VIP article in Rides magazine

[Yurikaze]

I hope this isn't a repost, but a mainstream US magazine (Rides) just did a 6-page feature on VIP cars. It focused mostly on the lifestyle, and considering what magazine it was in, actually seemed to be informative. Considering it's in Rides, maybe it'll turn some of the bling crowd towards more tasteful cars. I'm guessing we'll just start seeing wannabe vip cars done badly instead.... :'(

I tried to scan the whole article, but it didn't go through.
I'll keep trying, but if someone else could get it up sooner, that would be great

[firelizard]

Hum...I might have to go to Chapters and look at it.

[antbo]

check it out

http://www.rides-mag.com/FEATURES/0306.sema2005/3.html

[Yurikaze]

Nope, this is a new feature article with a full write-up, in may/june 2006

[vip_steve]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/CIVICon14inBRWs/vip%20stuff/IMG_0276.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/CIVICon14inBRWs/vip%20stuff/IMG_0268.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/CIVICon14inBRWs/vip%20stuff/IMG_0271.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/CIVICon14inBRWs/vip%20stuff/IMG_0272.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b342/CIVICon14inBRWs/vip%20stuff/IMG_0273.jpg

recieved the magazine 2 days ago. seems to be a good write up. but i do agree, we might just see some poorly done up cars. :buck2:

[V8_Aristo]

I like the title! ;D

I might just have to buy this issue.

I think it has begun, mainstream is getting close! i can feel it! :knuppel2:

[firelizard]

I might go and pick it up as well, I need some new reading material anyways.
I really hope the "Fast & Furious" crowd doesn't see this >_>

[AutofashionFred]

How funny i think im going to pick up one also :P

[VIPete]

Freddy, good idea... hehe :)

[gato]

picked up the issue last night............I liked it....liked it alot

it's coming....and the great thing is we have a great start. I just hope the VIP style conveys the right way and doesn't become some what ricey.

I see Mark from our forum had a little to do with the article.... Props 8)

[Pagong]

I have a subscription to SS... :knuppel2: and they mentioned VIP style to be the 2nd next big trend.

[vip_steve]

from what i heard, superstreet is currently in the works of "vipzine" an online magazine, but from what i see, i dont' know if its headed in the right direction. :-\

[Yurikaze]

Well if Super Street does the usual pattern, they'll promote it to a huge extent, attempting to blow it up and get it as mainstream as possible. Once it gets big, they'll start to bad mouth it and make fun of it in an effort to get bandwagon jumpers to move on to "the next big thing"
I see alot of guys on drift forums buying Q's, so I think it's started.
(Thankfully my dream vip car is still relatively untouched. I guess a 2003 Infiniti M45 is still obscure/costly enough that it'll be safe for a while, lol)
Unfortunatly I can't really talk about bandwagon jumpers as I don't own a vip chassis yet. :-[ :'(

[actolex]

picked up the issue last night............I liked it....liked it alot

it's coming....and the great thing is we have a great start. I just hope the VIP style conveys the right way and doesn't become some what ricey.

I see Mark from our forum had a little to do with the article.... Props 8)



Actually, I collaborated with John (owner of this forum) and Takatomi from Junction on a lot of the content for the article. Regardless if it's a good thing or bad, VIP now has a little more exposure. Not much we can do about people emulating it.....just enjoy your ride.

[One Ton VIP]

as i've mentioned many times before, and as told to peter parker by his dying uncle: "with great power comes great responsibility." If you're in a position of "power" or influence, you CAN help lead people along the right path... unfortunately in the US people don't care about what's the true enthusiasts consider "right"... they only care about what will make them the most quick cash. Which is sad, cuz quick cash is never as good as slow, enduring cash

[CharismaY33]

all i say is its good that what we know gets exposure but once its goes main steemz then the cost for luxury cars goes up and i wont be able to afford one... :( so in that case i hope it stays true to roots and doesnt get unc benz and the v8's cost keeps wannabe's down hahahah...

