Have the new Westfield out priced them selves?
Discussion
Been keeping an eye on Westfield since they got bought out as it seemed such a waste for them to not come back.
The new website is live and has details of the current range - MX5 based SDV and a Zetec FW - both called the 'final edition'.
A bit of info on the development blog gives hints at the new models (post 2023) that look to have with their own proprietary engines.......
Anyway back to the 'current' FE models - was quite surprised at the pricing of these.
Mazda SDV:
£19k and that still requires the donor!
Zetec model (2.0l 150bhp):
£33.5k without any of the options.....
That's not much less than a Caterham 360 with a 2.0l duratec.
Is it me or do those prices seem somewhat ambitious?
MK and GBS do the Mazda kit for £10 and £13k respectively.
GBS 'ultimate' self build with 2.5l duratec is £30k.
Tiger are still doing the Avon Zetec 170bhp complete kit for £20.5k.
I really hope that Westfield continues but not seeing how at the moment.
The new website is live and has details of the current range - MX5 based SDV and a Zetec FW - both called the 'final edition'.
A bit of info on the development blog gives hints at the new models (post 2023) that look to have with their own proprietary engines.......
Anyway back to the 'current' FE models - was quite surprised at the pricing of these.
Mazda SDV:
£19k and that still requires the donor!
Zetec model (2.0l 150bhp):
£33.5k without any of the options.....
That's not much less than a Caterham 360 with a 2.0l duratec.
Is it me or do those prices seem somewhat ambitious?
MK and GBS do the Mazda kit for £10 and £13k respectively.
GBS 'ultimate' self build with 2.5l duratec is £30k.
Tiger are still doing the Avon Zetec 170bhp complete kit for £20.5k.
I really hope that Westfield continues but not seeing how at the moment.
Have to agree - those prices are too high to be viable against the competition.
Even the XI, which has no competition and which actually achieves the highest prices or any Westfield model for built cars - is now looking overpriced at £24K... that's more than a £10K increase over what the old company was asking.
Even the XI, which has no competition and which actually achieves the highest prices or any Westfield model for built cars - is now looking overpriced at £24K... that's more than a £10K increase over what the old company was asking.
When westfield closed, I was very upset as I've owned 3 of these great cars. I was optimistic that the company would be saved and production would continue. When the company was saved I was relieved.
However, now the new prices have been released I feel that although the company is saved I am doubtful that we will see hardly any new cars leave the factory..... They are just way too expensive. Plus, if I was part way through a build I would have to abort the project due to the ridiculous price of parts. A pair of rear wings and a bonnet it £2000 !!!
A brand like this can only survive on customer loyalty. Take the pi55 and they will very angrily walk away, and they are most likely lost for good.
Perhaps the Middle East or Far East is the market for them. If not, I give them 14 to 18 months before they run out of money.
As a company I always favoured Westfield over Caterham because it appears that Caterham have little respect for their customers and focus on branding and marketing to generate high price sales while giving little in return. Westfield never had that brand status, so focused on the customer and better value for money. If the new owner tries to "rinse out" their customers they have no chance with their current lower brand profile....... Shame !!
I hope he reads this and has a re-think. I understand he is eager to recoup his outlay, but outprice yourself and you will end up with nothing.
However, now the new prices have been released I feel that although the company is saved I am doubtful that we will see hardly any new cars leave the factory..... They are just way too expensive. Plus, if I was part way through a build I would have to abort the project due to the ridiculous price of parts. A pair of rear wings and a bonnet it £2000 !!!
A brand like this can only survive on customer loyalty. Take the pi55 and they will very angrily walk away, and they are most likely lost for good.
Perhaps the Middle East or Far East is the market for them. If not, I give them 14 to 18 months before they run out of money.
As a company I always favoured Westfield over Caterham because it appears that Caterham have little respect for their customers and focus on branding and marketing to generate high price sales while giving little in return. Westfield never had that brand status, so focused on the customer and better value for money. If the new owner tries to "rinse out" their customers they have no chance with their current lower brand profile....... Shame !!
I hope he reads this and has a re-think. I understand he is eager to recoup his outlay, but outprice yourself and you will end up with nothing.
Bl**dy Hell!! £33K!
I had a look at the Westfield stand at Stoneleigh last year and was shocked at the prices there and thought that they can't be competative at the prices they were quoting then. That was about £24K for similar if memory serves.
I want Westfield to keep going. I have had much pleasure from my Pinto powered SE I built in 1992, but I probably wouldn't pay that if I was doing it now. Too may cheaper alternatives.
Remove the desire to make it yourself and it becomes even less viable as a business. Not sure what they are thinking. One of the reasons Westfield thrived in the 80's and 90's was because they were a decent quality kit at a reasonable price. Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive.
I know times move on but don't they recognise the dwindling number of people who have the urge or means to build there own car surely means that you need to be even more competitive.
For the record, and I appreciate it is ancient history, I bought a fairly comprehensive set of parts from Westfield for £4,800 in 92. That works out at about £10,000 today. OK, it was the live axle version which makes it a bit cheaper. The pile of bits included full double duck roof and side screens & windscreen. All I needed to source were the engine, gearbox, Escort MK 2 rear axle for modification by Westfield and front Cortina Uprights & brakes. I did source my own Mini heater & wiper motor. I also made my own interior panels and dashboard however that probably only saved about £800 at the time. On the road price I reckon was about £6,000 or £12,350 today.
£12,350 ain't cheap but that £33K is going to go up a bit by the time you have got it through IVA.
I had a look at the Westfield stand at Stoneleigh last year and was shocked at the prices there and thought that they can't be competative at the prices they were quoting then. That was about £24K for similar if memory serves.
I want Westfield to keep going. I have had much pleasure from my Pinto powered SE I built in 1992, but I probably wouldn't pay that if I was doing it now. Too may cheaper alternatives.
Remove the desire to make it yourself and it becomes even less viable as a business. Not sure what they are thinking. One of the reasons Westfield thrived in the 80's and 90's was because they were a decent quality kit at a reasonable price. Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive.
I know times move on but don't they recognise the dwindling number of people who have the urge or means to build there own car surely means that you need to be even more competitive.
For the record, and I appreciate it is ancient history, I bought a fairly comprehensive set of parts from Westfield for £4,800 in 92. That works out at about £10,000 today. OK, it was the live axle version which makes it a bit cheaper. The pile of bits included full double duck roof and side screens & windscreen. All I needed to source were the engine, gearbox, Escort MK 2 rear axle for modification by Westfield and front Cortina Uprights & brakes. I did source my own Mini heater & wiper motor. I also made my own interior panels and dashboard however that probably only saved about £800 at the time. On the road price I reckon was about £6,000 or £12,350 today.
£12,350 ain't cheap but that £33K is going to go up a bit by the time you have got it through IVA.
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