February 2013 Sales Figures - Shock as Nissan bumps Holden

[Jeddak]

As for the prime ministers car is that special? double glazed glass etc? I'm surprised it still keeps going with the age / kms it would have done now.[/QUOTE]

why shouldn't it ???

it is an Aussie made car after all.
any cabbie will tell you that a falcon (commodore too maybe) will do a million ks
on the engine, transmissions are a different story though

and most cars that we have owned were that old they had grey hairs!!!
Except the territory listed below ,though it turned over 182000ks the other day

[bobthebilda]

http://www.news.com.au/business/comp...-1226589442473

COMPUTER geeks put the brakes on Holden sales in February.
An experimental computer system said "no'' to the struggling car maker last month, restricting how many vehicles its dealers could report as sold.

In some cases the computer system told dealers a car was still on the production line when in fact it was in their showroom.

In other examples vehicles were in transit but couldn't be released because the computer system wouldn't allow it.

The computer gremlins prompted Holden to report its lowest monthly result in almost seven years, about 7500 sales according to preliminary figures revealed to News Limited.

The last time Holden sales dropped this low was in April 2006, just three months before a new Commodore arrived.

Coincidentally another new Commodore is now three months away.

The massive computer meltdown left about 1500 cars - about one-in-five of Holden's normal delivery rate - unaccounted for and its national network of 238 dealers in disarray.

The computer crash came at a sensitive time for Holden as it tries to clear run-out models of the locally made Cruze small car and Commodore sedan to make way for new versions.

It also came just one month after the Commodore recorded its lowest month of sales in the 35-year history of the nameplate - when the computer system was still operating as normal.

Holden insists the faulty computer system is not an excuse to disguise weak sales and that the numbers reported in the coming months will reflect this.

"The computer system is not the sole reason behind all of the decline in February, it's clearly a very tough market, but it does represent the majority of our missing numbers,'' Holden executive director of sales and marketing, Philip Brook, told News Limited.

"We've submitted preliminary numbers for February but they could change when the official results come out. They could go up or down slightly once we go through the figures forensically."

Dealer sources said Holden is the first test market for a new global computer network to be rolled out across every General Motors division around the world.

Holden says most customers were able to take delivery of their new vehicles and the system will be fixed by the end of March.

The drama has shone an uncomfortable spotlight on the flaws in the reporting of new-car sales figures. All sales numbers are supplied voluntarily by car makers and dealers - they do not necessarily correlate with new vehicle registrations in the same month.

For example in some cases a car can be reported as "sold'' in one month so that a dealer can take advantage of a rebate from the manufacturer - but the car may not be sold to a customer for another couple of months.

However a car can only be reported as sold once, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries says.

In Holden's case, once it finds the missing cars it will report those as sold in the next month or two - even though they may have been delivered in February.

[ford man xf]

Funny article bobthebilda, sounds a lot like AFM.....Bull#**t

[mik]

Originally Posted by greenfoam

Partly the cause I guess, very few people need monstrous sized battle tanks like the VE and FG anymore. No many have single car families with 3 kids these days. The fuel consumption of a near 2 ton sedan is just too far gone also, physics just don't agree with it and weight makes all aspects of a car worse..

In the old days they used to say the EH Holden was the perfectly sized sedan. The dimensions of the VB-VL were basically the same inside. I still think a sedan of that size is perfect. Park next to a VE in any other Commodore and you feel like the bob barker next to the nisshin maru.. The things are absurdly large.

I'm sure Holden and Ford were well aware these cars are too large many many years ago, probably very early in the VEs development, I guess they just hoped the trend would change... It didn't. And they both have cars that drive like bulk oil tankers. And burn about that much fuel while doing it.

master of exaggeration much??? i`ll bet a any of the falcon petrol models from the xt upon the highway is`nt that much behind many of the medium petrol cars with fuel consumption, and put a full family in the car i`d bet it`s near on par, because being torque monsters a bit of load won`t effect it as much as a small donk in an only slightly less weight vehicle.
obviously sitting in traffic with an engine double the size it will burn more fuel, but we are not talking falcon economy models are we, if that was the case Eco Lpi and Eco Boost would be looking a better if not competitive,

as for the physics thing i`d put even my battered up AU against most medium cars through the slalom, the big sedans are in no way 86`s , but you are making them out to be ek holdens ,the only reason you would do that i think is you have never explored the limits in either of these cars, as some of us have,
my own thought`s are most of these cars have way more handling potential than than most drivers have skills to use them.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by greenfoam

Partly the cause I guess, very few people need monstrous sized battle tanks like the VE and FG anymore. No many have single car families with 3 kids these days. The fuel consumption of a near 2 ton sedan is just too far gone also, physics just don't agree with it and weight makes all aspects of a car worse..

