[Aussie Mike]

I think some of Fords down turn may be due them not offering a yellow Taxi pack Falcon any more. Many owners replacing their cabs are turning away from the Falcon as other manufacturers have come up with atractive packages.

V8 versions will still be selling because they apeal to a whole different performance oriented market sector. Regular family sedans is probably where they are hurting most. The soaring fuel prices are probably doing the most damage as families turn away from the bigger cars and choose more fuel efficient alternatives.

I reckon Holden must be feeling the pinch too just we haven't seen it's effects yet.

The Falcon has been winning in the looks department for the last 3 or 4 years in my opinion but I wonder if the release of the all new Commodore has switched some to the dark side?

I reckon they could revive some of their flagging sales by offering the XRs and FPV cars in the US. I've seen plenty of enthusiasm for our utes from US visitors.

Holden have been attacking that market with the Monaro (GTO) and next year they are introducing the Pontiac G8 sedan which is basically the new SS Commodore.
Cheers