[V8_Aristo]

as i've mentioned many times before, and as told to peter parker by his dying uncle: "with great power comes great responsibility." If you're in a position of "power" or influence, you CAN help lead people along the right path... unfortunately in the US people don't care about what's the true enthusiasts consider "right"... they only care about what will make them the most quick cash. Which is sad, cuz quick cash is never as good as slow, enduring cash


So so true and oh so sad :(

[actolex]

as i've mentioned many times before, and as told to peter parker by his dying uncle: "with great power comes great responsibility." If you're in a position of "power" or influence, you CAN help lead people along the right path... unfortunately in the US people don't care about what's the true enthusiasts consider "right"... they only care about what will make them the most quick cash. Which is sad, cuz quick cash is never as good as slow, enduring cash


Unfortunately, it does come down the the dollar. The fact of the matter is that it's still a business, and businesses need to turn a profit. We can guide, suggest, try to influence, but when you get right down to it, the companies will do what they feel is right for them, regardless of what we think.

[uncle_el]

Unfortunately, it does come down the the dollar. The fact of the matter is that it's still a business, and businesses need to turn a profit. We can guide, suggest, try to influence, but when you get right down to it, the companies will do what they feel is right for them, regardless of what we think.


berkshire hathaway and enron both turned profits.* one has had quite a bit more staying power, and continues to produce for it's shareholders.* the other one screwed it's shareholders, and anyone ever involved with it...

"with great power comes great responsibility", indeed.

[carb0]

as i've mentioned many times before, and as told to peter parker by his dying uncle: "with great power comes great responsibility." If you're in a position of "power" or influence, you CAN help lead people along the right path... unfortunately in the US people don't care about what's the true enthusiasts consider "right"... they only care about what will make them the most quick cash. Which is sad, cuz quick cash is never as good as slow, enduring cash



every time you speak, one ton, things come ot a great, clear, and very noticable point. i agree greatly when you usually make these opinions

[UpTownGS]

nice article, i for one am very curious and excited to see how this all plays out in the future.

[mdenoga]

every time you speak, one ton, things come ot a great, clear, and very noticable point. i agree greatly when you usually make these opinions


i second that. Van is great addition to this forum.

modified, RIDES, then what. i guess we'll just have to wait for next months mags to see whats next.

[Yurikaze]

It's only a matter of time before magazines focusing just on vip come out.. ;)

[Pagong]

modified, RIDES, then what.

Super Street, Import Tuner.. NOPI.
Super Street already mentioned VIP in thier last issue, so I see it coming.

[V8_Aristo]

Super Street, Import Tuner..* NOPI.
Super Street already mentioned VIP in thier last issue, so I see it coming.


Come on guys, get your cars ready! This is a great time for magazine opportunity, we can't have a bunch of IS's and G35s claiming VIP. :knuppel2:

[Pagong]

Come on guys, get your cars ready! This is a great time for magazine opportunity.


You should be first! Im trying to get mine done by end of May.

[V8_Aristo]

You should be first!* Im trying to get mine done by end of May.


Thanks Vince, I think I do have something lined up, I just need to finish my audio. :P

[actolex]

berkshire hathaway and enron both turned profits.* one has had quite a bit more staying power, and continues to produce for it's shareholders.* the other one screwed it's shareholders, and anyone ever involved with it...

"with great power comes great responsibility", indeed.



What does a company who was in legal trouble have to do with this conversation? ::) Bottom line is the bottom line.

Wait for coverage by Street Tuner (or whatever that show is on G4 TV)......then you'll cringe.

Oh....who is responsible for what ???? Instead of complaining about it, do something about it....

[V8_Aristo]

What does a company who was in legal trouble have to do with this conversation?* *::)* * * Bottom line is the bottom line.*

Wait for coverage by Street Tuner (or whatever that show is on G4 TV)......then you'll cringe.

Oh....who is responsible for what ????* *Instead of complaining about it, do something about it....


You sound like a true businessman actolex, I guess to true enthusiast like us it's a different story. We don't compromise the bottom line with the style that we strongly believe in. We don't try to expand our market to where we have to ignore the original concept. But I guess we are just delusional to think that it's going to be "business as usual" for all the Japanese VIP companies. They need to make their "bottom line", I guess we just have to count on ourselves to keep the style alive.

"With great power comes great responsibility" I guess only applies to someone who cares about the style and not the bottom line.

[uncle_el]

What does a company who was in legal trouble have to do with this conversation? ::) Bottom line is the bottom line.


i think you missed the sentiment of my statement.
i propsed two names of companies (berkshire hathaway and enron), both of which provided a financial coup for it's shareholders. one quickly faded away (enron), and the other has continued to provide financial gain for it's shareholders (berkshire hathaway).
while the bottom line is indeed the bottom line (i.e. cash is cash, profit is profit), as one ton vip already pointed out, steady cash over a long period of time is a much better option than quick cash over the short term.


