Does HSV understand its Market?

[zorro]

The GTS-R was a very limited edition model. It was quite expensive, for what was really just a GTS with a whopping big rear wing, a smattering of small carbon trim bits, and a Vic taxi yellow paint job (true- exactly the same paint code).
One might dare suggest that that warm, fuzzy feeling owners got from being treated "specially" was the main reason the car was dearer to begin with...
Hardly anything is ever "free" in life. If people are happy to pay a few grand more to have their ego stroked, well, power to them hey...
The rest are probably just happy to get a good car for the money.

I'd think it is fitting seeing as someone has forked out the coin for a limited edition, a little ball tickle is better than being ignored.

My old man hasn't owned a BMW for 15yrs and still gets the magazine subscription for free, got Porsche club membership and drive days at Mt Cotton and was invited and had all but airfare paid for by Aston Martin for a uk event I think was an milestone anniversary from memory.

At the end of the day customer service should be the same no matter if you buying a 2k corrola from a 2nd hand yard to a 2mil veyron. How else do you keep your customers?

[C4B]

There is no such thing as a free lunch - correct - but special experiences that were had back in John Crennans day were invaluable lifelong experiences and memories . . . these do not happen anymore!!

I remember going to the Mark Skaife drive day that was included with the purchase of the VTII GTS300. Spent the day with Skaife fanging the crap out of well over a Million Dollars worth of new GTS's at the Holden Performance Driving Centre at Norwell.

Funny thing was, the first thing they did when you arrived was hand you a little bottle of Mobil1 and tell you to put it in your car prevent oil surge.

[SilverVH]

The GTS-R was a very limited edition model. It was quite expensive, for what was really just a GTS with a whopping big rear wing, a smattering of small carbon trim bits, and a Vic taxi yellow paint job (true- exactly the same paint code).
One might dare suggest that that warm, fuzzy feeling owners got from being treated "specially" was the main reason the car was dearer to begin with...
Hardly anything is ever "free" in life. If people are happy to pay a few grand more to have their ego stroked, well, power to them hey...
The rest are probably just happy to get a good car for the money.

With thinking like that, maybe you should apply for HSV CEO?

[Carby]

No a small sharp bump at walking pace will have the rear of the VE oscillate up and down three or four times as the damper cant control it. Its a weird feeling....surely Im not the only one here that has noticed!
(Seems to be worse in the GTS with MRC Off)

That is the problem I had when I first picked up the GTS it just went up and down over all bumps. Went on a trip with some other club guys and their GTS's were fine. The MRC light was on all the time in my vehicle, and this (unbeknownst to me, being new car and all) meant there was something wrong with the MRC. Took it to the dealer and Bingo no problems ever since.

The VE rear suspension is far superior to any Commodore before it. Going hard around a corner and hitting a mid corner bump hardly ruffles the VE, previous Commodores would step out half a metre across the road!

[VYSHSV8]

Dunno but I can confirm they are currently or have been testing the LSA at Lang Lang in a E3 HSV. Apparently they have been since before October.

It's not what you know it's who you know
I have known about it for a long time..

check here
w w w.hsvforum.com.au/showthread.php?7122-Snipers-Garage%28s%29 just takes out the spaces in the w.w.w. ok
and also other places.
There is also a thread about what HSV is going to basically put into the 25th anniversary model

[VYSHSV8]

This thread has certainly made some interesting reading and shown some varying thoughts on what others rather than myself want!!!

And I guess there is a pattern emerging of different mindsets from various HSV owner demographics.

- The Company Exec that just wants a stocker HSV. . . he buys one cos he can . . . but does he buy again!!!

- The Car Tart that just wants to have a few nice cars around that make a statement - but are HSV's still making a Statement? . . that will keep him interested in the brand long term

- The Holden man that will always be a Holden Man that wants the best Holden Available

- The Holden Man that just wants his Holden to be a part of his thoughts and customises it to suit his taste!

- The Collector

. . . . and I am sure that these points can be added too on here!

