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Scott - has BMW seen what Ford is doing with the new Focus? Seems like Ford has stollen your premium luxury idea.
The new Focus has: lane assistance, speed limit sign reading, auto braking. navi, basically everything except a HUD system. Too bad the interior looks like dog doo-do.
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It is not a question of stolen ideas it is more a progression of the Auto industry for this decade. in the economic crisis BMW and everyone else found customers were downsizing or buying smaller models in which for BMW the greatest advantage was for the MINI , 1er and 3er.
As of now as reflected by latest product announcements manufacturers are focusing on the single important growth sectors of this decade to understand in BMW terms it is the MINI/UKL , Premium Compact and Premium Entry.
Because of the advance to these segments they are more profitable because the segments are more diverse which is why BMW are looking at additional concepts for all these three sectors.
Even though customers were downsizing or buying smaller they were still purchasing expensive options. With the 1er and 3er because they are volume models BMW can carry premium options on to these cars but because they will be volume the cost can be spread so for the 1er and 3er they become more cost effective for production and the customer.
The overlooming spectre of efficiency also hovers over the industry in total and in the last few years companies have been looking at alternative power , and improving engines to become more efficient.
The question you have to ask is where do you see the luxury car in about twenty years from now? will it exist as it exists today? or will it be smaller?
The advance to more compact luxury cars is to show that if heavy environmental legislations come to pass and the customer is taxed out of their cars? then the same level of luxury will be available in a more diverse choice of product.