"HELP improve Anfra 2007"

**safeorigin** · 12-09-2007, 06:17 PM

well, yeah but with a good number of sponsors, it would be possible to conduct numerous tests. German sponsor for hire please...

**niky** · 12-11-2007, 12:20 PM

Originally Posted by dprox

By that I meant CAMPI members' involvement with bigboys who from time to time manifest the possiblity of moving operations elsewhere. I don't think the lowly PhUV would be - by any stretch of imagination - a serious threat to them.

AFAIK, on Ford's instructions, Mazda pulled out of its agreement with Francisco for the assembly of the B2000 pickup series in order to make way for the Ford Ranger, essentially the same platform with a new body for the Year 2000. Breach of contract, no? Maybe you can access the court documents. I suppose that would have been reason enough for Ford to move. Maybe you know which one came first - the decision to move to Thailand or the breach of contract. Anyway, the original point at issue is whether or not it is wise to joint venture with bigboys.

Well, that's the con of globalization... it technically makes it easier to compete in foreign markets, but what it does is make it easier for these multinationals to pack up shop and move elsewhere, too.

But sooner or later, we either have to hook up with one of the "big boys" as a source of cheap parts... otherwise we'll always be running at a price handicap in terms of running equipment. Yes, it's always possible for the source of parts to dry up, but that's always a problem for any maker dependent on another for parts... it's happened to a lot of indie manufacturers in the US and Europe, too..

Stupid move on Ford's part... if they'd subcon'd Francisco to make low-cost vehicles for them (ala L300 FB or Isuzu IPV), they could have a much bigger market share than they do now.

**safeorigin** · 12-11-2007, 04:22 PM

maybe it's their idea of "minimizing" their corp.

**niky** · 12-11-2007, 04:33 PM

Who knows? While I'm a fan of Ford's Mazda arm, I'm flabbergasted by some of the decisions top management has made in the past... decisions which have put Ford (and GM, for that matter) in the pickle they're in now.

But back to the Anfra... cosmetically, there isn't much we can do except a little modernization on the fascia and tail, not until we know how they're producing the shells and if any modification can be made to the dies or machines.

At least they're starting from a better position than MVPMAP, wherein they have a fairly modern design to base their car on, and aren't building from the ground up, but without firsthand experience of the car and an assay of the production facilities, we can't say for sure what improvements will be cost effective.

Other possible improvements might exist in terms of refinement or suspension tuning... Suspension tuning will be as simple as suggesting what kind of shocks and alignment are dialled in, but refinement (sound insulation, etcetera) costs money. Working within the budget, we may consider the drivetrain choice to be de facto, but we can also make suggestions on exhaust routing and hardware, as well as the set-up of the shifter, pedals and steering hardware.

Who knows? There might even be ways to improve the product while still keeping to a budget...

**Vahltomotive** · 12-22-2007, 10:38 AM

90% pinoy made parts..rush project cguro toh kaya inde na pinag isipan yung front grille

**scharnhorst** · 12-22-2007, 08:12 PM

Are those chinese engines they're putting on the PhUVs any good? I guess most would agree that the 1.8 liter diesel would be inadequate at hauling things cross-country and up mountains, but what about the durability?

OT: I've seen a foton blizzard recently, and it's a dmax with a 4jb1

**dprox** · 12-23-2007, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by scharnhorst

Are those chinese engines they're putting on the PhUVs any good? I guess most would agree that the 1.8 liter diesel would be inadequate at hauling things cross-country and up mountains, but what about the durability?

OT: I've seen a foton blizzard recently, and it's a dmax with a 4jb1

I somehow get this eerie feeling chinese engines are going to improve much faster than when japanese and korean engines were starting out. The mainland market alone produces enough roadtesting to learn fast and get things right pronto.

OT: Notice how the big automaking countries have a history of belligerence and colonialization? UK, Germany, Japan, Italy, Korea, have enough mean spirit to do battle globally. And so does China, which antedates them all in the Art of War. China has enough military-minded kick-ass traditions to get it done.

Foton just launched in Germany last September. Too bad their video doesn't give too much info ... yet. Check this out:

YouTube - FOTON - Product Launch

**scharnhorst** · 12-24-2007, 11:30 PM

one of the photos show the foton racing truck ahead of the competition (MB). hehe

A redesigned brilliance bs6 went into another crash test 72 days after the initially disastrous results. Finally earned a 3-star rating. Hopefully, manufacturers would also extend the improvements to the other car components.

**webmiester** · 12-25-2007, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by scharnhorst

Are those chinese engines they're putting on the PhUVs any good? I guess most would agree that the 1.8 liter diesel would be inadequate at hauling things cross-country and up mountains, but what about the durability?

OT: I've seen a foton blizzard recently, and it's a dmax with a 4jb1

Its a dmax only by design not necessarily by build.

This is the problem that a lot of the chinese motorcycles are encountering. They are Honda clones but they simply dont last as long because of poor metallurgy, molding, polishing, etc.

I personally stay away from Chinese screwdrivers. They look similar to the american or japanese ones pero before you can open the screw, sira na yung driver dahil sa lambot ng metal nila

**jpdm** · 12-28-2007, 03:40 PM

I think using Japanese engines right now is far too expensive and using Japanese clone-Chinese engines are practical alternative compared to second-hand surplus Japanese engines. ( I'd asked a local dealer of brand new japanese diesel engine grabe nga 250k, engine palang)

So, I think Anfra is correct in choosing JAC-a Chinese vehicle manufacturer. At least all parts will be brand new, the engine from China and the body/ upholstery, locally fabricated by our very skilled workers.

The new Anfra just need to more improvement,before being finally release in the market. Just a little improvement especially the body, paint and upholstery.

With Chinese parts but with a local touch, we can have a decent Pinoy vehicle.

And with a price tag below 500k, ok yun ang Anfra for a brand new locally made vehicle, alot cheaper from all existing brand new vehicles of the same category in the Philippines....