Oh....who is responsible for what ????

those with power...


You sound like a true businessman actolex, I guess to true enthusiast like us it's a different story. We don't compromise the bottom line with the style that we strongly believe in. We don't try to expand our market to where we have to ignore the original concept. But I guess we are just delusional to think that it's going to be "business as usual" for all the Japanese VIP companies. They need to make their "bottom line", I guess we just have to count on ourselves to keep the style alive.

"With great power comes great responsibility" I guess only applies to someone who cares about the style and not the bottom line.


well said.

[clearstar society]

I liked the article :)

I spoke with the senior editor at RIDES and asked him to come out and cover the VIP meet JPNA will throw in Cali in November after SEMA.

Hope to see the same crew from last year with many more faces



I agree "with great power comes great responsibility" So if I say the wrong thing, step up and help a brother out :smitten:


I would love to hear input from the "true enthusiasts" 8)

[Wald GS]

Once and for all an IS not VIP!! hehe

http://jsalmi.com/images/e-thug.jpg

[AutofashionFred]

I think that these magazine companies need help!!!!!!!!!! Because i saw this at a Gas station and saw that they were calling the Insurance LS400 a Crown. I know magazines want to be the first but get the correct info before they publish stuff.... :knuppel2: I dont read rides because it reminds me of a low budget DUB magazine but i guess they are up and coming :buck2:

[actolex]

You sound like a true businessman actolex, I guess to true enthusiast like us it's a different story. We don't compromise the bottom line with the style that we strongly believe in. We don't try to expand our market to where we have to ignore the original concept. But I guess we are just delusional to think that it's going to be "business as usual" for all the Japanese VIP companies. They need to make their "bottom line", I guess we just have to count on ourselves to keep the style alive.

"With great power comes great responsibility" I guess only applies to someone who cares about the style and not the bottom line.



Actually, I'm both.* I've also owned shops in the past.* Sorry but the bottom line statement comes with me managing defense projects every day.* I'm on both sides of the issue...as an enthusiast and from the business aspect since I deal with many of the manufacturers.* If companies just consider the enthusiasts and not the bottom line, then there will be no scene because there will be no source for parts.* I had a long meeting with Junction this weekend at IAS and this was a main topic of conversation.* I'm doing my best to educate them on the US market....but it seems like few on this forum are backing me....

If someone else wants to step up to the task, by all means do so.

[V8_Aristo]

Actually, I'm both.* I've also owned shops in the past.* Sorry but the bottom line statement comes with me managing defense projects every day.* I'm on both sides of the issue...as an enthusiast and from the business aspect since I deal with many of the manufacturers. If companies just consider the enthusiasts and not the bottom line, then there will be no scene because there will be no source for parts

If you have own shop in the past, then you will know that it's the true enthusiast and the die-hard that are willing to pay the money for that product. They are also the ones that are willing to wait and wait and wait some more, just so they can have the original product. These are the people that are keeping the companies alive, without them, everyone will just buy the generic fake products or leave it OEM. I can really go on and on about customer loyalty and other things, but I think you know what I'm talking about.

I had a long meeting with Junction this weekend at IAS and this was a main topic of conversation.* I'm doing my best to educate them on the US market....but it seems like few on this forum are backing me....

You are educating JP to the US market, why not educate the US market about JP? If JP is going to conform their company to suit the US market, then the whole mystic of JP will be gone. Of course I'm talking from an enthusiast POV, people like JP because of it's exclusivity and rareness. Just look at Club Lexus, they have a dedicated thread on JP parts owner. Like it or not, this is their little "niche". And if they want to blow up big and move a lot of volume, then they are taking a chance on losing what little niche they have.

This is just my opinion, and I hope you understand why I can't back you up on this.

If someone else wants to step up to the task, by all means do so.


I think most of our member are doing the best they can, from educating people and modding their cars with their own money. When you said "by all means do so", I think they are, some of us are just lucky to have more of the "means" than others.

[Pagong]

When you said "by all means do so", I think they are, some of us are just lucky to have more of the "means" than others.


Love this quote.

