No More Customers for Life for Ford

[suv_guy_19]

Where were all these Jaguar buyers over last 20 years or so that Ford has owned it? Jaguar has hardly any sales left at all over last few years. Every month Jaguar sales are down something like 50%. If Ford could get money approaching what Daimler sold Chrysler for, not a bad deal IMO. Looks to me like potential Jaguar buyers see too much of Ford in Jaguar at present. Maybe it's best for Jaguar and Ford to part ways if the price is right. Then maybe Ford can concentrate on bringing out some really nice new products like Interceptor and MKR. Jaguar has absorbed a lot of Ford money and returned nothing over many years. If Ford can get a lot of money for this company, then I say take the money and run and invest it wisely in new products for North America.

 

 

good idea....but Jaguar had problems before Ford...for some reason Ford thought they could fix them....people have forgotten jaguar...maybe its time to part ways with them...its just too bad lr has to go with it.

Edited June 17, 2007 by suv_guy_19

[Edstock]

Lincoln doesn't cut it as luxury and anything with a blue oval surely doesn't cut it. Volvo, while nice, is too safe, too boring.

 

Lincoln cuts it just fine for luxury.

 

You're entitled to your benighted opinion, but

please supply specifics of how Lincoln doesn't cut it as luxury.

 

The new Volvo S-80 V-8 is too boring? I guess you haven't driven one.

 

Anyway, what we have here are professional brain-farts.

 

You can do better, but thanks for playing

 

[ANTAUS]

There's a big difference between aspiring for something better because it's what you want and buying something because you think it's going to impress other people. When you guys can figure that out then we can have an adult level conversation. But then you'll understand what I'm talking about so there won't be any need for that conversation. Just because I can afford a BMW 3 series doesn't mean I should automatically buy one to impress my friends and co-workers. That's called shallow. Now, if I happen to really like the BMW 3 series and I'm buying it for me because of that and not because I feel the need to portray some "professional" image to everyone, that's an altogether different thing.

No, I'm the same dude that doesn't like them because I don't much care for the retro theme. Regardless of their body design Mustangs will always attract rednecks, that's just a part of the following. Be sure not to skip over the fact that I've owned a Mustang myself.

 

 

At no time did he say he wanted to impress his friends. I can't speak for him, but I don't buy cars to impress anyone...unless again, you perceive that notion when someone buys a luxury brand. By that philosophy, then anyone who buys anything more expensive than a Ford is "not mature" then. People buy things for different reasons...as per automobiles, it can be emotional, aspiration, image, vanity, rational, etc. but you should respect THEIR decision as to why they choose as specific vehicle.

 

And Ford know this, if not it wouldn't be advertising all it's luxury brands in gay publications, one of the demographics with the most expendable income.

[David Johnson]

Lincoln cuts it just fine for luxury.

 

You're entitled to your benighted opinion, but

please supply specifics of how Lincoln doesn't cut it as luxury.

 

Have you seen the current Lincoln lineup? Every single vehicle is a tarted up Ford.

 

They are even trying to pass off farm equipment as luxury vehicles:

[BlackHorse]

At no time did he say he wanted to impress his friends.

 

Keep up with the ebb and flow of the conversation man.

 

Image is a big deal here on the coasts. BMW and Mercedes are the norm here, where Chevy and Ford are the norms in the middle of the country. It's kind of a default buying decision, to fit in with the crowd. To say, hey, I'm successful too, just like all of you.

My first car was a mustang, I went to college, and now I'm making great money in a professional career. Within the next year I will have to buy a new car that looks professional as well.

 

Gee, exactly what "professional career" requires that you have to buy a new car the looks professional? To that end how do you define a "professional" look? Apparently to this snob, professional means a Jag or a BMW, in short, a high dollar performance sedan, preferably European in nature.

 

Like I said, I call them like I see them.

