April Sales - Falc up 24%

[4Vman]

Ive often thought the rate of new car sales to population over the past 3 years was unsustainable....

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by snappy84

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2575AD001D9AED

Rank Make Sales % Share
1 Toyota 13,033 20.4%
2 Holden 7829 12.2%
3 Ford 6836 10.7%
4 Mazda 5121 8.0%
5 Hyundai 4136 6.5%
6 Nissan 3724 5.8%
7 Mitsubishi 3145 4.9%
8 Honda 3000 4.7%
9 Subaru 2999 4.7%
10 Volkswagen 2160 3.4%

Commodore sedans -3117
Utes-836
Falcon-2228
Utes-795

"Focus down a whopping 62%" IMO is most probably as the Focus is in a transition month.

[imugli]

Yeah that's what I thought too... I think with the increased showroom traffic caused by Fiesta there's no reason that Focus sales can't increase as well... It would be good to see it start to get some consistent numbers in the lead up to local production...

[R-Design]

Originally Posted by phillyc

"Focus down a whopping 62%" IMO is most probably as the Focus is in a transition month.

Even with the facelift Focus will continue to struggle until the new model and production shift to Australia in 2011. The new Mazda3 & MK VI Golf will make sure of that.

Bearing that in mind, a modest lift from Focus & Territory should see the Ford move up a peg to number two. Also, once GM goes into Ch 11 in the states we'll see a flow on effect to consumer confidence GMH.

I liked Toyota's comments regarding the "unsustainable" fleet pricing of its competitors leading to the loss of some business. Does anyone have any insight on what this relates to specifically?

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by imugli

Yeah that's what I thought too... I think with the increased showroom traffic caused by Fiesta there's no reason that Focus sales can't increase as well... It would be good to see it start to get some consistent numbers in the lead up to local production...

Problem is the new Golf and Mazda 3. I like the Focus but the Golf is such a fantastic car. The 3 is new and while I am not a fan of the styling makes the Focus look dated.

[500SEC]

One of the joys of living in the UK was the availability of cheap 'bangers', old cars that cost peanuts, but which still had charm. Eg, old Mercs and Beamers are a dime a dozen. I'd hate to see our old Australian Fords crushed under a rebate scheme at the taxpayers' expense. Government should leave the market to its own devices.

As a taxpayer, I don't want to be funding someone's new Kia Rio.

It makes me cringe every time I see another old car destroyed on Top Gear.

[Swordsman88]

Originally Posted by Wretched

Problem is the new Golf and Mazda 3. I like the Focus but the Golf is such a fantastic car. The 3 is new and while I am not a fan of the styling makes the Focus look dated.

Yes the Golf is a fantastic car....but not at that price. I think VW make some great stuff, and Golf has and will remain a benchmark small car. But it costs more to get into it, and more to maintain and insure it than a focus. And apart from some build quality advantages (and a very mildly warmed over styling job) its not all that much better than a focus. Not worth the coin in my opinion anyway, but of course others might not agree.

The Mazda 3 on the other hand, well i'm no fan. THe old one was a focus underneath, except it was noiser and didn't handle as well. Yes it was better built but once gain, it wasnt' worth the extra money (though i did like the styling in many ways). It was bought because the ladies like it, and as everyone knows it was a huge private buyer car (like all mazdas). THe new one is not good looking at all, it has a new gen mazda face blown up to massive proportions but a warmed over body. In effect they were half harted, making it a mazda 6 lookalike but being conservative on the bodystyle. I've seen a few on the road now and it doesnt' look any better than the photos.

The focus is looking a bit dated, but i think at the very worst its an honest car that is a ride/handling benchmark and a thorougly practical and value car. It desevers more sales than it gets. Unfortunately with the corolla tieing up fleet sales, and the mazda/vw the private buyer darlings the focus struggles. Ford is not known for small cars in this country so that hurts too.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by GT69

On another note, that article doesnt have anything on fleet/government vehicles. I believe i read someone that 1/3 of holden sales are fleet/government. If thats true (depending on Ford fleet sales) then the 'best selling car in Australia' doesnt look THAT much better :

The top selling cars are mainly Fleet cars. Mazda is No 1 with the private buyers. Mind you if Ford are selling a 1:1 of private/fleet cars then that's good and that would explain the even split amongst the models. But more government/fleet sales are needed while it is less profit for Ford its less money lost on down days. But I am happy to see the Corolla selling less units as there are better small cars then that in the market, but their recent high sales have been large fleet sales.