So SUV's are light weight, fuel efficient and tiny in comparison? Also please explain the fuel consumption of an EcoBoost or EcoLPI ....... even a straight 6 for that matter and all the other 'HUGE' cars today?

Reality vs perception is a problem (as shown above) but if economy and size was the number 1 priority as suggested, all those SUV's in the shopping centre car parks and out front of schools and 3.30pm are just a figment of someones imagination.

[greenfoam]

The SUVs are for the people that have large families or are using the to tow etc. Plus the fuel economy is identical or better than either of the big Australian sedans and the width and length of them is no bigger, most often smaller. If you did need a big tank and you had no choice but to burn through 8 litres per 100 you won't buy a sedan

[XR Martin]

Ive got my XR6 in storage at work, and the other day I parked a Camry next to it... the Camry is massive next to it. Then parked an XTrail, even bigger again.

Its all about perception, than actual size.
'Small' SUVs are the popular thing, yet in fact they are bigger than the traditional Large car.

[naddis01]

I thought the VFact sales figures were based on registrations? Going off the article above, that doesn't sound like it is the case.

If the computer glitch story is true, Holden should have excellent march figures. Time will tell I guess.

[greenfoam]

I drove a new xtrail for a couple of days recently... what a pile of crap, worst driving machine I've driven in years. Maybe its better with another motor but the petrol auto I drove was bad bad bad, sucked the juice too.

[XR Martin]

Oh, and I dont understand the hate on the Cruze, its a very solid, quiet car. Sure the base model's drivetrain isnt that great, but neither is the Focus'.

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by greenfoam

The SUVs are for the people that have large families or are using the to tow etc. Plus the fuel economy is identical or better than either of the big Australian sedans and the width and length of them is no bigger, most often smaller. If you did need a big tank and you had no choice but to burn through 8 litres per 100 you won't buy a sedan

You are talking about your situation and that is fair enough but I think you are a bit skeewiff on who is buying SUV's, the massive inroads they have made into the larger car market and why people like them. It has nothing to do with having big families or towing ...... everyone has a choice on what they drive and the choice these days are SUV;s. They are very practical for many ...... and the huge fact that 2-4 litres per 100 k's extra is really no big deal what so ever in the running cost of a family.

[P6LTD351]

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Oh, and I dont understand the hate on the Cruze, its a very solid, quiet car. Sure the base model's drivetrain isnt that great, but neither is the Focus'.

You don't understand the hate? This is a Ford Forum, that's why lol.

[greenfoam]

With the kilometers we do at 3 litres per 100, it's $3,500 a year and that's easily the difference between surviving and not surviving for lots of people. It's a lot to be just throwing away. Granted I can't eat processed food so I'm cheap to feed but that's actually equal to my entire food budget per year. In other more normal peoples case, that's a couple of good 3d TV's or a decent holiday. I imagine in the SUV's case there would be an extra 500 or so in tyre cost as well.

Originally Posted by Auslandau

You are talking about your situation and that is fair enough but I think you are a bit skeewiff on who is buying SUV's, the massive inroads they have made into the larger car market and why people like them. It has nothing to do with having big families or towing ...... everyone has a choice on what they drive and the choice these days are SUV;s. They are very practical for many ...... and the huge fact that 2-4 litres per 100 k's extra is really no big deal what so ever in the running cost of a family.

[BroncosXR8]

I'd buy a Mondeo sized Falcon in a heartbeat!

Give me the current RWD big engine in the "mid-size"category anyday.

[Joe5619]

Originally Posted by Pepscobra

The Hyundai Veloster has really caught my eye at the moment, what a cool car!
Great value too... makes you wonder how mediocre cars like the Cruze actually find homes...?

And this is where everyone’s tastes are different. That Veloster thing is terrible looking & you couldn't pay my 10K to take one. I'd but a Cruze over a Veloster any day just based on looks alone!!

