Sure, you can get it in the color of your choice... but how does a car maker survive in todays competitive market, with nothing but one commuter? In only one market? In only one country?
Of course, Chrysler only makes one car, and one van, but survives because it owns Dodge, Ram, and Jeep. Lancia, doesn't own any other car makers.
Now, I don't know if Lamborghini makes more than just one model, but then, no one is going to mistake a Lamborghini for a commuter.
I doubt they'll continue to exist 3 years from now. Just how many cars does a car company have to sell to pay the ridiculous salaries of upper management? Plus parts production, warranty replacements, someone to answer the phones, the sales people, etc. I'm pretty sure you have to sell a LOT of cars to keep a car maker in business, especially if you aren't making the F150, Dodge Ram, Charger or Challenger... because few vehicles continue to sell much without constant improvements, upgrades, and face lifts. Even the Mustang and Corvette rarely went more than a decade without a make over.
And how can Lancia afford any R and D to make a new model?
For it's goal is to make only electric cars, and compete with Tesla. How can Lancia afford to even try to?
The brand’s new CEO wants to reposition Lancia as a near-premium automaker aimed at customers with an average age of 55 with at least one child still at home. Also, Lancia will no longer sell models that are targeting mostly women.
I don't recall that ever being very successful. The Beetle was successful, the Mustang, the Camaro, the PT Cruiser. Those were successful.
According to Google, Lancia is owned in part by FCA, interesting that you mentioned Chrysler in your post :). It is sad to see this once great rally manufacturer become not even an afterthought :(
ReplyDeleteUmm, I'm not sure they are owned by FCA, or Stellantis, but my understanding is that Chrysler was bankrupt, needed a business partnership to stay afloat, merged with Fiat, then they were bought by Stellantis? IT's not clear to me who is in the managers seat on that. But you make a great point, Chrysler might own Lancia, sort of
DeleteStellantis was formed when FCA (Fiat Chrysler) merged with PSA (Peugeot and Citroen) at the beginning of 2021. PSA bought the Opel and Vauxhall brands from GM in 2017, so they are part of Stellantis now, too.
DeleteThat's a shame to see Lancia fallen so far. They used to be a very advanced company, with one of the first V6 engines, a narrow-angle V4 with front wheel drive and several legendary rally cars like the Stratos, 037 and Delta.
ReplyDeleteLancia is (sadly) part of Fiat, this is why it still exist and this is why they produce only shit cars like Punto and Panda. The Ypsilon itself shares lot of components with Panda and 500. (sorry, I'm Italian and I know well all these cars).
ReplyDeleteAnd, wanna laugh now? Just some days ago, the CEO of Lancia said that Lancia is going to compete with Mercedes Benz in the luxury market. Can't wait to see it happening! :D