Due to poor sales of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon in Australia, it’s likely that they won’t make it beyond 2016. The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon were top-selling models in the country for many decades but sadly, their sales have been falling. Holden chief Mike Devereux told News.com.au at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show that there were no concrete plans for the VF Commodore beyond 2016. The VF Commodore will be the basis of the 2014 Chevrolet SS performance sedan. Already, Ford CEO Alan Mulally has said that it isn’t planning for production of the Australia-specific Ford Falcon to continue beyond 2016, saying that the days of “one-off cars for one-off countries” are over. Devereux said that the company aims to add a new product to its Port Elizabeth plant, and may come out with an SUV or midsize car. However, he said that the vehicle has to be high-volume and it also has to make it to the top 10. It also said that the decision is “high stakes.” Another indication that Ford will be winding down its local manufacturing operations is the fact that Ford hasn’t asked for government support to manufacture in Australia beyond 2016. This situation is worsened further by a strong Australian dollar, which makes imports cheap while exports are costly. Furthermore, gasoline costs about $6 U.S. per gallon, which makes the more economical import and compact models more appealing. Presently, Cruze compact sedan rolls out at Holden’s Port Elizabeth factory in South Australia.
Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon won’t make it beyond 2016 due to poor sales
by Andrew Christian, Email, 05 Feb, 2013
