Rally Discussion and Bar Talk Thread

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I meant that the profit from a single sold car was much lower with Fabia than with Octavia or Kodiaq.

But if manufacturers sell many small cars they can still make a good profit as in the past.

The larger car argument is really to maximize profit on each vehicle sold and people are now getting less choice to avoid these needlessly large SUVs for normal road use.

The only possible 'advantage' of these cars over a traditional hatchback is the higher driving position. But in every other driving way they are worse - heavier, slower, less economical, worse handling, worse braking, harder to park etc etc.

[AndyRAC]

But if manufacturers sell many small cars they can still make a good profit as in the past.

The larger car argument is really to maximize profit on each vehicle sold and people are now getting less choice to avoid these needlessly large SUVs for normal road use.

The only possible 'advantage' of these cars over a traditional hatchback is the higher driving position. But in every other driving way they are worse - heavier, slower, less economical, worse handling, worse braking, harder to park etc etc.

I get a bit fed up with hearing the 'higher driving position' excuse. Most people would be better off getting some further training (including Advanced driving), and becoming more aware of what's around them = better drivers. And they'd save money in not having to buy an overpriced SUV......

[Mirek]

But if manufacturers sell many small cars they can still make a good profit as in the past.

The larger car argument is really to maximize profit on each vehicle sold and people are now getting less choice to avoid these needlessly large SUVs for normal road use.

The only possible 'advantage' of these cars over a traditional hatchback is the higher driving position. But in every other driving way they are worse - heavier, slower, less economical, worse handling, worse braking, harder to park etc etc.

Of course the economy of scale works but it's a virtue of necessity and a road to hell. You want to sell what makes you more money because only if you make a lot of money you can invest into technologies, R&D and skilled people. Once you go the road of low profit products you are bound to be run over by the Asian competitors. In Europe we have high expenses and the only way to stay competitive on the market is to sell high quality products.

[mknight]

I get a bit fed up with hearing the 'higher driving position' excuse. Most people would be better off getting some further training (including Advanced driving), and becoming more aware of what's around them = better drivers. And they'd save money in not having to buy an overpriced SUV......

"Higher driving position" is for the majority of older people about getting in and out of the car easier.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I get a bit fed up with hearing the 'higher driving position' excuse. Most people would be better off getting some further training (including Advanced driving), and becoming more aware of what's around them = better drivers. And they'd save money in not having to buy an overpriced SUV......

I totally agree. People seem to like it but mainly because it makes them feel safer and rather superior, not because they can drive any better.

[deephouse]

I totally agree. People seem to like it but mainly because it makes them feel safer and rather superior, not because they can drive any better.

Absolutely true, I think that cars are getting bigger, more tech inside, newer, but people become worse at driving. I'm a lot on road and see literaly everything, it doesn't surprise me anymore.

[Kras]

"Higher driving position" is for the majority of older people about getting in and out of the car easier.

Major reason for everyone wanting an SUV is automotive industry manufacturing demand for SUVs for the better part of the last 2 decades. They can sell you the same car on 2 inches higher springs for a couple thousand more. Thats why for years they intentionaly made non-SUV/non-crossover cars feel cheaper and have less options then their SUV counterparts. They'll skimp on plastic trim just make a Kona look more premium than an i20, even tho its the same fucking car.

All the talk about higher driving position, ease of getting in and out etc. are just excuses. People want SUVs because everyone has them and they are seen as the more premium option.

[mknight]

Major reason for everyone wanting an SUV is automotive industry manufacturing demand for SUVs for the better part of the last 2 decades. They can sell you the same car on 2 inches higher springs for a couple thousand more. Thats why for years they intentionaly made non-SUV/non-crossover cars feel cheaper and have less options then their SUV counterparts. They'll skimp on plastic trim just make a Kona look more premium than an i20, even tho its the same fucking car.

All the talk about higher driving position, ease of getting in and out etc. are just excuses. People want SUVs because everyone has them and they are seen as the more premium option.

I applaud your absolute truth

[/Sarcasm, in case you don't get it]

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's like with Ford scrapping the classic Fiesta hatch, including the brilliant ST, but making the Puma which is based on exactly the same platform and engines.

And specifically on the Puma ST why would you want a sporty car when it's heavier, uglier and with a higher centre of gravity ?!

[Kras]

I applaud your absolute truth

[/Sarcasm, in case you don't get it]

Like it or not, people are suckers for status and companies are more aware of it than ever. Spend 100 more Euros on fancy trim plastics for wheel arches, flashier headlights and 2 tone side mirrors, lift it by 2cm and you can now sell the car for 2k EURO more.

Added bonus for manufacturers is a lot more women around the world are driving than ever before. Women mostly dont care about cars beyond looks and are in general bigger spenders