Ford seeks to stem $1bn loss in Europe

Basically good, but....

I thnk that Ford cars are basically very good but they have a history of being "company cars" from many years ago, and still do to an extent, which implies huge discounts to fleets and poor residuals for the private buyer. I'd be interested in a B-Max when they become available but am wary of thoughts that it may be a very popular choice, for good reason, with the disabled Motobility scheme, which will presumably be another reason for low residuals for the private buyer again.

I still don't really understand how BMW can still be considered "up-market" when selling so many more 3-series than the Mondeo which is just as good to drive and is as well equipped etc.

Dont think this is unique to Ford

Modern trends seem to indicate sales falling of establised mass market brands Ford Vauxhall Peugeot Renault Fiat etc whilst brands from the emrging markets are on the up .

I am guilty too as I seem to view all Kia /Hyundai products in a more favourable light than any of the above . I know its not based on cold logic but I am still influenced . Almost to the point where I would not even look at a Ford/ Vauxhall no matter how good the write up on the cars are .

Sorta ahhh its only a Ford only a Vauxhall but ah a Hyundai that looks interesting . Am I alone in this or do the newer brands lack emotional baggage as yet as they seem to be improving where others dont . 

Having said that driving some recent Vauxhalls has turned me completely against the brand due to poor design and shoddy workmanship . They aint bargains either .

Dealer Service

Maybe it's down to perceptions but I don't get the feeling that you will be looked after at the ford garage when you need service, It's probably true of too many dealers but once you've ticked many of the options and parted with your hard earn'd you will be very low down on the list after the charm offensive has done it's job. Nearly bought a ford 3 years ago when the 2nd Focus RS was introduced but found the interior dissapointing.

Ford is another company

Ford is another company obssesed with ' Brand Management ', which where all companies seem to go wrong. If the CEO of Ford Europe has lost $1 billion, then I think he should be sacked. 

artill wrote: I think the

As like a lot of others have to agree, my S80 D5 is on the same platform as the current Mondeo, 57 plate, just short of 80k miles and still looks and feels like new, just a little bit of wear on the drivers seat, nothing else and it still feels tight and capable of doing it again.

Ford interiors are poor grade they look cheap and there is too much hard plastic on display, the transformer centre consoles are nasty and look brittle, the current range have been made to appeal to the American market, and sell cheaper in the US, they have lost the edge, they need to get back to tailoring the cars specifically for the European market, both inside and out, the next Mondeo will not be enough.

A car built to European tastes and quality will sell in the US, it doesnt work the other way round, Ford need a halo car with a bit of style, and when they do come up with a winner, the Puma and MK1 KA, they either stop production (Puma) or ruin its replacement (KA mk2).

The market is ripe for a new coupe what happened to the new Capri?