Archive for 2013
Ford Australia's recent announcement: the fallout.
The announcement on Thursday, 23rd May, by Ford Australia CEO Bob Graziano, that the two Victorian based manufacturing plants would cease making the Falcon, Territory and the 4.0L engines was not unexpected, if somewhat cynically timed to coincide with Holden’s official VF Commodore media launch.
What does it really mean for Australia’s auto industry? Note I said auto industry, not car manufacturing industry. First up, of course, is the human cost. Around 1200 workers are directly affected, with the knock on effect through to suppliers sure to hurt a little, with an estimated (possible) 2500 others in various component suppliers. There’s areas such as brake components, electrical, tyres that will lose orders…..although Graziano’s announcement suggested an increase on the overall model lineup (which, to be honest, gives me mixed feelings) those cars will have been supplied and built overseas.
The root cause of the announcement can’t be traced to any ONE source; it’s easy to say it’s solely because of the losses 
that have mounted up but why is that the case? Was it the failure of the AU Falcon, intended to reinvigorate the Falcon nameplate and soundly denounced by a member of the Ford family? Was it the rise and rise of the SUV? Was it the better engineered competitors with sharper pricing? Was it, simply, bad company management, both here and at Dearborn, Ford’s US headquarters? It’s been said that Ford AU fought for better export opportunities against the will of Ford US, with the somewhat underwhelming Capri, based on the Laser/323 twins being a “highlight” of their export efforts.
Ford Australia has an immense amount of moments in history; Lewis Brandt’s coupe utility from 1934, the gorgeous range of coupes from the XM of the early 1960s through to the XC from the mid-late ’70s, including that now iconic 1-2 finish at Mt Panorama and the shape’s contribution to filmdom, with the immortal Mad Max Interceptor. There’s the 
European inspired XE Fairmont ESP, with the 351ci beast under the bonnet and, of late, the brilliant turbo six and the blown V8 from the performance arm, FPV. But no mention of Ford Australia can go without these four letters: GT-HO. Released in 1971, as part of the XY Falcon range, the GT with Handling Option, Phase 3, was seen as the pinnacle, at the time, of Ford’s product range. The now infamous photo from Wheels magazine of a GT-HO screaming down a deserted Hume Highway at 145 miles per hour permanently imprinted the blue oval brand into Australia’s automotive consciousness.
So where did it all go wrong for the Falcon? Sales of large cars in Australia, specifically the Falcon and Commodore, have been in a downward spiral for years. The release of the Territory effectively signed the death warrant of the Falcon wagon whilst simultaneously adding to the SUV climb. The reluctance of Ford US to allow a working export program (in 2012 Ford Oz exported just 100 Territorys) in the face of Holden’s success with the Commodore and Statesman/Caprice whilst Toyota has also been moderately successful with the Camry/Aurion has to be considered as a loss of incoming revenue, while 
small to medium cars, with the growth of families being a DINK (Double Income, No Kids) or needing room ostensibly seen as unavailable in a wagon playing into the hands of the SUV market, plus some clever marketing (you don’t have a SUV? Horrified gasp. What’s WRONG WITH YOU?) has also come into play and can all be seen as a contributing factor in their own right.
Ford has signed off on a Falcon and Territory update for a 2014 release, with October 2016 being inked in as the close up shop date for their manufacturing plants. Graziano confirmed that their engineering centre will continue to offer input into world engineering designs and keeping around 1500 jobs safe. But there’s lingering questions about how Ford AU has been given in the order of one billion Australian dollars since 2000 and still arrived at 
this, literally, dead end. To use that cliched phrase, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. Australia will be down to just two manufacturers and will see the end of something two communities have had as part of their own, individual, histories for a long time. 1200 jobs lost, spread out over 23 million people, is a very small percentage and would be, on its own, a worrying thing. Broadmeadows and Geelong, however, will have to shoulder that number between them. But worse still will be the day that another part of history in Australia ceases to be created. And that loss is incalculable.
Safety First
Who’s the leading car manufacturer when it comes to safety? Volvo has to be the obvious answer, as they are amazing at coming up with ingenious ideas for not only keeping passengers safe but pedestrians as well. But here’s another world first from Volvo. Doug Speck, Senior Vice President Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Group, introduced another trailblazing safety feature that is able to distinguish and detect a cyclist and then automatically brake for any cyclists that swerve out in front of the car. Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake consists of a radar unit that sits unified with the car’s grille, a camera that is fitted in front of the interior rear-view mirror and a central control unit. The camera defines the type of object in front of the car, and its high-resolution makes it possible to spot the moving pattern of pedestrians and cyclists. The radar has been designed to detect objects in front of the car while calculating the distance that remains between the car and the object. All information from the radar and camera are sent to the central control unit which continuously monitors and evaluates the current traffic state.
