Will cheaper petrol stimulate 6cyl new car sales ?

[BAFalconXT]

Less than a $1.10 all week in Adelaide, I wish I had a V8 with petrol at these prices. The cost saving of a smaller car or lpg is far less the cheaper petrol is.

Holdens sales pitch of 99.9 cent fuel cap will only save you a few hundred dollars now.

As long as world economy is in a slump, petrol prices should stay low.

[uranium_death]

No.

People have a mindset, and a sudden drop in petrol will not change that.

If petrol stayed at a lower price for a while, some people may return to large cars, but I think there has been a major shift in the buyer's market.

Small cars are also nicer than they used to be. They are well built, look good, comfortable, more spacious than older models (compare Mazda 323 to Mazda 3), and go better. They are a more viable option than ever.

[Mark351]

They won't stay low long, the cartel will drop production to increase prices. They can't build indoor ski parks and the tallest buidings in the world with cheaper oil prices...

[Sprint XR8]

Demand for oil may drop for first time in 40 yearshttp://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...44-664,00.html
CRUDE oil prices may fall as low as $US40 a barrel in coming months as the global recession worsens and household demand slackens.

Economists expect the severity of the recession in the US may even cause oil demand to fall this year for the first time since 1983.

Faltering consumption of crude oil has already seen prices plummet almost 60 per cent from a peak of $US145 a barrel in July.

Oil fell below $US60 a barrel in New York trading yesterday - its lowest level in almost two years.

AMP Capital Investors chief economist Shane Oliver said OPEC would cut production levels to try to keep prices above $US50 a barrel.

"But the global recession could even push oil prices to a low of $US40 a barrel over the next six to nine months," Dr Oliver said.

"Prices will probably bounce around in the $USS40 to $US50 range throughout most of early 2009."

Compared with other commodities, oil is much more closely linked with the health of the US economy, which consumes 24 per cent of global oil supplies.

China is responsible for only 9 per cent of global oil demand.

ANZ senior commodity strategist Mark Pervan said the demand signals from the US were very weak.

"The usual spike in demand during the northern hemisphere winter is likely to be much lower than in previous years," he said.

Mr Pervan tipped that the deep and damaging recession expected in the US would result in oil prices dropping to about $US45 a barrel by early next year.

[colossus]

Originally Posted by FPV GT40

On top of that people have no idea....a 4 cylinder puss box does not use that much less fuel anyway, my GT sits on about 11 liters for 100km of country driving and a 4 cylinder would not do much better and if it does get away with 8 liters, the comfort power and style of the GT is well worth an extra 3 liters of fuel.

Even around town driving normally I get about 12 liters for 100km...cheap driving if you ask me and that is a driving a 290 kw V8, the problem with the 6 is it does not use any less fuel than the V8, I would not personally bother with a 6, would either be a 4 or an 8.....the six seems to be in no-where land

I think you have wishful thinking? Forget country and highway driving, in the real world my GT gets around 16L/100km in the city cycle. I have owned several 6cyl BA's and they were around 12L/100km. The wifes four cylinder gets 8L/100kms. So based on $1.30 for fuel...

GT = $23.40 per 100kms
6cyl Falc = $15.60 per 100kms
4 cyl = $10.40 per 100kms.

If you drove 500kms a week the GT costs $117 to fill, the 6cyl Falc costs $78 to fill and the 4cyl costs $52 to fill. So I'd say the "4cyl puss box" does use significantly less fuel than a V8.

Though for me that is not a consideration as I dont do many kms in the V8.

In regards to the actual question of this thread I think you have to wait and see if the fuel price stabilises at $1 over several months. I think it will help sales if it stabilises but people arn't stupid and going to rush out just because fuel is $1 for a couple of days.

[Airmon]

I agree with Colossus, when our Falcon died we got a 4cyl to replace it primarily because of the high cost of fuel for the Falcon, even with petrol coming down I'm still saving the same amount driving the 4cyl, People have seen the benefits and have been burned. I think it might stimulate current Falcon owners to upgrade, but I think those who have been converted wont be swayed so easily.

[SM1DY]

Wouldn't you know it, this is a split decision issue....50/50 I just put in my vote and it came up 60-60 in the poll.

Ne-who, I'm sure people will start to more seriouly consider the big 6's. But you'd hate people to get caught out after they purchase a big vehicle and petrol prices spike again.

[TUF_302]

I dont think they will change that much really, maybe a few more larger cars will sell, but no astronomical changes

[boss-290]

You fail to realise that its not going to stay cheap forever.

Once demand starts up again (meaning, the Saudi's reducing production), we will be back to 1.70 and/or higher.

