Re: Packard in the media again

Posted by Jim On 2008/11/9 12:21:05

I am at a loss as to what Edsel could have had to do with the Studebaker Packard merger. The introduction of Edsel occurred almost a year after the close of Packard.

Many former Packard dealers took on Edsel franchises (a terrible twist of fate for some). The SP merger was a calamity of errors between two established auto manufacturers whereas Edsel was Ford Motor Companies single-handed 250 million dollar mistake.

I think this misinformed reporter had probably never heard of Packard prior to this story. I have always wondered why Packards name recognition faded into obscurity so quickly. On the other hand, Edsel has maintained name recognition, even gaining recognition through the years because of its place in history for being synonymous with failure. This foolish reporter likely figured by bantering the Edsel brand in conjunction with the failure of the SP merger would punctuate the untimely demise of the great Packard name and somehow make it seem that Packard was the root cause of the demise of both companies.

It's funny, I have examples of both marques in my collection, yet share your distain for the comparison of Packard in the SP merger as being the Edsel in the deal.

Jim