[xr7g428]

People buy what they want, not what they need. Sell the car that people need, and you will starve (Five Hundred) Build the car that they want (Shelby Mustang GT500) and you can name your price. Manufacturing wants to build a million cars, all alike, and consumers want a car that is one in a million (unlike any other). I know it is unpopular to bring this up, but when Ford sold a half a million Mustangs, it was possible to order the car in about that many different versions. there is a direct line between the reduction in choices and the reduction in unit sales. People want to be apart of things, but to retain their individuality at the same time.

 

As long as cars mean things to people, there will be a market for just about everything with wheels. Buying a Taurus is a statement. It might mean "I want the safest vehicle I can put my family into" or it might mean " I have more money than God, but I don't waste it on cars" or it might mean that "my family sits at the Ford Table". Do you think all of those folks that buy SUV's really are rugged out doors types? Why don't we all drive mini vans?

 

For the original poster, the car is a tool. At a certain level in business. a "big" car means power. It gets you parked in front at the valet, it gets you respect. It is a rolling Rolex. It is a warning; there is money, and then there is %^*& you money. Ever notice that gangsters don't drive convertible VW beetles? In high stakes business, it is just another tool. Why should Ford not supply these cars?

 

It shouldn't be about shaming buyers into what you build

[BlackHorse]

For the original poster, the car is a tool. At a certain level in business. a "big" car means power. It gets you parked in front at the valet, it gets you respect. It is a rolling Rolex. It is a warning; there is money, and then there is %^*& you money. Ever notice that gangsters don't drive convertible VW beetles? In high stakes business, it is just another tool. Why should Ford not supply these cars?

 

 

LMAO, Clearly we have a long way to go as a species. If all it takes to get respect is a big car you can select just about any of the mid 70's GM passenger sedans that literally dwarf the current crop of large cars. I don't think that getting the respect of some kid that parks your car is "power", far from it. Finally let me just add that if you have any respect for some punk ass gang banger rolling in his big ass whatever mobile with 24 inch rims on it then you really need to evaluate your criteria for who deserves respect and who doesn't.

Edited June 18, 2007 by BlackHorse

[theVengineguy]

JM, I too have been depressed ever since Ford dumped Aston Martin, now I'll just have to settle for Lamborgini Galadro.

 

Seriously, I don't know why people are getting so bent outta shape by Ford dumping these Luxo brands. Ford is not in business for status, they are in the business to make money (fingers crossed). Jagaur, LR, Volvo, Aston Martin were never money makers, thus why they were absorbed into the Ford Motor Company due to lack of ability to maintain independence. Companies should never buy low performers, just let them die, it's not worth the investment to bring deadwood into a company. Think of all the money that was spent on these aquisitions, not forgeting how much burden they added on opperating costs. Now if that money was put into Lincoln, Ford and Mercury you would have stronger players.

 

I'm sorry JM, but people like you will never convince me to follow into the super luxery market. It's not what Ford was founded on, and to change the ideals of a company just to satisfy people that wipe their ass with 100 dollar bills is a joke. I say ford needs to press on with FLM, and forget the rest.

[BlackHorse]

My condolences on the Galardo Vengineguy, this must be a difficult time for you. lol

[FordBuyer]

JM, I too have been depressed ever since Ford dumped Aston Martin, now I'll just have to settle for Lamborgini Galadro.

 

Seriously, I don't know why people are getting so bent outta shape by Ford dumping these Luxo brands. Ford is not in business for status, they are in the business to make money (fingers crossed). Jagaur, LR, Volvo, Aston Martin were never money makers, thus why they were absorbed into the Ford Motor Company due to lack of ability to maintain independence. Companies should never buy low performers, just let them die, it's not worth the investment to bring deadwood into a company. Think of all the money that was spent on these aquisitions, not forgeting how much burden they added on opperating costs. Now if that money was put into Lincoln, Ford and Mercury you would have stronger players.

 

I'm sorry JM, but people like you will never convince me to follow into the super luxery market. It's not what Ford was founded on, and to change the ideals of a company just to satisfy people that wipe their ass with 100 dollar bills is a joke. I say ford needs to press on with FLM, and forget the rest.

