Car companies often depart from their original USP with mixed fortunes. There are always opportunities just above or just below their current offering which they try to exploit.
Skoda - initially value for money brand. Started moving up market to compete in mainstream volume markets. Now fully mid market and barely differentiated from VW.
Mercedes - high quality high, cost, premium motors. Thought they could develop a quality small car niche. Other manufacturers on the way up made their life difficult - Original A and B class never really cut it!
BMW - sporty machines. Now have 1 series + some which won't blow the froth of a pint.
Some have stuck firmly to their roots - there are no cheap RR, Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche - their economy ranges are still £50k ++
Some started cheap with a deliberate intention of growing market share and going up market - mainly Japanese/Asian.
It remains to be seen whether Dacia have the disciplineto continue the low price/no frills policy or whether they succumb to the temptation to widen their appeal. The "prestige" end of their line suggests they will follow Skoda!!
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