F-150s selling as fast as they can make them

WeBeFulltimers wrote:
F-150.....A nice little truck....for a woman. :R

Oh please... :R

There are a few members here who use class 8 Volvos; perhaps they should post "three-quarter-ton diesel....nice little truck....for an adolescent boy"

2112 wrote:
I have become somewhat of a F-150 spokesperson. I have had this truck for almost 3 years now. Prior to installing a FW hitch in the bed 8 months ago it didn't get much attention at all. Now people see the hitch or see me pull into a CG and they start asking about the F-150.

I parked in a grocery store parking lot last week and a guy sees the hitch and starts asking questions. Of course I tell DW I'll catch up with her and he and I talked truck until she came out about 1/2 hour later.

Not a week goes by now that someone wants to talk about my truck. I guess need to pull the hitch out.

Sure, she has her limits but she is a perfect fit for my intentions. She is quite an impressive TV/grocery getter/daily driver.

Who,the wife or the truck.

F-150.....A nice little truck....for a woman. :R

Lessmore wrote:
Kind of sad situation. Interesting article. Mentions that fragmentation of the Australian market is an issue. Quite true, that is, IMO...also becoming a factor in North America.

Two bankruptcies, decreasing market share(45% overall in the US, California about 28%} for GM, Ford and Chrysler products suggest things are almost as bad in the US. Although the FTA makes it impossible for a run of the mill European or Asian manufacturer to sell in the US, unless they build there. Fragmentation of the market will increase, although you never going to get the plethora of vehicles available here.
In respect to the thread. F150's and US Pickups are rare in Australia. What I saw yesterday was slightly unbelievable. TWO 70+ plus
Women(One driving) in a 2012 Chevrolet 2500HD Flatbed with a substantial Toolbox on the bed, driving in a Sydney Suburban street.

RobertRyan wrote:

Lessmore wrote:
Will this still happen or do you think vehicles sold in the future will be world market versions only ?

Unfortunately yes, although they will be modified here. Hyundai is already doing this. Toyota WANTS to stay. Australia was its first export market. The Modern Landcruisers were developed here. Read my posted URL about Holden Closure.
The thing that is crazy, on a population adjusted basis we would be selling 17 Million vehicles a year if we were the US:?

Kind of sad situation. Interesting article. Mentions that fragmentation of the Australian market is an issue. Quite true, that is, IMO...also becoming a factor in North America.

There seems to be almost a limit on how many different car makes can survive in a market....no matter how big or small it may be.

In the past 20 years there have been significant changes in NA.

Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saturn and Hummer departed GM, Mercury gone from Ford, Plymouth no longer a Mopar brand.

Hyundai and Kia have surprised me. When Hyundai was first here with the Pony....I didn't think anyone had anything to worry about. But they improved tremendously.

In the '50's in Canada we had Morris, Standard, Austin, MG, Triumph, Austin-Healey....all gone...and not just in Canada.

Lessmore wrote:
Will this still happen or do you think vehicles sold in the future will be world market versions only ?

Unfortunately yes, although they will be modified here. Hyundai is already doing this. Toyota WANTS to stay. Australia was its first export market. The Modern Landcruisers were developed here. Read my posted URL about Holden Closure.
The thing that is crazy, on a population adjusted basis we would be selling 17 Million vehicles a year if we were the US:?

RobertRyan wrote:
In my part of the World..what is a F150? Rarer than Hens teeth. A Lot of people under 40 have never heard of Chevrolet. Very different world to NA.

How are things going in Australia ?

As others have indicated and the news I've read as of late, indicates Holden (GM Australia), Ford and perhaps Toyota will not be making cars in Australia anymore or soon.


Is this a temporary situation or the new reality ?

I don't know what the rationale would be to close some factories.

Any word of these manufacturers reconsidering ?


I know over the years I've seen vehicles that seem to be made specifically for the needs of the Australian market.

Will this still happen or do you think vehicles sold in the future will be world market versions only ?

Hone Eagle wrote:
Don't matter anyway Holden is done.

Unfortunately it is true. The Chevrolet SS will be the last rebadged Holden sold in the US.
A Combination of export restrictions by GMNA, 5%import duties on new vehicles ,66 models available in a relatively small market, more than the entire US market, Australians changing tastes(SUV's and Pickups) and the High Australian Dollar. Ford has canned the Falcon for the same reason(will keep a local design and engineering facility. Holden closes in in 2017, Ford in 2016. Yes there is concerns about localized impact of the closures.No they will not be moving the Chevrolet SS production to NA.
A Combination of poor reactions to imported US/European/Asian GM and Ford vehicles has allowed Ford's and GM's market share to plummet. Holden's Commodore is the 3rd best selling Vehicle in Australia,(for the past 12yrs the best selling car) the Cruze is in the top ten.(It has been made and redesigned here) Fords Territory is the best selling mid size SUV/CUV outselling the Jeep Grand Cherokee by a considerable margin.
GM's Problems in Australia and why a good car was sacrificed

thomasnnile wrote:
Holden platforms are what the Chevy Malibu and Impala

Actually they are basically Opels.

goducks10 wrote:

Fordlover wrote:

gmcsmoke wrote:
and most in NA drool over GM offering a holden in the states

Most? I bet I could interview 10 people on the street and 1 of 10 would even know what a Holden is.

It's a poker game. Texas Holden:B

Don't matter anyway Holden is done.

goducks10 wrote:

Fordlover wrote:

gmcsmoke wrote:
and most in NA drool over GM offering a holden in the states

Most? I bet I could interview 10 people on the street and 1 of 10 would even know what a Holden is.

It's a poker game. Texas Holden:B

Too funny. :B But since forlover asked, Holden platforms are what the Chevy Malibu and Impala are based upon. Gotta say, the new Impala, especially the SS is a very nice looking car.........but oh, the $$$$$$$!