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I agree guys, I think it would be a tough market trying to offer a better proposition than FPV or HSV with warranties and compliance at a competitive price. I think the cars currently on offer are bloody good value for money, and to try and build a profitable competitive business with a better offer would be tough.
There is certaintly a market for it but there are alot of considerations. Brands like Walkinshaw and HDT have a bit of a leg up here in that they get the occasional customer who comes in with a blank cheque because they want the brand.
The market has to evolve though if it wants to stay afloat. There will always be a place for people wanting to modify their cars, but it will come down to value. They have had a good run, with European performance cars being so expensive, near $100K on a Falcodore doesn't seem too bad for the performance you get, but people are looking more for complete packages and something unique rather then a range of bolt ons to make it a bit faster, which is essentially what FPV and HSV do but with a factory backing. Brands like Herrod and Walkinshaw are heading in the right direction, its not longer just bolt a blower on and see you later. Its Power kits, brakes, suspensions all the way to unique wheels and seats, and lets remember that most people who want a Boutique car want it to be recognised as boutique, and not just another taxi with a bodykit.
The bigger names are already making leaps and bounds to try and meet customer needs in terms of warranty and emissions, but this is always going to come at increased cost. So as long as Australians have a decent disposable income there will be room for these types of cars.