Hi, Guest
It's all about status now... status and pointing out that if you don't have one of Brand X's new models, you're lacking in status.
Have you seen the new Miata commercial? I actually got to watch it last night... what a crock! Obviously single buddy is out cruising in his new Miata, pulls up to a light and some "hot" chick writes her number in lipstick on the windshield. He doesn't even smile back at her, then he wipes it off with the wipers and keeps driving.
Huh? :huh: Miatas replace sex? I wasn't aware that was currently possible!
Cars need to start being more about transportation first and status second. On that note, non-involved modding and customization should be the way to seek "status", not by having to spend assloads of cash at the dealer to have the same car as 100s of other "status seekers".
What would I do? As a people-conscious car maker, I'd offer a raft of customization possibilities right from the showroom. The Ford Focus 2006 GFX package would be the tip of the iceberg if I ran Ford. More FRPP selection right from the showroom floor, minor boltons don't void the warranties (ala Mopar Stg 1/2 work for the SRT-4) when done by the dealer or a certified shop, etc.
Of course, I'm a customization freak and not a corporation CEO, so this commentary is coloured and slightly biased :P
Have you seen the new Miata commercial? I actually got to watch it last night... what a crock! Obviously single buddy is out cruising in his new Miata, pulls up to a light and some "hot" chick writes her number in lipstick on the windshield. He doesn't even smile back at her, then he wipes it off with the wipers and keeps driving.
Huh? :huh: Miatas replace sex? I wasn't aware that was currently possible!
Cars need to start being more about transportation first and status second. On that note, non-involved modding and customization should be the way to seek "status", not by having to spend assloads of cash at the dealer to have the same car as 100s of other "status seekers".
What would I do? As a people-conscious car maker, I'd offer a raft of customization possibilities right from the showroom. The Ford Focus 2006 GFX package would be the tip of the iceberg if I ran Ford. More FRPP selection right from the showroom floor, minor boltons don't void the warranties (ala Mopar Stg 1/2 work for the SRT-4) when done by the dealer or a certified shop, etc.
Of course, I'm a customization freak and not a corporation CEO, so this commentary is coloured and slightly biased :P
Daily driver 1: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport "S"
33" BFG Mud-Terrain KM2s, lots of Rough Country gear - bumper, 2.5" lift, swaybar disconnects, Superwinch 10,000lb winch, Detroit Locker in rear D44 axle, custom exhaust, K+N filtercharger, Superchips-tuned.
Daily driver 2: 2006 Subaru Legacy GT
COBB Stage 1+ package - AccessPort tuner, COBB intake and airbox. Stage 2 coming shortly - COBB 3" AT stainless DP and race cat, custom 3" Magnaflow-based exhaust and Stage 2 COBB tune.
33" BFG Mud-Terrain KM2s, lots of Rough Country gear - bumper, 2.5" lift, swaybar disconnects, Superwinch 10,000lb winch, Detroit Locker in rear D44 axle, custom exhaust, K+N filtercharger, Superchips-tuned.
Daily driver 2: 2006 Subaru Legacy GT
COBB Stage 1+ package - AccessPort tuner, COBB intake and airbox. Stage 2 coming shortly - COBB 3" AT stainless DP and race cat, custom 3" Magnaflow-based exhaust and Stage 2 COBB tune.