Ford 501?

[Perian]

Ford pushes ahead on redesign of Five Hundred
Source: Reuters / March 18, 2005

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. said on Thursday it is advancing its plans to redesign the new Five Hundred sedan, which analysts say has been slow to connect with U.S. customers because of its conservative styling.

"We are going to have a freshening not after four years but after two-and-half to three years," Phil Martens, Ford's head of North American product development told Reuters, referring to the Five Hundred.

"And then we will have another freshening about two years later," Martens said.

The Five Hundred is Ford's new flagship sedan and a key vehicle in its North American car lineup. The automaker, which has seen U.S. sales fall 7.3 percent so far this year, is banking on the car and other new vehicles to stop sliding market share and increase much-needed automotive profit.

Ford hopes to sell more than 200,000 of the Five Hundred and Montego sedans, and the Freestyle wagon this year. But sales of the three cars have yet to meet targeted volumes.

Some analysts say the new models, which compete in a market heavily dominated by Asian automakers, fail to make an impression because of their bland styling. By comparison, the boldly styled 300 sedan from Chrysler was dubbed a hit right off the mark when it was launched in April.

But Martens defended the design of the Five Hundred, saying sales of the large sedan have been increasing steadily.

"Internally there was more support for it than people think," Martens said. "When we looked at it, we decided that's the place to start."

Martens declined to say if the Five Hundred would get a design overhaul, but said the car may get a powertrain upgrade and better accessories among other changes.

[s113]

I think people (including Ford) need to give the car more time before deciding if it's a success or failure.

[Proetus]

Martens declined to say if the Five Hundred would get a design overhaul, but said the car may get a powertrain upgrade and better accessories among other changes.

That 250hp+ 3.5L V6 is supposed to go into production within the next year right?

When is the Ford/GM 6-speed auto supposed to be completed? I am sure Ford wants it quickly to replace the Japanese unit they are using now.

edit: The "better accessories" better include a nav unit.

[Cassie]

Ford is being pro-active here, which is a good thing ......

[MN12Fan]

In regards to the Duratec 35, the engine's supposed to be on track for production starting this year, with availability occuring early next year for 2006 or early 2007 model year vehicles. The Five Hundred will receive it of course but to what capacity isn't clear yet. If nothing else, the engine will be slotted above the Duratec 30 as an option but it could replace the Duratec 30 altogether, making it a standard engine.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

I remember talking with an 'old timer' at a GM dealership years ago and he said that in the 1950's Chevy had a new truck design every year, and it was kept well under wraps until it rolled out. That's true when you look at the 1950-1957 P/U's and they all look different, The 1949-1951 Chevy P/U's with that nice 'plain Jane' front end, look similar, but then the changes were constant from year to year. It would be nice for Ford and GM to get back to those days, when vehicles were re-designed every year. I'm optimistic that that can happen again. When Americans are proud of their country amd want to support their neighboors.

I really think we have seen the best from Japan these past few years. I really think the Japanese automotive companies are starting to falter, whereas, GM has not hit full stride yet. GM has adapted to the changes in the industry for 2 decades and now I believe are coming out fighting. I really feel in my gut that there is untapped potential within GM and they will begin to hit on "all 8". The SSR, G6 and Solstice is just the beginning. Americans are watching closely what GM does here these next few years, and sadly, many need to see someone else in a product before they will make the leap.

Good Luck Ford. I'm looking for a 'more retro' looking 501, whcih maybe harkens to the Galaxy. Something with "warmth", YES, sheet metal CAN BE warm.

[saturnsteve]

Who cares? The Five Hundred is not that bad looking now. It looks like a taurus that got hit by a brick, then pushed down a flight of stairs!

[MN12Fan]

Originally Posted by saturnsteve

It looks like a taurus that got hit by a brick, then pushed down a flight of stairs!

Okayyy...

I'm just going to turn around and look this way now.

[mbaluch8]

It seems that there are conflicting statements about the sales of the 500 every time I read an article about one. One says that they cant make enough, and another says that they cant sell them.

[FightingChance]

Is it possible to employ the Duratec 35 in a rear wheel drive application? Just curious.

[spudglo08]

Ford must want to forget about how the Tarus didnt get redesigned forever and lost sales b/c of it.Thea hadline is misleading.I thought Ford might put a 501 big block in something.

[nsap]

Ford is learning. Learning that you cannot have a design for four years unchanged.

GM, its your turn to learn.

[s113]

Originally Posted by mbaluch8

It seems that there are conflicting statements about the sales of the 500 every time I read an article about one. One says that they cant make enough, and another says that they cant sell them.

That's not just happening with the Five Hundred -- it's happening with a number of new GM models too.

[86fleet]

they aren't selling well because Ford has been making crappy sedans for years. It will take a while for people to realize the 500 is a decent product. Just like the Impala. I just hope Ford doesn't immedatly put huge incentives on it like Chevy did.

[AndrewGS]

I like the Five Hundred as it is, it just needs a little more power, and the Duratec 35 will provide it next year. I just think more people need to go look at this car and drive it to appreciate it. It's simple and elegant, well appointed and roomy. I think it could use some more advertising too, all I ever hear about around here are the **************** trucks.