FPV 2011 First half Sales

[Windsor220]

There was nothing wrong with the FG XR8. It even outperformed the SS in some tests. That didnt stop the journos bagging the crap out of it. Even if Ford were to bring out one now that was sufficient it would most likely be the same story again. Ford isn't going to risk the development costs after a decade of poor XR8 sales and negative publicity. Especially when it looks like Falcon wont be around much longer.

[phillyc]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

There was nothing wrong with the FG XR8. It even outperformed the SS in some tests. That didnt stop the journos bagging the crap out of it. Even if Ford were to bring out one now that was sufficient it would most likely be the same story again. Ford isn't going to risk the development costs after a decade of poor XR8 sales and negative publicity. Especially when it looks like Falcon wont be around much longer.

Totally agree with what your saying. I remember a number of tests where the FG XR8 was up against the VE SS. The XR8 was more powerful on the dyno, faster in a straight line, used less fuel, felt more refined, sounded better etc etc. Then one of the biggest gripes was that shock horror, the XR8, a sports sedan was able to spin its wheels and broke traction... WTF??

But, getting back to the topic of 2011 FPV sales.

I think that the first half was a dramatic increase compared to last year, but that in itself, was well below the usual. I also think that the Miami 'street cred' is gaining and sales will continue to be bolstered in the second half of the year. I would like to see them trend up from ~130/month to closer to ~200/month by years end.

[jpd80]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

There was nothing wrong with the FG XR8. It even outperformed the SS in some tests. That didnt stop the journos bagging the crap out of it. Even if Ford were to bring out one now that was sufficient it would most likely be the same story again. Ford isn't going to risk the development costs after a decade of poor XR8 sales and negative publicity. Especially when it looks like Falcon wont be around much longer.

There was something wrong with XR8, buyers didn't want it and Ford kept offering the same basic package for a decade.
Rather than thinking that those potential buyers are stupid and don't know anything, Ford should have to listened to them.
Offering the alternative XR6T that could usually out gun the XR8 really sent out very mixed messages to potential buyers.

The new XR8 was changed to the GS at the last moment, therefore the car has already been developed and the money spent.