Quote:
Originally Posted by spuntyb
I guess someone should tell Audi, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Buick, and even Porsche. The problem is BMW doesn't have a sales case for wagons in the US that makes sense for *them*. Enthusiasts want them, particularly performance wagons. Those actually do just fine here, even if the volume isn't high. But, as we have to mention time and again, that's the point. We like them rare and special.  |
The problem with telling Volvo, MBenz, Jaguar is that a large portion of these cars are made to order. Dealers don't stock them. Simply put, it's not a good business plan where the majority of buyers prefer SUVs.
For example, cars.com has over 2 thousand new E Class models cars, you know how many are wagons? 142. Want to know how many total new E63s (the high performance wagon, the same market that BMW would be chasing for the G81), 13. There are 13 total new E63S wagons for sale in America.
Volvo V90 R-Design models? 27, total, in the entire country.
Enthusiast wagons simply don't sell. Sure, there are plenty of VW Jetta Sportwagons and Golf Sportwagons but they have a cult following and their own SUVs outsell those. It's a completely different customer that BMW is chasing with a $80K wagon. Unfortunately for us, there' aren't enough customers to make it profitable.