[fpv_gtho]

Originally Posted by pimento

but what remains is the engineering nouce and know-how. That's what should be being encouraged around here, get some proper decision making happening here and such.

Its already happening. Ford are responsible for the next generation Ranger (known as the Courier here since its introduction) and might even have more on their plate. They'll also be adapting Orion for global use now that they'll be involved with other LHD projects.

Holden just finished VE, which US wants and Europe is looking at also. They'd also be first in line if GM decide to go with a small/medium sized RWD platform.

The big problem i see is both Holden and Ford perhaps have their manufacturing plants setup for too high a level of output. Ford manufacture about 100k units a year, whilst Holden do about 150K. Having a look at overseas, Europe has alot of plants which will only do 100K tops. Ford are doing that on just a single shift.