HSV, FPV curb production as sales go off the boil

[Reaper]

HOLDEN Special Vehicles and Ford Performance Vehicles have not been immune from the global downturn, being forced to reduce their workforces and cut production, despite recording near-record sales in 2008.

The two local but foreign-owned hot-car outfits say they are maintaining their research and development spending levels in the face of declining fortunes, but both are reviewing future model programs outside of their mainstream offerings.

FPV general manager Rod Barrett told GoAuto that the slow-selling Territory-based FX6 would be reviewed in coming months, ahead of the coming facelift, while the much talked-about GTHO revival had been further delayed.

And HSV managing director Phil Harding said that while side projects had been put on hold, work continued on LPG engineering.

He said a decision would be made by Easter on a business case for diesel-engined models, which are considered vital to develop exports to European markets.

HSV initiated a rare retail action late last year, with prices slashed by between $6000 and $14,000 to clear an unexpected stockpile, which dramatically boosted sales in December and cut its dealer stocks from a high of 1200 cars to fewer than 600.

The company did not build any cars in January (apart from a handful of W427s) and its daily build rate for at least the next few months will be half that of only six months ago.

Industry News - Hot cars go cold in chilly climate - News

[Reaper]

Holden review as General Motors slashes jobs worldwide

CAR maker Holden is reviewing its operations after its US parent said yesterday it would shed 10,000 white-collar jobs worldwide.

About 3400 jobs will be lost in the US and up to 4000 are expected in General Motors' European operations. The remaining cuts will come out of the financially strapped US car maker's other branches scattered throughout the world.

The company said the cuts were made necessary by a severe drop in vehicle sales worldwide and the need to restructure GM for viability.

Holden spokesman Scott Whiffin did not rule out another round of job cuts for GM's 6500 Australian workers.

Holden review as General Motors slashes jobs worldwide | theage.com.au