Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 03:38:57 GMT From: Dan Perrera <dperreranopsam.com> Subject: Re: Mercedes smokes BMW/Saab/Volvo with better model names
The alpha-numeric designations to which you refer are far from meaning less. For example, 328i means 3 series with a 2.8 liter inline 6. What the hell does Valiant mean? I'll tell you, SQUAT!! Naming can be a double edged sword, there are cool names( i.e the Plymouth Prowler) and then there are crappy names (i.e the Ford Escort, Kia Sophia, ahh...there are more than enough crappy names. Next time you are on the highway take a look around) Dan comments4unopsameja.com wrote: > > Do descriptive and inspiring model names help sell cars? Its > quite evident they do. Good names like Accord and Grand Marquis > have greatly contributed to the success of those models. > > European makers were late to realize the advantage of descriptive > and inspiring model names. They instead have used meaningless > alpha-numeric designations like 900s, 318i, and 70. > > While a change to *feel good* names would be beneficial, European > makers have been trapped because most good names were reserved years > ago by foresighted Asian and American makers. Any maker of premium > cars would be happy to have the rights to names like Legacy and > Legend, but, alas, the Europeans weren't paying attention. > > But Mercedes is no longer trapped. They now have the rights to > all names previously used by Chrysler, AMC, and even Hudson. Their > purchase of Chrysler gave them a windfall of good model names. > > Out with C280. In with Valiant. Out with E300D. In with > Commodore. Out with S500. In with Ambassador. Out with SL500. > In with Gremlin. > > With *feel good* names, Mercedes will bury the other European > makers. "Mercedes Windsor" is regally inspiring. "318i", and > other designations used by BMW, Saab, and Volvo, are about as > inspiring as the *secret* expiration date code on condom packages. > > Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ > Share what you know. Learn what you don't.