GM Dealers Offering Test Drives...

Of the Competition! Possibly the strangest thing you'll ever see/hear but it's true. As Seth Godin points out this is perfect, exact transparent marketing. If a potential customer can't see why your product is better then why would they buy right? Well this is a great way to highlight the benefits of your product over anyone else's. Much respect to GM.

Maserati MC12

This is, without a doubt, one of the fanciest cars ever. The Maserati MC12. Arguably not as good as an Enzo, but let's talk about this in more detail later. For tonight, let's just admire the beauty of the thing.

Too Fast

So, why go into a roundabout at an approach at like 45mph plus? I mean lets face it, you're already going above the speed limit. I am guessing that these people have forgotten the rule that you MUST GIVE WAY to someone who is already on the roundabout, whether you are off to the right or in front of them!

So there we are, small rant for today. People are driving too fast, even if it's only the cause of 5-7% of accidents. Speed if you like, but do so when it's safe to go over the limit. I doubt doing 75mph on a motorway will really put too much at risk - but going very fast up to a roundabout certainly does.

Audi TT and Nissan 350Z

I@ve got a new article over at Gadzooki about the two cars. I wonder which I'll end up buying...

Halfords - Why Do You Do It?

I go to Halfords every so often. I like to see what is new in, talk to staff who are knowledgeable about cars and see the stupid motors that people have parked outside. But, referring to the eponymous question, why do you do it? Do what I hear you shout from the back! Very simple, have the most annoying, self serving, unhelpful till staff I have come across?

Most of the people working in the Halfords branch I visit are guys. That is not a sexist statement, it's simply fact. Every time I have walked to the till however, I've seen the face of a rather pretty girl. A girl though who has seemingly no idea of customer service. I've originally started this blog with the intention of covering marketing and cars... so let me have more of that here.

Good marketing is a combination of things, but it can be described as thus:

"it consists of the social and managerial processes by which products (goods or services) and value are exchanged in order to fulfill the needs and wants of individuals or groups"
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing)

Now bear that in mind. Processes by which goods are valued. I'm quite interested in this process, and I'll soon have chartered status I hope. That's by the by. What is very relevant however is the fact that if at any stage in this two way process of valuation of goods, you're going to automatically devalue your own product if you do not serve me well.

Every other part in the process of marketing was quite well done. From the reasonably well put together website (you don't get a free link because of the service) to the other staff - it was all great. So why did you cock it up at the end of the process? I would quite happily make an official complaint, but much like most consumers I am not willing to put in the effort for the negligible return. So what I'll do instead is go to a specialist or shop using your online store.

Maybe I'll make a complaint in the future if I have to go back. In the meantime, get it sorted out. Consumers will react very quickly to bad service, which in turn tells us something indirectly about the company, if not the product. So Halfords, please get it right next time. Once a mistake can happen, twice - everyone has an off day. Three times though? Well I start shouting about it elsewhere...

Nissan 350Z Cabriolet

Well, I've made it pretty obvious that I am lusting after a Nissan 350Z. In fact, I saw the Cabriolet version, top down of course at a new car showroom. Man, I almost dropped to the floor. Huge wheels, fantastic arches, great rear - oh yes.

So, going back on topic, I saw the most amazing car today on an 05' plate, price tag to match. Why oh why is it so expensive? It certainly looks the part though. I was almost offered a test drive, even when I'd pointed out that I was not buying (or should that be biting) today as I was waiting for some money to come through.

With regard to the actual paint job, that crazy burnt orange that the Nissan 350Z has as a 'flagship' is a bit special but even more so when teamed with the leather interior - of the same colour. It really does look fantastic.

One concern did have for the 350Z in a Cabriolet form was that it might have looked a bit odd - a bit too kei car for my liking. However, I really did think that the body shape was top class. It is true though that the 23k is maybe a bit steep. However, the coupe version should be able to be had for about 16k, though that's an older plate. So there we are anyway, I'd better get saving. Only about 10k to go for the coupe...

Mazda MX-5 Intro Video

Here's a video of the MX-5 - it has a lot of soul as you can see...