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I used to think of Mercedes and BMWs as "luxury" cars until I moved to Germany and the trash truck in my neighborhood had a Mercedes 3-pointed star on the grill. Taxis and police cars also sported the star or the BMW roundel. Car manufacturers are in business to make cars. It just so happens that certain European manufacturers choose to bring certain cars loaded with equipment to be sold as "luxury" cars in the US, mostly because of the increased profits. The same cars are available in Europe, but most Europeans drive BMW/Audi/Mercedes/Saab/etc that are more basic than we get at a more affordable price. Japanese brands like Acura and Infiniti do not exist in Japan and Europe. The Acura TSX is the Honda Accord in Europe. Essentially the luxury marques cater to our egos and sense of "better" brands for improved sales, and it works with a lot of people. That bugs me since I like to see "Power by Honda" under the hood of my 1992 Integra GSR and my 2002 Acura RSX Type S because it evokes Senna, Prost, and Zanardi in my mind; but Acura only puts Acura on its motors now since Honda is perceived as plebian. Perception is a big part of the definition of a luxury car. Other things that are required are leading edge technology, such as the cruise control on some newer cars that uses radar to adjust itself when other cars are nearby. The "why" technology is also there. My 9-5 has Xenon headlights, but to me they are not much better than the halogens on my 2000 9-3 or my Focus. However, they would be a definite benefit on my RSX. Saab has them because the "luxury" customer expects to have them, but I don't see the need in terms of safety or efficiency. Saab sells more cars now since they have become more mainstream in their approach, which is good since they would cease to exist otherwise. I like Saabs because they are great cars to travel vast distances, have good economy, and are fun to drive. I confess that I enjoy the luxuries in my 9-5. Besides there is a little of Eric Carlsson and Per Eklund in there somewhere, and that has little to do with luxury!
posted by 24.196.254...
, Tue, 9 Jan 2007 11:06:37, Tue, 9 Jan 2007 11:01:35
, Sun, 7 Jan 2007 10:55:39, Sun, 7 Jan 2007 10:14:50
, Sun, 7 Jan 2007 18:16:04
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