Leftfield Westfield?

[Martin Keene]

I reckon selling it back to the Smiths would be a damn fine start!

[Mark (smokey mow)]

Hasn't been a new model for years     only re-named sevens to suit whatever engine is fitted       last all new model was the XTR range which to be honest hasn't sold that well  

I have to agree, in recent times there has only really been variation and special editions of the existing sevenesque products.  Sadly however when they have stuck their neck out and come up with something different it simply hasn't had the same popularity or sold in anywhere near the same numbers.

the XI and XTR have had a good innings but let us not forget the other models from the past where they tried and failed such as the topaz and TRZ.

I for one would love to see something new and different, but  it's a difficult call for any manufacturer to introduce something different. IMO a new model will require a considerable amount of time and expendature but with no guarentee it would sell in any numbers.

A safe option is continued evolution of their current products, but maybe also they should improve support and development of their existing models.  I've felt for a while that they could do more to support the existing owners and tap into the upgrades market.  The SDV's for example have no widetrack front option yet WF in the past have not wanted to consider manufacture of this.  

Blatman makes a fair point about competative parts pricing, and may I also be bold and recomend an improved online parts website that includes an up to date list of components for all the models and body options.  Answering the phone will also help increase sales

[Seven Up]

France and the first customer to Caterham.

The FW 300 is a new model is very good car.

I'm really honest, I still ride with the FW300 today.

The car is very easy to drive can make it easier to try and find new customers.

The price is very good, the car is well built and a good finish.

[Mark Stanton]

QUOTE

The FW 300 is a new model is very good car.

new model, but essentially its the same old car, diferent engine option and branding - nothing else Caterham have launched has sold much    

Yes its popular but so was a mini and an escort

These cars seem to have a limited life-span for majority of ownership probably around  2 or 3 years possibly 5, there are rare cases of folks having them longer        but these are not the majority      so very easy to re-cycle the branding and options for the new generation with a disposable income and a box to be ticked      

Pringle bulk buy anyone              

[lippydave]

It's a fair point (in answer to LippyD). Let me put it this way...

As of about 1996, Westfield stopped producing anything of worth other than the chassis, bodywork, rear uprights and wishbones. With the exception of the chassis and rear uprights, you can get *everything* for a Westfield from an alternative supplier. The alternative supplier can usually supply the same part, from the same manufacturer, usually at a lower cost.

Westfield have since stopped producing bodywork and (I think) chassis in house. So they make nothing. Except for bad choices maybe...

Interesting.....

I wonder if Westfield actually own the tooling for the moulds and /or chassis?

To be fair most auto manufacturers don't actually make much in house, but they do own the tooling and usually have exclusive production rights for quite some time...

Another observation, and this may just be me being a bit tight, but Westfield in common with most kit car companies of a reasonable quality don't appear to offer value for money in terms of turnkey factory builds... Certainly not when you compare what else you can do in terms of fun cars for say 25k....  

[Blatman]

QUOTE

To be fair most auto manufacturers don't actually make much in house, but they do own the tooling and usually have exclusive production rights for quite some time...

I would hope they do own the tooling. I know they (used to at least) own the tooling for the Caged produced cage for the SEiW but again, it's not made in house. My point here is that currently they could proabably run the whole show from Swiss Jeff's portacabin. The cynic in me sees rationalisation by paring the range down to just one model, focussing on sales for that one model for a few months to get the year end figures up and then hanging out the for sale board. I hope I'm wrong, and I should make it clear that I bear no malice towards the factory, but I am a confirmed cynic...

[nikpro]

I'd like them just to develop the Chassis of the Car they currently produce.

Maybe:

Inboard front Dampers/springs

de Dion Axle or improved IRS

Relocation of front wishbone mounts.

Dedicated Westfield transmission with 6 speed and different ratio's to suit engine options.

Their own steering rack.

Lighten Chassis but retain rigidity.

