Niches

I recognise that there were many possible nichés within the older car market, say 5 years ago, but in today's market, there aren't any more, yet car companies seem to keep finding them and making a car to fill it. It's like they're creating an answer to a question that nobody has asked except the executives at the car companies. 

Let us take Audi as an example for this one. We all know their models, the A1 to A8, the 'Q' series of cars and now the incoming 'e-tron' series. Not that many cars (13 ish) but, taking in all the bodystyles, you're up to about 45. Now, while this may be a good thing for the company (many cars for people to chose from, therefore there must be a car for everyone) it isn't a good thing for the public. They're given too much choice, and are therefore more likely to pick a car that actually isn't for them. Let's be honest, who needs 2 versions of the standard (3door), sportback (5 door) and saloon versions of the same car (A3/S3) Another stupid thing is that the A3 and other variants start at 18,900 GBP whereas the S versions start at 30,000 GBP. And what do you get for your extra 12K? a stiffer ride, less comfy (but more supportive) seats, and a thirstier engine. Madness

US BMW website

UK BMW website. Notice the difference?

Another Company that does this is BMW. But they're even worse, because they have 34 models, but you can have any one of 466 variants. Yes, you saw that right, 466. And that's only in the UK, in the US, you can have even more variants. You can choose one of 3 4-series convertibles, before you get to the M4. Or one of 4 6-series convertibles. What's wrong with just offering one model and having a couple more engine choices BMW? or are you just trying to patronise the Americans? (No offence meant) I also don't understand the new numbering system for Beemers. The 3 coupé is now the 4, with a 4-door 4-series  in the works. That's already happened with the 1-series. (The coupé and saloon are now the 2, with the hatchback the only 1-series) Personally, I don't understand the motives behind this move, but who am I but a 15-year old boy? My dad went into a BMW dealership the other week and, whilst chatting with the salesman, asked why there had been a name change. the salesman didn't know, which goes to prove how stupid the move has been. 

466 Model variants. 

To conclude, car companies are trying to find too many nichés, and are filling them with pointless cars, then replicating those cars (The 2-series and 4-series BMWs have the same engines and the 1 and 3 respectively) to get more money. Probably. Stupid idea anyway, if you ask me. Sorry about the slight technical hitch here, I don't know what happened.