Has there been a theft of Donner und BlitzenJaguar has a problem The new X-type estate, also revealed at Frankfurt, broadens the model's appeal, but is an entirely predictable piece of design. Its X-type has not sold as well as expected; total Jaguar sales volumes are under half of the company's 400,000 units a year manufacturing capacity, and its cars are stuck in a backward-looking design rut which younger buyers abhor. Has there been a theft of Donner und Blitzen?Jaguar has a problem. Which is why it is a real pleasure to see unveiled something that we knew nothing about beforehand, especially when it points to the future of a marque's design.Frankfurt had a fine line-up of concept cars, of course, but the two most significant were Jaguar's R-D6 and Ford's Visos Neither, you will notice, wear German nameplates. DaimlerChrysler has a giant pavilion all to itself, a construction which looks a little like the Albert Hall, and BMW creates its own temporary edifice in one of the large squares that are partly the reason why this vast motor show takes a toll on feet like no other. A word of advice: if you ever visit the show, wear your toughest trainers. But today's trend is for the details of important new models and significant concept cars to leak out pre-show, taking away their impact. The biennial Frankfurt motor show - it alternates with Paris - is usually a fine display of German carmakers' might. For the more fashionable end of the market that will probably hold true. But just as people who wanted a basic car 20 years ago bought Japanese, in another generation expect them to look to India or China.So maybe Rover are being quite cute: if you can't beat 'em, get 'em to join you.. A generation ago hardly anyone believed that the Japanese could meet the sophisticated needs of US and European consumers.
This year, for the first time ever, it looks as though Toyota will outsell both Chevrolet and Ford in the US to become the largest-selling single make.European manufacturers hope they have the skills that will enable them to command enough of a premium to justify higher manufacturing and design costs. It is also a sign that in some segments of the market Indian design is completely competitive Expect the same from China. Ditto India, which on the same basis is a larger economy than the UK.So, buying a design from TATA is not just a random example of a weak western car company forced to buy a foreign design. If that were to happen it would be astounding if it did not also become a big force in car design as well. |
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