Does HSV understand its Market?

[zorro]

What about the VT2 GTS VX SENATOR 300. Both those models are more exclusive than the aforementioned.

Alright I missed a couple, could add the vt senator wagon too...

My point is hsv have flooded their own market and take depreciation on board owning a late model or older hsv is within reach for many, again the exclusivity has diminished.

If I wasn't looking at hsv cluster I'd think I was driving a VZ Calais to work daily..

[SV300]

Does HSV understand its market??

Well of course, MASS market.....that's what it is...

J


iPhone

[Avalanche]

Cmon guys, they have never been that exclusive. He'll , how many extra Walkinshaws did they build in 88-89 ??? Over 1000?? They have been doing this since day 1. They have always been a commodore or Calais with extras, if you like it you buy it, if you don't , then you won't. I don't think they have lost sight of their market, I think a tiny percentage of their market is under the impression that Hsv base their decisions only on their requirements in a car.

[C4B]

HSV's used to be the domain of enthusiasts, but that era is long gone.

These days, HSV's seem to be mostly company hacks for people with a decent car allowance. The majority of current model HSV's I see on the road haven't been washed in 6 months and get about as much love and attention as a base model Astra.

The "S" in HSV used to stand for "Special"...... Not sure what it stands for in 2011. Sad really!

[HDT-EFI]

I can't understand why people keep complaining about the E2/E3 range?

If HSV had no option at the time to upgrade their engine to a ''coyote" equal or better ( without a huge price jump ) then what do you expect HSV to do???

The only option HSV had, was to try and make their cars more technologically enhanced then the E1 range.

Did they succeed. YES

Did they sell more cars. YES

Does HSV understand its market. YES

FPV have the best engine/s....i agree

But the rest of their cars have nothing on HSV's handling/ride/comfort and functions....


There is no way HSV will bring out another car/model (apart from a sticker special ) without an engine change.

If its not the "LSA" engine then i guess it will be the new gen 5 engine (blown)...

Whichever engine they use, we know it will be upto the task of competing with the ''coyote'' or F6 motors....

HSV's are going to be very hard to beat as a package once they release the new engine....

I for one will be upgrading....

[Vulture]

I think it's important to remember what HSVs really are: tricked up, rebadged Holdens.

Agreed. I would never suggest that HSV are in the same league as an BMW M, AMG Merc etc. They are generally good value sedans with extra performance over the donor vehicle.

I have to admit to thinking about whether my next car will be an HSV though. When you can get a SSV on the road for under $50k, a GTS or Senator for $80K is starting to look ridiculous. $30K is a lot cash for the body kit, LS3, MRC, Brakes etc. I have to admit though, that the Senator still turns heads and I get guys at the lights compliment it - which never happened in the XR6T or SS. At least the Senators are still rarer on the road than the others but the price premium is starting to wear off on me.

It could be a case of the SSV etc being almost 'too good' in that they may threaten some HSV sales? With the sort of discounting around they are excellent value.

[Vulture]

But the rest of their cars have nothing on HSV's handling/ride/comfort and functions....

Agree. The FPVs have the edge in straight line performance but it is true that the overall package of the HSV is superior. At least there is some exclusivity in looks, interior. The handling for such a heavy car is pretty damn good as well.
I think the FPVs are due to an upgrade in the next few months though? Improved interiors etc.

[brentonsav]

If HSV had no option at the time to upgrade their engine to a ''coyote" equal or better ( without a huge price jump ) then what do you expect HSV to do???

FPV did the charger R&D themselves and I believe it was the first of Ford's 5L to get some boost. HSV could of done that but in essence it's had the LSA option on the shelf for a while now.

It's amazing that FPV are able to get that much hardware onboard for that price point. To keep up with their tuned rig, we have to buy a blower, full exhaust, clutch, diff, intake.

I love my car and don't intend on selling, but if I was one of these lease buyer who buy a car to turn over every 3 yrs, I'd be looking very hard at the FPV offerings, as much as it would pain me.

And HSV do need a limited run car continuously which is physically hard to get one's hands on. I know they made no money with the W427 run but if they had something in the $110-120k pricepoint which was special, it would be an in between for those toying up between a HSV or C63 or M3.

We all know they are heavy but a C63 is in the 17xx range so it's no lightweight either. A HSV will never be a GTR competitor. HSV's are RWD muscle cars, not sports cars.

[185iboy]

Profit over exclusivity is important.


Strap 2 turbo's on if you want it to be special

[zorro]

Maybe the thread should be change to - does the market understand hsv??

[nailit]

I can see it now

A HSV and FPV line up at the lights, the Ford blows the doors of the HSV. The HSV driven finally catches up and yells out, well I've got a nicer dash and this Holden IQ system, check it out... sh!t the IQ is playing up again.

I agree there are way too many HSVs on the road. It used to be a treat to see one, now they are everywhere and are becoming just another car.

QldKev

Your on the money with this post . . . except when the FPV is the new upgrade with the 8" screen and the HSV guys is thinking he is a winner with his piddly 6 1/2" screen . . . but this thread isnt about H V F . . . its about where HSV is and where its going

Given the slow demise of the Commodore volume over the past 12 months and the huge amount of unsold HSV's floating around that are ultimately going to be torn up by HSV Dealers just to relieve floorplan pain. . . where is HSV right now!! . . . that is the point. . . what do they do to fix this issue short of rebating the Dealers in January to move 2011 cars at $10k off . . . yes that is not a typo . . . which will further lower the resale values and devalue the brand!!!

Time to cut the volume HSV. . . . take a deep breath and stop being greedy for the sake of the Brands FUTURE!!!

[Twin Turbo HSV]

Profit over exclusivity is important.


Strap 2 turbo's on if you want it to be special

I have to agree with you

[fishla]

OK will the LSA powered HSV compete with a HSV of the same vintage LS3 with a small cam and blower (with lets say a HTV1900) in performance terms?

Lets face it. Even 380fwkw isn't that impressive these days.

Factors to conidered are purchase price, internal components, warranty etc.

[Xjas]

. Once you combine all the monthly costs, and add the premiums for tyres, insurance, and other things beyond say an SSV, the HSV becomes a very expensive alternative. That's why I have an SSV, not what I wanted which was the R8 Tourer.

I am in the same situation as you but in the secondhand market, a VE clubsport vs a VE SSV, the higher inital purchase price of the Clubby didnt worry me but the running costs are so much higher for minimal gain in a day to day car, as weekend only track day car the clubby would have one out but I ended up with an SSV.

[macca_779]

So people are on the fence mainly due to the difference in running costs. What are these costs exactly. Brakes and tyres are the only things that come to mind for me that are different. Quite frankly in my opinion if the cost difference of these aspects alone becomes the deal breaker then people are over capitalising on what they can afford in the first place I reckon.