Chapter 6, Problem 10CQ

To answer the next three questions, refer to the following example. In 2003, Porsche unveiled its new sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Cayenne. With a price tag of over $40,000, the Cayenne goes from zero to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds. Porsche's decision to enter the SUV market was in response to the runaway success of other high-priced SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz M class. Vehicles in this class had generated years of very high profits. The Cayenne certainly spiced up the market, and, in 2006, Porsche introduced the Cayenne Turbo S, which goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 168 mph. The base price for the Cayenne Turbo S in 2014? Almost $115,000

Some analysts questioned Porsche’s entry into the luxury SUV market. The analysts were concerned because not only was Porsche a late entry into the market but also the introduction of the Cayenne might damage Porsche’s reputation as a maker of high-performance automobiles.

10. Erosion In evaluating the Cayenne, would you consider the possible damage to Porsche’s reputation as erosion?