Secret to Success

A couple of weeks ago, we wondered whether BMW's ever expanding line-up, from their efforts to fill niches created by their rivals to creating even more niches like the 5-series GT to answer questions that no one bothered to ask, were in fact sullying their core DNA.

To this, IEDEI reflected disappointment, "...a confused and uninspired marque that is trying way too many things at the same time----with different ideas and scattered attention span... I really miss the BMW that I grew up loving in the 80s and early 90s, I hope it comes back someday..."

Well this weekend, I've got another bone to pick. All this time, and I blame my ignorance, I believed that the Cygnet was only available to existing Aston owners who wishes to own another vehicle that would better suit day to day city driving. It isn't. I also believed that Aston Martin would never sell out their image as supreme builders of GT cars and that their position behind the Cygnet was simply a project used to curve their thirsty lineup just enough as to not offend Europe's CO2 regulations or our CAFE standards (2012 NHTSA: 31.7 mpg).

Badge Loyalty

Badge Loyalty. I'm willing to bet that more than some of you will think of that guy with the Ford logo tattooed on the back of his head (true story, this guy actually exists) or the family with a mailbox in the shape of the ubiquitous Bow Tie. Today, I submit a different definition- A marque's loyalty to the essence of the badge they place on the hood of their automobiles.