Tooting your own horn

[old phart]

Just a quick observation from the other side of the pond. I've been in London for 6 days now and am about to head to Paris on the train to continue doing the tourist thing. I've had the pleasure of visiting two Aston dealers. The first was a marvelous tour at Aston Martin Works and then just yesterday stumbled upon another down near Piccadilly Circus. I was a bit disappointed that neither had any Le Mans victory polo's or such for sale.
Correct me if I'm reading more into this but it appears to be a major miss in brand marketing. I've seen they have a race car on display at Gaydon - but for who? Why aren't there tacky banners and graphics all over the dealers walls? Where's the shirts, hats and such celebrating the victory? The latest 'special edition' Vantage? I exaggerate a bit but come on gentlemen. Take the ball and run with it!
If you watch American sports they have shirts and hats premade for both teams so no matter the winner they are ready for the sale. We joke a bit about the pipe and slippers and balding old men but Aston can't just sit back and wait for people to come to them. What's the saying? Win on Sunday sell on Monday?
I think the understated, dignified, whatever needs to loosen up a bit to bring in new customers. At the Works tour there was a plate of cookies out but we were asked to not take any as they were for customers? I love my Aston and am a brand evangelist, taking it to shows and such. But when I go to a dealer I always feel I'm imposing on them and unless I make first contact people will just give me a look as they go about their business. Or remind me not to touch anything.
I'm a bit surprised Kermit made it through the factory doors. "I'm sorry, Aston doesn't do bright green"
Aston has some great ideas, vehicles in the pipeline but I'm afraid no one, except us/we (sorry, never know which to use) devout pistonheads will ever know.

[old phart]

avinalarf said:

In the UK,I believe,there are mixed feelings as to the desirability of prestige car brand related products.
The Englishman tends to be quite conservative by nature and feels a plonker wearing such stuff unless it is at a car show or event.
Personally I share that view and I cannot remember the last time I wore my red chinos,AM polo shirt and green loafers.
As an aside,it's a shame you never hooked up with any London AM drivers,I was unavailable on those days you were here,otherwise I would have welcomed meeting you.

I know it's a different culture but I feel it was an opportunity missed. I'll bet if you looked in the rubbish bins at Le Mans you'd have found Corvette Champion shirts and such.
Aston doesn't seem to have trouble selling their cars so perhaps it's a mute point.
Yes, sorry to have not met any of you plonkers. Perhaps another time. I understand now why there are so many low mileage cars around. If you drive your car in the city you're raving mad.

[old phart]

Maybe I turned this a bit sideways in my post. Was really meaning to point at the AM brand in general. Le Mans victory not just a chance to sell chaff (did I use that correctly) but to promote the brand in general. We've all drank the koolaide already. How does AM get some fresh faces to come in and purchase that expensive cup of coffee?