RE: Proton Dealers to Stock Lotuses?
Discussion
I think Proton would be silly not to. A few Elises/Exiges/Esprits outside a Proton showroom is sure to attract people (even if it's to by a Proton).
A few people mention "Brand prestige". Well, I only hope there's another Proton-like firm out there who will save Jenson from the mire.
A few people mention "Brand prestige". Well, I only hope there's another Proton-like firm out there who will save Jenson from the mire.
Lotus as a brand does not mix well with the type of people who buy Proton.
As a generalised rule, Proton car buyers are normally those who need to buy a car thats cheap/practical and does the job they need (i.e. A to B). These are (pretty much) mutually exclusive areas between lotus and Proton.
Lotus are not that stupid and they would not dilute their brand value - even if they are owned by Proton.
Also, DaimlerChrysler (+Jeep) dealer's are not diluting the Lotus brand in having a showroom which houses both (like Motorway sports cars, Kent).
Many of the customer bases for the two brands are very similar. Please, never put a Grand Cherokee in the same pond as any Protons.
As a generalised rule, Proton car buyers are normally those who need to buy a car thats cheap/practical and does the job they need (i.e. A to B). These are (pretty much) mutually exclusive areas between lotus and Proton.
Lotus are not that stupid and they would not dilute their brand value - even if they are owned by Proton.
Also, DaimlerChrysler (+Jeep) dealer's are not diluting the Lotus brand in having a showroom which houses both (like Motorway sports cars, Kent).
Many of the customer bases for the two brands are very similar. Please, never put a Grand Cherokee in the same pond as any Protons.
quote:
As a generalised rule, Proton car buyers are normally those who need to buy a car thats cheap/practical and does the job they need (i.e. A to B). These are (pretty much) mutually exclusive areas between lotus and Proton.
I would have thought this would be an excellent argument for putting Proton and Lotus cars together. They are completely different thus one does not have any relation to the other. The buyers know this so it's no problem.
quote:
Lotus are not that stupid and they would not dilute their brand value - even if they are owned by Proton.
Considering that Lotus don't have much of a leg to stand on they'll do whatever Proton tell them to!! It won't dilute the brand because they aren't even the same brand!!
quote:
Many of the customer bases for the two brands are very similar.
Yes I'm sure that numpties driving their kids to school in a 4x4 Jeep are sure to be buying Lotus cars and don't forget the grandparents in their Neons!
That doesn't make any sense whatsoever, it makes as little sense as your previous argument against Proton cars.
Maybe this move will dispose of the stuck up attitudes of the Lotus salesmen and make them sell their cars on good service and helpfulness. Rather than relying on the 'heritage' of the Lotus marque and fobbing off people with poor service.
quote:
Also, DaimlerChrysler (+Jeep) dealer's are not diluting the Lotus brand in having a showroom which houses both (like Motorway sports cars, Kent).
Many of the customer bases for the two brands are very similar. Please, never put a Grand Cherokee in the same pond as any Protons.
I'm sorry no they're not by a long long way. I would never want a jeep they're ugly and not suited for anything apart from off roading. I certainly won't confuse the chrysler neon with a proton. The proton was a far better drive, felt better put together, didn't wallow in the corners, accelerated better, more responsive steering and in summary was a much better product. Yes I've had the "pleasure" to drive both. The chrysler neon IMHO is one of the worst cars I've ever driven.
I don't see how you can say that one cr@p manufacturer isn't diluting the image. Then in the paragraph above another manufacturer which produce a reasonable product for exactly the purpose required, and provide superb service IS diluting it. Come on that makes no sense what-so-ever.
I suspect you've never actually driven a proton nor experienced their service. Before you make any comments about diluting the image remember that this company isn't stupid. I suspect if they chose to do it they will do it like Rover and MG or like Chrysler and Lotus ie the showroom would have seperate bays containing the two different car types.
quote:
I cant see a board!
FFS if he's just taken your bishop and put you in checkmate with his knight then its in a position which is impossible for the king to move and take it. You don't need to see the board. May I suggest you read the rules of chess.
As a complete aside its my opinion is that you are about 14 years old. If you're not then tell us about your car and reasons for buying it etc. (hey I did for you). I'm more convinced that you are a troll everytime you post which is a shame cos I'm sure if you showed the right amount of interest you could get a lot from this site. (hey you've already had offers of getting a ride in a Lotus, not bad)
>> Edited by smeagol on Friday 16th August 12:41
quote:
quote:
Also, DaimlerChrysler (+Jeep) dealer's are not diluting the Lotus brand in having a showroom which houses both (like Motorway sports cars, Kent).
