Re: alfa-digest V7 #1042

[Italiacars@domain.elided]

In a message dated 9/15/99 2:53:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

<< It's not that I'm worried about product overlap in this particular case, 
but the latest Maserati 3200 is less than inspiring, and yes, Jaguar can make 
a horse race out of a relatively limited production XK range. But Jaguar's 
success can be also be traced to it's much improved quality. This isn't the 
old days, and people with this kind of money to spend really don't relish 
keeping up with their cars, and relying on a skimpy dealer network. They 
value their time in a way enthusiasts of old didn't. Another thing people in 
 this class don't care about is seeing which car is fastest by .3/sec in the 
quarter mile. Fast is fast enough, and while the young look for this kind of 
superiority, things like status and ease of ownership count for more here. 
True, the Jag is what we used to call a "boulevard car," but it is drop dead 
gorgeous, and it is usable, even for the mall. I just don't see a market for 
the Maser here. The Maserati will sell for about 80k. Funny enough, it's not 
expensive enough to be a second car, and it's too much of a headache to use 
as a "daily." Verdict: Porsche isn't loosing sleep.   >>

You really don't know the market at all. 1st while improved quality has 
helped Jaguar, what sells cars in this price range is a great leasing 
program. The warranty is 4 yr. 50,000. Leases run no more than 36 months. So 
the customer is always under warranty. The resale prices on Jags is still 
horrible, but the customer doesn't care, cars gone in 3 yrs. That is Ford has 
done for Jag. As far as status is concerned. IT'S ALL ABOUT STATUS. They may 
tell you different, but if that was the case they would all be driving 
Toyotas. Don't kid yourself.

No, Porsche won't loose sleep, Maserati even at full capacity will only be 
able to build 6,000 cars per yr. for world wide production. If following 
Ferrari's market strategy the US will be their largest market at about 25%, 
1,500 cars. Porsche on the other hand while is building about 38,000 cars per 
yr. (At one time they built 60,000) They sell 60% of their cars in North 
America. 

Now is there a market for 1,500 Maseratis per yr. in North America. Let see 
the car is stylish, has performance, the company has an illustrious name and 
you won't drive to the Country Club and see 8 other ones the same color. Now 
all as they need is a great lease program.

BTW the current 3200 GT is not the car that will be sold in North America. 
The car will be restyled, sold as a spyder 1st and have a 4 Liter natural 
induction V8.

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End of alfa-digest V7 #1045
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