 

We all seem to forget that it was Nasser that created the "PAG Empire" and led Ford to its present mess. Ford took its eye off the ball and spent far too much time and money creating PAG and pretty much ignored North America doing so. PAG is Nasser's last vestige of that legacy and ironic Nasser is fronting equity firm interested in Jaguar and Land Rover.

 

If Ford had used all that money to create PAG into new products instead, Ford would not have done two restructurings to the tune of over $10 billion and counting. As a shareholder, I will be happy if Ford can get decent price for PAG and spend the money on its core business and increase its stock price and offer divdends again.

[ANTAUS]

I get a door knock from a guy, who had some questions pertaining to city politics and because of my position he asked if I could educate him a bit. He's perturbed because he lives in an area where the cars are up on blocks, but the houses are on wheels, and they are building a new 4 lane road, with a huge median, nice landscaping. He didn't understand how that improves his property value for his home...he was upset because of all the dust...negative, negative negative, the "I dont want it in my back-yard" and the "Who wants this s--t?" philosophy....

 

No matter how I tried to educate him, he just didn't get it. Finally I said, "Hey, you know those $400-500K homes that are a few blocks from yours, well THEIR TAX MONEY, says they WANTED this road, thats who wanted it"....simply put. THEN HE got it.

 

Case in point, if the luxury brands that Ford has, is allowing them profit (I use that loosely) to build OTHER vehicles, then so be it...THE buyers money dictates, whether it's a snob or not...But I prefer to use the word "Elite-test" as it was used against me in a campaign

[ebritt]

When I have to deal with a salesman who drives a Lexus or BMW, I immediately hide my wallet. H egot that car by grabassing money from unsuspecting slobs.

I watch my money....my salesman will have to settle for a 98 Escort........two door.

[jpd80]

We all seem to forget that it was Nasser that created the "PAG Empire" and led Ford to its present mess. Ford took its eye off the ball and spent far too much time and money creating PAG and pretty much ignored North America doing so. PAG is Nasser's last vestige of that legacy and ironic Nasser is fronting equity firm interested in Jaguar and Land Rover.

 

If Ford had used all that money to create PAG into new products instead, Ford would not have done two restructurings to the tune of over $10 billion and counting. As a shareholder, I will be happy if Ford can get decent price for PAG and spend the money on its core business and increase its stock price and offer divdends again.

 

Stop blaming Jac Nasser, he did not buy Jaguar, Ford did that themselves years before.

His ideas and purchases of L/R and Volvo were sound but he was fired in October 2001 less than a year after acquiring L/R.

Ford never really administered PAG properly in the ensuing time until The Way Forward Plan scrutinised every financial endeavour.

[JM.]

Wow, I didn't think people this snobby actually existed, I thought it was just a Hollywood thing. Where to begin?

 

I got through the first page and had to address this...No, I'm not a snob. But depending on your profession, sometimes you have to "fit in" that is the world we live in (but FYI, I would only buy a vehicle if I loved the design, i.e. XF/STS/RR). Of the Ford brands, my immediate family owns a F150, Mustang, Focus, and Explorer...but I am getting older and with promotions I have to look the part of my position, if not for me but for clients.

 

The point was the customer for life scenario, Toyota has built a great business on this. A friend has an IS and every time he drops his car off with Lexus they give him the next best thing, a sportier (pricier version), or a GS to drive around until he gets his car back. They are developing a repeat customer using this practice, and the practice applies to Ford. Ford has such a huge market with the Mustang what do they develop these customers into, future Fusion & MKS buyers maybe, but then what? There will be nothing else if they continue to shed their luxury brands, this is my point.

Edited June 18, 2007 by JM.

[suv_guy_19]

I got through the first page and had to address this...No, I'm not a snob. But depending on your profession, sometimes you have to "fit in" that is the world we live in (but FYI, I would only buy a vehicle if I loved the design, i.e. XF/STS/RR). Of the Ford brands, my immediate family owns a F150, Mustang, Focus, and Explorer...but I am getting older and with promotions I have to look the part of my position, if not for me but for clients.