Many of the customer bases for the two brands are very similar. Please, never put a Grand Cherokee in the same pond as any Protons.
I'm sorry no they're not by a long long way. I would never want a jeep they're ugly and not suited for anything apart from off roading. I certainly won't confuse the chrysler neon with a proton. The proton was a far better drive, felt better put together, didn't wallow in the corners, accelerated better, more responsive steering and in summary was a much better product. Yes I've had the "pleasure" to drive both. The chrysler neon IMHO is one of the worst cars I've ever driven.
I don't see how you can say that one cr@p manufacturer isn't diluting the image. Then in the paragraph above another manufacturer which produce a reasonable product for exactly the purpose required, and provide superb service IS diluting it. Come on that makes no sense what-so-ever.
I suspect you've never actually driven a proton nor experienced their service. Before you make any comments about diluting the image remember that this company isn't stupid. I suspect if they chose to do it they will do it like Rover and MG or like Chrysler and Lotus ie the showroom would have seperate bays containing the two different car types.
You seem to compltely miss the point. Also let's be realistic. Proton may be good at what they do but they are still at totally the wrong end of the market for Lotus cars (a specialist brand - or do you disagree). Its a case of basic economics.
Also, for your argument against Proton being better cars: Reliability and appropriateness of Proton over Cherokees/Neons etc has nothing to do with the point I am making.
Check out the average Proton car prices compared with ChryslerJeep... this is a staunch indication of the differences in customer base.
Lastly, I have driven Protons and they do serve a purpose I suppose... just not near Lotuses (or should that be Loti).
quote:
You seem to compltely miss the point. Also let's be realistic. Proton may be good at what they do but they are still at totally the wrong end of the market for Lotus cars (a specialist brand - or do you disagree). Its a case of basic economics.
Errr... is it just me or haven't you actually said anything in this paragraph. Lotus are Proton.... get it... or hasn't that sunk in yet? If I were looking to buy a Lotus car I wouldn't give a damn where the hell I bought it from. All I would want is decent service and salesmen who don't give bullshit.
quote:
Also, for your argument against Proton being better cars: Reliability and appropriateness of Proton over Cherokees/Neons etc has nothing to do with the point I am making.
If you were actually making a point I suppose it would matter. But you aren't.
quote:
Check out the average Proton car prices compared with ChryslerJeep... this is a staunch indication of the differences in customer base.
Well considering ChryslerJeep mostly sell huge MPVs and 4x4s and Proton sell cheap econoboxes I would hope there would be a difference in price. You can't compare the two companies as they don't even compete. Having a Proton car sitting next to a Lotus in a showroom is not going to put anyone off buying one. It sounds like you are the only one who has this problem.
quote:
You seem to compltely miss the point. Also let's be realistic. Proton may be good at what they do but they are still at totally the wrong end of the market for Lotus cars (a specialist brand - or do you disagree). Its a case of basic economics.
Also, for your argument against Proton being better cars: Reliability and appropriateness of Proton over Cherokees/Neons etc has nothing to do with the point I am making.
Check out the average Proton car prices compared with ChryslerJeep... this is a staunch indication of the differences in customer base.
Lastly, I have driven Protons and they do serve a purpose I suppose... just not near Lotuses (or should that be Loti).
I think you've missed the point, Chrysler do not make good cars for the UK. They are American Tat IMHO. I've driven the neon and have no desire to do so ever again.
You point seems to be that because an they are more expensive they are a better prestige image. What utter b*ll*cks, an expensive Jeep is not going to sell me a low slung back-to-basics sports car. The two are virtually mutually exclusive. The customer bases are completely different.
If Proton sold Lotuses it would be to people that come into the store to buy a Lotus. I bought mine from a Chrysler garage I really didn't give a sh*t about the other cars in the showroom. I went straight to the Lotus section. The idea that people would come into the garage to buy a Proton or Chrysler and "change their mind" is utterly rediculous.
The key difference is that Lotus have an image of being unrealiable and having cr@p servicing. The tired old acronymn of Loads Of Trouble Usually Serious still sticks in peoples minds. Its no longer true for the modern cars BUT putting them in a Proton garage would certainly push the reliability and good service image up. Proton renoun for excellent service and good reliable cars. So putting a Lotus section in a Proton garage would do the image no harm and if anything the world of good. What does putting Lotus in a Chrysler garage do? nothing.
