A ‘large’ Territory-based SUV?

[Road_Warrior]

Following a discussion about the new Ranger-based SUV and the Territory, I came to think whether or not there is a case for an SUV larger than the Territory in the lineup. Some say the Ranger SUV would rob the Terri of sales and vice versa, but if you look at what Toyota have, they have the SUV market completely cornered. Consequently, individual model volume matters less than overall dominance of the SUV category – which surprise surprise, is the dominant segment in Australia’s new car market.

Toyota have the 200 series Landcruiser, Nissan have the Patrol, then there is the new Range Rover, etc. Whilst Ford in the US have the Expedition(?) based on the F series, its not available in RHD and maybe that bit *too big* for our roads.

So instead of looking at a LARGE Yank body-on-frame SUV based on a commercial vehicle, could FoA utilise an existing platform to develop a new model? I’m thinking of a larger SUV based on the Territory’s platform with a larger diesel engine to suit, a true 7 seater, that maybe the mines could or would use as an alternative to the Landcruisers (esp the 76 series).

Before anyone says “it wouldn’t be worth it”, look at the sales figures from December 2012:

SUV Large Segment Winners:

1. Toyota Prado (1,313 – 16.1%)
2. Ford Territory (1,199 – 14.7%)
3. Holden Captiva 7 (944 – 11.6%)

SUV Upper Large Segment Winners:

1. Toyota Landcruiser Wagon (905 – 80.9%)
2. Nissan Patrol Wagon (213 – 19.1%

Now, I assume the figures for the Landcruiser Wagon includes the 200 series as well as 76 series. As you can see, the sales aren't that far off the Territory. And that 80.9% of the share of that segment the Landcruiser has is just begging for more competition.

I guess the whole point to the idea is leveraging a new model off an existing FoA platform that is already a proven performer to give Ford both an added feather to its cap (ie more vehicles being made, more people in work) as well as another segment to compete in. Using a platform that has been already developed means costs are much less.