Saturday I attended Exotics at Redmond Town Center, E@RTC. It’s a local cars and coffee that gives automotive enthusiasts an excuse to get up early and take a favorite ride for a drive. Like-minded car people spend the morning enjoying conversation, looking at cool cars, and engaging in friendly banter about horse power, exhaust systems and suspension set ups.
This week’s marque was Porsche which happens to be one of my favorites.
As I looked over a sea of Stuttgart’s finest and spoke with their loyal fans I thought about how a brand becomes so loved. We know greatness when we experience it and we seek to be a part of that brand. Like so many great brands they all have some common characteristics.
• It begins with a visionary leader who is passionate about creating change in the world.
• There exists a talented and passionate team with a purpose who believes in the leader’s vision.
• They all hold a genuine caring for the customer.
When great brands veer off the road, as most eventually do, it’s usually because the vision and passion has been lost. Which brands that you clamor for share these traits?
Well, you know….
With cars, racing heritage and iconic older models mean the most to me. Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Ford racing engines, Lola and Lotus are my weaknesses. Of the first three, only Porsche has a current car I would consider buying (GT4, GT3, GT3RS). BMW and MB cars seem to have gotten too big and complicated over the years, and all new cars have so many electrical sensors and motors. I wonder if they will live and function long enough to become classics. My brand faithfulness does not extend too far beyond car imaginings.