FPV outsells HSV

[220i]

Not sure if this has already been covered, but FPV sold 515 GT, GT-P and F6 Typhoon sedans between Dec and Mar. HSV sold 468 Clubsports, Senators and GTS sedans giving FPV the edge by 47 vehicles. Source:carsguide - Herald Sun.
FPV seem pretty happy about it. Strange to think when HSV usually wins magazine comparative tests and has the 'latest and greatest' being the LS2. Any thoughts.

[GMHVNSS]

Quite a few turn up on the used car market quite quickly over here in the west, may be a few unhappy FPV owners over east too, check the may issue of unique cars page 77, quite amusing I thought.

[HsV_GTS_300]

And when was the last GTS Produced? Back in the VY series 1. Did they give total sales for both brands utes, lwb etc?

[mavss]

In all fairness, the comparisons between the comparative HSV & FPV cars are very close, with only a bee's diaphragm between them at the end.

The impression I get is that the HSVs edge out the FPVs in terms of sheer speed, whereas the FPVs offer a more refined ride, so you can't go wrong whichever one you choose.

Nonetheless, congratulations to FPV for being the leaders in their class. I'll admit I never expected to see them achive it so soon.

[Aus8]

Good to see FPV being competitive. They have put together a nice range. The more they sell the better as it will keep HSV on their toes and better for us the consumer.

Cheers
Aus8

[fabian]

And when was the last GTS Produced? Back in the VY series 1. Did they give total sales for both brands utes, lwb etc?
HSV did produce VY11 GTS, 100 of them.

[HsV_GTS_300]

HSV did produce VY11 GTS, 100 of them.
My Bad, keep forgetting about that , Personally the GTS hasn't stood out since the VX GTS and V2 GTS Coupe.

[XLR8 V8]

Not sure if this has already been covered, but FPV sold 515 GT, GT-P and F6 Typhoon sedans between Dec and Mar. HSV sold 468 Clubsports, Senators and GTS sedans giving FPV the edge by 47 vehicles. Source:carsguide - Herald Sun.
FPV seem pretty happy about it. Strange to think when HSV usually wins magazine comparative tests and has the 'latest and greatest' being the LS2. Any thoughts.


Wonder how the figures stack up once you add in the utes and Coupes though .... I see LOTS of GTO coupes on the road..... especially when you compare it to the number of FPV coupes ;) :p hehehe

[CDAA]

It'a great result for FPV, they've worked hard for it. Now they have fixed the F6, it going to get interesting for sure. I don't think this is all a matter of HSV loosing anything, just more FPV gaining new buyers due to having a great product and greater market awareness.

[bobbyvtls1]

its cause holden make such a good car standard you don't need to buy a hsv, where as with ford i'll leave that a alone

[CDAA]

its cause holden make such a good car standard you don't need to buy a hsv, where as with ford i'll leave that a alone

You can't be serious can you? As you said, best we leave that alone :rolleyes:

[myles]

I believe the reason behind FPV sales is due to Ford not having a high performance range for so long, and now Ford consumers are buying in.

Guys with their rusty old ELs and eyesore AUs didn't have any real option to go to. Spend all the money on an ugly TE50? With the FPV range, a solid range it is, there are many Ford consumers who were unhappy with the lack of a higher end range but didn't want to buy a Holden but were being whomped by Holden, didn't have the money for a BMW, but now can suddenly upgrade to a 'new' high performance range equal to HSV.

So you've got Ford fans from years back going apes over FPV, something that was missing for awhile.

It's been a long time coming for many Ford fans and they're loving FPV. A mate of mine, and his mates who all love their 'Fraud Foul-cans' ( ;) ) have now got something to rejoice over. Something to talk about and put up on their walls. I haven't seen so many car related merchandise, not even from guys wearing Holden gear, in my life. They're wearing the FPV merchandise, plastering the FPV stuff on their walls. It's an exciting time for them.

Whereas Holden drivers have had the LS1s for a few years now, to many the LS2 isn't enough to persuade them as they can continue to upgrade their older SSs and HSVs instead.

FPV will peak and should peak in sales for awhile. Then there will be many, like with the LS1, that will be content with the Boss and upgrade it for years to come.

