My heart is breaking, and it’s all because of the Aston Marton Cygnet. Aston Martin makes the supercars of James Bond lore, they represent the epitome of luxury—and they’ve just released their plans to build a tiny eco car based on the Toyota iQ.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Or have they? The Aston Martin Cygnet will only be available to current Aston Martin owners or those who are planning to buy an Aston Martin. At £20,000, it’s still more expensive than the minicar on which it is based, the Toyota iQ, which retails for about £16,000 in the UK.
When asked about the Aston Martin Cygnet by the Times Online, chief executive Ulrich Bez said, "Small is beautiful these days. We have to move on from the preconceived ideas regarding what Aston Martin is about." In an interview with the Sun, Bez added, "Now is the right time for Aston Martin to take this bold step."
The first image in the gallery is of the Aston Martin Cygnet. I’ve followed it up with the Toyota iQ and past supercars from the Aston Martins I’ve grown up knowing and loving for comparison.
£20,000 Aston Martins
‘Cygnet' Supermini is Based on the Toyota iQ
Trend Themes
1. Luxury Eco Cars - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing high-end eco-friendly vehicles to cater to the growing demand for luxury and sustainability.
2. Brand Diversification - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring new market segments and creating products that deviate from current brand perceptions to attract a broader customer base.
3. Exclusive Customer Loyalty - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Building loyalty among existing customers by introducing unique products or services exclusively available to them, enhancing brand affinity and retention.
Industry Implications
1. Luxury Automotive - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating eco-friendly technologies into luxury vehicles to meet the increasing consumer demand for sustainable transportation options.
2. Automotive Customization - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Offering customization services for luxury vehicles, providing personalization options for customers to create unique and bespoke driving experiences.
3. Brand Licensing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expanding brand reach through licensing arrangements with complementary industries, leveraging existing brand equity to penetrate new markets and attract new customers.