Good Points of Last Five Years:

Re Design of Bodywork - you may not like it but it's a good move.  

Mark is right though - it's their business to do with as they please - their goal is probably very different from mine.

[chris7273]

I would like something like this :

http://www.aeonepona.co.uk/  

[Rory's Dad]

I'd like them just to develop the Chassis of the Car they currently produce.

Maybe:

Inboard front Dampers/springs

de Dion Axle or improved IRS

Relocation of front wishbone mounts.

Dedicated Westfield transmission with 6 speed and different ratio's to suit engine options.

Their own steering rack.

Lighten Chassis but retain rigidity.

Good Points of Last Five Years:

Re Design of Bodywork - you may not like it but it's a good move.  

Mark is right though - it's their business to do with as they please - their goal is probably very different from mine.

All good stuff to which I would add a good contemporary engine.  The 1600 Zetec SE in my first car was just a peach and its lightness did a lot for the car's nimble handling.  The VX I have in my current car is powerful but comparatively heavy.

The new VX turbo doesn't seem right (and sounds like an Astra).  The Duratec has had three ECUs thus far so all is not well there.  What about BMW engines and gearboxes??  Are they too big and heavy??  Needs sorting IMO.

I think Westfield should spend more time looking after existing kit car owners rather than chasing new ones all over Europe.  I think the market for new kit cars is saturated.

Rory's Dad

[scott beeland]

I would like something like this :

http://www.aeonepona.co.uk/  

Caterham did something similar when they brought out the 21.....Didn't do so well (ADMITTEDLY they did launch at the same time as the elise s1....which was a bad move....But still)

[dombanks]

I'd like them just to develop the Chassis of the Car they currently produce.

Maybe:

Inboard front Dampers/springs

de Dion Axle or improved IRS

Relocation of front wishbone mounts.

Dedicated Westfield transmission with 6 speed and different ratio's to suit engine options.

Their own steering rack.

Lighten Chassis but retain rigidity.

Good Points of Last Five Years:

Re Design of Bodywork - you may not like it but it's a good move.  

Mark is right though - it's their business to do with as they please - their goal is probably very different from mine.

All good stuff to which I would add a good contemporary engine.  The 1600 Zetec SE in my first car was just a peach and its lightness did a lot for the car's nimble handling.  The VX I have in my current car is powerful but comparatively heavy.

The new VX turbo doesn't seem right (and sounds like an Astra).  The Duratec has had three ECUs thus far so all is not well there.  What about BMW engines and gearboxes??  Are they too big and heavy??  Needs sorting IMO.

I think Westfield should spend more time looking after existing kit car owners rather than chasing new ones all over Europe.  I think the market for new kit cars is saturated.

Rory's Dad

could you squeeze the bm 6 cylnder thing in or is it too long?

i guess it was ford just by a legacy thing from using ford gearboxes etc.

[chris7273]

Caterham did something similar when they brought out the 21.....Didn't do so well (ADMITTEDLY they did launch at the same time as the elise s1....which was a bad move....But still)

Yes, but I have always found the Cat 21's design a bit too  uninspired boring classic  

this is something different...

[scott beeland]

That would just compound the problem IMO.

From what I read on here, and conclude from my own observations of the factories acquisitions/ direction etc, I think the uk homebuild (kit option) and its back up has suffered since the "big push" to sell identical "type approved" vehicles in the european/ world markets.

I think further damage has been done/ interest lost & development diluted in this area by the factory taking on the GTM and cobra rep

[Mark Stanton]

You're not going to be selling many "hobby cars" in this recession whoever the manufacturer, I reckon the UK market is suffering big time and well done to WSC Ltd for finding a european market      

o.k so it might not appease many ardent UK enthusiasts, but any company that survives current recession is doing well  

[s2k7]

No more kit cat for me. Westfield customer service svcks. Everyone in the US thinks... stink.

Do whatever they want, stay there dont ship it here.