[Rick76]

Wonder how the figures stack up once you add in the utes and Coupes though .... I see LOTS of GTO coupes on the road..... especially when you compare it to the number of FPV coupes ;) :p hehehe

Exactly.... even if we take out the FPV/HSV utes, Grange and ute/wagon AWD HSVs it is being a bit of selective with the figures to take out the GTO/Coupe4 at least. While it may be argued that its unfair to compare anything else than 4dr sedans and/or utes as that is all FPV sell, it goes both ways. A large percentage of GTO/Coupe4 buyers would be driving an alternative 4 door HSV if there was no coupe available. IMHO GTO/Coupe4 (and GTS when there was one) figures should have been included for a fair comparison.

As a matter of interest, how many models does FPV produce? 5 on 2 platforms (ute/sedan)? HSV? 10+ on 7 platforms (sedan, lwb sedan, coupe, ute, coupe awd, lwb ute awd, wagon awd)?

Congratulations to FPV anyway for a great improvement. Do FPV still claim they are not a competitor to HSV? ;)

[strife]

same

also how many hsv cars go OS as well ? im sure its not huge in the grand scheme but all adds to be more surely ?

[F6 Hoon]

its cause holden make such a good car standard you don't need to buy a hsv, where as with ford i'll leave that a alone

:lol: Stuck your head under the rear of your car and had a look at the IRS lately?

[Kirium]

What wins on Sunday sells on Monday??? ;)

[BA$TAD]

could the 6.0 engine atm be a bad marketing tool for HSV? I mean with the fuel prices the way they are could people be assuming big engine, more fuel?

Well done to FPV though.

[Danv8]

[QUOTE=BA$TAD]could the 6.0 engine atm be a bad marketing tool for HSV? I mean with the fuel prices the way they are could people be assuming big engine, more fuel?

To the ones who really cannot afford the cars. If it has tit or an engine its gonna cost you anyways.

[Venom XR]

It's the GT badge vs the 'T-Series' badge, unashamedly cashing in a proven 'label', where old guys (and young with cash to waste) who either did, or wanted to own one of the older GTs, can now own a newer one that's much closer to the original concept of a GT than the EB/EL's and the T1/2 ever were. There is a bit of the T-Series concept still there - the more comfortable ride, etc - but in much more appealing skin. The Ford faithful finally have something to put their cash into that appeals to them. Holden fans have just had that for so much longer.

...and Ford are winning on the track, so owning a performance Ford isn't as shameful as it was during the HRT-conquering years. :)

[bobbyvtls1]

:lol: Stuck your head under the rear of your car and had a look at the IRS lately?
it was a joke

[Ghia351]

same

also how many hsv cars go OS as well ? im sure its not huge in the grand scheme but all adds to be more surely ?

Only problem is that the competition is between two brands on the same field otherwise you would have Ford saying we exported 2000 T's to S.A. , so add that to our domestic tally, Holden could say add our Commodore/Stato exports to our sales...and then there's Toyoya with Camry exports which is the highest number of Australian produced cars exported by all.

I loved the quote put by Payne from HSV: http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/article.aspx?id=9678&vf=2&bg=1&pp=0

"If you were going to the FPV barbecue that's great if you like burnt sausages," he says. "If you go to the HSV barbecue there's some variety and it's a delicatessen. It's not about volumes for us ... it's about niche."

Even more funny was a post at FF where someone replied: http://www.fordforums.com/showthread.php?t=106370
"The last few paragraphs quoting Payne from HSV seem totally arrogant and stupid. Correct me if I'm wrong but I've never read an official comment by Ford or FPV ever rubbishing their opposition....and for the record I love my sausages burnt on the bbq, a deli is where I buy my ham.....

[BlackClubbie]

They just got lucky, that all.

[BA$TAD]

They just got lucky, that all.
can i have their luck? 4 lucky months is good... ;)

[myles]

Reading many FFs for awhile old fans speak how they love the look of the BA range. ....Then the same members will talk about how similar in looks the two cars are.

I don't think it applies to the VY range onwards.

When I parked my Phantom VX SS in town on a few occassions I used to return to regularly find a nice Black BA XR6T parked next to it. On several occassions I actually stood next to BA XR6T drivers' side by mistake. :eek: :lol: Couldn't believe my eyes.

Maybe in two different colours the BA looks different, but side by side, from the back to the side panels in the same colour, a VX range and a BA range, you'll realise what ford fans really wanted, was a Holden. ;)! :p

[Drewie]

Reading many FFs for awhile old fans speak how they love the look of the BA range. ....Then the same members will talk about how similar in looks the two cars are.

