Quote:
Originally Posted by thstone
BMW has shown that this proliferation of models results in higher total sales. Sure, there might be a few low end 7-series sales cannibilized by high end 5-series buyers but overall the company has demonstrated that its earns more sales in total.
Porsche takes this approach for the 911 (Carerra, CarerraS, convertible, 4, Turbo, and GT-3) but surprisingly not for the Boxster or Cayman. Some might say that they are leaving a lot of potential sales on the table.
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Ahhh, but the 911, Boxster and Cayman are all one model. It's just brilliant branding and some clever engineering tweaks that make you view them as separate models. So what we're dealing with is one model in a very large array of configurations. Very clever.
Given Porsche's profitability, I'd say they know exactly what they're doing. Sure, they could do a Boxster Turbo (ghastly idea, but people would no doubt buy it). But there are implications for that sort of model re 911 sales
What you have to appreciate is that a Boxster / Cayman and a 911 are essentially the same car. But when you look at the list prices, you realise the margins on the 911 must be massive. And that's why Porsche doesn't make Boxster / Caymans that threaten to cannibalise 911 sales.
They are way ahead of us on this stuff, I reckon.