Quote:
Originally Posted by boblutzfan
What are you talking about? Through Mazda Ford has the Fusion, Milan, MKZ, Edge, MKX, Escape, Mariner and Focus. They share engines and transmissions with Mazda (albeit Mazda tweaks the Ford engins for better performance) and they share many other under the skin parts. Over the past year Mazda has had some great sales success with their line up that is not dependent on trucks. The Mazda3 and Mazda5 have been huge sellers for Mazda. Not to mention the Mazda CX-7 and CX-9 which are some of the best CUVs on the market...also sharing Ford parts.
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How does this contradict anything that I said in my previous post? All of the platforms that you have mentioned are already slated to move to global platforms that are not Mazda related. The common parts shared are mostly Ford parts not vice versa. Mazda develops and engineers there cars in Japan and do not actively participate in Fords global product development efforts. Also, As Ford moves into small cars and ups there styling/sportiness, where does Mazda fit?
I understand that Mazda makes great cars but they have poor financial controls and do not make money on their product. They also have questionable product placement in there home market. The only true money maker for Mazda is the Mazda3. Mazda has a small share of the US automarket. This would be more of a sentimental loss than one that truly impacts Ford's it's competitiveness. I love Mazda and hope Ford keeps there stake. They were one of Ford's smartest acquisitions. Unfortunately, times are tough and Mazda is not critical to Ford's success. Those are the facts!