RE: TVR 'bends' production plans
Thursday 2nd December 2004
TVR 'bends' production plans
Not 'build 500 cars and then move on' any more
Autocar reports this week that TVR's new boss Nikolai Smolenski may be retreating from his original production plans. Instead of building 500 of each model and then moving on (as we reported in September - see link below), the idea may be to 'bend' the plan a bit and instead bring out another version of the same car.
Detail is extremely sparse and we're not sure it even makes sense -- the suggestion appears in a highly positive review of the new Sagaris, which now appears on the company's Web site and is, by all accounts, about to go into production.
We have asked TVR for comment, and we'll get back to you as soon as we have more details.
Earlier story: www.pistonheads.com/tvr/default.asp?storyId=9140
Discussion
PetrolTed said:Heard the same from the Gawtick TVR salesman I spoke to at MPH04 - even persuaded him to put on bacon butties for an open day
Sagaris are now in production I was told this week with the first dealer demos expected in late Feb/early March.
Looking forward to seeing one in the flesh - does anyone know how much children fetch on the black market these days
This messing around with models has major implications for production and hence costs. I would wager that the original strategy reported was designed to stimulate the market through sales of new cars to people who must simply have the 'latest' thing going. In reality, for anyone with a modicum of common sense, this concept was completely bonkers.
They should just concentrate on building the best car they can and get it right first time.
I don't know the source of the original story re changing every designs every 500 models, so it would be unfair to slander TVR for this. But if it were true, then as above, it is bonkers and won't do them any good. Its not mobile phones they are making where obsolesence arrives every 6 months.
They should just concentrate on building the best car they can and get it right first time.
I don't know the source of the original story re changing every designs every 500 models, so it would be unfair to slander TVR for this. But if it were true, then as above, it is bonkers and won't do them any good. Its not mobile phones they are making where obsolesence arrives every 6 months.
I don't understand this. I'm guessing the reason is that they can only make 500 of each model per year to avoid the mass manufacture rules. So why can't they just build 500 a year, then just start it over next year, building the same model, possibly making it a targa or something, until the sales start dropping? Isn't this what they have been doing all along?
TUS 373 said:
This messing around with models has major implications for production and hence costs. I would wager that the original strategy reported was designed to stimulate the market through sales of new cars to people who must simply have the 'latest' thing going. In reality, for anyone with a modicum of common sense, this concept was completely bonkers.
They should just concentrate on building the best car they can and get it right first time.
I don't know the source of the original story re changing every designs every 500 models, so it would be unfair to slander TVR for this. But if it were true, then as above, it is bonkers and won't do them any good. Its not mobile phones they are making where obsolesence arrives every 6 months.
I am under the impression that building 500 or less eliminates (or at least reduces) the requirement for full (expensive) type approval testing.
Can anyone out there confirm or deny this?
>> Edited by tork@tiv on Thursday 2nd December 13:43
Tork@Tiv said:
I am under the impression that building 500 or less eliminates (or at least reduces) the requirement for full (expensive) type approval testing.
Can anyone out there confirm ot deny this?
I have a friend who works at TVR im sure he said they do type approve there cars but will try to find out for sure.
Tork@Tiv said:
I am under the impression that building 500 or less eliminates (or at least reduces) the requirement for full (expensive) type approval testing.
Can anyone out there confirm or deny this?
I beleive the number is more along the lines of 1500 to be classed as a small volume manufacturer.
If they are going to change the model every 500 or 6months would this not put people off buying a new one to know that in a very short time a "better" model will be released? Should do wonders for the resale value (not)
pss1 said:
seems the Lad has not got a clue
Sadly, it does look like it
I love you guys.
The "lad" has not got a clue. Can you not think of something a bit more patronising to say about the man who bought TVR?
This guy put up £15 million plus of his own money to buy the company. A lot of what I've heard about him is very encouraging. He'll make mistakes, anyone would. But if you've anted up to buy the company you've got a right to make your own mistakes without being patronised.
IMHO as always.
unrepentant said:
I love you guys.
The "lad" has not got a clue. Can you not think of something a bit more patronising to say about the man who bought TVR?
This guy put up £15 million plus of his own money to buy the company. A lot of what I've heard about him is very encouraging. He'll make mistakes, anyone would. But if you've anted up to buy the company you've got a right to make your own mistakes without being patronised.
IMHO as always.
Well said that man. Give the fella a chance to settle in to the big seat (and to adjust it from PW's size setting!), he's obviously a very smart cookie but has to aclimatise to both TVR and the ever-changing British sports car industry.
As Ted has said the 500 and gone rumours could well have been Chinese whispers or perhaps a proposal at a meeting (possibly from Nikolai) that was subsequently not taken through - who knows.
unrepentant said:
Marki said:
seems the Lad has not got a clue
Sadly, it does look like it
I love you guys.
The "lad" has not got a clue. Can you not think of something a bit more patronising to say about the man who bought TVR?
This guy put up £15 million plus of his own money to buy the company. A lot of what I've heard about him is very encouraging. He'll make mistakes, anyone would. But if you've anted up to buy the company you've got a right to make your own mistakes without being patronised.
IMHO as always.
He must be doing something right to have got £15m in the bank to start with so lets not look for reasons for him to fail before he's even got started
Personally I respect anyone who pours there own money into a company, it shows they have passion. Yes he may be young, but dont mock the young, Branson was young once. I for one back TVR and I am proud I own one, even with its foibles I am not going to complain about the brand. If I did not like I would buy something else. Vote with your wallet if it makes you happy, I am sure others will take your place and enjoy the TVR passion. Change is good, its healthy, fresh blood and fresh ideas move business forward.
Yes mistakes may be made, and he should listen to the past people who helped make TVR good, but lets not riddicule the guy.
Yes mistakes may be made, and he should listen to the past people who helped make TVR good, but lets not riddicule the guy.
unrepentant said:
The "lad" has not got a clue. Can you not think of something a bit more patronising to say about the man who bought TVR?
This guy put up £15 million plus of his own money to buy the company. A lot of what I've heard about him is very encouraging. He'll make mistakes, anyone would. But if you've anted up to buy the company you've got a right to make your own mistakes without being patronised.
IMHO as always.
Patronising Bahhh Humbug , ok here we go try this he put up 15 mil of daddys money , there hows that
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