An unfair playing field – the state of our car industry, by FAPM

[302 XC]

Originally Posted by Elks

There is no wonder. Our government effectively subsidises the sale of these IMPORTED twin cab utes.

2 or 3 years ago, at the behest of the Greens. The govt changed the FBT rate to a flat 20% of the cost of the vehicle supplied. Previously it was on a sliding scale, which most commonly was applied at 11%. It could also Sometimes 6% and low usage vehicles got 20%.

So a $40,000 G6 had an additional $4400 per annum wrapped into the lease cost. However this is now 20% so that's $8,000 per annum. That's as much as the lease itself.

However Commercial vehicles are exempt from FBT which means you can lease a $57k leather lined Ranger for less than a $40k Territory. Don't get me wrong some of the latest twin cab utes are great vehicles, and well worth owning. But throw in a subsidy and its no wonder that four of the top ten vehicles in this country are pickups. With twin cabs being the best sellers.

It is complete madness that we are subsidising the destruction of our own industry. Exemptions should only apply to single cab tray back vehicles or one tonne vans. Or better still. Australian made vehicles.

Are you still wondering why we have a sudden boom in twin cab utes?

Maybe the ball park needs to be changed, but at days end,99.9 % of those people buying new cars only care for what it costs and what deal they get now, their not interested in brand loyalty,or the flow on effect on industries, if they were people would support local as much as possible
No its not right,many can see that,but theres more who cant see the wrong
But in saying whats wrong ,or it isn't fair, why if ford are in so much trouble don't they pull their finger out and sell cars ???
Nissan are at 1 % interest deals, ford are parading they are doin 2.9 %
I could be wrong but IF someone is taking sales you have to act accordingly,not whinge about it, that's plain business sense

[BroadyFord]

Some welcome news for a change;

The Australian dollar had a massive fall overnight and is well on its way back down towards parity.

This should hopefully provide at least a little breathing room for some of our auto exporters - particularly Toyota - who will no doubt try and secure some new contracts at the current exchange rate before it goes back up again.