- What gives a vehicle/brand status in society? Is it -

History
Design
Appeal
Technology
Prespective of society
Brand location (Japanese, German, American)

What really makes you place a brand above another?



How do we form our opinions around the appeal of a vehicle to give it status?

I think it's a combination of all of those things, but mainly, history and brand location.

Generally, I'd say people equate status with their respective countries. I have found that in my experience the casual observer equates both Britain and Germany with status. Why? Well I think it's clear with the swack of luxury brands which have originated from there. From Germany is our usual suspects, while Britain boasts their impressive range of Rolls Royce's, Bentley's, etc.

I aslo think History most certainly gives a brand status. Rich racing history along with long history of road vehicles adds to the allure.

Exactly, Bruce.

People in the U.S. are so blinded by image of these great brands that they're held in the utmost esteem even when they produce a clunker. Its amazing, and Mercedes recent-troubles-but-now-we're-back cycle proves this.

Bentley and Rolls made outdated cars for years and years with miserable 3/4-speed automatics and what not yet they were golden.

People assume I'm rich and I drive a 2003 CLK430 for god sakes! I've never gotten so much attention from all sorts of folks, all age groups, etc in my life with another car. I can only imagine if I drove a CL or SL.

M