Quote:
Originally Posted by Russellw3
Since you used Harley Davidson, Ill use Porsche as an example.
Porsche's #1 seller is the Cayenne followed by the Macan, call them new customers to the brand. They both out sell the next car by almost double digits. That 3rd car is the 911.
The 911 is Porsche. It brings customers to the brand, Its Porsche's base, the enthusiast. Guys don't hang pictures of Macans on the wall. They don't have Macan rallies. Let me drive my Macan up the valley. No its all about the 911.
Panerai is much the same company. Sure you should have new model's that bring
guys to the brand ( Cayennes and Macans). But you should never stray away from the base (the Paneristi or 911). When you get away from the base you cease to exist. This is Panerai's current situation.
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Seeing as you brought up Porsche...
The 911 brings to the table driving dynamics that aren't replicated by any other type of sports car, where a Panerai will tell time just as well as any other out there, so its not fair to comparison (although I'll admit its tempting considering Porche haven't really changed their design language in 60 years either...)
To your initial point, though, Porsche almost went broke in 1992 and had to evolve to attract new customers
Its actually the Boxster and a move to Water Cooling that saved the company.
Then, all the "Porsche Purists" got their nickers in a knot and swore they'd never buy a mid engine or water cooled Porsche cause it wasnt "a true Porsche" (is this starting to sound familiar?)
Meanwhile, the move attracted new customers, saved the brand from bankruptcy and kept them alive long enough to release the Macan, Cayenne and Panamera (again, sending the purists into a Hissy Fit)
Then, once they'd figured out how to not only sell a "Sports Car" to the 40 something accountant (The Boxster), but his wife as well (The Macan), they had so much money coming in it allowed them to further develop the 911 (and GT program).
"Purists" only buy posters and you need to sell more than posters to keep your lights on