Excellent points. Why do you think DCX was not able to achieve a similar thing with Maybach? ...I assume everyone would agree there is nothing wrong with Maybach the brand -- it has a very strong image in its intended market. Do you think things could work for Maybach with a redesigned 57/62?
If the S600/S65/ODC really are enough to take on the 'cheaper' Bentleys under the Mercedes name, do you think it is at all viable to keep the Maybach badge (on a redesigned flagship model) to take on the RR Phantom? ...or should the entire Maybach operation be scrapped?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Osnabrueck Maybach, unfortunately, isn't a real entity. It's just a name and a fashion concept. |
There is truth in this ...but I wonder is the Rolls-Royce brand much more?
BMW's Rolls-Royce operation is also entirely an illusion -- it has no real connection at all with the past (unlike Bentley which is still produced at the old factory in Crewe, South Cheshire). The Phantom is really only assembled in England.
I believe the success of the Rolls-Royce Phantom can be put down to the highly attuned design culture at BMW. Eni and I have been discussing the design culture at BMW in
THIS thread -- I honestly think it is this design integrity at BMW that has greatly contributed to the success of Rolls-Royce (and Mini). The Phantom may only be connected (in real terms) to Rolls-Royces of the past in name only ...but it was conceived with an acute understanding of the values and culture of the Rolls-Royce marque. The whole vehicle (every aspect of it, both actual/mechanical and abstract/sensory) was carried out with a thorough awareness of intentions and a united vision of the aesthetics required to pull it off. In my opinion, this is what gives the Phantom a much higher level of authenticity than the Maybach.