The Volvo team have enhanced the present detection and auto brake technology which is used in many new cars, today. Volvo have called their cycle detection and response system: the Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake. All new Volvo cars will become equipped with pedestrian detection that incorporates this new cyclist detection technology.
Research has shown that about 50 per cent of all cyclists that are killed in Europe have collided with a car. It’s exciting to see how valuable and how massive this new safety feature will help save cyclists lives.
Volvo states that the Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with full auto brake will be available in the new Volvo V40, S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 models in the second half of this year.
Private Fleet 2013 Driving Survey
2013 Private Fleet Driving Survey
Following on from the success of our previous driving surveys, Private Fleet has once again quizzed Australian drivers from across the country to get a real sense of the current issues motorists are experiencing.
Some 3500 respondents participated in the anonymous survey- which identifies participants by gender, state, income, car and driving history- and the results are enlightening; some adding strength to old adages, others shattering them into oblivion. For example:
Money doesn’t buy happiness: Respondents earning over $200,000 per year are 60 per cent more likely to get angry behind the wheel than those on under $40,000.
Texting and driving: 58 per cent of 26-40 year olds admit to texting while driving, making them more likely to offend than the 18-25 bracket (51 per cent). Only 2 per cent of those over 75 years of age text and drive.
At-fault accidents: While 35 per cent of respondents reported an accident in the last three years, only 17 per cent admitted fault for a minor incident…that number dropped to only 4 per cent when admitting fault in a serious accident where police were called.
Women Drivers: Sorry ladies, after carefully analysing 2403 responses from men and 988 responses from women, it appears that women are actually around 40% more likely to be involved in an accident per kilometre driven.
Additionally some 1980 respondents added commentary on the standards of driving in Australia and our worst offenders. From Holden drivers’ aggression through to ‘distracted’ P-Platers, through to the age-old argument of undertaking versus those hogging the right lane, the comments have sparked no end of debate.
The true beauty of the Private Fleet Driving Survey lies in its interactivity. We invite you to peruse the results yourself, combine them how you want and create your own conclusions…with around 55 million possible combinations, we are sure there are many intriguing results to be discovered, so make sure you share your findings!
Holden's Not Lion Down: Malibu to Debut With VF Commodore
Holden’s all-new mid-size car, the Malibu has been awarded a maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating ahead of its showroom debut next month.
Holden Malibu’s standard safety features include six airbags, a rear view camera and rear parking sensors and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake assist, electronic brake distribution and traction control.
Ensuring safer transport for children, Malibu also includes the ISOFIX child seat anchorage system, an international system for attaching child restraints to vehicles that assists in correct seat fitment. An Australian standard for ISOFIX seats is anticipated shortly.
Holden’s Manager for Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration, Steve Curtis said a five star safety rating was an important feature for new car buyers.
“Holden Malibu was designed to achieve the highest level of real-world safety and a five star rating offers important peace of mind for drivers and their passengers.
“As a global vehicle, Malibu has achieved maximum safety ratings in several overseas markets including the US, Europe and South Korea.”
In the event of a crash, Malibu provides a strong structure that comprises high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, 
full-length frame rails, a reinforced safety cage and impact-absorbing crush zones. This structure is designed to absorb the energy created in a crash and help preserve the structural integrity of the occupant compartment.
Further, to meet global standards for protecting pedestrians against head injuries in the event of a crash, Holden Malibu uses energy-absorbing materials in the bonnet. Other energy-absorbing techniques for protecting pedestrians in the event of a collision include the strategic use of air space between the hood and hard objects underneath – such as the battery and engine – that could injure pedestrians.
And with the Commodore, Holden has significantly increased the value of Commodore with new features and reduced recommended retail prices across the VF sedan and Sportwagon range by between $5,000 and $9,800.
Launching a simplified line-up, Holden has created the Evoke nameplate to kick-start the range, redefining ‘entry level’ and making class-leading technology standard on Australia’s favourite family car.
With a recommended retail price (RRP) of just $34,990, Evoke comes standard with Auto Park Assist for parallel and right angle parking as well as front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera. In addition to its premium new interior, Evoke also brings a world of new technology to Australian drivers with:
enhanced voice recognition, an eight-inch, high-resolution colour touch screen with Holden’s MyLink app-embedded technology including voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free integration*, full iPod® integration and built-in apps like Pandora® and Stitcher SmartRadio™.