[FPV70]

It's funny, Years ago people actually did alot of things for themselves like move house, go to the landscape yard the dump and so on. With people buying things like the i30, pryus, focus, barina and so on it's going to be either a messy world or transport/removals will be a good buisness to get into.
People still need a big 6 or 8 in the family car line up but the problem is, there are so much more value for the dollar cars out there. Some people want a lifestyle so they buy a 4x4. Some people want to think they have a lifestyle so the buy an Softroader like Rav4 then there are dual cab utes and large 4cyl Diesel 4x4 wagons that offer not only economy but towing capacity's of 3000kg.
Now as good as falcon is, it can not tow 3000kg or have the fuel economy of a 3Ltr Turbo Diesel Patrol.
As much as I would love to buy a new G6 I can not afford to pay for it, a house, 2 Kids and the Old falons that we have and Fuel Doesn't come into the equation.
I think alot of people still believe in the old Big 6 and small 4 in the family but the big 6 doesn't get replaced as quickly as they used to be.
We got our EL when it was 6 years old and still have it and have just done some major repairs to keep it another 5 years.
I can but can not at the same time understand why people really give a rats backside about resale unless you are buying a fleet of cars because afterall, aren't you buying a car because you enjoy driving it?

In essence, I believe there will still be large 6 and 8 cylinder cars, but I don't think there will be as many Falcons and Commodores as what there are now more like Terries, Landies, Patrols and so on.

[Gobes32]

That's a really good post above because I can vouch for where you are coming from. I would love to buy a new car but my mortgage has made sure I will not for another 5 years at least. Maybe it's a simple case of all the people who would normally update every few years can't see the merit/can't afford to update.

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by FPV70

In essence, I believe there will still be large 6 and 8 cylinder cars, but I don't think there will be as many Falcons and Commodores as what there are now more like Terries, Landies, Patrols and so on.

...but they're not large 6 or 8 cylinder cars.

If there's not as many Falcons or Commodores sold, there will no longer be Falcons or Commodores to sell.

[buggerlugs]

Amazing isnt it, it seems like only a few months ago we were being told to brace for $2.00 a litre at Xmas..............

[BOSSGT302]

: Good to see my BF GT BOSS 302 uses the some amount of juice. We buy V8s because we love cars not because its a good family car or economical. 6 cyl cars are people movers and if those people can fit into a medium car they will, for all the above reasons. But if the Falcon dies what will my next GT be? :

[OZQUAD44]

I'm not trying to start an argument here, but my BF GT has never seen over 14 litres per 100 on the computer average since I've had it. I've recorded my fuel usage religiously to back up the computer and at the moment it is sitting on 12.7 and I use it to drive to work. I don't think GT40 is dreaming, I'm just guessing he has some idea how much fuel his own car uses! My territiory uses more fuel than my GT.

As for the thread question, I would love to see faclon sales climb, because it is a good product that is IMO still relevant to australian families.

But it has an uphill battle. Public perception is against it on many levels, percieved fuel disadvantage, popularity of softroaders and 4WDs, the environmental issues, the parent company woes, and the global finacial situation. Its a tough ask.

The fact it is a good looking, exelent performing solid product is about the only thing working in its favour. I would hate to think if this global stituation had occured around the time of the AU. Perhaps Falcon may not be here at all.

as alluded to in the start of the thread. Lower fuel prices, and a weaker aussie dollar may actually keep it going for a bit longer yet. Ford just have to "sell" it if you know what I mean.

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by colossus

I think you have wishful thinking? Forget country and highway driving, in the real world my GT gets around 16L/100km in the city cycle. I have owned several 6cyl BA's and they were around 12L/100km. The wifes four cylinder gets 8L/100kms. So based on $1.30 for fuel...

GT = $23.40 per 100kms
6cyl Falc = $15.60 per 100kms
4 cyl = $10.40 per 100kms.

If you drove 500kms a week the GT costs $117 to fill, the 6cyl Falc costs $78 to fill and the 4cyl costs $52 to fill. So I'd say the "4cyl puss box" does use significantly less fuel than a V8.

Though for me that is not a consideration as I dont do many kms in the V8.

In regards to the actual question of this thread I think you have to wait and see if the fuel price stabilises at $1 over several months. I think it will help sales if it stabilises but people arn't stupid and going to rush out just because fuel is $1 for a couple of days.

I am with you on this one, I find it very hard to believe there is any GT that can average 12L/100km in the city. I am on my 3rd BOSS motor and I have never had one average less than 16L/100km with sensible driving in any form of traffic.

