The Falcon must change!

[Brazen]

The start of 2010 signified another change in the Aussie car market, for the first time ever, compact SUVs like Forrester, Outlander, etc overtook large car sales. This is now the second segment to overtake large car sales following the small car segment which became number 1 in Australia only in the last couple of years.

The days of the large segment ruling supreme is over. Even mighty Toyota only sold 800 odd Aurions last month. Nissan's Maxima and Honda's Accord are now selling a trickle compared to what they were selling in the 90s.

The compact SUV segment covers a lot of makes, the interesting thing to note is that the majority of these vehicles are not really off-road machines, some even come in 2wd. So why are people buying these vehicles? perhaps its the looks and image, but I have a feeling its the packaging of these cars with their high hip-points, higher ride height and wagon practicallity which is hitting the sweet spot with buyers.

The traditional three box large sedan is dying, and Ford has to change the direction of the Falcon. Higher hip point, higher ride height, command driving position and a more practical body has to be the main drivers in the next Falcon, luckily Ford has a template to copy... The new BMW 5 Series GT.




BMW has their finger on the pulse, they see that sedans will become less relevant in the marketplace. Ford must see the investment that BMW has made in this vehicle as an example of where large family cars are heading.

People say a new transmission, or EcoBoost engine will be Falcon's saviour, thats a load of crap. The segments which are taking over large car sales are not defined by any type of technological marvels, they are instead selling due to packaging. As good as the Falcon will become, its a type of car less and less people want.

Ford must innovate with the next Falcon, the normal sedan will not cut it at all in the second decade of the 21st cenury and it will be swamped by other cars which are more suited to the modern car buyer.

Its a risk to change such an iconic vehicle like the Falcon, but with a dismal 2500 sales last month its even bigger risk to carry on its present course.