Bob Hall on the MX-5

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 5:38 pm

Lokiel wrote:"enceeacism" would be a more appropriate....

Yes, that would be better...if you're not afraid. :mrgreen:

Vat · Postby **Vat** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 6:57 pm

Great video, and actually a really interesting insight into product placement and manufacturing as well. Thanks for sharing.

Craig · Postby **Craig** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 6:58 pm

Good old Bwob, still telling it like it is all these years later! :mrgreen:

Nice bloke too, used to attend Mazboys and Slammers PS4 days which was pretty darn cool!!!

NMX516 · Postby **NMX516** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 7:05 pm

Good find JBT, thanks for posting :beer:

gslender · Postby **gslender** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 7:09 am

I have to say it..... NAs rock!

gslender · Postby **gslender** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 8:44 am

When you compare the NA original launch, where they expected 300 / month but ended up having to deal with over thousands - making supply difficult and allowing dealerships to charge 4-5k over the sticker, you wander if the NC and ND got the styling and package right if they don't achieve a similar impact.

In comparison, Apple have announced that the new 6 iPhone is sitting with orders higher than they've ever had, ever! So they're getting results that defy the "hard to get the same initial launch vibe"

I stand by the fact that Mazda could have done more, and after watching the video again, I still feel the early models had something that the later models have lost. Perhaps it's due to regulation, or engineering complexity, but the free spirit of the first models seem lost on the later models. Less does equal more, but the ND looks way more than needed for a 2 door soft top sports car.

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:46 am

At launch, the MX-5 filled a long existing vacuum for a RWD convertible sports car. It was cute and was like putting an exotic feast before starving individuals so, naturally, demand exceeded supply...for a while. However, if you look at sales of the NA8 in the mid 90s, you'll see that it slowed to a trickle here in Australia at least.

In the end though, the MX-5 is a two door, two seat convertible. It's hard to revolutionise what will not change much in general terms from the car's birth. Yes, the engine, drive train and suspension can be and have been improved with modern materials and knowledge etc., but it will not change dramatically if it stays true to the original concept of a light weight sports car. However, what will change are bureaucratic rules (design, safety etc.) and the general population's expectations (comfort, convenience features etc.) of what should be included, and these issues will always be at odds with the MX-5 concept.

The comparison with an I Phone/Pad thing is irrelevant because those things do change enormously in capability, function and form with leaps in technology. Me? I won't be queuing at Apple. I have a $50 Samsung phone that makes and receives phone calls and texts, takes photos, tells the time, has a calendar and can connect to the interweb - it's more than I need.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 12:07 pm

I agree with JBTs sentiments virtually 100% but we are the seniors and our views, or at least mine, are not what the younger ones see as their real world.

I think Mazda did a terrific job with the ND. I am not sure what some people expected- a hover craft,panels that change colour with a push of the button, wheels that change shape and size with an APP on your phone, coffee machine - no not there yet. We will see more changes to motive power and probably greener cars but its still a way off.

You cannot compare the release of the NA to todays ND- its a different market and there is much more choice and easy accessibility of debt- . People generally don't want basic cars and so the ND has to walk the line of as Bob said- "less is more"

As far as Apple and the dreadful cycle of obsolescence I find it a race to the bottom of resources and waste of peoples money. We don't need a new phone or computer operating system every couple of years. The waste is a disgrace in a world where so many starve and suffer whilst we stuff around playing. I have an Apple phone and its terrific but I don't want it replaced before it really needs to be- and its big enough.

markwid · Postby **markwid** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 1:39 pm

With the high iPhone demand thing, you will find the majority of upgrades have been holding back for last 2/3 years. So now there is a pent up demand. 3 years old phone is OK but battery is kinda depleted.

Plus the rate of improvements are still high such that 2/3 years make a big difference.

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gslender · Postby **gslender** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 3:56 pm

I'm actually suggesting the ND has gone too more and not enough less.

Eg some were surprised the original NA6 didn't have elec side mirrors. I can't imagine why it would.

I bet I will find 100 things not needed on the ND and was hoping Mazda would have taken a chance like they did with the NA6 and storm the market with something the other manufactures weren't game enough to try.

The Apple reference was to point out that sometimes you can revisit the success of the past if you get the formula right.

G

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Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 7:14 pm

If Mazda applied 25 year old thinking it would not get built. You cannot do minimalist cars today unless one wants to pay a bucket of money for a Clubman for a plaything. There will not be 100 things on an ND that buyers can do without - nothing like it. I suspect Mazda has pared it down and maybe will offer options.

gslender · Postby **gslender** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 10:06 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:If Mazda applied 25 year old thinking it would not get built. You cannot do minimalist cars today unless one wants to pay a bucket of money for a Clubman for a plaything. There will not be 100 things on an ND that buyers can do without - nothing like it. I suspect Mazda has pared it down and maybe will offer options.

Depends on the buyer and the target market. Many buyers pay a premium for a less = more model. Mazda only has to make a positive profit contribution and a return on the investment. It could do it many ways and low volume high margin is just as valid as high volume low margin. I just don't think the ND represents the same shift and divergent thinking that the NA did when it was first released. I might be wrong, but the fact that the ND has a big fricken LCD screen poking out of the dash screams "not a drivers car" to me... buy hey, if it float your boat.....

G

markwid · Postby **markwid** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 10:18 pm

gslender wrote:...the fact that the ND has a big fricken LCD screen poking out of the dash screams "not a drivers car" to me... G

Grumpy old men much?

gslender · Postby **gslender** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 10:57 pm

markwid wrote:Grumpy old men much?

I'm just trying to point out that Bob Hall states that the success of the MX5 (referencing the NA6) was that it adopted a LESS = MORE approach and that was fundamental to the original models success and departure from everything that was commonly known.

Is the LCD screen part of that LESS = MORE or is that something that just has to be in the car or not? How many other little items are like that? I'd suggest a few... will they be a big deal?

I guess the NC drivers would scream out that they aren't. The NA owners are probably not as sure.

G

markwid · Postby **markwid** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 11:06 pm

The LCD is just the 2014 version of the radio/tape deck of NA era. So not really a good example to cite for less is more philosophy.

Cheer up, if you hate ND so much, we are ok with that.

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