New FoA boss arrives

Road_Warrior · 08-12-2010, 04:09 PM

http://www.carpoint.com.au/news/2010...-arrives-22836

Quote:

If the pace of the past week is a guide, the new boss of Ford Australia, Robert Graziano, is a man on a mission.

Fresh from a whirlwind trip between Melbourne, China and Detroit to finalise his relocation, Graziano flew to Adelaide to meet with local press at the launch of the updated Fiesta small car last night – within his first 48 hours in the top job. Another indication he intends to hit the ground running, the new president and CEO of Ford Australia was due to return to Melbourne this morning to meet with the Ford dealer council.

"There's not much I can tell you at this stage as I've only just had my feet under the desk for 48 hours," Graziano said during a brief and informal welcoming address over dinner.

"But, as you can imagine, I'm very happy to be here and I'm keen to get across the local industry as quickly as possible."

Graziano said he was aware that Australia was one of the most competitive new-car markets in the world.

"I'm well aware of what some of our challenges and opportunities are. We have a big year ahead with a lot of new model activity."

Ford's market share slipped to 9 per cent in November, but this was largely due to delayed shipments of the Fiesta and Focus small cars, the company said.

Ford is expected to launch at least six significant new models over the next 12 months, including a facelifted Territory (which will also be available with a much anticipated diesel engine), the all-new Ranger ute, four-cylinder and new LPG versions of the Falcon sedan, and the third-generation Focus small car late in the year.

Graziano comes to Australia after three years as the head of Ford's three joint venture operations in China. Before that he was exposed to the Australian market via his role as a senior executive at Mazda.

After being driven by a chauffeur (there are restrictions on foreigners driving in China) for the last three years, Graziano said he was glad to be behind the wheel again. His company car is Ford's top-of-the-line G6E Turbo.

"It's great to be driving again. I've been getting up early just to drive the car."

After studying at Iowa University, the former Detroiter has clocked up 28 years with the Ford Motor Company and is the son of a 34-year Ford veteran.

"He left when I started, I'm not sure what to interpret from that," he said candidly.

Graziano is the second-youngest of seven children and he and his wife have five children.

He describes himself as a fan of motorsport and an avid follower of NASCAR, and expressed disappointment that the Ford-driving V8 Supercar champion for 2010, James Courtney, was defecting to Holden next year.

The self-confessed revhead learned to drive in a 1976 Mustang and, perhaps a sign of things to come, his first car was a Ford Futura. Unlike later versions of the local Falcon Futura, his 1980s North American Futura was powered by a 302 V8.

Graziano says he will spend the Christmas/New Year break getting relocated, ready to return to the office before Ford's Broadmeadows and Geelong production lines start up again on January 17 (the same factory start-up date as Holden).

Graziano is the fourth boss of Ford Australia in three years. His predecessor, Geelong-born Marin Burela, who led Ford Australia for two years, was transferred to a senior role at the Ford-Mazda joint venture in China in November.

Graziano's counterpart at Holden, fellow Detroiter Mike Devereux, is the fifth boss of Holden in four years.

About time we heard a little something from this fella. I particularly liked the quotes

Quote:

His company car is Ford's top-of-the-line G6E Turbo.

"It's great to be driving again. I've been getting up early just to drive the car."

and

Quote:

The self-confessed revhead learned to drive in a 1976 Mustang and, perhaps a sign of things to come, his first car was a Ford Futura.

Fairlane · 08-12-2010, 05:12 PM

Shame we lost Burela. Another American here as boss, atleast he seems to be a car enthuasist of sorts.

**Luke Plaizier** · 08-12-2010, 05:59 PM

But timing for the switch. At least of those should have been around to be present for the spoils at the end of the V8 championship. Burela was the one to have brought DJR back under corporate sponsorship - he should have been there.

Lukeyson

vztrt · 08-12-2010, 06:28 PM

Well he likes cars so that's always a good sign.

**Luke Plaizier** · 08-12-2010, 06:36 PM

They all say that thought don't they?

Lukeyson

Road_Warrior · 08-12-2010, 06:52 PM

At this point in time, I would like to look at it from a glass-half-full perspective. Being into motorsport and performance cars is always a good sign.

Dr Smith · 08-12-2010, 06:57 PM

Any man that gets up early to drive a G6ET is on the right track in my book...then again I'm slightly biased.

Paxton · 08-12-2010, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

At this point in time, I would like to look at it from a glass-half-full perspective. Being into motorsport and performance cars is always a good sign.

Exactly. Give the guy a chance. He might be an American, but some of the best periods in the Classic Falcon Era were overseen by Americans. It isn't all doom and gloom, and there was more to the decision to replace Burela than met the eye.

My poor XF · 08-12-2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paxton

Exactly. Give the guy a chance. He might be an American, but some of the best periods in the Classic Falcon Era were overseen by Americans. It isn't all doom and gloom, and there was more to the decision to replace Burela than met the eye.

Care to elaborate or is that just a quip.

Curious to know.

rodderz · 08-12-2010, 09:20 PM

Didnt dealers vote a no confidance in Burella?

Envi XR8 · 08-12-2010, 09:42 PM

I'll give him a chance, but if the last couple of Americans are anything to go by, I'm not sure I like the sound of this.

time will tell, and I'll give him that.

Paxton · 08-12-2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodderz

Didnt dealers vote a no confidance in Burella?

They did.

Dr Smith · 08-12-2010, 10:10 PM

Wonder what he thought of them, lol?

bobthebilda · 08-12-2010, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

Wonder what he thought of them, lol?