The fuel saving on small cars in city driving (where most people drive) is huge. Our turbo Mini gets an average of 6.9L/100km, our Super Pursuit gets 13.9L/100km, both doing the same type of km's. We had a BMW 120d as a loan car the other day and the worst I saw on the trip meter was 14L/100km whilst accellerating to overtake, the average was 5.7L/100km.

Fuel cost will make a difference but I agree it will only be a short term slowing in the decline of overall sales. The simple fact is the public has become to environmentally aware for a start. Diesels dominate in europe now due to better fuel consumption and lower emmisions, that trend will follow here. Look at the Luxury Car Tax (LCT), the threshold is $57k unless the vehicle has a combined fuel consumption less than 7L/100km, then the threshold is $75k. Watch how fast the like of the Jetta diesel, BMW 320d and 530d etc sell. Most of these people do not give a toss about 0-100 and 0-400m times, they care about the bottom line of sale price, running costs and what you get for your dollar. Considering the upper level cars and the difference in LCT, the diesel actually ends up cheaper in buy price due to less LCT.

From a Ford point of view, when considering what in their line up will appeal to the average market, Focus and Mondeo will soon be their big volume sellers. The Mondeo turbo diesel appears to be their large car (it has more leg room than BF falcon) that has the brightest future.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Theres stuff all difference between a 6 cylinder falcon and a v8.. My Boss 290 averages around 13 all day in the city, my new FG XR6 uses around 11 in the city..

On the highway my boss 290 uses 10.5, the XR6 uses 9...

Thats 1.5 - 2 litre per hundred kms difference..

[BOSSGT302]

: The big question will Mr Rudd and co be able to sheild the Aussie economy( or prop it up ). Oil cartels will have to keep prices low while the world economy is stuffed, if Aus stays half good there might be hope for large car sales. Part of propping up the Aussie car market has been Aus Gov fleet buying. So Rudd will have to start spending!!!

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by bfiipursuit

Theres stuff all difference between a 6 cylinder falcon and a v8.. My Boss 290 averages around 13 all day in the city, my new FG XR6 uses around 11 in the city..

On the highway my boss 290 uses 10.5, the XR6 uses 9...

Thats 1.5 - 2 litre per hundred kms difference..

Geez, I want to live in your city.

My ex-BA XR8 averaged 15l/100 in a combined cycle - I'd make an effort to find a highway to get it to a number I didn't mind...! My current V6 averages 9.3l/100.

[Buzz Box]

Well let me say what someone once said to me 6cyl cars are useless and stupid hence there re-sale value is poor because if you want a economy car you buy a 4cyl if you want performance you go V8 but what does a V6 do?

Its not performance and its not economy.......so why would you buy it?

P.S. My personal belief is the "plain" commodores and falcons are going to die away but the HSV's & FPV's and Fairlanes & Statesmans will continue to sell but the plain ordinary cars will decline hugely as someone above mentioned theres too much competition now for plain ordinary cars especially at those price points.

[Rodp]

Originally Posted by Buzz Box

P.S. My personal belief is the "plain" commodores and falcons are going to die away but the HSV's & FPV's and Fairlanes & Statesmans will continue to sell but the plain ordinary cars will decline hugely as someone above mentioned theres too much competition now for plain ordinary cars especially at those price points.

If the 'plain' falcadores don't sell there won't be any HSV's, FPV's, Fairlanes or Statesmans to buy.

[vztrt]

Fairlane is already dead as well. Also the I6T has proven that its quicker then the NA 8's.

Buzz box whoever told you about performance and economy of cars is an idiot.

[homegrown]

The funny thing about working in Paradise(Holdens) is that every 3rd or 4th car that comes down the production line is a V8. and its been like that for awhile even during higher petrol pries. it seems no matter the fuel price theres always a market for "exciting cars".

also just because a car has a smaller motor doesn't mean its more fuel efficient.
the holden Viva is fantastic around town but take it out on the highway and push it at 110 she drinks alot more than the V6.
there's always a market for big cars plus im sick of driving front wheel drive cars.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by Buzz Box

Well let me say what someone once said to me 6cyl cars are useless and stupid hence there re-sale value is poor because if you want a economy car you buy a 4cyl if you want performance you go V8 but what does a V6 do?

Its not performance and its not economy.......so why would you buy it?

P.S. My personal belief is the "plain" commodores and falcons are going to die away but the HSV's & FPV's and Fairlanes & Statesmans will continue to sell but the plain ordinary cars will decline hugely as someone above mentioned theres too much competition now for plain ordinary cars especially at those price points.

Tried to buy a new Fairlane lately?

[Buzz Box]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Tried to buy a new Fairlane lately?

You know what I mean : :