I don't think it applies to the VY range onwards.

When I parked my Phantom VX SS in town on a few occassions I used to return to regularly find a nice Black BA XR6T parked next to it. On several occassions I actually stood next to BA XR6T drivers' side by mistake. :eek: :lol: Couldn't believe my eyes.

Maybe in two different colours the BA looks different, but side by side, from the back to the side panels in the same colour, a VX range and a BA range, you'll realise what ford fans really wanted, was a Holden. ;)! :p


I have often thought the same thing myself, how similiar the rear of the BA and the VX look.

[Aus8]

From day 1 I have always said the rear of the BA reminds me of Audi cars. I cant really see any features that make it look like a VX.

Cheers

Aus8

[BA$TAD]

From day 1 I have always said the rear of the BA reminds me of Audi cars. I cant really see any features that make it look like a VX.

Cheers

Aus8
i agree with you on that

[vzsv6]

The BA falcon and the whole FPV concept IMO is just a total ripoff of designs, ideas and strategies which have made Holden so successful for as long as I can remember. They were so desperate after the AU fiasco that they said "stuff it, if we can't beat em, we'll join them."

[vzsv6]

Oh, and another thing...... How many of those 515 cars that FPV claim to have sold were actually sold , I'll bet a dollar to a brick that the majority of these are sitting in showrooms and at the back of dealerships.

[myles]

FF member quote (http://www.fordxr6turbo.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=17439) in response to the number of GTs getting around:
"Its all the foon owners driving around in the GT's they dont want"

All jokes aside, well done to FPV. I think they're a great all round package. As Venom XR pointed out the performance of the whole ford racing team has improved the image and sales considerably. Also agree with Aus8 - the more FPV sells the better it makes HSV and keeps them competitve.

[BA$TAD]

Oh, and another thing...... How many of those 515 cars that FPV claim to have sold were actually sold , I'll bet a dollar to a brick that the majority of these are sitting in showrooms and at the back of dealerships.
and how many commodores and hsvs are doing the same? jeez why can't you accept the fact that it happended, build a bridge and get over it. no fpv didn't copy or join holden, that's just a low comment :rolleyes: Where did FPV copy them? Do HSV have a turbo I6? So if HSV get a turbo 6 can I say HSV copied FPV?

[OzJavelin]

Good luck to FPV. They aren't really much of a threat to HSV .. *most* people are Holden or Ford people. I think they are only really cannibalising XR8 sales (like XR sales cannibalise lower-spec models .. approx 25% Ford sales are XRs). As was mentioned earlier, from what I've read since the LS1 was introduced, HSVs have kicked TE/FPV butt for overall speed, but TE/FPV have always been a more "refined" car. I love the solid feel of a V8 Holden, but even my 1-tonne AU ute seems to have more finesse in steering/suspension?!

BTW: Talking of Fords looking like Holdens .. why does my VY always remind me of a Mazda .. especially the front??!!

Rod.

[Aus8]

The BA falcon and the whole FPV concept IMO is just a total ripoff of designs, ideas and strategies which have made Holden so successful for as long as I can remember. They were so desperate after the AU fiasco that they said "stuff it, if we can't beat em, we'll join them."

Hop back into your "V6" and drive it until you can legally drive a V8! You sound about 15.

BTW how about justifying your comments? Where is the ripoff of designs, ideas and strategies? Never rubbish the competition without justification as it just makes you look jealous.

Cheers

Aus8

[SV99]

Oh, and another thing...... How many of those 515 cars that FPV claim to have sold were actually sold , I'll bet a dollar to a brick that the majority of these are sitting in showrooms and at the back of dealerships.

interesting you say that because when the typhoon was off the road, the new owners were given GT's while the f6s were being fixed

hrrm i smell inflated figures here :cool:

[CDAA]

I don’t think that Ford/FPV are ripping off the Holden HSV product or strategies at all, I think they (FPV/Ford) are simply getting back to their own muscle car formula which will appeal to their target buyers. Much in the way HSV has done so successfully with theirs.

We are not talking rocket science here, no secret formula. Holden and Ford have been hotting up family sedans with big horsepower, body kits and tough wheels etc since the 1960’s. How anyone can claim this concept is exclusive to either brand is beyond me. Tickford choose to move away from this formula some time ago and it clearly hurt Fords brand image. FPV is all about reestablishing that Ford muscle car imagine and I wish them the best.

