market has changed, 1995 large cars had a much big market share then they do now.

[b0son]

Originally Posted by vztrt

The market has changed, 1995 large cars had a much big market share then they do now.

and the commodore has a much bigger share of that market then the falcon...

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by b0son

and the commodore has a much bigger share of that market then the falcon...

Yet has been losing it for the last two years.

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Yet has been losing it for the last two years.

Yes, the FG has been winning back market share. VE is still the dominant player but has been losing market share to Falcon. Their combined share has remained fairly static at about 80%.

[bobthebilda]

Originally Posted by phillyc

Yes, the FG has been winning back market share. VE is still the dominant player but has been losing market share to Falcon. Their combined share has remained fairly static at about 80%.

The problem is, a while ago they were winning 80% of 50%, now they are winning 80% of 10%.