It was getting a bit annoying to watch last 8 pages of the forum conversation and I thought it is time to issue a wake up call. I had written earlier in this thread to highlight some points.
Instead of wantedly punching holes (unconvicingly) we must encourage local manufacturing, local science & technology innovations, local talent development actively. But it is unfair expect all of it, in one single product.
I am totally supportive of Indian manufacturers trying to hold on their own and grow this industry. If we do not support such industries, in a couple of generations' time, we will pack off our industries like those of the West and possibly go out with a begging bowl to common wealth.
I am travelling and this morning, The Independent of London carried a full article on what Eric Schmidt spoke about UK not investing into Science & Technology and how it will bring the UK down in the time of next few generations. UK once had the best auto manufacturing & design skills and today where is Rover, JLR, etc have landed up? Just because the country had become so complacent that it stopped innovating - it is a painful process but that's why it is a bit difficult for low IQ chaps to file science patents but India has many high IQ chaps toiling in IT instead of contributing to science and technology development in the nation. Read this, it is good:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-st...e-2344672.html
India should never become a population of 1 Billion tweeters and it is very heartening to see people like us on the streets for supporting Anna Hazare's cause. So lets get the good for nothing theory out for once and get something good going.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shankar.balan appreciate what has been said about Toyota etc
However, mere bulk of metal is no guarantee for safety.
also, such a large hulk of metal does, in my opinion at least require ABS.
Else there is a possible risk of aquaplaning, skidding etc when braking hard. Suffice it to say that most of the buyers of this beast will most probably be leaden footed, which means a large mass of hurtling metal with possibly inadequate stopping power! of course this is a mere surmise as of now but it certainly seems likely!
but one of the main grouses I ve got is the overall fit and finish quality that we Indian Manufacturers dole out to us poor consumers. Why cant they get that right at least? and then consider charging this "premium" to us poor toads! |
Your personal opinion with a lots of assumptions on how others drive and they will only drive badly, all the time. Very theoretical rhetoric. This issue you're trying to raise has nothing to do with the potential of this vehicle in this country and if you go by other Force products with a Merc heart, this will do well too. And it does not mean that we need to lower our standards or set them too low. Compare Force One with a Pajero or Endy from an average Indian customer who had 15L to spend 5 years back versus now. I think the picture will become quite clear immediately.
About safety issues you're highlighting here is what I think is factual. What about Innova GX, Safari LX & EX, Tata Sumo, Chevy Tavera, Scorpio below SLE etc.? Force is planning to bring the other options and they're transparent about it. So if you are not the mass market customer who values safety over the other features provides, then it means you should wait and bicker while waiting. It is purchase decision/consumer behaviour aspect that customers and marketers understand anyways to a large degree. I honestly don't see point in deliberately punching holes, for the sake of it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shankar.balan certainly it doesnt make sense. but that doesnt justify the launch of the Force one without any safety stuff, given the price.
and anyway, this is 2011 and the consumers have evolved considerably in terms of both their knowledge and expectations. |
Doesn't make sense? Even at 10L? So who bought Aria at 20 L OTR in BLR? It had TC, ABS, 4x4 and 45 other features. And this vehicle at <15 L has 75 features of all kinds.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aroy If I am not wrong, the original Chinese vehicle was based on the old Ford Explorer. That is why it looks like one. |
I am not sure if that is true. Other than the name, the chassis dimensions and wheelbase are different from all generations of Ford Explorer.
Sharing Wheel base comparison below for instance,
Force One Wheel Base: 3025 mm
Ford Explorer
Gen 1: 2842 mm
Gen 2: 2831 mm
Gen 3 & 4: 2890 mm
Gen 5: 2,860 mm
Can you share your source please?
Quote:
Originally Posted by WhiteKnight Endy is a massive wastage of real estate. It can transport 4 people in some questionable level of comfort. Now, any automobile which costs 40% less would do a better job than that. |
+1 to that
Quote:
Originally Posted by eq24 I am a bit apprehensive about the safety features in this vehicle, no airbags, no ABS, surely those should be standard in any car manufactured today. I think the Indian government should step in and make those features a must have, like most European countries do. I am sure there wont be a single person who wouldnt justify paying extra for such life saving neccessaties. |
As it turns out that about 80% of the country's MUV/SUV buyers are okay without them. Just look at the Bolero, Sumo, Scorpio, Innova, Safari buyers who spend
similar monies.
Quote:
Originally Posted by eq24 Also could someone tell me what other alternatives in this range are coming out? Much appreciated. |
March 2010 is when 4x4 and ABS'ed versions are out apparently. Source:
http://www.motorbeam.com/cars/force-...-suv-in-india/
BH.