 

The point was the customer for life scenario, Toyota has built a great business on this. A friend has an IS and every time he drops his car off with Lexus they give him the next best thing, a sportier (pricier version), or a GS to drive around until he gets his car back. They are developing a repeat customer using this practice, and the practice applies to Ford. Ford has such a huge market with the Mustang what do they develop these customers into, future Fusion & MKS buyers maybe, but then what? There will be nothing else if they continue to shed their luxury brands, this is my point.

 

VOLVO...

[JM.]

I understand where JM is coming from and I agree with him. It's not a "little people" issue, unless you feel automatically self conscience at a status level to think other wise, only the Jones' feel that way....BUT yes, people do wish to grow into luxury brands as they get older. Don't put people don't because they aspire for better things, whereas others will settle.

 

I'm on my 3rd Lincoln LS, 4th Lincoln, and from the preliminary information being discussed, it doesn't seem as if Ford will have something in the future for myself either. Being on my 3rd LS I've been giving Ford MORE than enough chance to build something else to grow into that suits my needs, and at this point, they have about 1-2 years left to do so.

 

If the XF is a success, then most probably that will be my next purchase whomever may own it at the time. The MKS could be a player too depending on other factors. Other than that, it'll be BMW (then pay to replace the lighting on garrish red instruments and get a good warranty).

 

Thanks, I think you said it better than I could have and I'm pretty sure anything else I say will dig myself in a deeper hole.

[Ford-150]

I got through the first page and had to address this...No, I'm not a snob. But depending on your profession, sometimes you have to "fit in" that is the world we live in (but FYI, I would only buy a vehicle if I loved the design, i.e. XF/STS/RR). Of the Ford brands, my immediate family owns a F150, Mustang, Focus, and Explorer...but I am getting older and with promotions I have to look the part of my position, if not for me but for clients.

 

The point was the customer for life scenario, Toyota has built a great business on this. A friend has an IS and every time he drops his car off with Lexus they give him the next best thing, a sportier (pricier version), or a GS to drive around until he gets his car back. They are developing a repeat customer using this practice, and the practice applies to Ford. Ford has such a huge market with the Mustang what do they develop these customers into, future Fusion & MKS buyers maybe, but then what? There will be nothing else if they continue to shed their luxury brands, this is my point.

my dad probably makes twice what you do, but he drives an F-150, he "impresses" everybody with his 48' Ocean Yacht and his 25' custom boat, oh and his huge house

everybody has four wheels, invest in something that not that many people have

or go with the Volvo S80, and Jag hasn't been sold yet

Edited June 18, 2007 by Ford-150

[BlackHorse]

JM

 

Since apparenlty you "cut to the chase" halfway through the first page by your own admission then I'll ask the question again. What in the hell sort of job requires you to go out and buy some ultra luxury sedan in order to "fit the part"? Furthermore, if it's that important to your job position then it seems to me that whatever company you're working for would provide you with a company car in order to ensure you don't get the wrong car "for your part". If, as you say, there is simply not a Volvo or Lincoln that will fit the bill then apparently there is some sort of strict criteria as to what qualifies for this "professional" image you have to portray with your car. Otherwise it's just your personal preference right? Now if it's just your personal preference and you just personally find Volvo and Lincoln to be beneath you and not good enough to be caught dead in, well then that brings me back to my first impression, you're a snob. So maybe you should clear the air a little.

 

 

Oh, I nearly forgot, the one glaring flaw in your whole theory. Unless I'm mistaken, you're point of view is that Ford makes a good starter car with respect to say the Fusion, the Taurus, what have you . But as a person ages and gets more digits on the left side of their decimal poinit in their bank account then they also want to buy something more upscale to drive and by your own admission you believe that Ford doesn't offer that, that Ford is just "a good starter car." So what about Ranchers? Farmers? Construction Company Owners? Do you think these guys aspire to take out across some construction sight or the back 40 in their brand new BMW 5 series? I mean lets face it, they probably make as much or more than you, but somehow I don't see them aspiring to the cushy soft BMW do you? How about the fact that there's millions of people out there that will never obtain an income level high enough to buy a 5 Series or a Jag? They will always be middle class workers and are prefectly happy with that. Didn't you take that into account? Is Ford supposed to ignore them in favor of developing high dollar overpriced luxury sedans that will only sell to a very small percentage of the overall population?

