German Car Zone

Merc1 · 05-18-2007, 08:21 AM

Yeah a smaller, cheaper, mid-engine sports car or roadster would be more interesting, but isn't there something like that coming too? The Z2 or something like that?

M

bmwrules · 05-18-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EnI

It was built with Europe in mind - since Europe loves smaller SAVs / Crossovers (smaller vehicles in general), while X5 targets US market mainly.

Also X1 - when it comes - will be a huge hit in Europe, while I can't see many of them being sold in US - unless a shift in American mentality happens (due gas prices).

There has already been a shift in the mentality, especially after hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast states. Gas prices soared because the flow of oil was disrupted due to damage to oil refineries and pipe lines. Hybrid sales took off and large truck based SUVs sales dropped through the floor. Automakers are now flooding the US market with crossover based SUVs.

Americans CRaVe the CR-V, replaces Ford Explorer as best-selling ute in U.S. - Autoblog

Quote:

It looks like the age of the traditional body-on-frame SUV is coming to a close for most mainstream customers. While there will continue to be a market for big SUVs like the Tahoe and Expedition for customers who actually need to haul or tow stuff, many customers in the high volume mid-sized segment are realizing they can get by with something a little smaller and lot more fuel efficient.

The Ford Explorer dominated SUV sales charts throughout the 1990s and into the first part of this decade with sales of 445,157 in 2000. In the last couple of years, however, Explorer sales have tanked seeing it drop from first to fourth on the sales charts. Last year ,sales dipped to 179, 229 and the freefall shows no signs of letting up. The numbers are down another twenty-three percent so far this year.

On the flipside, sales of the redesigned Honda CR-V are up forty-two percent so far this year and it has jumped to the number one spot on the chart followed by the Toyota RAV-4 and Ford Escape, with the new Ford Edge coming on strong as well. The CR-V is doing so well that Honda is having to consider how to increase volume to meet the demand. For the first time, the automaker has started importing extra units from Japan to supplement the main production facility in East Liberty Ohio. Ford has already announced plans to move the Explorer to a unit-body crossover platform, which can't happen soon enough. The only problem will be finding a place to fit into a lineup already filled with the Escape, Edge, Flex and Taurus X.

PanterroR · 05-18-2007, 08:43 AM

I'll only agree that it would be better to see some ME supercar from BMW, competitor of CGT/SLR than a small SUV. Yes, i know ther will be an SL competitor, but not SLR competitor and that's what i'd like to see...

Oh and Andreas, did someone hijack your comp or what? That doesn't sound like you...

I myself also don't like the X1, but only idea about making it, not the car which we didn't even see a prototype of it. I don't like idea about it, 'cause more logical idea or money investment would be at least CL competitor, let alone SLR/CGT one 'cause we know they can make it and that's what lacks in their model portfolio...

Yes, expand the range, but not only X models for f sake!!!

shonguiz · 05-18-2007, 08:59 AM

The Sport-cars are the wishes of all BMW fans but unfortunately guys, they are less profitable than Suvs.

PanterroR · 05-18-2007, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shonguiz

The Sport-cars are the wishes of all BMW fans but unfortunately guys, they are less profitable than Suvs.

Go figure!

Sure you're right, shonguiz, but being a #1 premium car maker for several years already, i don't think they need the money to strengthen that position. Yes, they need to sell more and more car, i agree, but since they're all about sport and not sitting high off the ground, imo, they should make the car that they don't have and they need, not just the lighter and smaller version of something they already have.

shonguiz · 05-18-2007, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TycoonGTR

Go figure!

Sure you're right, shonguiz, but being a #1 premium car maker for several years already, i don't think they need the money to strengthen that position. Yes, they need to sell more and more car, i agree, but since they're all about sport and not sitting high off the ground, imo, they should make the car that they don't have and they need, not just the lighter and smaller version of something they already have.

I agree

PanterroR · 05-18-2007, 09:37 AM

EnI · 05-18-2007, 04:18 PM

Why is everybody questioning the purpose of specific vehicles / model?

I guess especially in premium segment the vehicles go beyond purpose - becoming lifestyle objects, or mobile communication statements.

Ask your self: what's the purpose of MINI, or Z4, or 3er coupe, etc.

BMW will build everything what will sell well, and what will be consistent with brand value ( = dynamic & fun to drive vehicles - regardless the segment).

Every segment needs premium end - and BMW will enter every segment they will rate as perspective.

Like I said: small SAVs / crossovers are already vey popular in Europe. MB are entering the segment, so are Audi, Peugeot, Ford, Alfa Romeo, Renault, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Honda etc

Not everybody needs or wants big vehicle ... yet perhaps he / she likes a specific shape (eg. SAV, coupe, sedan, crossover, wagon, roadster ...), so carmakers are offering small vehicles in every possible shape. And there are people who like a premium product from a specific segment, and brands like BMW, MB, Audi etc are there to offer it.

Premium brands already control upper-end of segments - eg. big-size vehicles. The only possible expansion is to go "down-market" - to offer small-size vehicles.

Keep in mind companies need to grow! Everyone of them! No growt & progress = death of a company. And carmakers follow trends & needs, and offer new models, or even opening new segments. Progress is a dynamic & continious process. Never stops.

EnI · 10-26-2007, 06:56 AM

And China as well ... for Chinese market only.

Quote:

BMW may produce new X3 in China

By Automotive World staff writer (MM)
26 October, 2007
Source: Automotive World

BMW may have a plan to locally produce its new X3 in China by the second half of 2010, according to German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, which cited a BMW company source saying that BMW will locally produce 5,000 new X3 units in the first year in China and the output will be raised to 13,000 one year later.

However, BMW AG declined to confirm the report, dismissing it as a speculation. So far, new BMW X3 vehicles are made only in a BMW plant in Spartanburg, South Corolina of the United States.

Brilliance Auto, BMW's only production partner in China, produced 23,856 BMW 3&5 vehicles. In the first seven months this year, BMW AG sold 7,800 imported BMW vehicles in Chinese market. ...

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