Quote:
Originally Posted by vtec to vvel
if you are a major company, like nissan, chances are, the public's opinion will not matter, and if it does, it does not carry as much weight as you think. for a major company, profit > public opinion. you even stated that they will ignore alot of it, if not all of it.
public gripe doesn't mean sh*t to car companies because even if you don't buy it, there will always be that audience that will. take a look at ford - ABSOLUTE GARBAGE, yet people buy them.
also, if you actually read the threads that contain the complaints, it's more of a venting fest, rather than constructive criticism. there are some that are legit complaints, though.
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Obviously profit is the priority but if you dont think public opinion/perception can directly affect profit and therefore Nissan's decision making I think you're kidding yourself. Look a the low sales numbers. The 370z isnt a car that Nissan can just throw out at the public and ignore all feedback because it'll get sold regardless. Public opinion definitely matters when it comes to a niche car like the 370z. Even more so BECAUSE the target demo isnt very large. Its already been shown that public gripes and perceptions have led to changes. Ill just name a few. You think Nissan added an oil cooler out of the kindness of their heart or because it was an absolute necessity? You think 15+ Nismos took away the wing and made the ride a little softer just because? How about the price decrease? Because Nissan wanted to help us out? Auto option for 15+ Nismos?
These changes came about due to public opinion, owner's continued gripes, and/or major publication auto reviews that shaped perception and therefore possibly future sales. These changes cost money and wouldnt likely happen unless Nissan felt it'd lead to more prospective buyers and sales. Continued oil temp gripes from owners and reviewers. Constant rear visibility and public opinion(not necessarily core demo opinion) that the wing was annoyingly ostentatious or boy tunerish. Constant criticism of the Nismo harsh ride. Nissan actually took AWAY performance to get more in line with the majority opinion and away from hardcore loyalist desires. Reviewers/owners/prospective buyers began to lament the decrease in "bang for buck" value the Z had been known for and the public opinion spoke with its wallets by not buying the Z to a point that Nissan lowered the price...
Like a said, Nissan might ignore a bit but some it wont and changes will come. Unfortunately the largest voice they seem to hear is the "car costs more than what it's worth" so I think instead of increasing all around performance and stats, they might change their target demo next time around and therefore possibly the nature of the car as we presently know it in an attempt to increase sales for the model.