Um, I'm gonna say, not really.
You are suggesting that your optical system (eyeballs and brain) are better able to see when the needle reaches a stripe of red on the dial than a bright red light turning on. If this were true, you would by now have learned where the redline is on the dial and notice whenever the needle was in that spot. I don't think the red is the issue.

That said, a graphical hint on the dial would be nice.

 

You're funny.... You do realize that you undercut yourself?

 

Yep. Self contradiction is a design feature of mine.

 

There's no way AML will continue with only naturally aspirated engines. The majority of their engines will be turbocharged. That's just the reality of the world. AML's n/a engines don't have the power output, fuel efficiency, and emissions levels to keep the brand marketable in most countries. That's not necessarily consumer preference, it's legal/regulatory requirements. The V12 engines are going to continue as 'prestige' engines, but the V8-engined cars need turbocharging.

 

Cheers!!!

 

+1
This is key to customer satisfaction: be supportive of your customer base! It's an incredible group of people that are proud of their cars. Forthright outreach will go a very long ways in solidifying the brand and maintaining that loyalty. Take Bleen, for example - sell him the damn gear for his transmission. That's all they had to do. "Here's the part number, call this number to order it from AML/Graziano." Done.

Aston Parts alone are expensive enough, without forcing us to buy a whole assembly as the only way to repair our cars.

 

Aston knows the ingredients that matter to it! Power, Beauty, and a Soul. If it has forgotten this and needs to ask customers what's important, then all is lost at the head of the company.

The simple problem is that the power and tech in their cars is no longer competitive with most other exotics, to the point that Aston is no longer a true exotic competitor, and as the product bar has lowered, finds itself competing for buyers of mainstream cars such as a Jags instead of Ferrari, McLaren, Lambo etc.

Only the old men and weekend cruisers are happy with the current Aston offerings. The purchase consideration levels amongst new exotic purchasers is low

However, all is not lost. The partnership with AMG can leapfrog them back to be a competitor at the top of the pack, as they were in 6 or so years ago.....not asking US customers how many cup holders they like.

I love Aston, but this is the truth.

FF

 

Well yes and NO. Like I said I was in the focus group and they were truly interested in what the customer wanted. I guess I'm one of those old men that like my car for weekends because I love it and I've owned almost every exotic out there (and still have several). Also the person that shops for a Ferrari or a Lamborghini is not the same person that is in the market for an Aston.. And unfortunately it is sometimes about cupholders NAV systems and Bluetooth because Americans are abscessed with these features. Yes having direct injection high output efficient motors is important. Along with cutting-edge technology and heritage. I think Aston Martin means different things to different people so they have to have a car that appeals to a wide group of folks.
Ron

 

I know Ron, I didn't mean to be too harsh, I suppose I am one of those old (ish) guys too - just one that wants a credible performance option. . It's just infuriating beyond belief that they have to ask us (customers) what they should be doing. The whole thing smacks too much to me of the type of thing Nissan would do when entering a new market, such as inventing a premium brand like Infiniti, not what a company with over 100 years core competency should be doing....

 

I'd much rather see a company ask people what they would like in their cars rather than assume they know what people want, or tell people what they want.

 

Once again: Make Spare parts available to us or our mechanics, as other manufacturers do, rather than requiring that we buy a complete assembly when we only need one of two parts from the assembly.