Edited June 18, 2007 by BlackHorse

[JM.]

JM

 

Since apparenlty you "cut to the chase" halfway through the first page by your own admission then I'll ask the question again. What in the hell sort of job requires you to go out and buy some ultra luxury sedan in order to "fit the part"? Furthermore, if it's that important to your job position then it seems to me that whatever company you're working for would provide you with a company car in order to ensure you don't get the wrong car "for your part". If, as you say, there is simply not a Volvo or Lincoln that will fit the bill then apparently there is some sort of strict criteria as to what qualifies for this "professional" image you have to portray with your car. Otherwise it's just your personal preference right? Now if it's just your personal preference and you just personally find Volvo and Lincoln to be beneath you and not good enough to be caught dead in, well then that brings me back to my first impression, you're a snob. So maybe you should clear the air a little.

 

I'm not going to respond to anymore posts of this nature, because they are off topic. But I will say IMO a snob is quick to judge others, and judging by your posts you seem to fit the bill more than I. Judging by sales numbers Jaguars hardly impress anyone so if I say I want a Jag it must not be to impress people! I never said Volvo & Lincoln were beneath me, I love the LS/LT/MKR & the C30. Please get over your inadequacies, this post is not about me it is about the customer life cycle! Do a google, read a case study, it is usually better business to sell higher price point items, on average they equate to a higher profit margin.

 

If a starter vehicle is a Mustang then the consumer has a preference towards sporty vehicles, as they get older a 2 door might not cut it, so it would be only natural for a sporty 2 door customer to gravitate towards a sporty 4 door vehicle and later back to a sporty 2 door vehicle.

Edited June 18, 2007 by JM.

[BlackHorse]

I'm not going to respond to anymore posts of this nature, because they are off topic. But I will say IMO a snob is quick to judge others, and judging by your posts you seem to fit the bill more than I. Judging by sales numbers Jaguars hardly impress anyone so if I say I want a Jag it must not be to impress people! I never said Volvo & Lincoln were beneath me, I love the LS/LT/MKR & the C30. Please get over your inadequacies, this post is not about me it is about the customer life cycle! Do a google, read a case study, please just educate yourself Blackhorse, it is good business to sell higher price point items, on average they equate to a higher profit margin.

 

If a starter vehicle is a Mustang then the consumer has a preference towards sporty vehicles, as they get older a 2 door might not cut it, so it would be only natural for a sporty 2 door customer to gravitate towards a sporty 4 door vehicle and later back to a sporty 2 door vehicle.

 

Great, you're going to use the old "It's not me it's you!!" routine. Whatever man. What's next, "I'm rubber you're glue." Get outta here with that crap.

Lincoln doesn't cut it as sporty luxury and anything with a blue oval surely doesn't cut it. Volvo, while nice, is too safe and too boring for my tastes.

Your words.

 

I never said Volvo & Lincoln were beneath me,

 

Also your words.

[wescoent]

JM

 

Since apparenlty you "cut to the chase" halfway through the first page by your own admission then I'll ask the question again. What in the hell sort of job requires you to go out and buy some ultra luxury sedan in order to "fit the part"? Furthermore, if it's that important to your job position then it seems to me that whatever company you're working for would provide you with a company car in order to ensure you don't get the wrong car "for your part". If, as you say, there is simply not a Volvo or Lincoln that will fit the bill then apparently there is some sort of strict criteria as to what qualifies for this "professional" image you have to portray with your car. Otherwise it's just your personal preference right? Now if it's just your personal preference and you just personally find Volvo and Lincoln to be beneath you and not good enough to be caught dead in, well then that brings me back to my first impression, you're a snob. So maybe you should clear the air a little.

