View Single Post
      01-13-2013, 11:19 AM   #77
Majdnoon
Welek Ya Kelb
Majdnoon's Avatar
United_States
33
Rep
139
Posts

Drives: 1998 E36 M3 Coupe
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by carl_d
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iron Man View Post
This is the biggest bunch of BS I have read in a long time. FWD car that drives like a BMW? So all the marketing BMW has shove down our throats about RWD being the Ultimate Driving Machine is nothing but lies?

This is nothing but a bean counter, brand dilution move by BMW. The Finance and MBA guys are taking over. I know they still will offer RWD cars, but these FWD cars are not "true" to the brand, and this is not good. Alienate enthusiasts and in the long run BMW will suffer. I remember reading articles about Honda losing its way/mojo, well it feels like BMW is following the same path.
Agree. I suggest BMW needs to create a new brand for FWD cars, sitting between MINI and BMW, to avoid diluting the BMW brand. They could use an older brand they already own from the Rover days such as Triumph or Riley.

The other side of the story also needs considering. How big should a MINI be? The current MINI is large enough and anything larger is too big to be a real Mini. Again more brand dilution. The Countryman is far too large and stretches the MINI brand too far. They need a new middle brand.

I agree with you completely. Although I understand (and support) that BMW is doing this in order to survive, the BMW brand should remain EXCLUSIVE. I'd like the idea of a fresh, hot, but affordable "exotic" new British car, the way Mini/Fiat was when it came back, and the way Alfa Romeo will be when it comes Stateside. I think the American public (and the world at large) would react quite well to Austin-Haley/Triumph/Rover's return, but well engineered, reliable and with true BMW driving dynamics. That way BMW stays exclusive, but is able to retain their independence and make tons of money.

Think about it, Cadillac has Chevy, Audi has Volkswagen, Lexus has Toyota, but BMW only has Mini, which can only be stretched so far. BMW AG needs a "common" brand like that to boost its sales, keep core enthusiasts loyal, and stop them from being bought out or going bankrupt.
Appreciate 0