[BDA074]

Originally Posted by BroncosXR8

I'd buy a Mondeo sized Falcon in a heartbeat!

Give me the current RWD big engine in the "mid-size"category anyday.

Agree. This is a category Ford could own. Falcon is known for rear drive and power. It's not a family car any more. SUV's fill that hole and those buyers won't return.

[Ducati888]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

What do you mean the Laser? We have the Focus which is much superior over the Mazda 3, but let down by pricing and availability. Mazda 3 now comes standard with alloys, a big hit with most people today (when will manufacturers learn hubcaps are so 1990?). If Focus was price pointed the same as 3 (say the Trend for 19990 in manual) and you could actually get stock then I think the Focus would trump the Mazda. If it couldn't it would be based on upon those poor perceptions people have of Ford, especially with respect to customer service!

All I meant was that Laser was a well entrenched name of small car in the 80's and 90's. Had it continued, would it still be popular? Focus is a relatively new name in Australia, and doesn't have history to buyers like Falcon, Commodore, Laser, Telstar, etc. Given that the Laser was a top seller in its day, and was also on a Mazda platform, why was it ever discontinued in favour of other, less familiar brands? I am curious to see how the new Pulsar goes based on name history alone.

[Ducati888]

Originally Posted by BroncosXR8

I'd buy a Mondeo sized Falcon in a heartbeat!

Give me the current RWD big engine in the "mid-size"category anyday.

This is exactly my point. Because a Mondeo sized Falcon, with options of LiLPG, diesel, V8, V6 and Turbo 4, in hatch, sedan and Wagon, would give you a car that's the same size as the best selling Falcon ever, the EL of nearly 20 years ago, but a package that would be about a zillion times better, with more options, rear wheel drive as an option as well, V8 racing potential, etc...

The car market is probably the hardest market in which to re-create the wheel. But staying still means going backwards.

I went to a focus group about 7 or 8 years ago in Melbourne when they were testing the look of what I now know was the Mondeo, before it came to Australia. We compared it against most mid sized and large cars at the time. for looks, modern stance, general aesthetics. I honestly thought it was going to be the next shape Falcon, and I was excited. I was hugely disappointed when it wasn't.

[XR Martin]

Mondeo sized Falcon? Huh? What are you guys on about?
Theres bugger all difference between the two.

Mondeo Ecoboost

Wt - 1583kg
L - 4778
W - 1886
H - 1500
WB - 2850
F Tr - 1579
R Tr - 1595


Falcon EcoBoost

Wt - 1678kg
L - 4967
W - 1868
H - 1433
WB - 2838
F Tr - 1583
R Tr - 1596

[Ducati888]

Perception is everything. It would be marketed as a new solution to everyone's problem, put the 'large gas guzzler' myth to bed and end up being the same size anyway. With a hatchback.

Compact Falcon. You know you want one.

[stevz]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

And this is where everyone’s tastes are different. That Veloster thing is terrible looking & you couldn't pay my 10K to take one. I'd but a Cruze over a Veloster any day just based on looks alone!!

Agree 110%.... The Veloster looks like something that belongs in the mardi gras parade. I wouldn't be seen dead in one. Despite all the hype over them, they've hardly been a sales success. I could probably count the number of them I've seen on the road with one hand.

As for the Cruze, I agree that the base 1.8 driveline leaves a lot to be desired, but most other criticism of it is baseless drivel and perceptions. I know someone with a 1.4t and another with a diesel and they are great for what they are, solid, quiet, safe and comfortable, good performance and economy and not a single quality issue. I am personally not a fan of small 4cyl cars but if I had to buy one I wouldnt hesitate to buy a Cruze.

[Ducati888]

Originally Posted by Joe5619

And this is where everyone’s tastes are different. That Veloster thing is terrible looking & you couldn't pay my 10K to take one. I'd but a Cruze over a Veloster any day just based on looks alone!!

Exaclty. Also, there are so many different cars available now, that there is pretty much something for everyone.

Taste is a funny thing. I detest all BMW's - if find them to be so butt ugly in every way, that I think I'd rather have a Ssangyong. The 1 series and the X6 are the worst, and all of their SUV's next. They just make my eyes bleed with their hideousness. In fact, my wife, who knows nothing about cars and has no interest in cars, saw an X6 the other day and commented about how effing ugly it was. That tells me a lot. Normally she doesn't comment on cars at all.

