Many interesting perspectives raised in this thread.
I think it is multifactorial.
1) Marketing. Aussie cars have not changed a great deal BUT Holden market themselves as though they have. SIDI eh, what is that again, and does it actually make a difference? I note the badge is often green. The FG falcon is the best car to be made in this country to date, yet it gets practically no spruiking.
2) The market. People now look for vehicles that are economical and/or safe. Traditional large car buyers are moving away from sedans/wagons to Suburban Assault Vehicles. Commuters are probably more interested in small cars for reasons relating to economy.......and more and more of us are becoming commuters. IF Ford play it right they could probably sell a lot of the new liquid-injection gas models BUT they will have to overcome the prevalent, and seemingly convincing, misconceptions about LPG.
3) Vanity. People are increasingly looking to differentiate themselves in contemporary times. Money is cheaper than every before so people are willing to extend themselves further. European makers have caught on to this too, especially BMW with their 1 series and X3 for example.
Finally, in relation to the article mentioned by the
OP.........this is just one in a long series of satirical blogs that are seriously funny. Don't take it to heart, the only reason is that Ford is the focus is because Ford is more overrepresented in the pessimistic mainstream media. We all know that the commodore is the quintessential bogan vehicle......SIDI included.