Oh, I nearly forgot, the one glaring flaw in your whole theory. Unless I'm mistaken, you're point of view is that Ford makes a good starter car with respect to say the Fusion, the Taurus, what have you . But as a person ages and gets more digits on the left side of their decimal poinit in their bank account then they also want to buy something more upscale to drive and by your own admission you believe that Ford doesn't offer that, that Ford is just "a good starter car." So what about Ranchers? Farmers? Construction Company Owners? Do you think these guys aspire to take out across some construction sight or the back 40 in their brand new BMW 5 series? I mean lets face it, they probably make as much or more than you, but somehow I don't see them aspiring to the cushy soft BMW do you? How about the fact that there's millions of people out there that will never obtain an income level high enough to buy a 5 Series or a Jag? They will always be middle class workers and are prefectly happy with that. Didn't you take that into account? Is Ford supposed to ignore them in favor of developing high dollar overpriced luxury sedans that will only sell to a very small percentage of the overall population?

 

I think no matter where you go, or what profession you're in, or what income level you're at, there's a natural desire to "move up in the world" when it comes to what vehicle you drive. For a rancher or construction company owner, this might mean moving from a Ranger, to an F-150, to a King Ranch F-150 or Lincoln Mark LT. As much as they get ripped on for it, this is why I think Ford hit the jackpot by offering these high-buck pick-em-up trucks. That's just what people in parts of the country find prestigous, the same way someone on the coast might find a BMW prestigous.

 

Another example might be an elementary school teacher. Teachers, like many middle-class jobs, hit a salary plateau, and never make enough to afford a Lexus LS460. For their progression, they might start out in an old Escort, move up to a Fusion, and eventually get a Taurus or a Sable as their high-buck ride. For $30,000, you can get a pretty pimped-out Taurus or Sable, whose only fault is the Ford or Mercury badge.

 

And then we get into the higher-income professions. I work in financial services in the New York area, where a typical starting salary for someone fresh out of school is about $75,000, without even talking about bonuses. By time you're in the industry for 5 or 6 years, you're already midway into the 6-figures, and a 7-figure income is not unusual by any means in non-executive positions. It's a lot of long hours, high-level thinking, and no small amount of luck. You can afford a pretty well-equipped BMW 3-Series right out of school without your bank account even noticing. The 3-Series is a pretty nice car that a lot of people would kill for, so what do you move up to? It's not that a Lincoln or Volvo is beneath us, per se, but you want to keep moving up the ladder. Personally, I view a car partly as a reward for hard work, and I have to wonder why I busted my ass in school and in the office for years if I'm going to be driving the same car as I could have afforded 10 years ago right out of school.

 

Of course, you could plow your earnings into boats, mansions, race horses, rare relics, gold statues of chickens, or whatever gets you going. Around here, I would expect the higher-income members of this forum to be plowing their earnings into fine automobiles. I know a managing partner of a top boutique accounting firm who's driven Volvos since the beginning of time, and puts his money into top of the line private education for his kids, and mammoth donations to his church. He's not a car enthusiast, so I wouldn't expect him to roll a Maserati Quattroporte when all he wants is a safe, comfortable car to get him from A to B.

 

And again... a lot of high-income people are influenced by their peers, and gain satisfaction by knowing they have cars just as cool as their friends at the office or on the block. Same reason kids buy Honda Civics, and rural folks buy Chevy Silverados. The money could be better spent elsewhere (same way you save by getting a Taurus over a Mercedes S550) or you could get more car for the money, but for a lot of people, this is their priority. This makes them feel good. So the question is, what's wrong with Ford selling cars to these people? They want to drive a Jaguar XF-R to be cooler than their buddy's equally priced Mercedes E550. His money is just as good as the money of the elementary school teacher buying an AWD Taurus. The XF costs more to develop, but Ford is making probably triple in profit compared to the Taurus.

 

There doesn't have to be a "Rob Peter to pay Paul" situation by having Jaguar and Land Rover. The XF is going to be an absolute knockout, and in no way did it prevent Ford from bringing out a kickass Taurus for Ford.

[one2gamble]

Stop blaming Jac Nasser, he did not buy Jaguar

 

 

no, but he made decisions that ran it into the ground.