But in the end . . . each of these Demograhics want a better car than their last . . . with unmatched performance and appeal in the Segment - AND RESALE VALUE that will enable he or she to upgrade whenever . . . to another "Supposedly Exclusive" Holden. . . .

I may be right or wrong but I started this thread because of my concern with HSV's resale values and values as a whole . . . and this is still my concern . . . the more HSV's that sit on Dealer floorplans and move slowly the less they are worth . . . and I think HSV need to "pull their heads in" and cut volumes to raise the value of the Brand . . . .

These are the 3 that I want...
The 2 reason's I don't own an HSV atm are
1. the cost associated
2. lack of exclusivity

So why would I spend extra$$$ on a car that every second person has, its getting similar to the AMG C63 over here, I used to see atleast 3-5 a day although I see a crap load more HSV's...

What makes me stop and look is when you see a 300 series, W427, GTS-R and those type of vehicles...

I will buy an HSV but not ATM, I want to be able to add and take things from it to suit me and be part of me, not a run of the mill car that you have to spend $$$$$ on to get it to go...

[VYSHSV8]

[QUOTE=SilverVH;1978666

No guesses who scored the first build (and he actually had input in the design of the model). I am sure he would note that as one of his more memorable experiences with buying a HSV, something which nailit might be able to confirm?
[/QUOTE]

Yep you would be correct in saying that from what I think as well, just wonder what ID/Build No he picked my guess would be 0005 again and in Red

That man has one of the best collections of HSV's and HDT's around and a Datsun just for you Martin D

[mickeyVX350]

When HSV were very exclusive, Skaife had a huge influence in the development, appearance, exhaust, ride...

You got a road car that had a lot of racing characteristics in it.

I doubt that it happens now.

I borrowed a book from Brodie (CSV_RULZ) that basically was Skaife's diary. The guy was a huge influence in HSV, and of the end product.

[macca_779]

When HSV were very exclusive, Skaife had a huge influence in the development, appearance, exhaust, ride...

You got a road car that had a lot of racing characteristics in it.

I doubt that it happens now.

I borrowed a book from Brodie (CSV_RULZ) that basically was Skaife's diary. The guy was a huge influence in HSV, and of the end product.

Your starting to turn me off HSV by illustrating that clown having an influence in them.

[mickeyVX350]

Your starting to turn me off HSV by illustrating that clown having an influence in them.

Sorry mate, but he did - suspension, dynamics... even exhaust note.

So maybe he isn't a clown - I certainly don't think so!

[csv rulz]

I think u still have that book mick! :-p will have to get it next time I'm up

[Phillshz]

Skaife was pretty heavily into the development of the HSV`s during the 2000`s. He might not be everyone`s cup of tea but he knows a bit about car tuning/handling etc.
It`s prob been on youtube for ages but i was lucky enough to see the dealer only video clip of Skaife canning a purple VYII R8 when it was brand new,now that looks like a guy that can drive!

[mickeyVX350]

Brodie - I think you still have my book!

[VYSHSV8]

Skaife was pretty heavily into the development of the HSV`s during the 2000`s. He might not be everyone`s cup of tea but he knows a bit about car tuning/handling etc.
It`s prob been on youtube for ages but i was lucky enough to see the dealer only video clip of Skaife canning a purple VYII R8 when it was brand new,now that looks like a guy that can drive!

You mean this Vid... that I think most have seen was posted on here yrs ago
Mark Skaife gives HSV Clubsport a thrashing Burnouts, Drift - YouTube

[Phillshz]

Yep thats the one.
It was a bit hush hush at the time and was dealer only.
Holden/HSV obviously dont encourage that sort of driving by its customers in brand new cars.

Those VYII R8`s were a good a bit of gear and went hard/sounded good for a stocker.
I know of a situation with a new VYII GTO Auto,the owner complained the trac cont light would come on when changing gears. Turns out it was on the 1-2 change under WOT. The thing (stock) was spinning into 2nd on the change and was enough to bring on the trac light and it allows a fair bit of wheel speed difference before it step`s in!