Some Interesting Boastful Humility

Mercedes Sees The Breadth Of Its Domain, And Weeps For There Are No More Niches To Conquer

Top Gear raised the question to Benz at the Geneva Motor Show, wondering if the company has realized it makes everything from economy hatchbacks to luxury six-wheel drive pickups and every kind of coupe-ified crossover in between. Benz boss Dieter Zetsche was remarkably self-aware about it all:

“Of course, every new car we launch has some ‘substitution aspects’ to the existing portfolio”, said the ever-affable German. “But typically we have a higher cannibalisation impact on our competition, which is what we are aiming for!” He cracks a broad smile from behind the trademark moustache.

Zetsche added that the company does believe that there are limits to how many models a company should sell:

“There’s a level of fragmentation where even the customer might get confused, and you’re not adding value any more, and to find the right balance there is certainly not easy.”

And he concluded that, desire or no, there’s not much else to look into:

“There are not that many niches left to fill, of course. But, we stay creative and innovative. I can’t tell you what ideas we will have tomorrow. But we have a pretty full picture.”

That quote about Alexander the Great, “when Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer,” that sounds so apt in this context is attributed to Plutarch but is probably from Die Hard. So I’ll add in one that’s actually from Plutarch that’s also relevant here, one that the decision makers at Mercedes should ponder: “Know ye not that the end and object of conquest is to avoid doing the same thing as the conquered?”

(Jalopnik.com)

This Is A Proper Tailgating Vehicle

Nissan Smokin' Titan is custom made for BBQ lovers 

The truck bed's now a smokin' hot trailer

(AutoBlog.com)

A Well Executed Creation

(CavemanCircus.com)

Why This Isn't More Well Known Is Beyond Me

The Simply Hired survey found that hiring managers have one answer that is best for the question, “Why are you looking for another job?” The survey reported that 78% of hiring managers said this is the best answer, “I’m looking for a role that provides more responsibility and career growth.”

(BroBible.com)

It's Really This Simple

This Is How To “Work Smarter Not Harder”: 3 Secrets From Research

1) Do Less — Then Obsess

Everyone agrees we need to quit trying to accomplish 9000 things at once and stop multitasking. But when Hansen looked at the data he found that this was only half the solution.

Top performers definitely focus on fewer goals — but they also obsess like crazy over them.

2) Use “The Learning Loop”

• Pick one and only one skill at a time to develop. It’s “do less and obsess” all over again. Trying to get better at everything at once gets you nowhere. Right now you want to be better at giving presentations. So creating better reports will have to wait.
• Carve out your 15. Dedicate 15 minutes a day to reviewing your performance on a workplace skill. Evaluate what you’re doing and how you could get better. What do those people in the best TED talks do that you don’t when giving presentations?
• Isolate micro-behaviors. Just like a baseball player might try to improve a specific element of their game (batting, fielding, or running), you want to break down what goes into a good presentation and set a goal. “I’m going to make more eye contact” or “I should speak more slowly.”
• Get feedback. After the presentation, ask people how you did and what you can do to improve.

3) Feel Passion & Purpose Top performers didn’t merely “follow their passion.” 

They also had a sense of purpose in what they did. This combo produced huge results. It boosted energy levels and increased the amount of effort they were able to exert.

(BakaDesuyo)

And Money, And Patience . . . . .

(SpeedHunters.com)

Where Do I Begin . . . . .

HOW Have Automakers FAILED? Why Are People MORE Interested In Vintage Rides?

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to note that vintage automobiles are in high demand.

It's not just sports cars, either.

Check out the demand for old-school Ford Broncos, Toyota FJs and Land Rover Defenders. Hell, even Datsuns, original Skylines and the BMW Isetta are all getting love. Easily, this is more pronounced than ever before.
(AutoSpies.com)

Editor's note:

1. There's a lot of new school money coming out to over spend on cars that remind them of their childhood. They may or may not be collectors, but they have the means to afford what they want.

2. There's a lot of useless crap on cars that drives up car prices.