My guess is that he didnt like them. He produced cars that he knew they couldnt sell and he continually slowed down Broadmeadows production so they didnt have cars to sell. Burella really stuck it up those dealers.

dannyhilton · 08-12-2010, 10:45 PM

I wish him luck. With some of the best cars in Australia wearing Ford badges, you'd think his job would be simple. But Mr. Smith down the road thinks his Holden Epica is Australian made because 'It has a Holden badge.' In that case, he's going to need more than our well wishes and luck to help Ford Australia float...

vztrt · 08-12-2010, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobthebilda

My guess is that he didnt like them. He produced cars that he knew they couldnt sell and he continually slowed down Broadmeadows production so they didnt have cars to sell. Burella really stuck it up those dealers.

Production was at 270 a day when Gorman was the chief.

dylancox · 09-12-2010, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyhilton

I wish him luck. With some of the best cars in Australia wearing Ford badges, you'd think his job would be simple. But Mr. Smith down the road thinks his Holden Epica is Australian made because 'It has a Holden badge.' In that case, he's going to need more than our well wishes and luck to help Ford Australia float...

I often equate owning a Ford to finding a nice lady but having a terrible mother-in-law.

Love the product, but hate the manufacturer.

Wretched · 09-12-2010, 08:46 AM

Well I'll comment more within a year but whether or not he is a car fanatic doesn't mean too much to me, though it is a bonus.

For me, the CEO needs to be be able to direct the company in a positive direction.
He/She need not take silly risks or be to complacent in the car game.

I'd like to see the new CEO try and promote Ford AU as Ford not as a Falcon company. Put the effort into all of the products in the range. Each product is good enough to be in the pointy end of its market it just needs encouragement. Whether that is via a change in the perception of the company or not I do not know.

I say goodluck to him and wish Ford AU all the best.

Gobes32 · 09-12-2010, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodderz

Didnt dealers vote a no confidance in Burella?

But he also ripped through some dealers as well, it was quite well known that he had a go at the local dealer here in Geelong.

The man oozed passion and I for one was devastated to see him go. I will give the new fella a chance to prove himself but will always feel we were short changed losing Burela so early.

Dr Smith · 09-12-2010, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gobes32

But he also ripped through some dealers as well, it was quite well known that he had a go at the local dealer here in Geelong

Really...well that was a l-o-n-g time coming and would have bought tickets to watch...

DanielXR8 · 09-12-2010, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodderz

Didnt dealers vote a no confidance in Burella?

That would get him a win with customers then.

Fev · 09-12-2010, 03:24 PM

Good to hear someone thats running an auto-company actually is into cars. I can't wait to see what he can do for us and FordAus!

ltd · 09-12-2010, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My poor XF

Care to elaborate or is that just a quip.

Curious to know.

Wait for a Wiki-leaks thing on it then.

jpd80 · 09-12-2010, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobthebilda

My guess is that he didnt like them. He produced cars that he knew they couldnt sell and he continually slowed down Broadmeadows production so they didnt have cars to sell. Burella really stuck it up those dealers.

Some DPs act like spoiled brats wanting Ford to subsidise everything but refuse to take risks buying in bulk.
When they see other dealerships buying up bulk vehicles and getting discounts, the envy creeps in
completely ignoring that those dealerships are taking on a lot of risks to trade in discounted stock
for example Escape, some dealerships bought in truckloads and selling them could for $27,990 night and day

Continually slowed down Broadmeadows production?

Until recently, factory order books had been full up to three months in advance and there
was occasional Saturday work too. What is hurting is the lack of LILPG, a model that accounts
for 20% of sales, since Euro 4 / E-Gas sales cut off, the drop in Falcon sales is more pronounced....

Gobes32 · 09-12-2010, 08:14 PM

No wagon and no egas are near on 1000 units a month, and the government euro 4 garbage is responsible one way or another as to why we don't do either...........

Road_Warrior · 09-12-2010, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gobes32

No wagon and no egas are near on 1000 units a month, and the government euro 4 garbage is responsible one way or another as to why we don't do either...........

Don't blame the government, Ford had plenty of lead time as a heads-up to get their act together but true to form it was left until the last minute (and then some)

jpd80 · 09-12-2010, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Don't blame the government, Ford had plenty of lead time as a heads-up to get their act together but true to form it was left until the last minute (and then some)

Oh, such short memories of what happened back in 2008 and
if Gorman had his way, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

24-9-2008, Marin Burela was appointed CEO of Ford Australia,
20-10-2008, he reverses the decision to cancel the I-6 engine.

From there to 30-6-2010 Euro 4 deadline was a scant 19 months
to resurrect the previously shelved projects and make them happen.

Combined with resources being dedicated to T6 Ranger and Territory projects,
I'd suspect that Ford didn't have the resources to get everything ready in time.

dannyhilton · 09-12-2010, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dylancox

I often equate owning a Ford to finding a nice lady but having a terrible mother-in-law.

Love the product, but hate the manufacturer.

I love it. That's fantastic fella! And spot on.

Wretched · 09-12-2010, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpd80

Oh, such short memories of what happened back in 2008 and
if Gorman had his way, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

24-9-2008, Marin Burela was appointed CEO of Ford Australia,
20-10-2008, he reverses the decision to cancel the I-6 engine.

From there to 30-6-2010 Euro 4 deadline was a scant 19 months
to resurrect the previously shelved projects and make them happen.

Combined with resources being dedicated to T6 Ranger and Territory projects,
I'd suspect that Ford didn't have the resources to get everything ready in time.

Like Road_Warrior said not the governments fault.
It was Ford AU's, internal bickering/poor planning was the problem.

jpd80 · 10-12-2010, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wretched

Like Road_Warrior said not the governments fault.
It was Ford AU's, internal bickering/poor planning was the problem.

Agree but there was a lot of other work going on behind the scenes,
not as though Ford was sitting on its hands.