For what its worth
05-30-2003, 11:01 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
Does no one recall that Porsche became the most profitable car company on the planet by making sports cars? Why are you all so convinced that the SUV is necessary for continued independence? Porsche is more than profitable enough to weather the recent downturn in 996 and 986 sales, which is only happening now after a very prolonged economic downturn. Note, also, that the dreaded platform-sharing that results from loss of independence has already begun with the Cayenne/Touareg/Pikes Peak.
Early sales of the Cayenne give little indication of long-term sales success. Of course it's selling well now -- it's brand new and was greatly anticipated by many. It may well prove to be a financial success, but it is much too soon to tell. The company's drastic change of direction is certainly a risk, on many different levels. I hope they don't forget or ignore how they got where they are today.
Porsche got into trouble in the early '90s not because they only made sports cars, but because they totally ignored costs. Clearly, they learned that lesson extremely well. Just as many companies have failed by "growing" too much or in the wrong direction as have failed due to lack of growth (and Porsche was already growing).
I don't see Alfa Romeo and Maserati's proposed SUVs as validation of Porsche's direction; those companies have been struggling badly in recent years -- unlike Porsche -- and they are looking for ways to survive. It is notable that the proposed SUV is from struggling Maserati and NOT from successful Ferrari.
Early sales of the Cayenne give little indication of long-term sales success. Of course it's selling well now -- it's brand new and was greatly anticipated by many. It may well prove to be a financial success, but it is much too soon to tell. The company's drastic change of direction is certainly a risk, on many different levels. I hope they don't forget or ignore how they got where they are today.
Porsche got into trouble in the early '90s not because they only made sports cars, but because they totally ignored costs. Clearly, they learned that lesson extremely well. Just as many companies have failed by "growing" too much or in the wrong direction as have failed due to lack of growth (and Porsche was already growing).
I don't see Alfa Romeo and Maserati's proposed SUVs as validation of Porsche's direction; those companies have been struggling badly in recent years -- unlike Porsche -- and they are looking for ways to survive. It is notable that the proposed SUV is from struggling Maserati and NOT from successful Ferrari.
05-31-2003, 01:24 AM
#17
Nordschleife Master
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Hehe, casual observations brought out the pontificators. Post is meant to be no deeper than people on the street seem really excited when the see Cayenne.
