Too many vehicle models?

[pdoel]

I got my issue of Motor Trends last night where it listed the 2006 Car of the Year.

There were over 20 contenders, and many were all new models. And quite a few that weren't replacing some older model. Just a new addition to the lineup.

And of course, we've seen dozens upon dozens of SUVs added to lineups as well over the years.

It's nice to see a plethora of choices, but, it got me thinking.

While we have so many choices on actual models, it seems that when it comes to actually getting what you want, it's getting tougher and tougher.

Do you want a stick? Well, then you get a base model. Do you want a sunroof, well, then it's packaged with leather seats, 17" wheels, premium sound, etc. etc. etc.

Cars are much more "pre-packaged" now. I do understand the concept. You push out what you think most people want, just make a bunch of the same. It saves costs, and it keeps unwanted models from sitting for months at dealership lots.

However, I wonder if a lot of this has to do with the fact that there are just SO many models now.

Maybe before, a manufacturer had 5 models to choose from, made 100,000 of each, and there was a wide variety. If you wanted a stick, it made sense to have 15,000 of those with a manual, with any option (or no options).

But now that manufacturers have 10-15 models, and only making maybe 30,000-40,000 of each, it's much tougher to really offer a huge variety within each model. So they pretty much tell us what we should want in those models.

I do like the variety, but I just wish it were easier to get exactly what you want, rather than get what the dealer or manufacturer wants you to want.

[squeebug]

yup yup. or the fact that, if you get a certian model class, such as GL or GLS, you automatically get so much extra crap even if you just want it for one stinking little thing. or if you get this different engine, then you have to get it with auto and/or you have to add this other package.

[Deserion]

Or when the same vehicle is offered by six "brands" (Chevy Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Saab 9-7X, Buick Rainier, Oldsmobile Bravada, Isuzu Ascender, etc.).

Not to mention all the badge-engineering going on... That, too, makes for too many models produced.

-Des

[CaptainXeroid]

Originally Posted by Deserion

...badge-engineering going on...

I was thinking the same thing, and this is the reason Plymouth and Oldsmobile were retired. Bade-engineering is all they offered for many years.

Originally Posted by pdoel

...I do like the variety, but I just wish it were easier to get exactly what you want, rather than get what the dealer or manufacturer wants you to want.

I think many people would say they agree, but from the manufacturer's standpoint, it makes more sense. Fewer options mean simpler production runs and lower costs.

Another advantage of having fewer options manifests itself in the used car market. When you see the trim level, you know what equipment the car has, so you just pick exterior color, # of doors if applicable, and A/T or manual.

If you really want a too many vehicle models, try shopping for a full size pickup. With various wheelbases, bed lengths, towing capacities, and the other options, the sheet is a mile long.

The Japanese really put the hurt on American auto-makers with the 'pre-packaged' cars among other reasons. With internet car shopping on the increase, I think we may see the end of the 'option sheet' as auto makers seek to completely streamline the production process.

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by CaptainXeroid

Another advantage of having fewer options manifests itself in the used car market. When you see the trim level, you know what equipment the car has, so you just pick exterior color, # of doors if applicable, and A/T or manual.

Oh, I understand that completely, but that's the point.

Years ago, a manufacturer may have only had 5 models. So, for each model, they could do several different configurations. For instance, maybe they could have three trim levels, each available in stick or auto. So, out of maybe 100,000 they produced, 20,000 were base model, 60,000 were mid-range, and 20,000 were fully loaded. Then, within each trim level, maybe make 10% manuals, and the rest auto. So you had a nice choice.

And maybe back then, with 5 models, selling 100,000 of each, they'd sell a total of 500,000 vehicles.

Now, they have 10+ models to choose from. If they still sell the same number of cars, that's 50,000 of each. So, if they still wanted different trim levels, you're talking a much smaller number for each. So it makes it more difficult to really break out the different levels, and make more choices.

So, while it's nice to have a choice between so many different models, it makes it so much tougher to find one that is optioned out to fit your needs.

I think I liked it better when we had fewer choices. You'd find a model you really liked, and could get it optioned exactly the way you wanted.

Now, there are probably a dozen cars that I LOVE. But, I can't get any of them in a configuration that would make me happy.

[CaptainXeroid]

Originally Posted by pdoel

...Now, there are probably a dozen cars that I LOVE. But, I can't get any of them in a configuration that would make me happy.

Yeah, that is a bummer. Kinda' like the 4Runner only being available in A/T since that's the way most Americans seem to want them.

I'm sure the dealers like it since they can 'pressure' people to buy what's already on the lot by telling them they can't 'special order' a car any more.

btw...I figured you knew...I was trying to help out the newbies.