I'll ask two questions.. How many people know the Optima and Sonata run on the same platform? I will put the majority of my dignity on the line and say there is a very small amount of owners that dig that deep to look and see if it's the same platform or not.
Next, considering sedans are not the largest seller anymore, how many people do you think know that the Sante Fe and Sorento ride on the same platform? Even less.
And maybe another if you want to dig even deeper. Did you know that the Audi Q7 and the Lamborghini Urus ride on the same platform? Shocker, I know. The Audi starting at a dismal $53,550 for the 2019 year. Urus? $200k.
The luxury market is doing the same thing as entry-level and mid-level manufacturers. I don't think you can sit there and state my "tarting" up comment would "doom" a new brand. Audi, BMW, Lamborghini, Kia, Hyundai; all the same thing. Our niche as ethusiasts is very small compared to the consumer market. We may know about the shared platforms/chassis's, but that'll only keep sales down in the double digits; not even close to dooming a new car brand.
Gosh, where do I even start? First let me make sure I’m on topic: a good car depreciates less than a bad car.
Now that I’m compliant, let’s get to the good stuff.
It’s impossible to go deep into all the variables, so I’ll keep it simple. Here are ikonn’s Five Fundamentals for Business Success:
1. Heritage - the more recognized heritage and brand equity you have, the better. Rolls, Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamb, Porsche and even Maserati can rely on this. FCA is taking a gamble on this with Alfa. BMW, MB, and Audi can. Genesis, not so much.
2. Performance - if your new product performs better and/or has better features than the competition, you’re on your way! Tick that box G70! Tick that box Alfa Quadrifoglio! Tick that box Tesla! Acura TLX, not so much.
3. Price - undercut your competition. Tick that box G70! Maserati Ghibli, not so much.
4. Quality - last longer and have fewer defects. This is why JD Powers even has a business. Tick that box Lexus! Tick that box Hyundai! Tick that box Porsche! Sorry Alfa. Sorry Lada.
5. Lower cost of production - kind of obvious but of course if your product costs less to make, you might have a competitive advantage. Couple this with your lower price point and go for the volume! This is why there’s consolidation and platform sharing in the auto industry. As you said, every manufacturer is trying to do this. Tick this box VAG! Tick that box Hyundai! GM and FCA are trying hard but I smell trouble.
6. Lower operating overheads - Ok, I said 5 fundamentals so consider this a bonus for that extra mark in your MBA course. If you can run a more efficient operation, the dough will roll in. Good on ya Tesla! Atta boy Amazon!
The more you can differentiate yourself across those 5 (I mean 6) fundamentals, the greater the likelihood of your success. Ranking high across all 5 all but guarantees success. Being high in 2 of them and average in 3, could be good. Being bad in 1 or 2 of them spells trouble. In the luxury business, being bad or average in #1 and #2 spells doom.
Can I say that a tarted up Hyundai would doom Genesis? Yup, I can. Sitting down or standing up. Genesis would have a Fail for both #1 and #2. And the fact that Genesis decided to go the non tart route only adds support to my view.
There you go. You should be able to get at least a B in that business course now!