Vfacts March 2024

[FTE217]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

Covid was the acceleration of it - the boys could go 4x4 with their mates as opposed to being locked down, it seemed. For regional kids it was the escape of that time. So everyone of them got a 4x4.

My son has both, the Falcon and the 4x4. He's been smart and not modified them too much, certainly not to the extent his mates have - say spending 40-60K on an 80 with full rebuilds and body modifications. His 4x4 can keep up just through general excellence, and he's become a good 4x4 driver. Better than me and I had work training and years in the field. If there's one he would keep, he says it would be the 4x4 as the wagon body is better for work, camping, surfing, off road. We still have a laugh at it's handling and the Falcon is way safer. It will probably be better to keep two well than go through 9 separate cars over the long term.

covid wasn't the main accelaration of the 4x4 market, be it tradies, mining, ABN holders etcetc.....
Hilux has been no1 in sales for yonks before covid and Ranger creeped up from PX1 now leader to date.
LCruiser/Prado/Patrols/Tirtons/D40's etc have sold in spades long long before covid.
The 4x4 specialist companies have been growing for 20+yrs.
Have you looked at ARB total worth or share price another example.
It was always going to go down the dual cab or 4x4 SUV road due to our lifestyle - towings/vans and jumped more nop more falcadores that can't compare but for on sealed roads.
Few bitters here imo compared to the bulk of the general consumer who laps it up, no matter drum brakes, diesels etcetc point is they do the job to the general public and business.
Were the minority who'd like a inline6 or 8 and sedan or wagon.
How it goes like it or lump it.
I actually enjoy having my 4x4 hilux for its use I can't deny its practibilty far better than any Falcon I've owned for load carrying and the times going on beachs, have had a ball doing that and where those vehicles excell.