Cadillac insulted? You be the Judge!

[Jesda]

The Robb Report does not shape consumer views, its simply a magazine restating the status quo of upscale opinion. They document trends in luxury living, but do nothing to define it. Especially in terms of automobiles, Robb Report only captures the existing social appeal of a car, but does nothing to shape its perception like Car and Driver, Automobile, and Motor Trend do.

So pay it no mind. Its fun reading when youre stuck at the airport though.

-Jesda

[HotRodSaint]

Originally Posted by Ralph

"Upward mobility babyboomers no longer aspire to Cadillacs."

I think this is mainly true. Yes, Cadillac is making vast improvements on quality and design. But it takes time to fix a tarnished image.

The best part is that we can say we drove Cadillacs when Cadillacs weren't cool! I'd much rather be at the front of a trend than behind it.

[Ralph]

Originally Posted by Jesda

The Robb Report does not shape consumer views, its simply a magazine restating the status quo of upscale opinion. They document trends in luxury living, but do nothing to define it. Especially in terms of automobiles, Robb Report only captures the existing social appeal of a car, but does nothing to shape its perception like Car and Driver, Automobile, and Motor Trend do.

So pay it no mind. Its fun reading when youre stuck at the airport though.

-Jesda

That's a good observation. It's really like a fashion magazine for cars and gadgets. (I love the gadgets in it)

[Ralph]

Originally Posted by HotRodSaint

I think this is mainly true. Yes, Cadillac is making vast improvements on quality and design. But it takes time to fix a tarnished image.

The best part is that we can say we drove Cadillacs when Cadillacs weren't cool! I'd much rather be at the front of a trend than behind it.

The latest is that new Cadillacs ARE better by a thin margin than the European cars, but I suppose even with hard evidence in the likes of J.D., it will take much time to knock European car lovers down a notch, or their car's reputation.

Sorry to be a hipocrit, but DAMN, I love the styling of the new CLK 430!

[Vesicant]

Originally Posted by Ralph

The latest is that new Cadillacs ARE better by a thin margin than the European cars, but I suppose even with hard evidence in the likes of J.D., it will take much time to knock European car lovers down a notch, or their car's reputation.

Sorry to be a hipocrit, but DAMN, I love the styling of the new CLK 430!

CL65 AMG here ... nice arse on that biotch

Anyways, they are trying very hard to Catch up with the europeans, while still being american... done a good job i think. SRX and CTS are great for euro comparisons.

[Playdrv4me]

Originally Posted by Pimpin_Whity

bimmer is just a very expensive and bumpy hood ornament (a very lame one too).

What?

I wont dignify that (what does that even mean!?) with a response, but I did want to make mention of one manufacturer in particular that should take the cake right now for most successfully putting its feelers in each corner of the market and for the most part putting out very attractive products which have a distinct appeal for each of their target audiences.

VW IMO has done a tremendous job in recent years at developing, reshaping and in some cases, re-evaluating alot of its core industry, and branching out by "rescuing" some floundering manufacturers. A few examples would be the Volkswagen Touareg, Lamborghini (yes) Murcielago, and most of the Audi division along with the acquisition of Bentley.

Despite being a died in the wool Jeep fanatic, I have to admit that the Touareg, for being a one-off first attempt is IMPRESSIVE. I wont get into too much detail, but lets just say it can whoop the ass of half the p*ssy things calling themselves SUVs out there today (yes BMW X5, Merc ML430 and ESPECIALLY the joke called an X3, im callin YOU out you mall hoppers), all with a very good interior and decent power in the V8. Thats whats impressive, VW would have no problem to have just taken the Passat chassis for example, and pump out some car based contraption, but they DIDNT. They went all out and not only provided all the creature comforts of the mall hopper SUVs, but the utility and capability of a Range Rover too.

The new Murcielago takes the best of VWs design engineering, and melds it in without destroying the supercar qualities that make a Lamborghini a Lamborghini.

Audi uses aluminum space frames, smooth and powerful engines and offers some of the best bang for the buck cars out there in the Luxury category (though all VWs, and Audis in general do have some ways to go in correcting technical glitches, im far from calling them perfect here).

In these respects, VW is in its own right as big as the Fords and GMs of the world (VW has its hands in all kinds of automobilia from utility to sports cars) and I think BOTH American and European manufacturers could take a lesson from them in going towards achieving world class status. If Cadillac puts pen to paper on producing some of the concepts weve seen, Robb Report will be lucky to have them grace its pages.

[Vesicant]

bimmer is just a very expensive and bumpy hood ornament (a very lame one too).

Dont want to sound mean here, but its a lot more than just a "hood ornament". Its a piece of complicated engineering artwork (with a soul practically) made to last and give you excellent quallity and comfort. No im not a BMW Sales rep. Doesnt mean you still cant hate them, thats your personal preference and I have no right to tell you whats right or wrong.

Cadillacs are trying to be the same... heart and soul feel with art and science design.

[HotRodSaint]

Originally Posted by Playdrv4me

VW IMO has done a tremendous job in recent years at developing, reshaping and in some cases, re-evaluating alot of its core industry, and branching out by "rescuing" some floundering manufacturers.

I would've agreed, until they decided to move VW up market, where their Audi division already sits.

I think thats the challenge any maker faces that has multi-brands.

Which might be the reason Toyota, is now number 2. It's much easier to focus on a single brand. Yes, I know they have 'Lexus'. But those are just the big Toyotas from their home market.

[Playdrv4me]

Originally Posted by HotRodSaint

I would've agreed, until they decided to move VW up market, where their Audi division already sits.

I think thats the challenge any maker faces that has multi-brands.

Which might be the reason Toyota, is now number 2. It's much easier to focus on a single brand. Yes, I know they have 'Lexus'. But those are just the big Toyotas from their home market.

I agree with you HRS, and sorry I forgot to mention this in my post. I beleive they are making a BIG mistake with the Phaeton. Its a nice car and all, but what kind of message are you trying to relay when you produce a car that in all respects is every bit as luxurious and wants to compete in the same category as the one you ALREADY have in your Flagship line (the A8L)? They try to defend this by saying they want their customers to stay with them at each point in their life, but then what is the point of Audi... very very strange logic indeed.

[banstyle]

Originally Posted by Playdrv4me

I agree with you HRS, and sorry I forgot to mention this in my post. I beleive they are making a BIG mistake with the Phaeton. Its a nice car and all, but what kind of message are you trying to relay when you produce a car that in all respects is every bit as luxurious and wants to compete in the same category as the one you ALREADY have in your Flagship line (the A8L)? They try to defend this by saying they want their customers to stay with them at each point in their life, but then what is the point of Audi... very very strange logic indeed.

It's good logic if VW is trying to reposition itself as a competitor to BMW- with a wide range of high class vehicles that are better than the fold for a little extra. I mean, man, what is a 3-series cost? in the 30k range? That's Audi territory.. but BMW doesn't have an Audi competitor.

VW can have vehicles in every market, AND even markets below BMW, where BMW is using Cooper (Mini vs Beetle / Golf, anyone?)

I would not be surprised if they're thinking of eliminating Audi in 10 years and folding that clientel into VW. By that time, VW may have a whole new image.

Here's the question: How important is brand?
It's the most important asset a company has.

If VW can fold the Audi brand into it's own, and have people respect it just as much, they may be able to sell their lower priced cars with that same brand image. More sales.

That sounds like a good strategy to me. Stock, anyone?