Ford rolls out new era at oldest assembly plant

[PontiacJ8]

CHICAGO — Ford Motor Co. is about to find out if a $400 million gamble to refurbish an old factory on Chicago’s south side will pay off in hot demand for the automaker’s next generation of passenger cars.

The shiny Ford Five Hundred sedans that rolled off the assembly line Tuesday to the cheers of workers represent the automaker’s best chance to win back ground lost to Japanese rivals.

The new flagship of Ford’s Blue Oval car lineup is one of a trio of new models to be built in Chicago that Ford is betting will put the company back on top of the American car market it once dominated with the stalwart Taurus.

Although Ford has been churning out Five Hundreds since mid-July, the company celebrated the vehicle’s launch Tuesday at the 80-year-old Chicago Assembly Plant — a former site of Taurus production and the oldest Ford factory in the world.

Ford executives joined local politicians and United Auto Workers officials to mark the complex, simultaneous introduction of the Five Hundred; its mechnical twin, the Mercury Montego; and the Ford Freestyle — a cross between a car, a minivan and a sport utility vehicle.

The launch is critical for Ford because it marks the automaker’s re-entry into a car market dominated by foreign competitors. Ford’s car sales are down 12.3 percent this year, while overall car sales are down 1.4 percent.

“If you think about Ford, people a lot of times think immediately about trucks,” said Greg Smith, Ford executive vice president and president of the Americas. “We are presenting some products that will be in the mainstream of the car business.”

The full-size Ford and Mercury sedans will start at $22,795 and $24,995, respectively, while Freestyle prices will begin at $25,595.

The trio features novel applications of proven technologies that are new for Ford’s North American car lineup — all-wheel drive and a pair of new fuel-saving transmissions.

The vehicles arrive at a juncture in Ford’s history when its midsize car offerings — such as Taurus and its Mercury twin, Sable — are tired relics compared with steady market performers such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.

Critics have labeled the Five Hundred as somewhat plain, especially when compared to DaimlerChrysler AG’s brash, hot-selling Chrysler 300. But AutoPacific consultant Jim Hossack cautions against a rush to judgment.

“On balance, they’re probably doing it about right,” Hossack said. “You wouldn’t say the Camry is a startling style vehicle either. I’m not sure the people who buy those vehicles are really looking to make bold styling statement. I think it’s appropriate.”

One of the new technologies — a continuously variable transmission originally supplied by Germany-based ZF Friedrichshafen AG from a plant in Batavia, Ohio — proved problematic. But Ford said the glitches are ironed out.

“Did the transmissions come out of Batavia the way we expected them originally? Yes,” said Jim Padilla, chief operating officer. “But you know something? That wasn’t good enough.”

So Ford took control of the Ohio plant and refined its specifications — a bold move that should send a signal regarding the automaker’s commitment to quality, Smith said.

Full Story HERE

[usa1]

I hope these do well for Ford. I would like to see Ford AND GM prosper at the expense of OTHER companies for a change.

Mark

[Redneck]

Originally posted by usa1@Aug 11 2004, 02:45 PM
I hope these do well for Ford. I would like to see Ford AND GM prosper at the expense of OTHER companies for a change.

Mark

Amen....

For a "bland" set of cars, the auto news reporters have made a few articles about this lately....

[DMC]

Weird that they have been building them for a month, yet there have been no early reviews of any of the three...anywhere.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

I also wish 'em luck, even though I am a Blue Bow Tie kinda guy.

Ford needs to shake-up their design studios and "design from the gut" the way DCX and GM have done, and in the process creating exciting vehicles with style which inspire.

Thr Ford GT and new 'Stang are cool.

[stewacide]

Originally posted by DMC@Aug 11 2004, 06:20 PM
Weird that they have been building them for a month, yet there have been no early reviews of any of the three...anywhere.

The journalists have all driven them, there's just an embargo in place. I forget when it's lifted - soon anyways...

[stewacide]

And I thought the Windsor engine plant was older (it's been going since the '20s sometime IIRC)...

[xellow]

Originally posted by New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66@Aug 11 2004, 06:20 AM
Ford needs to shake-up their design studios and "design from the gut" the way DCX and GM have done, and in the process creating exciting vehicles with style which inspire.

Thr Ford GT and new 'Stang are cool.

This is true, & true.

Is Ford ever going to do somthing about their conservativily bland yet proud styling?

From what I hear Ford has already started devolpment on the new more innovative & exciting design direction for the next 500, F-150, Focus; Probably to be released mid 2006 as a 07 model.

Imagine that; A soon to be complete make-over for Ford. Toppel that with the array of new engines, technologys, and agressive build Quality that are offered at competive prices. I know it's a big slap in the face for most around here but, I believe Ford will be well on their way as a thriving company once again. Thanks to Bill Ford; the man with the plan.

