RE: German Brands Sluts
Wednesday 18th December 2002
German Brands Sluts
From masters of luxury to the Jack of All Trades
Discussion
Hi there....
You are absolutely right about car manufacturers making cars for every possible segment of the industry - thus, loosing their long term image of quality, sporting etc.
But... Mercedes has manufactured an offroaders for a very long time... first with the UNIMOG and then with the Gelandewagen.
BMW has also had some history with 4x4 cars, 325IX (1988 or so) and they have also made small cars like the post war Isetta. They have quite a history with sportcars, even more than Porsche! 507, M1 and Z1 for instance.
Porsche has also extensive knowledge of 4X4 since the 959 competed in rallying (somewhere close to 1987).
VAG on the other hand has no history of either and they are going completely overboard.
What happens if you stop concentrating on what you do best? You dillute your famous history as a car maker. It will take a long time until those mistakes are history again.
You are absolutely right about car manufacturers making cars for every possible segment of the industry - thus, loosing their long term image of quality, sporting etc.
But... Mercedes has manufactured an offroaders for a very long time... first with the UNIMOG and then with the Gelandewagen.
BMW has also had some history with 4x4 cars, 325IX (1988 or so) and they have also made small cars like the post war Isetta. They have quite a history with sportcars, even more than Porsche! 507, M1 and Z1 for instance.
Porsche has also extensive knowledge of 4X4 since the 959 competed in rallying (somewhere close to 1987).
VAG on the other hand has no history of either and they are going completely overboard.
What happens if you stop concentrating on what you do best? You dillute your famous history as a car maker. It will take a long time until those mistakes are history again.
Yeah, I've been to Europe a few times and damn do you guys have tiny roads! I don't think an escalade could make it down half of em, but in the US we have lots of space and an easily pleased public. Give 'em big shiny cars and they will be happy. Hardly anyone over here noticed the Chevy (GM) comercial that touted their SUV's abilities by saying, "Take that mother nature!". How could an SUV manufacturer be so out of touch with what they are doing to this world? Well, they are too busy looking at financial statements to worry about long term problems like that.
P.S. Americans love german cars and SUVs. I'm sorry that we are ruining these companies fir everyone.
P.S. Americans love german cars and SUVs. I'm sorry that we are ruining these companies fir everyone.
... but you have a 80 mph limit. Free (tiny) roads to free tax payers, I say. I never go to NY again as a driver. Those roads are just sh***e. I love the Ca(R)lifornian highways, though. You have a marvelous country there. I got three tickets while I was there for half a year in a VW Golf Convertible, damn. "Take it easy" doesn't count for a US police cop.
Mr.joe said: Yeah, I've been to Europe a few times and damn do you guys have tiny roads!
king arthur said:
Podie said:
Once upon a time, a company called Mercedes Benz built luxury cars.
Seem to recall Skoda did... things change.
You recall that? How old are you?
Skoda built fabulous race cars until the wall was build between east and west. VAG are picking that up in the rally scene. You don't have to be that old to know that
king arthur said:
Podie said:
Once upon a time, a company called Mercedes Benz built luxury cars.
Seem to recall Skoda did... things change.
You recall that? How old are you?
Skoda built fabulous race cars until the wall was build between east and west. VAG are picking that up in the rally scene. You don't have to be that old to know that
Hello - Dunno what all the fuss is about. I love Porsches and have owned a couple - Do I feel that the Cayenne lets the side down when it gets to 62 almost as quick as a Boxster S? Here is a 4x4 which can top 150 mph for heavens sake! They got it round the Nordschleife so fast it made your eyes water - It is a true performance car in its own right. Brand dilution or brand evolution? Do I care? To tell the truth - no. I am delighted that the S is going to come in at £44k - as it's going to shake up a boring old marketplace - as well as giving some life long Porsche enthusiasts the choice of staying with Porsche when the arrival of Children intervenes. So I guess it's all about consumer choice. They will, as always, vote with their wallets.
I have to say I think most of the above article is rubbish. The German car industry is one of the only three superpowers of car production in the world along with the U.S. and Japan, and whilst they may put the odd foot wrong here or there, I'd give my I-teeth for Britains domestic car industry to be so strong. As for Mercedes compromising the brand so much with cheaper vehicles, all I can say is thats exactly what Rolls-Royce should have done 50+ years ago, then they might still be in British hands, instead of simply assembling cars sent over in bits from Germany. The big Mercedes on the other hand, (not Maybach) are often referred to by motoring journos as the best cars in the world.
I totally agree with the opinion expressed here. It is a shame that MB has been infected with MOPAR. However it is my opinion that BMW is still of a pure bloodline. I really like the stats on the 750 LI. After saying this I would really like to test drive a Toureg, especially the 10 cylinder TDI. I have a 98 Jetta TDI and I love it. Fillups every two and a half weeks.
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