HSV make some beautiful cars and so does FPV. Both create muscle cars that are evolutions of mass production vehicles so similarities are going to be inevitable. As we all know engineering wise, both brands are miles apart as they’re building and tailoring their own products to suit their target buyers.

[LT8888]

The BA falcon and the whole FPV concept IMO is just a total ripoff of designs, ideas and strategies which have made Holden so successful for as long as I can remember. They were so desperate after the AU fiasco that they said "stuff it, if we can't beat em, we'll join them."

I think you're on the wrong site, last I checked this is www.ls1.com.au and not www.bullshitartistdrivel.com.au. Come back when you turn 18 and can actually drive a car.


BTW the bottom line is both brands make great cars and if I could, I'd have a GT and a Clubsport in my garage so I can enjoy the best of both worlds 24/7.

[Ghia351]

BTW the bottom line is both brands make great cars and if I could, I'd have a GT and a Clubsport in my garage so I can enjoy the best of both worlds 24/7.

Working near the Perkins workshop I have to say I see some great HSV's go flying past (which is appropriate for an airport site) and dare I say should I ever turn to the evil empire a Senator would be my choice atm. The understated looks with LS2 appeals far more provided I could rework the A4.

[myles]

http://carsguide.news.com.au/news/story_page/0,8269,15224990%255E21822,00.html

FPV eyes four cylinder trade
Mark Hinchliffe
07may05

Hot four-cylinder rockets could be the next step for Ford Performance Vehicles.

The company already has broken from the V8-only policy of rival Holden Special Vehicles with the release of the six-cylinder turbocharged Typhoon and Tornado ute.

And while the company acknowledges it does not have the breadth of HSV's line-up, FPV does not intend to mirror HSV models, nor be constrained in what it produces.

The policy seems to be paying off with managing director David Flint announcing that in sales figures for directly competing models, FPV has logged "significant records since December with four straight months ahead of HSV, if only by one unit in March.

"There is a strong acceptance of the Mk II GT and GT-P," he said.

"We've got ourselves to a very strong position in the market place.

"The Super Pursuit was launched this year to stretch the model range a little wider and to face off with our competitor. It's been a success for us."

Flint said the F6 clutch crisis in which sales were stopped for three months while a replacement clutch was designed and built after the original failed, had not delayed any other product programs.

"We are on target for any new program," he said.

However, while he wouldn't give away any details of future products, he said they were looking at a range of vehicles and he did not have a personal favourite.

"That's not how you run a car manufacturing business. We have to give customers what they want, not what I want," he said.

Flint did say they were considering all options such as hot mods on the Focus and Festiva and all-wheel-drive versions of the current range.

This would also open up FPV to doing a version of the highly successful Territory SUV.

Ford chief Tom Gorman has already talked about a possible turbocharged Territory.

"Whether it is a Ford or FPV that is a decision later," Gorman said. "There is no conclusion on that yet.

"Our brand (FPV) is recognised very much as a performance range of vehicles.

"There is a place for us to extend that further and Territory is an obvious choice."

He said Ford was also considering a diesel variant and a "proper off-road" four-wheel-drive version of the Territory with a low range.

"The vehicle is very successful at the moment. We've done a good job of satisfying the customer and there are not many things the customer is not happy with."

Gorman said the first studies of customer satisfaction with the Territory were being conducted and results would be available soon. "If we do anything with the Territory, it will be incremental," he said.

FPV marketing and sales manager Roger Gray said there had been a lot of interest in an FPV Territory.

"As much from dealers as anyone. They look at the fundamental acceptance of Territory," Gray said. "There has also been a lot of interest in doing something with a four-cylinder, such as Focus or Festiva.

"A four-cylinder would appeal to a customer we are not dealing with at the moment; people who view technology as important.

"There is a strong aftermarket business in four-cylinder cars in the past few years. It's a market we could easily leap into."

Gray said it was important they extended their range, but differentiated their products from HSV.

"We don't intend to be another HSV. We always intended to be about more than just V8s.

"The Tornado broadened our product portfolio. It was our first turbo, too. It means we can talk to a new range of customers, a younger buyer, so it also broadens our demographic. It's not a big volume, but it does allow us to extend."