Holden has added exceptional value to its range opener and reduced the RRP by $5,000. Powered by the 3.0L V6 SIDI engine, Evoke also includes other advanced vehicle features as standard including:
an electric park brake with automatic release, Hill Hold Control and Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and
remote vehicle start (automatic transmission only).
Holden Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Philip Brook, said Evoke would play an important role in changing perceptions of Commodore.
“Evoke is a great car that people will want to own, it will be an aspirational vehicle. The features we’ve made standard show Holden is serious about making world class technology accessible to all our customers,” he said.
“Starting with Evoke we have simplified Commodore’s pricing and value walk up with logical price and equipment increments and very strong sports and luxury identities.
“We think Commodore represents unbelievable value and will win over a new generation of Australians.”
Stepping up from Evoke, Holden’s Calais combines luxury features with VF’s cutting edge technology for under $40,000.
The high-end styling and features of Calais have made it one of Commodore’s most successful and long-running nameplates. Holden has wound back the Calais RRP by more than $8,000 to just $39,990.
Calais also gains Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert, sensor key and push button start technology in addition to
the styling Calais drivers expect, including front and rear premium design features and chrome accents.
The luxurious high-end Calais V has an RRP $46,990 (reduced by $9,800) and Calais V is also available with the 6.0L Gen IV V8 engine for $52,990 (reduced by $9,000).
“Calais V embodies premium sports luxury – it’s become the flagship of the Commodore range. Calais V benefits from luxury craftsmanship and design and the highest levels of technology. We believe it rivals European competitors,” Mr Brook said.
Calais V gains advanced safety technologies including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and a colour Head-up Display.
It also adds high-end luxury features such as heated front seats, electric eight-way adjustable driver seat and satellite navigation with full colour mapping with live traffic updates and traffic management control. Calais V sedan also gains Holden VF Calais interiorthe Bose® premium audio system and sunroof.
Commodore’s performance variants – SV6 and SS – gain VF sophistication and retain the unique sporty character these models are famous for.
Holden has improved the value of the SV6, with a reduced RRP of $35,990 (down $6,800), and boosted the value of the iconic SS reducing its RRP by $5,800 to $41,990. SV6 is powered by the 3.6L SIDI V6 with the SS stepping up to the 6.0L Gen IV V8 engine, both are standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Building on Evoke specifications, SV6 and SS gain Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert technologies in addition to their bold front and rear sports styling, side skirts, lip spoiler (on sedan) and chrome exhaust tip. A wing spoiler is now available as a factory-fitted option on sedan for $500 on sports models.
“Holden sports models have a very clear performance identity within the Commodore line-up and they’re taking a huge leap forward with VF. They really are a class above the competitors with game-changing technology and Holden’s performance credentials,” Mr Brook said.
“Our enthusiast customers are our biggest fans and great supporters of the Holden brand. In the run-out of VE we’ve practically sold out of V8 models and dealers are reporting huge interest in the SS and other sports models.
“SS V-Series cranks up sports performance another notch and for just $3,500 customers can can gain new 19 inch alloys, leather appointed seats, satellite navigation, multi-function driver information display and sensor key technology with Holden VF SS-Vpush button start.”
The RRP for SS V is now under $50,000, reduced by $9,800 to $45,490. SS V Redline now starts at $51,490 for sedan, a roll back of $6,300. Redline adds Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Head-up Display on all body styles as well as the premium Bose® audio system and sunroof on sedan models.
SS V Redline is the ultimate in rear-wheel drive sports performance with Brembo® brakes, forged 19 inch alloys and an updated sports-tuned FE3 suspension package.
“The Holden engineering team is really proud of what they’ve been able to achieve with Redline. VF Redline also has wider rear wheels for extra traction and includes competition mode with launch control and track settings for the true enthusiasts who participate in track days,” Mr Brook said.
“We launched the Redline range at Series II and it’s been a huge success. Within two years it’s carved out a spot at the top of the ladder as the absolute best in luxury, sports performance.”
Mr Brook said Holden dealers could now take orders for VF Commodore models with the start of production later this month.
“Our goal with VF was to help customers find the car that suits them by simplifying our line-up – whether it’s a family, an enthusiast, or a luxury car buyer – which also makes it easier for dealers and helps reduce complexity in our manufacturing operations,” he said.
“VF Commodore has amazing, world-leading technology, sophisticated design and performance credentials that make it an incredible package. And what makes us most proud is that we designed, engineered and built Commodore in Australia.
“We have a new creative marketing direction for the Holden brand and we’re reasserting ourselves in an incredibly competitive market.
“For Commodore, we’re deliberately launching with a ‘wow’ pricing strategy that we think will make buying a Commodore a very easy decision and bring people back to the large car segment.”
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