But they hold their value and are sought after, so the brain says they are probably worth it. The heart and the eyes say no way. For me, a car purchase is a heart and eyes thing.

[blk6t]

Sales figures are what I expected, I don't see it as a shock that Nissan has overtaken Holden.

I am quite surprised that Holden sold that many Commodores to be honest especially just after releasing the new VF....I would expect a few slow months for the Commodore between now and when the VF begins to hit the streets.

I mid-sized Falcon is something I thought Ford should have done with the FG...a mid-sized RWD platform would have been in a league of it's own against all the other FWD models out there.

I have always said, Holden should have gone with the Torana concept instead of the overly large VE. I know at the time Holden was designing the VE, fuel prices were still low and everyone still wanted large cars. But, the Torana concept was perfect for a smaller, lighter more fuel efficient model. Especially with a nice 5.0L a Torana sized vehicle with RWD would have been a fantastic track car.

Oh well...

[BroadyFord]

It's Tuesday - does anyone have Falcon/Territory numbers?

Just want the bandaid ripped off in a quick motion and have it over with!

[MrZ]

Gotta love this thread each month. Nearly 100 comments and only ONE of those has any actual sales figures in it. (and yes, I realize the irony of me posting this comment without any sales in it either).

[JPFS1]

Ford Territory - 1316
Falcon - 868

Top 10 Best-selling Vehicles – February 2013

Mazda 3 – 3378
Toyota HiLux – 3319
Toyota Corolla – 3158
Nissan Navara – 2645
Mitsubishi Triton – 2335
Hyundai i30 – 2055
Ford Ranger – 1739
Holden Commodore – 1733
Holden Cruze – 1729
Nissan Dualis – 1549


Top 10 Best-selling Vehicles – 2013 to date

Mazda 3 – 6723
Toyota Corolla – 6118
Toyota HiLux – 6066
Nissan Navara – 5119
Hyundai i30 – 4061
Ford Focus – 3630
Holden Commodore – 3389
Holden Cruze – 3367
Mazda2 – 3203
Ford Ranger – 3188


Top 10 Best-selling Brands – February 2013 (growth over February 2012)

Toyota – 16,017 (+7.9 per cent)
Mazda – 8728 (+0.4 per cent)
Nissan – 8212 (+31.9 per cent)
Holden – 7683 (–20.7 per cent)
Hyundai – 7505 (+1.3 per cent)
Ford – 6591 (–5.2 per cent)
Mitsubishi – 6009 (+16.3 per cent)
Volkswagen – 4200 (+1.6 per cent)
Honda – 3862 (+48.4 per cent)
Subaru – 3106 (–3.7 per cent)


Top 10 Best-selling Brands – 2013 to date (growth over 2012 to date)

Toyota – 29,392 (+1.7 per cent)
Mazda – 17,640 (+2.7 per cent)
Holden – 16,494 (–12.0 per cent)
Nissan – 15,460 (+33.4 per cent)
Hyundai – 14,321 (+2.8 per cent)
Ford – 14,312 (+11.9 per cent)
Mitsubishi – 10,458 (+7.5 per cent)
Volkswagen – 8024 (+7.0 per cent)
Honda – 7678 (+83.6 per cent)
Subaru – 6210 (–3.4 per cent)

[Smoke Pursuit]

Territory is flying....

Ford need to put more funding into Territory and add extra models to the line up me thinks!!

And get some more stock of PX Rangers.

[tweeked]

Looks like the Falcon is suffering from the imminent release of the VF too. I would never have believed that Territory would get close to outselling it by 70 odd %.

Do we say the Falcon is derived from the Territory floorpan now?

Pretty solid numbers from the Territory.

[Road_Warrior]

Yep, Territory is now the bread and butter car for FoA (in terms of locally made anyway). Don't forget, now that the last downbalance has been in effect for a while, they are making Falcons on a 1:1 basis with Territory whereas before it was 2:1.

Now would be a good time to revisit that 'XR6' Territory idea. Seriously, how hard can it be?

[BroadyFord]

Would Ford be happy with Territory significantly outselling Falcon?