FPV outsells HSV in jan '09

[XRQTR]

Originally Posted by zx10

I agree with the point about the bigger better versions not always selling in greater numbers. I do however think that a GTHO would sell in a quantity(definately not bigger numbers than GT) to make it a viable option to ford. Why not scrap the GT-P and make a GTHO instead. Give the customers a real variant other than different seats and bigger brakes.

The GT-P is essentially a made to order vehicle, in that they only build what they have a deposit for, so it wouldn't be difficult to shuffle it in.

But then watch all the people that can't afford a HO cry about the GT-P being removed from the line up because they want something a little better than a GT.

What they need is a company that is willing to build to order, FPV want volume, then the fabled HO will once again become a reality, sure it might cost almost as much as a Ferrari (base model LOL) but it will be hand built made to order. Throw in some exotic construction material in the floorpan and chassis unit, take off about 500kg, mid mount the engine, turn it into a two door, lower the roof and hip lines of the car, bolt in some adjustable features like suspension and a partially removable roll cage ala GT3 RS, how about 20"x12" rear tyres and wheels with 19"x10" front full carbon kevlar wheels, kevlar ceramic brakes..........

I think you get the point, FPV are not in the business of building cars, they are in the business of marketing.

HSV will always outsell FPV for the simple reason that they are willing to lose some money occasionally in order to build passion in people, even if they only release 100 production models it is all about the desirability. The W427 might not sell many units but everyone here seems to use it whenever they talk about having the nads to go out and just do it for the people.

The F6 R spec was a prime example, instead of giving it an extra 20kw and some supportive seats as well as suspension they gave it slightly better shocks and threw in some floor mats and a badge. Most would have been happy to pay an extra $10K should they have actually gone and done what needed to be done, but once again, they fell short.

Like I said FPV build to a profit margin, quarterly projections and even shareholders I guess, until they build what the buyers are asking for they will never see the sales they aspire to.