Ford’s Taurus Setting Sail for Korea

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Chris P on Mon, 08/20/2007 - 10:23
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These days, a Korean car coming to the U.S. marketplace is hardly news. But play that story in reverse, with a U.S. car making its way to Korea, and perhaps you’ve got something.

That’s exactly what’s happening with Ford’s 2008 Taurus, which is set to go on sale in Korea on August 27. The re-nosed, re-engined Five Hundred will take on cars like the Kia Opirus (spelled “Amanti

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The Stig

Why would the Korenas want that thing?

Mon, 08/20/2007 - 11:31
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Don

Why not? It's a good car...but it's not right for the Korean market.

Mon, 08/20/2007 - 13:21
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Ducati Minor

The Taurus is good in that it's probably the safest full-size family sedan in North America...but everything else...

Mon, 08/20/2007 - 13:25
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The Stig

Because they already have the Azera which looks nicer, comes with more stuff, and (for them) is homegrown. Guess Ford figures if they can't sell them here might as well shop them around the world.

Mon, 08/20/2007 - 13:31
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James

Curious. I thought the Korean market was essentially walled off. Guess not. But, I'll bet the car will be saddled with a bunch of sales-killing import tariffs.

Mon, 08/20/2007 - 15:10
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Ah, James, but you have to understand that these "sales-killing import tariffs" are actually good. You see, if The Stig is correct, and that the "homegrown" cars are better, different marketing approaches have to be taken. High tariffs will naturally be passed onto the consumers in the form of increased prices. And increased prices can cause a Ford to become more of a luxury marquee in Korea, and more of an exclusive brand.

I don't know much about the Korean market, but I know that in China, American cars are the bomb. (Of course, the alternative is the Chery Amulet or the Brilliance BS6...but that's a whole different story.)