[one2gamble]

VOLVO...

 

 

Ford lots dont sell Volvos in very many places. So unless Ford is going to ship S80's to their Ford lots so people can have a nice loaner..........

 

 

Not to mention Volvo isnt even a luxury player on most lists. Its a "next best" unless you have a family and safety is your concern. They still have a long way to go in developing that name plate.

 

The only thing ford has to sell to "upper management" are RR's and Jags.

 

What in the hell sort of job requires you to go out and buy some ultra luxury sedan in order to "fit the part"?

 

Virtually every executive in the country. Many people look at "how well the executives are doing" in relation to the health of the company.

 

The vehicle needs to fit the image of the company. Contractors drive trucks because thats what they are expected to drive. Half of them probably have a luxury car in the garage for weekends but you wont see it at the job site or to make a sell because thats not what people are expecting.

 

If I am trying to close a multi-million dollar business deal, I doubt the people involved want to ride around in a $20,000 fusion.

Edited June 18, 2007 by one2gamble

[wescoent]

Ford lots dont sell Volvos in very many places. So unless Ford is going to ship S80's to their Ford lots so people can have a nice loaner..........

Not to mention Volvo isnt even a luxury player on most lists. Its a "next best" unless you have a family and safety is your concern. They still have a long way to go in developing that name plate.

 

The only thing ford has to sell to "upper management" are RR's and Jags.

 

Can't forget the chauffered Town Cars...

[xr7g428]

I think there is a lack of understanding about the luxury car market. Particularly where the car is a business tool.

 

The question was asked about what kind of job requires a high end (black, big is about prestige, not size) car. Here is how that works:

 

First of all, most of these people do not have a job in the sense that they have a salary. These are people whose incomes are primarily determined by their success at accomplishing goals. This might be a realtor who sells Commercial property, or a business owner or managing director. They are in a high stakes game. Win big, lose big. Example:

 

A client is coming to visit. They will be flying in on their own plane. They are coming in to make a decision about placing your product in a few thousand retail stores. There are literally millions of dollars on the table, and perhaps hundreds of jobs. Winners have learned that they want to deal with winners. Show up at the airport in a Fusion, and game over. Show up in Taurus and you better have a story about how the Jag is in the shop... Already you are making excuses. Show up in Mercedes S class, and the client knows that you are at least good for the lease payment. When you hit the meeting room, the table better be loaded with pastry and juice and fresh coffee. Most likely, none of it will be touched. (The staff will take care of it!). Lunch will be catered in, or it is off to a very fine restaurant, where the servings are small and the prices are high. And nobody cares about impressing the valet, the point is that the car is parked up front, the staff have anticipated your departure so the AC has had time to cool off the interior. What impresses the valet is the $50 tip, if they get the show done right. All of this is no substitute for the substance of the deal. Every part of the presentation must be honed to a fine edge, every detail in perfect order. No car, no lunch, can over come incompetence. You have to have the whole package. If all goes well, the agreements are signed, and the evening will be spent at an even better restaurant where your client will order insanely expensive wine, and in general, prove that he can spend your money... But that is okay, because you are now in business together, and the client knows you are going to make a bunch of money supplying his stores.

 

The point is, successful people want to do business with successful people. If the difference between the cost of a Mercedes and a Ford is material to your business, then you probably are not very successful. Of course, the staff is going to piss and moan over how much money was spent entertaining the customer, never realizing that the customer is just spending his own money...

 

How to lose the very same deal: Same product, same price, different presentation. Show up in three year old Taurus that smells like McDonald's fries. Tell client how you bought the car off Hertz for a fraction of original sticker. Offer client Folgers coffee in paper cup. Do presentation in employee break room. Bring in one of those three foot long subway sandwiches for lunch. Offer both Coke and Diet Coke, in cans. Use big red plastic cups and leave the ice in the bag. Invite the customer to dinner with the office gang at Sizzler (all you can eat ribs night!). The staff is all very happy about free dinner. Too bad they all get laid off when the deal goes to the competitor.