Competition is the very heart of America. Without free enterprise, this country will not be in this condition right now. The winner takes it all. Camaro/Trans Am died, Mustang lives. The 60's cars are good; I love them. However, modern cars perform better than them (accelates, brakes, corners, better ergonomics, better emissions, etc).
Sure some of us are hardcore Mustang fans. However, we must also realize that the competition continues. In making Mustang, Ford doesn't compete with GM anymore. In reality, there are other auto makers that offer performer cars for Mustang's price range. I just took Evo and STi as an example. Omitting personal sentiments, these competitions, give buyers purchase options.
Be honest, are you or all of your household only use American brands. Are all of your electronics RCAs? Would you buy a better electronic foreign made product for a better price? Wouldn't you be happy if the domestic makers will then be able to offer a better and cheaper products to fight these competitions? Regardless, the customers win.
The same thing will happen with Mustang. The market will tell by the sales number. Ford must improves Mustang to be better and cheaper in order to make Mustang survives in the future. Isn't the very heart of Mustang an affordable performance i.e. bang for the bucks?
Now, let me take the Evo as an example again. This car undercuts the Cobra by about $6k. Yet, it performs better in some categories tested and even finished a bit better in the final summary (see my attachment). For the sake of simplicity, let's forget the modification capabilities since both cars have tons of potentials. Please also let styling to be a subjective matter (this is a Mustang board. Of course, everyone loves Mustang). This is a real competition.
Don't despise the competitors. If people buy them, let them do that. Ford will then be forced to improve the Mustang further. At the end of the day, you'll get a better and cheaper Mustang.
PS: And for a personal note, I don't only read crappy magazines. I have the February issue of Hemming Muscle Machines right next to me now. Know yourself and know your competitions.
BTW, I don't mean to insult anyone by this crappy Strategic Management 101 materials. I just want to elaborate my points
. Peace
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http://www.motortrend.com/features/scenes/112_0306_spdint/