I have posted on this subject many times.
Perhaps one little glimmer of hope is that PET is available for free download from PCNA.
I agree that PAG is missing the boat. They are either going to be left behind or relegated to the “me too” category with servicing the needs of the non-current cars they have manufactured.
Exactly what are those needs?
From my perspective it is first technical information. All of this is available; you must have to dig unnecessarily deep to find it. The copyrighted quantity in the black market tells the story. PAG can both protect their copyright and be a hero to their customers by publishing this on-line for free or inexpensive CDs (as PET parts catalog for retail US$11.04). Even paper if it is priced appropriately. It is a win-win-win situation that I have posted on many times.
I am not an attorney but it appears the “lawyer” approach to protecting the copyright is far inferior and way too costly compared to the market approach. Sell the stuff at a bargain price or give it on-line. That puts the black marketers out of business, the legal costs are minimized and the copyright is maintained. I’ll speculate PCNA could provide every Porsche owner in the US with all the technical information for 15% of their legal bill for the same thing. That is money in the bank for Porsche AG.
Next, PAG should license the aftermarket for OEM and replacement parts. All they do is collect royalty income with no capital investment and very little administration cost. I think this could also help cement their copyright of the design.
PAG should make runs of replacement chassis. This could be done totally by a vendor. You have to turn in your original bare chassis in order to get a new one (with same VIN.) I don’t think PAG would want to get into building new “old” cars but they certainly can supply replacement parts (like a complete chassis) and not run afoul of various governments.
What would a 911.500.923.18 spare part ’73 Carrera RS “Spare body, compl. without seats, oil cooler, with oil tank” be worth? How about just a (galvanized) “chassis in white” - SWB, ’73, ’77, ’86, and ’89? Do them in pre-paid batches on a 5-yrear rotation.
Finally, I think what is underlying this discussion is the apparent disassociation of the Factory from their customers. Someone needs to remember what side of the bread the butter goes on. Communication is the issue. There should be a terrific technical, service, and after-sales intercourse between Porsche owners and the “Factory.” That is clearly missing.
If you talk to a USA Dealer, too many won’t even discuss anything earlier than a 996 unless it is a trade, Of course they are very proud to have a ’55, ’65, ‘73S and more on their showroom, even if they have to
rent them.
As I have said before PAG is currently spending the capital (not financial) earned by Professor and Doctor Porsche and staff over many years far faster than they are earning any. That tradition, respect, enthusiasm, loyalty and more is hard earned and if lost, is nearly impossible to regain. No amount of
PR …. The marketplace has a very long memory.
The basic presentation to PAG is about money. No business can stay in business without making money. It is the obligation of the Supervisory Board to direct and guide the management to make money for the owners (stock holders) – that is their fiduciary responsibility. The issue that is missing is it isn’t just the next quarter – there is a far longer term view (both directions) necessary.
It will take a cooperative effort among the Factory, customers, Dealers (current & former) and service organizations to accomplish this.
Here is an extreme scenario: What if there were few new vehicles being manufactured worldwide? PAG might stay in existence by servicing their 100-year old cars. They are not currently prepared to do that and possibly have already lost the ability. Of course we would hope it would evolve with the times yet not abandon their roots.
The real argument as why PAG should follow this path is
US and
MONEY.
WE are the best Porsche sales persons a manufacturer could possibly have. Everyone here has spent countless hours with relatives, neighbors, friends and even total strangers explaining the lure of Porsche. Every person who walks into a Porsche showroom came from our (or like) recommendation. I doubt that any come in (much less buy) solely from advertising or anything else.
It is inconceivable that Dr. –Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft would piss all this away.
The sad part is it looks like they are trying.
Best,
Grady
gradyclay@hotmail.com