[biker16]

YEs ford could base the 2008 Focus on the futura/ mazda6 platform.


The C1 platform is slightly smaller than the Mazda6, 1in shorter wheelbse But Simlar Track width. IT would be posible to Build a shortened Mazda6 based car and sell it as the Focus here.


so Ford has 4 options in 2008:
<ul type="square">
1) use CW170 (current Focus platform)
2) use C1 platform
3) Use modified futura/Mazda6 platform
4) develop a new North american C sized platform.
[/list]

I favor #2 use the C1, but There is the atraction of using the futura Mazda6 platform because of the Economies of scale form using a 1.1 million unit NA platform.

the risks of using the Futura are:
<ul type="square">
Cost of modifing the platform
futura parts may be too expensive
the modifications may reduce part commonality
economies of scale may be greater with C1.
uncertain production forcasts for North american C1 platform. ( escape,Tribute, Cmax, etc..)
[/list]

It could be that C1 would be cheaper than Futura in 3 years, or vice-versa. weighed against the costs of shrinking Futura, or Americanizing C1.

Nick Scheele COO of For motor company said, "economies of scale aren't global but regional" in reguard to choosing the Mazda6 platform over C1 or C1+ for the futura. The latencies and costs of shipping parts long distances sometimes out weigh the advantages of cheaper parts. large modules like seats, IPs, door panels, sub frames, Etc are expensive to ship, and require shorter lead-time for delivery (JITDS) to maintain a flexible assembly system.

Stay tuned.

 

[soybean311]

What do you mean by using platform? I think the Focus looks just fine the way it is. If it had a glass roof like the Mercedes C-Coupe that would be nice. And make it all future looking. Like no center console. Make it more spacey and futuristic!

 

[biker16]

What do you mean by using platform? I think the Focus looks just fine the way it is. If it had a glass roof like the Mercedes C-Coupe that would be nice. And make it all future looking. Like no center console. Make it more spacey and futuristic!

Really and who would buy what you propose?

and what would they pay for it.

These are the questions that everyone asks in the the auto industry, remember one thing it is a business and businesses must make money. the Focus under current incenetive spending doesn't make money.

 

[Blue02ZX5]

If Ford spends even more money retooling and all just to say "It's new", they would still have to slap incentives on it because buyers wouldn't budge.

People refuse to buy without a rebate. All the "halo" cars that sell for MSRP are rare and are fads.

Even the Civic and Corolla need something on the hood to get a buyer. Maybe not 0%, but they do have 1.9 or so. The Protege and Sentra have $1000 rebates, too. No compact is immune to incentives.

Making an "all new" Focus isn't needed just yet. The new engines and style tweaks are enough for now. They need to spend money launching the Futura and 500.

 

[focaljet-1]

The problem is all these economic necessary incentives are creating a dangerous climate.

Consumers will be conditioned to expect an incentive on most cars from this point forward.

The auto industry is going to need to undergo some drastic changes to stay profitable.

One scenario I predict may be a widening of the gap between "commodity" cars and upper-level models.

There may be a (more) definate line drawn between models that are "just transportation" and limited production "specialty" models.

The people that want something cheap to get from point A to point B will buy the lowest common denominator. These cars will be based on legacy (read outdated) platforms. The manufacturers won't have to worry about updating the models and will plan on making their profit over the life of the vehicle.

The other sector will be autos that have the desirable traits and features. These cars will be sold as limited issue models (demand will outstrip availability) so that the pricing will stay inflated. Sell less of these cars at a higher profit...and you also have less production costs (workers, factories, etc.)

Just a thought.