KMII
[Montblanc Moderator]
51130
Let’s not forget…
That Ford was considered a ‘European’ carmaker for the best part of a century in Europe - with a largely separate product portfolio fully adapted to European tastes. They used to have a double digit market share in Europe for the majority of their time here and are now down to less than 3% (we are in the region of Porsche with this, albeit global numbers for the latter).
As for the Asian manufacturers it’s a mixed bag but especially the Japanese ones have been losing share and relevance for a while. Honda is practically dead, Nissan on its heels, Mazda is a niche player, Toyota very much depends on the market (quite strong in Eastern Europe). Hyundai and Kia are probably the most successful overall.
Ford Sets Nurburgring Record
Another stellar performance by Ford's racing program team.... Via duPont Registry.... ...
A tad surprised by that…
I have huge respect for the ability of the team and the GT line has been a raft of engineering successes - so not with that. But given that under Farley the brand is practically killing the European business I didn’t think they would use the Nordschleiffe...
I guess that this specific team/program is the company's Halo product....
So they aren't willing to cut any corners there regardless of what may be happening in other regional subsidiaries etc. It frankly came as a bit of a surprise to me as well despite being a lifelong Ford fanboy 😉👍
For me the surprise was how comprehensively Farley ruined Ford in Europe…
Even though he was head of the European division in the past and should not have been able to plead ignorance 🤷🏻♂️
Apart from the Transit crown jewels…
The brand is dead for all intents and purposes 🤦🏻♂️
He went for a Heritage strategy for Europe…
But based it around a small electric Explorer (on Volkswagen’s MEB platform) which has absolutely zero heritage in Europe and on a very similar (same platform) Capri - this used to be a very storied European junior pony car - turned into a bloated lazily ...
The Euro carmakers have a stronghold....
On the types of vehicles that the vast majority of Europeans desire to purchase and drive.... I haven't visited often enough to get a sense of how Asian carmakers are now fairing there, but I think they also have an advantage over American manufacturers a...
Let’s not forget…
That Ford was considered a ‘European’ carmaker for the best part of a century in Europe - with a largely separate product portfolio fully adapted to European tastes. They used to have a double digit market share in Europe for the majority of their time he...
It does look like a slick
Possibly a Pilot Sport Cup N3 or N3R. Would be nice to know how much slower it'd be on a street legal tire.
Yeah, massive performance
Probably close to the limit with ICE & 2WD, the 919 was almost a minute faster but is hybrid & 4WD (another crazy lap).
I'd rather have a car with a fun driving personality for public roadways. For track, a proper Formula car is best imho.
Tho yes, 'merica gotta pee on everything to show...........
Not sure I'm as impressed. But that driver is the man.
If it's not road legal, then it's a race car. But race cars are subject to limits on weight, engine power, and aerodynamic devices. So a car that's not a legal race spec and impossible to register for the road (in its current form) is neither fish nor fow...