Re: What SINGLE factor MOST contributed to the demise of Packard?

Posted by Mahoning63 On 2013/10/18 7:25:53

Would argue that BMW and M-B are better than Toyota and that's why people buy them. They handle better, certain elements of their interiors are of higher quality and they have a personality that Toyota lacks. Their consistency of purpose centers on engineering and appearance whereas Toyota's centers on reliability and value. Lexus is probably a better example of how the Germans win mainly because of reputation and status. The only Lexus vehicles that sell well are the FWD Camry-based ones. The RWD IS sport sedan sold 22,000 units through Sept while the BMW 3-Series sold 78,000 and M-B C-Class sold 67,000. Toyota and Lexus are seen as FWD goody two-shoes brands. With that label comes both opportunities and contraints.

Packard lost its consistency of purpose the day Alvan Macualley decided to make the 110. The problems the company faced post-war have a direct link to his decision.