Lotus drivers/buyers are car enthusiasts they choose the car which is most suitable for their needs. I have known several Lotus owners that have also owned Skodas and now more common Protons as the workhorse car (hey they're cheap and reliable). I've never known a Lotus owner that owned a Chrysler (they are simply too expensive for what you get)
Finally contemplate this: When I bought my Lotus I had several cars on my list of possibles. Some were emmediatly rejectd simply because there wasn't a local dealer. It was only becuase they advertised Lotus seperately that I found a dealer that stocked Lotus. I had never been in the garage before and had to look it up on a map, it was a Chrysler garage. I was interested in the MGF (it was on the list) all I had to do was go to my local Rover garage, dead easy. The prestige is in the Lotus name, not where it was sold.
quote:
quote:
You seem to compltely miss the point. Also let's be realistic. Proton may be good at what they do but they are still at totally the wrong end of the market for Lotus cars (a specialist brand - or do you disagree). Its a case of basic economics.
Errr... is it just me or haven't you actually said anything in this paragraph. Lotus are Proton.... get it... or hasn't that sunk in yet? If I were looking to buy a Lotus car I wouldn't give a damn where the hell I bought it from. All I would want is decent service and salesmen who don't give bullshit.
quote:
Also, for your argument against Proton being better cars: Reliability and appropriateness of Proton over Cherokees/Neons etc has nothing to do with the point I am making.
If you were actually making a point I suppose it would matter. But you aren't.
Check out the average Proton car prices compared with ChryslerJeep... this is a staunch indication of the differences in customer base.quote:
Hello chaps,
This certainly is turning into a heated debate, but good fun and thanks for your input. I do enjoy discussing this kind of thing. (Hope theres no animousity though.)
My first paragraph is perfectly in context with your comment and what also what was said BEFORE but obviously that seems to bamboozal you!!
Also I absolutely realise that Proton owned Lotus but, with such a fragile brand, it possibly is making rash decisions to try and up its own brand (ARHH thats going to create controversy from you guys).
Well considering ChryslerJeep mostly sell huge MPVs and 4x4s and Proton sell cheap econoboxes I would hope there would be a difference in price. You can't compare the two companies as they don't even compete. Having a Proton car sitting next to a Lotus in a showroom is not going to put anyone off buying one. It sounds like you are the only one who has this problem.
This shows that you are finally realising that there is a difference! If i want to buy another Lotus then I don't want some numty proton saleman, selling £10,000 cars, to sell me my pride and joy! Trust me I do know what I'm talking about, i've had so many problems at Numpty (yes including Proton!) dealers who have the stack 'em high/sell 'em cheap attitude. This will not do for Lotus though!!!!! This is why I ended up with a dealer who does care... and has another frachise aswell!
I must admit that its obvious that we have had different experiences and I totally appreciate that. Please bear in mind that this is all my experience (+ friends).
All the best - what do you think?
>> Edited by gold man on Monday 19th August 21:46
quote:
This shows that you are finally realising that there is a difference!
Smeagol and I weren't exactly agreeing with you, are reading a different thread?
quote:
If i want to buy another Lotus then I don't want some numty proton saleman, selling £10,000 cars, to sell me my pride and joy!
What exactly is the difference between a Lotus dealer selling a car and a Proton dealer selling a car? Apart from the Lotus dealer having Lotus cars, there is no difference in technique of selling the vehicle!!
In fact I wish my Honda dealer had sold me Lotus to be honest because he seemed to know quite a bit about the Elise I sold in exchange!
quote:
Trust me I do know what I'm talking about, i've had so many problems at Numpty (yes including Proton!) dealers who have the stack 'em high/sell 'em cheap attitude. This will not do for Lotus though!!!!!
Hehe... well I can see you have never dealt with a Lotus dealer before. They gave the impression they actually gave a shit right up until I handed over the money and walked out the door.
Then it was excuse after excuse... trying to get out of fixing stuff... denying that things had been said to me. I'll have a Proton dealer any day.
quote:
Please bear in mind that this is all my experience (+ friends)
So it's not all your experience then... Hmmmm... Enough said.
p.s. Please don't quote everything when you reply, it's a waste of space and plain irritating.
Gassing Station | General Lotus Stuff | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff