This is revealed in two different areas, the first is the ever growing market for the 4-wheeled drive people mover which the small car pundits are bewildered by, and the second is associated with manufacturers.
A recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald drive by Bruce Newton revealed the latest Chrysler, a fire-breathing 6.4-litre V8 SRT8, which looks capable of tackling Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) and Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) head-on and quite possibly emerge victorious.
Newton wrote: "The range will also include 3.6-litre V6 petrol and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel offerings in three different trim levels, a unique-to-Australia V8 model and price cuts across the board compared to the original." (smh.drive.com.au)
The key words in the Drive article by Bruce Newton are "a unique to Australia V8 model ..." says Well-Being Australia chairman Mark Tronson.
Visiting Tasmania recently, Mark Tronson was hosted by a friend who drives a V8 Holden Statesman. The obvious question was "Why such a vehicle?'
All the true and tried typical Australian responses were given:
1. He was a larger man and sought something spacious
2. He occasionally drove long distances and sought comfort
3. He wanted something sleek but bulky and big
4. He claimed that fuel is still the cheapest part of a motor vehicle
5. He liked the feel of the larger vehicle particularly around town
6. He enjoyed the comfort and ride of the larger vehicle
7. He was dissuaded by the hype of a small vehicle as a fashion accessory
All this seems to have a ring of authenticity as according Chrysler group Australia managing director Clyde Campbell prediction of more than an immediate 2000 motor vehicle sales of this new V8 model and moreover their new policy of cutting prices and adding value, has already boosted the Jeep Grand Cherokee to leadership in the luxury SUV category.
It may be noted that Chrysler Australia has decided not to invest in V8 Motor Racing. Chrysler Australia spokesperson Lenore Fletcher explained that at this point in our organisational development it doesn't make financial sense (to go V8 Supercar racing). "The SRT8 would have been a terrific vehicle for it, but it's not a high volume vehicle". (smh.drive.com.au)
Manufacturers finger on the pulse
Mark Tronson says that major motor vehicle manufacturers have their finger on the pulse as their financial survival depends upon it. Campbell's comments, he says, illustrate that he has tapped into a market that is far from persuaded by the carry-on associated with the small car incentive or by that matter, the pseudo-science of exhaust fume hysteria with technology that minimises such emissions.
Moreover, Campbell has seemingly hit the right spot in the Australian motoring psyche when he stated: "I think the 300C's value will attract a lot of people back into the (large car) segment. It offers individuality and certain style that is unique. I think the way that we looked at the first 300 it was a polarising car and this car is going to appeal to a far wider cross-section of the community with the content and value story we are going to put in front of people."
Now, Ford has a Falcon, a larger car, which this News.com article cites as: A family-sized Falcon with the economy of a baby Korean import could finally snap Ford out of its death spiral in Australia. (www.news.com.au)
The Sydney Morning Herald recently publish an article in their Drive column titled "Corporate Downsizing" stating that smaller engines does not necessarily mean less luxury. (smh.drive.com.au)
Message has parallels
Whatever one might think of the big car market, claims Mark Tronson, the essence of knowing the market place (Campbell above), is in line with the presentation of the Salvation message of Jesus Christ.
Any growing church has implemented these same ingredients to promote the Salvation message and draw people to their congregation where their spiritual needs might be met regardless of whether they are young families or grand-parents.
The essence is as follows: There is value in knowing your market. Your church needs to offer individuality and a type of uniqueness. It needs appeal with a wide cross-section of the community. There is value-add associated in how it "this" is offered.
The church in which he and his wife worship went through an exercise earlier this year of this nature. After the worship service the congregation met in a think-tank format where congregants took the opportunity to speak about issues associated with ideas to grow the congregation.
Moreover, the Baptist ministers of the region where he lives met not long ago to discuss the possibilities of a new church plant. The initial task agreed upon was to research out a genuine understanding of the region's age groups, school statistics and forecasts, employment statistics along with a host of other essential information in order for the decision makers to "know their market".
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