Originally Posted by My poor XF

The SA government is definitely helping commodore sales, i read recently that premier Rann has ordered his fleet buyers to purchase commodore over camry/aurions to replace the old 380's

This would be the article, and its only the 380 is to be replaced. I can understand that.

[gcg2503]

I know I did my bit for Ford's April Numbers!

Every little helps ;)

[Gobes32]

Originally Posted by gcg2503

I know I did my bit for Ford's April Numbers!

Every little helps ;)

Congrats mate, you have just bought one of the best ever cars built in oz.

[whales]

Originally Posted by XR6_190

Really you couldn't blame him for that, the Commodore is the only car built in his state, you would expect him to support it.

Very true! Its a pity the Victoria Government didn't support it's local companies a bit more and buy more Fords for the Police,SES etc.

[R-Design]

Originally Posted by Gobes32

It seems Burela is about to start an aggressive sales period for Falcon and Territory. His words were to the lines of " How come we are number 3 when we are selling the best cars in Oz?" Some big changes ahead it would seem.

I love to hear talk like this, you can’t put a value on passion coming from the pointy end of the business. You think Ford’s range is good now, Imagine it in two years time:

Fiesta (current including Diesel Engine)
Focus (Kinetic “One Ford” Styling – Australian Manufacturing)
Mondeo (Wagon, possible higher spec’d models – check out the UK site)
Falcon (5.0 V8 & More efficient 6’s)
Kuga
Territory (Diesel Engine & Revised Bodywork)
Falcon Ute (As above)
Ranger (Australian Designed T6 Platform)
Transit
FPV – F6, GT & GT-HO (don’t write it off)

Ford Australia’s only problem will be Burela getting promoted into a higher position OS. Let hope he gets the job done while here, that and the succession planning includes some other Australian talent this time around.

[JPFS1]

Originally Posted by Boss315

I love to hear talk like this, you can’t put a value on passion coming from the pointy end of the business.

If only everybody here could have seen how he stuck it to business and corporate heads recently... He's the man for the top job!!!

I wasn't there, but heard all about it ;)

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by whales

Very true! Its a pity the Victoria Government didn't support it's local companies a bit more and buy more Fords for the Police,SES etc.

Problem is Toyota build cars in Vic and Holden also have a smaller role. So it would be a bit hard.

[Gobes32]

Originally Posted by JPFS1

If only everybody here could have seen how he stuck it to business and corporate heads recently... He's the man for the top job!!!

I wasn't there, but heard all about it ;)

Rumor has it that at a recent "save geelong manufacturing" meeting he took a mental note of Fords in the car park as opposed to o'seas models. He then proceeded to rip into everyone along the likes of "you want to save geelong manufacturing?, how about driving geelong built cars?????"

I love it...........

[imugli]

Originally Posted by Gobes32

Rumor has it that at a recent "save geelong manufacturing" meeting he took a mental note of Fords in the car park as opposed to o'seas models. He then proceeded to rip into everyone along the likes of "you want to save geelong manufacturing?, how about driving geelong built cars?????"

I love it...........

Bloody Brilliant!

Love it!

[4Vman]

Yes.. its very hard to be critical of a company you don't support with your wallet.....
Its even harder to listen to "critics" who haven't opened their wallets either...

[R-Design]

Originally Posted by Gobes32

Rumor has it that at a recent "save geelong manufacturing" meeting he took a mental note of Fords in the car park as opposed to o'seas models. He then proceeded to rip into everyone along the likes of "you want to save geelong manufacturing?, how about driving geelong built cars?????"

