Does SAIC own SMA???
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sma..........
SMA IS designed to be more of a "upscale" brand compared to the standard Geely cars (although "upscale" is a relative term here). Slightly better quality of materials in the interior, slightly larger engines (overall) and a few more "upscale" features. As far as I know, Geely is the only chinese car company that is doing this, following in the tradition of Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus and Nissan/Infiniti.
SMA IS designed to be more of a "upscale" brand compared to the standard Geely cars (although "upscale" is a relative term here). Slightly better quality of materials in the interior, slightly larger engines (overall) and a few more "upscale" features. As far as I know, Geely is the only chinese car company that is doing this, following in the tradition of Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus and Nissan/Infiniti.
jmsteiny said:
Well, personally I dont think Geely is at any stage yet to be making an "upscale brand". They should first get their cheap cars to a good quality, THEN when they have the technological and manufacturing capabilities, move up to an upscale brand. Otherwise, both their regular brand and "upscale" brand will be labeled as cheap and it would negate any positive effects of having an "upscale brand".
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Geely IS improving........
Some things to think about.........
When Geely bought Jmstar in 2002 (SMA was formerly Jmstar), I think that Geely saw a bold marketing opportunity. Instead of taking the old Jmstar cars and putting the Geely name on it, Geely saw the chance to create a new brand - one that would not have the Geely "stigma" attached to it. Think of Honda - you would never see Honda putting the Acura name on the Honda City, or even the Civic!! Also, SMA now benefits from Geely's larger R&D budget, allowing for quicker development of new ideas. Geely ALSO has the chance now to create some "brand loyalty".......much as young Honda customers will move up to a Acura product when they can afford it, Geely customers might also move up to a SMA product in the future. I know these are far-reaching thoughts - but if you think 5 to 10 years in the future it IS quite possible.
The big problem with Geely right now is what I mentioned before - the "sitgma" (i.e image) that is attached to it. I am a foreigner who has lived in China now for almost 3 years......and since I am also a car enthusiast I have taken the opportunity to look at (and research) most all of the chinese cars. When I first looked at Geely on 2003, I saw a cheap, poorly designed car. In just THREE years, I have seen Geely improve immensely - better fit and finish, much better amenities provided in the interior, lots of new models to choose from - I now see a inexpensive car........not a cheap one!! However, the old image of Geely still sticks in the eyes of most Chinese people - and Geely is NOT doing a lot of advirtising or promotion to change that. SMA is perhaps Geely's first attempt to "get rid" of the old image and get people to believe in the brand name of SMA (and ultimately Geely). SMA (and Geely) still have a lot of work to do.....more aggressive advirtising and promotion (ads in car magizines, TV commercials, maybe even a new slogan) AND their cars DO need to still improve in terms of quality (especially if they want to be a success in the USA). I think they have done A LOT in the last 3 years.......it will be very interesting to see what happens in the next 3 years!!
Some things to think about.........
When Geely bought Jmstar in 2002 (SMA was formerly Jmstar), I think that Geely saw a bold marketing opportunity. Instead of taking the old Jmstar cars and putting the Geely name on it, Geely saw the chance to create a new brand - one that would not have the Geely "stigma" attached to it. Think of Honda - you would never see Honda putting the Acura name on the Honda City, or even the Civic!! Also, SMA now benefits from Geely's larger R&D budget, allowing for quicker development of new ideas. Geely ALSO has the chance now to create some "brand loyalty".......much as young Honda customers will move up to a Acura product when they can afford it, Geely customers might also move up to a SMA product in the future. I know these are far-reaching thoughts - but if you think 5 to 10 years in the future it IS quite possible.
The big problem with Geely right now is what I mentioned before - the "sitgma" (i.e image) that is attached to it. I am a foreigner who has lived in China now for almost 3 years......and since I am also a car enthusiast I have taken the opportunity to look at (and research) most all of the chinese cars. When I first looked at Geely on 2003, I saw a cheap, poorly designed car. In just THREE years, I have seen Geely improve immensely - better fit and finish, much better amenities provided in the interior, lots of new models to choose from - I now see a inexpensive car........not a cheap one!! However, the old image of Geely still sticks in the eyes of most Chinese people - and Geely is NOT doing a lot of advirtising or promotion to change that. SMA is perhaps Geely's first attempt to "get rid" of the old image and get people to believe in the brand name of SMA (and ultimately Geely). SMA (and Geely) still have a lot of work to do.....more aggressive advirtising and promotion (ads in car magizines, TV commercials, maybe even a new slogan) AND their cars DO need to still improve in terms of quality (especially if they want to be a success in the USA). I think they have done A LOT in the last 3 years.......it will be very interesting to see what happens in the next 3 years!!
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