When design flair is not enough
Article Abstract:
The Lotus Elan, which was relaunched in 1989 after 16 years, failed to sell at 25,000 pounds sterling because of the prolonged recession and competition from the cheaper Mazda MX-5. GM bought Lotus in 1986 and the Hethel works, near Norwich, planned to produce 3,000 Elans in 1992. Despite market research only 1/4 of expected sales in the US were achieved in 1991. GM input 13 million pounds sterling and manufacturing costs were brought down; in Aug 1992 only 200 workers will be producing seven Elans a week. Quality standards were also considered inadequate.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Spottiswoode attacks British Gas 'machine.' (gas industry regulator Clare Spottiswoode)
Article Abstract:
Efforts by British Gas to oppose price controls on TransCo, its pipeline operation, include undermining gas industry regulator Clare Spottiswoode, she believes. British Gas has stated that the price controls on TransCo are unworkable, and that it now plans to take its case to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Ms Spottiswoode's plans would reduce TransCo's revenues by 650 million pounds sterling a year and, the company believes, lead to the loss of 10,000 jobs.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A bridge over some very troubled water
Article Abstract:
Yorkshire Water has faced some serious challenges recently, according to new chairman Brandon Gough. Its poor response to the water shortage of summer 1995 has severely damaged its public image, and led to the departure of managing director Trevor Newton. The company must now make assurances to customers about water supplies, believing that it will be able to ensure constant supplies in 1996, even there is lower rainfall than in 1995.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The price was right for both of us. Trade in and trade up. Essex man has the last laugh
- Abstracts: A lawyer in the house. Room at the top for the in-house lawyer. Heading east, for pastures new
- Abstracts: For outstanding pupils, the best is yet to come. Spotted dick with German
- Abstracts: The 'broken dagger' club cuts up rough. Bosnia's former victims are accused of poll terror tactics. The world bids farewell to its balance of terror
- Abstracts: Still enough warheads to go round. Where Moscow's old elite struggles for survival. When the sky isn't the limit