[pontiac is for me]

I sincerely hope Ford does well along with GM. No time right now for the traditional "Ford vs. Chevy" bitter rivalry when so many foreign companies are threatening them both.

[MN12Fan]

Originally posted by xellow+Aug 11 2004, 12:30 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (xellow @ Aug 11 2004, 12:30 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66@Aug 11 2004, 06:20 AM
Ford needs to shake-up their design studios and "design from the gut" the way DCX and GM have done, and in the process creating exciting vehicles with style which inspire.

Thr Ford GT and new 'Stang are cool.

This is true, & true.

Is Ford ever going to do somthing about their conservativily bland yet proud styling?

From what I hear Ford has already started devolpment on the new more innovative & exciting design direction for the next 500, F-150, Focus; Probably to be released mid 2006 as a 07 model.

Imagine that; A soon to be complete make-over for Ford. Toppel that with the array of new engines, technologys, and agressive build Quality that are offered at competive prices. I know it's a big slap in the face for most around here but, I believe Ford will be well on their way as a thriving company once again. Thanks to Bill Ford; the man with the plan. [/b][/quote]
Do you think the styling fiasco of the third generation Taurus ('96-'99) still stings and Ford's afraid of getting too creative again in a high volume car such as the Five Hundred or is it just conservatism since the car is new?

[Randle2I]

Originally posted by MN12Fan@Aug 11 2004, 10:15 PM
Do you think the styling fiasco of the third generation Taurus ('96-'99) still stings and Ford's afraid of getting too creative again in a high volume car such as the Five Hundred or is it just conservatism since the car is new?

I'm sure it's still fresh on their mind. Theres a fine balance between blandness & style, especially in the midsize mass-seller market. I think with a more aggressive engine (SHO style ) these cars could do extremely well. They offer alot for the dollar and with the right marketing campaign & word of mouth would be a bright start for Fords car lineup. I hope for their sake (and GM's) these cars are excellent sellers.

[FoMoCo Fan]

Originally posted by pontiac is for me@Aug 11 2004, 08:32 PM
I sincerely hope Ford does well along with GM. No time right now for the traditional "Ford vs. Chevy" bitter rivalry when so many foreign companies are threatening them both.

Exaclty, if they're both a success they help each other. Consumers need to be reminded that the American companies can make a good car. No, make that a GREAT car!

[awalbert88]

Originally posted by Randle2I@Aug 11 2004, 06:26 PM
I think with a more aggressive engine (SHO style ) these cars could do extremely well.

Just wait until SVT unveils their spin on these cars. :mf_boff:

[Redneck]

Originally posted by awalbert88+Aug 12 2004, 02:00 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (awalbert88 @ Aug 12 2004, 02:00 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Randle2I@Aug 11 2004, 06:26 PM
I think with a more aggressive engine (SHO style ) these cars could do extremely well.

Just wait until SVT unveils their spin on these cars. :mf_boff: [/b][/quote]
Although I would love to see SVT throw thier talent at the FiveHundred for a SHOesque car, i find the idea far-fetched. The SVT Focus wasn't much of a sucsess i know of, especially compared to the SRT4. Plus I thought the point of the Hiatus for 2005 and possibly 2006 was to restructure and keep the idea more to a core base of products.
But then again wasn't the idea thrown around of some Lincoln/Mercury SVT work? So who knows.....maybe i am wrong on all count and read to much news and confused myself....

But I concur...... SVT/SHO 500 would be sweet.....

[MN12Fan]

Originally posted by Redneck+Aug 11 2004, 10:38 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Redneck @ Aug 11 2004, 10:38 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>

Just wait until SVT unveils their spin on these cars. :mf_boff:

Although I would love to see SVT throw thier talent at the FiveHundred for a SHOesque car, i find the idea far-fetched. The SVT Focus wasn't much of a sucsess i know of, especially compared to the SRT4. Plus I thought the point of the Hiatus for 2005 and possibly 2006 was to restructure and keep the idea more to a core base of products.
But then again wasn't the idea thrown around of some Lincoln/Mercury SVT work? So who knows.....maybe i am wrong on all count and read to much news and confused myself....

But I concur...... SVT/SHO 500 would be sweet..... [/b][/quote]
I agree that an SVT/SHO Five Hundred is far fetched but only because Ford also has the Fusion on the way, which is supposed to be an inherently sportier vehicle being on the Mazda 6 platform and all. With that in mind, I think the prospect of an SVT Fusion or a Fusion SHO is more realistic, and would probably be a higher performance vehicle anyway.