Future of McLaren
Discussion
While this is strictly my opinion and nothing more, I would not be surprised to see McLaren follow in the footsteps of Lotus. There is a huge inventory of un-sold cars in the US and it is not unusual to see a low milage demo with$80,000 knocked off sticker. Sad, because it's a very nice car, that just was not marketed properly and was released before significant bugs were worked out.
I see the usual Pistonheads 'welcome' hasn't missed this thread 
Back to the OP. I'd say one benefit of McLaren is that they seem very well organised and reasonably in control of their own destiny. I'd say the MP4-12c is their first stab at 'volume' supercar manufacturing and they may be suffering a few issues directly relating to that issue.
Sitting on the fence a little, I'd wager that they either get themselves sorted out in that department or revert to much lower volume, specialised cars.
On a slight side note, I'd say the MP4-12c is in tough company in its price sector and as such I'm not sure it offers a whole lot more desirability than say a Ferrari 458.
Back to the OP. I'd say one benefit of McLaren is that they seem very well organised and reasonably in control of their own destiny. I'd say the MP4-12c is their first stab at 'volume' supercar manufacturing and they may be suffering a few issues directly relating to that issue.
Sitting on the fence a little, I'd wager that they either get themselves sorted out in that department or revert to much lower volume, specialised cars.
On a slight side note, I'd say the MP4-12c is in tough company in its price sector and as such I'm not sure it offers a whole lot more desirability than say a Ferrari 458.
Bobskee said:
I may be a Yank, but this Yank drives a 6 speed manual DB9. Special ordered it that way. Best car I've ever owned, as well as being the most reliable.
Cheers
Special ordered? Is that something different to ordering? I would imagine that you just chose to have the car in that specification....Cheers
And also, there is other research which can be done. "I've seen some cars with discounts" really isn't very much evidence.
I can't say for Yank sales market shares.
http://www.lfsc.com/inventory.php?type=ALL&mak... (for the link to the McLaren Chicago)
But even looking at PH classifieds. Seems they aren't holding money all that well. Surprised given the high approval from the press at laucnh (5th Gear and Car Mag not withstanding)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m... for what was last year a £200K+ car?
By contrast cheapest 2012 458
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f... still holding £30K more.
http://www.lfsc.com/inventory.php?type=ALL&mak... (for the link to the McLaren Chicago)
But even looking at PH classifieds. Seems they aren't holding money all that well. Surprised given the high approval from the press at laucnh (5th Gear and Car Mag not withstanding)
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m... for what was last year a £200K+ car?
By contrast cheapest 2012 458
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f... still holding £30K more.
According to Autocar (pinch of salt)-
458 list price £198,856
12c list price £168,500
Cheapest 2011 458 on PH £154995 -22.05%
Cheapest 2011 12c on PH £139950 -16.94%
I am quite prepared for one of my figures to be wrong but seems that the significantly lower purchase price of the MP412c makes the difference.
I don't think there is any doubt that the market for used 458's is much stronger.
458 list price £198,856
12c list price £168,500
Cheapest 2011 458 on PH £154995 -22.05%
Cheapest 2011 12c on PH £139950 -16.94%
I am quite prepared for one of my figures to be wrong but seems that the significantly lower purchase price of the MP412c makes the difference.
I don't think there is any doubt that the market for used 458's is much stronger.
Well here's a thing, McLaren are on target to make a profit this year. They have built their 2000th MP4, over two thirds of the P1 build were sold before the start of the Geneva show with Ron saying the rest should be going very soon if only a reasonably percentage of those expressing an interest actually buy one. So business to me sounds OK.
McLaren have also introduced their "Qualified" programme for used cars, this includes:
Local roadside assistance
Multi point Checklist
Qualified certificate and ID card
All the latest upgrades
Also customers are included in McLarens client service programme, which includes track days and factory visits plus they are entitled to discounted retailer fit MSO options.
A 24 month Qualified warranty is also offered
McLaren have also introduced their "Qualified" programme for used cars, this includes:
Local roadside assistance
Multi point Checklist
Qualified certificate and ID card
All the latest upgrades
Also customers are included in McLarens client service programme, which includes track days and factory visits plus they are entitled to discounted retailer fit MSO options.
A 24 month Qualified warranty is also offered
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