I love it...........

Has he paid a visit to FPV management lately? I'd like to hear what words of wisdom he had for them.

[JPFS1]

Originally Posted by Gobes32

Rumor has it that at a recent "save geelong manufacturing" meeting he took a mental note of Fords in the car park as opposed to o'seas models. He then proceeded to rip into everyone along the likes of "you want to save geelong manufacturing?, how about driving geelong built cars?????"

I love it...........

That's no rumor.

He asked a question of the audience, how many of you have driven here today in aFord?? Please stand up! He then basically continued to say, not to worry, it's only 5 of you (this is out of more than 100 people in the meeting).

He then went on to explain Ford's commitment and ongoing investment in Geelong etc, yet asked quite 'directly', so where's YOUR support????

[Gobes32]

Originally Posted by Boss315

Has he paid a visit to FPV management lately? I'd like to hear what words of wisdom he had for them.

I only know what filters down the grape vine. Very loved and respected man in Geelong. Does not seem to have an enemy. He is the man to put Ford on top but the fear of him going o'seas again is very real. Talented men like him do not last long in Oz. We are not important enough in the big scheme of things to keep someone that good long term.

[Gobes32]

Originally Posted by JPFS1

That's no rumor.

He asked a question of the audience, how many of you have driven here today in aFord?? Please stand up! He then basically continued to say, not to worry, it's only 5 of you (this is out of more than 100 people in the meeting).

He then went on to explain Ford's commitment and ongoing investment in Geelong etc, yet asked quite 'directly', so where's YOUR support????

Thankyou, I only heard it through a second hand source but that is brilliant.

[Wretched]

Here are some figures

Ford 2,009 2,008
Ford Courier 4X4 0 5
Ford Escape 286 224
Ford F250 4X2 1 3
Ford Fairlane 2 11
Ford Falcon 2,228 1,884
Ford Falcon Ute 795 877
Ford Fiesta 654 640
Ford Focus 556 1,465
Ford Focus Coupe Cabriolet 16 35
Ford LTD 0 0
Ford Mondeo 377 329
Ford Ranger 4X2 565 800
Ford Ranger 4X4 555 720
Ford Territory 635 1,073
Ford Transit 129 145
Ford Transit Bus 6 12
Ford Transit C/C 31 23
Ford Total 6,836 8,246

Change - 17.1%


Holden 2,009
Holden Adventra 0 0
Holden Astra 820 1,154
Holden Astra Convertible 30 104
Holden Barina 792 993
Holden Caprice 88 145
Holden Captiva 592 909
Holden Colorado 4X2 297 0
Holden Colorado 4X4 767 0
Holden Combo 67 82
Holden Commodore 3,177 3,324
Holden Epica 161 139
Holden Monaro 0 0
Holden Rodeo 4X2 0 502
Holden Rodeo 4X4 1 1,013
Holden Statesman 37 86
Holden Utility 4X2 836 1,269
Holden Utility 4X4 0 0
Holden Viva 164 467
Holden Total 7,829 10,187

Change -23.1%


Toyota 2,009 2,008
Toyota Aurion 895 1,861
Toyota Avensis 56 80
Toyota Camry (4 cyl) 1,092 2,137
Toyota Coaster 17 41
Toyota Corolla 2,385 3,722
Toyota Hiace Bus 158 360
Toyota Hiace Van 518 955
Toyota Hilux 4X2 1,102 1,608
Toyota Hilux 4X4 1,530 2,206
Toyota Kluger 901 1,268
Toyota Landcruiser PU/CC 377 570
Toyota Landcruiser Wagon 570 1,124
Toyota Prado 777 1,157
Toyota Prius 235 281
Toyota RAV4 885 1,191
Toyota Tarago 140 214
Toyota Yaris 1,395 2,063
Toyota Total 13,033 20,838

Change -37.5%

Audi 2009 2008
Audi A3 128 114
Audi A3 Convertible 14 0
Audi A4 268 410
Audi A5 54 36
Audi A6 44 30
Audi A8 4 4
Audi Convertible 8 13
Audi Q5 150 0
Audi Q7 104 91
Audi R8 5 11
Audi TT 37 61
Audi Total 816 770

Change of 6%


BMW 2009 2008
BMW 1 Series 91 137
BMW 1 Series Coupe/Conv 197 11
BMW 3 Series 305 334
BMW 3 Series Coupe/Conv 158 262
BMW 5 Series 65 121
BMW 6 Series 10 6
BMW 7 Series 47 12
BMW X3 69 98
BMW X5 169 351
BMW X6 60 0
BMW Z4 24 15
BMW Total 1,195 1,347

Change of -11.3%


Honda 2009 2008
Honda Accord 449 935
Honda Accord Euro 438 288
Honda City 273 0
Honda Civic 741 1,619
Honda CR-V 447 578
Honda Jazz 560 741
Honda Legend 18 5
Honda Odyssey 73 122
Honda S2000 1 1
Honda Total 3,000 4,289

Change of -30.1%


Hyundai 2009 2008
Hyundai Accent 12 73
Hyundai Elantra 129 297
Hyundai Getz 1,307 1,448
Hyundai Grandeur 2 28
Hyundai i30 1,491 994
Hyundai iLOAD 147 209
Hyundai iMAX 59 51
Hyundai Santa Fe 223 189
Hyundai Sonata 93 142
Hyundai Terracan 0 0
Hyundai Tiburon 4 13
Hyundai Trajet 0 4
Hyundai Tucson 669 235
Hyundai Total 4,136 3,683

Change of 12.3%


Mazda 2009 2008
Mazda BT-50 4X2 254 433
Mazda BT-50 4X4 330 528
Mazda CX-7 254 350
Mazda CX-9 231 457
Mazda MX5 50 59
Mazda RX8 43 29
Mazda Tribute 0 0
Mazda2 850 1,140
Mazda3 2,503 2,811
Mazda6 606 942
Mazda Total 5,121 6,749

Change of -24.1%


Mercedes-Benz 2009 2008
M-Benz C-Class Sports Coupe 92 0
Mercedes (15t) 20 27
Mercedes (7.5t) 9 7
Mercedes-Benz A-Class 57 48
Mercedes-Benz B-Class 33 93
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 534 706
Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 5 14
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 77 45
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 16 9
Mercedes-Benz E-Class 91 84
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 31 34
Mercedes-Benz M-Class 121 125
Mercedes-Benz R-Class 23 13
Mercedes-Benz S-Class 15 37
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class 5 2
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 26 6
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 178 162
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Bus 3 3
Mercedes-Benz Vario 0 0
Mercedes-Benz Viano 7 6
Mercedes-Benz Vito 104 126
Mercedes-Benz Vito Wagon 5 6
Mercedes-Benz Total 1,452 1,553

Change -6.5%


Mitsubishi 2009 2008
Mitsubishi 380 2 277
Mitsubishi Colt 175 219
Mitsubishi Colt Cabriolet 0 6
Mitsubishi Express 147 343
Mitsubishi Grandis 17 47
Mitsubishi Lancer 1,017 1,317
Mitsubishi Outlander 367 824
Mitsubishi Pajero 381 553
Mitsubishi Triton 4X2 470 634
Mitsubishi Triton 4X4 569 787
Mitsubishi Total 3,145 5,007

Change -37.2%


Nissan 2009 2008
Nissan 350Z 24 44
Nissan 370Z 38 0
Nissan Dualis 158 194
Nissan GT-R 66 0
Nissan Maxima 21 60
Nissan Micra 342 489
Nissan Murano 174 74
Nissan Navara 4X2 140 196
Nissan Navara 4X4 1,311 1,488
Nissan Pathfinder 246 181
Nissan Patrol PU/CC 126 194
Nissan Patrol Wagon 182 517
Nissan Tiida 417 741
Nissan X-Trail 479 757
Nissan Total 3,724 4,935

Change -24.5%


Subaru 2009 2008
Subaru Forester 1,239 1,107
Subaru Impreza 1,008 952
Subaru Liberty 356 478
Subaru Outback 232 420
Subaru Tribeca 164 201
Subaru Total 2,999 3,158

Change of -5.0%


Volkswagen 2009 2008
Volkswagen Caddy 135 149
Volkswagen Caddy Life/Camper 27 16
Volkswagen Caravelle 14 0
Volkswagen Crafter 26 39
Volkswagen Eos 87 190
Volkswagen Golf 726 1,083
Volkswagen Jetta 134 201
Volkswagen Kombi 0 0
Volkswagen Kombi Beach 1 5
Volkswagen Multivan 17 30
Volkswagen New Beetle 21 64
Volkswagen New Beetle Cabrio 15 17
Volkswagen Passat 194 290
Volkswagen Passat CC 68 0
Volkswagen Polo 133 123
Volkswagen Tiguan 390 0
Volkswagen Touareg 62 106
Volkswagen Transporter 96 103
Volkswagen Transporter C/C 14 24
Volkswagen Total 2,160 2,440

Change of -11.5%

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by Swordsman88

Yes the Golf is a fantastic car....but not at that price. I think VW make some great stuff, and Golf has and will remain a benchmark small car. But it costs more to get into it, and more to maintain and insure it than a focus. And apart from some build quality advantages (and a very mildly warmed over styling job) its not all that much better than a focus. Not worth the coin in my opinion anyway, but of course others might not agree.

I will disagree with you on this.
I am a very proud Focus owner and have not regretted my purchase.
However the VW Golf is a big step up and certainly is the benchmark for hatches, whether the standard or warmed over performance hatches.
Yes they do cost more, but when you sit in one you instantly feel where the $$ have gone, the quality of materials exceeds any other in it's class, even challenging the much more expensive A3, this is also reflected in the positive reviews by journalists.

The R&D spent on the Mark V Golf (most of it on the suspension) ensured VW wouldn't make a profit out of it. The Mark VI Golf has only improved on this. All this shows in the car, the handling is sublime and while you may look at the final $$ price, when you look at what you get for the $$ it isn't all that much more than others. The least value for $$ hatch would have to be the Corolla.
As for servicing and maintenance? No more really than any other Euro car. My Focus certainly is more expensive to service than the Falcon.

[Joe5619]

So much for the Fiesta setting the world on fire. Just 654 sold, which is only 14 more than the old one & nearly a 1/3 of the market leader.

[imugli]

I would still say this is due to supply issues.
Top selling car in europe and only 2 (I think) factories making them for the world right now.
Burela said a couple of weeks back that most of the demand is for higher spec models in specific colours, meaning wait times of up to 4 months.
Auto's have been light on the ground as well...
I don't think we'll see significant increases in Fiesta sales until Thailand comes on line.

[Gobes32]

Originally Posted by imugli

I don't think we'll see significant increases in Fiesta sales until Thailand comes on line.

Correct, Thailand will be the hub for asia pacific sales. Dealers can only get 1-2 Fiestas a week at the moment.

[last fairlane]

If its true as stated that Toyota sells only 2000 Camrys a month then goes on to say they sell 100000 Camrys to OS countries per year thats about 8500 per month well wouldnt that make them the biggest car producer in OZ by far over 10000 camrys per month as compared to GMH at 3000 odd Commodores and Fords 2000 odd Falcons
hope I got the maths right
(note I said maths with an S
not like USA slang starting to creep in as in math)
thanks John

[bigdude1011]

After the Fiesta has started being built in Thailand, would the price of the car drop due to the FTA put in place? Or would Ford/the economy ensure that the price would remain stagnant?

[SSbaby]

Why is the Mazda6 selling at twice the rate of Mondeo?

[R-Design]

Originally Posted by SSbaby

Why is the Mazda6 selling at twice the rate of Mondeo?

Sad fact is Mazda6 is way down on last year and is still outselling Mondeo.

I think Mazda overpriced it at launch and has been suffering ever since. They're also marketing it a performance car when it isn't, which I don't think would help.