Wish they would do just what Aristo says above. "Educate the US market about Junction Produce." :)

[Wald GS]

v8aristo is king and a "true" vip enthusiast who knows so. :D

[V8_Aristo]

v8aristo is king and a "true" vip enthusiast who knows so. :D


:2funny:

If only that was true Bryan, I'm here learning just like everyone else.

[clearstar society]

Just look at Club Lexus, they have a dedicated thread on JP parts owner. Like it or not, this is their little "niche". And if they want to blow up big and move a lot of volume, then they are taking a chance on losing what little niche they have.



Poyet, are you talking about me :)

[V8_Aristo]

Poyet, are you talking about me* :)


Nah....I was just talking in general. There's no thread about L-Sportline or even Wald part owners on Club Lexus. That just shows how exclusive these parts are.

[Wald GS]

Nah....I was just talking in general. There's no thread about L-Sportline or even Wald part owners on Club Lexus. That just shows how exclusive these parts are.





Not many have wald!! Which now reminds me to make a wald thread. hehehhee jk

[actolex]

You are educating JP to the US market, why not educate the US market about JP? If JP is going to conform their company to suit the US market, then the whole mystic of JP will be gone. Of course I'm talking from an enthusiast POV, people like JP because of it's exclusivity and rareness. Just look at Club Lexus, they have a dedicated thread on JP parts owner. Like it or not, this is their little "niche". And if they want to blow up big and move a lot of volume, then they are taking a chance on losing what little niche they have.




V8_Aristo, I wish you were at the meeting that Johnny were at.......you'd know how wrong your quote is. If you have insight, then you can say these things. If you don't, then it's complete speculation on your part.

[V8_Aristo]

V8_Aristo, I wish you were at the meeting that Johnny were at.......you'd know how wrong your quote is.* If you have insight, then you can say these things.* If you don't, then it's complete speculation on your part.



You are educating JP to the US market, why not educate the US market about JP? If JP is going to conform their company to suit the US market, then the whole mystic of JP will be gone. Of course I'm talking from an enthusiast POV, people like JP because of it's exclusivity and rareness. Just look at Club Lexus, they have a dedicated thread on JP parts owner. Like it or not, this is their little "niche". And if they want to blow up big and move a lot of volume, then they are taking a chance on losing what little niche they have.

POV means "point of view", that's where I express my opinions and speculations to a certain situation.

And if all you can say is you are right and I am wrong, then it's pointless to further this discussion. If you are the North American representative for JP, then shouldn't you be acting more of a liason to the US consumer? Are you not suppose to get info from people like us and relay it to them? Are you not suppose to give us insight to what JP is planning or atleast visualizing in the future? Sorry, but not everyone can be as lucky to be in the industry.

[UpTownGS]

Alot of terrific points in this thread. But it is somewhat unfortunate to realize that many companies will conform to US mainstream needs as its a powerful market designed to make more money then any specific niche market. Sad but true. As a company its ultimately in their best interest to push your product to the mroe appealing market but what will seperate them are the loyal enthusiasts and how the name carries on.

I like the JP exhaust and tail lights! :P

[clearstar society]

Nah....I was just talking in general. There's no thread about L-Sportline or even Wald part owners on Club Lexus. That just shows how exclusive these parts are.





Poyet, lol, ok.

I do respect the opinions of the members of this forum. There is still a lot for me to learn, and daily I'm on here reading. I do think that's funny that there are no threads dedicated to those other companies(there really should be)


I love companies like Answer and Aimgain and would like to see them get their props in the U.S.

Junction is just one company in the VIP pond, I know see Fabulous is getting more attention as well :)

I wish you the best with your magazine shoot, by the way which magazine ?

Johnny

I do have the means to be heard and would really like to what message are you guys trying to convey ?

[actolex]

POV means "point of view", that's where I express my opinions and speculations to a certain situation.

And if all you can say is you are right and I am wrong, then it's pointless to further this discussion. If you are the North American representative for JP, then shouldn't you be acting more of a liason to the US consumer? Are you not suppose to get info from people like us and relay it to them? Are you not suppose to give us insight to what JP is planning or atleast visualizing in the future? Sorry, but not everyone can be as lucky to be in the industry.





It's the opposite way around...I'm helping JP understand the US market and the differences in culture an marketing. As far as getting into the industry....luck had little to do with it. Much of it comes from being an enthusiast that manufacturers can count on. Also, without the help of John and Johnny, my relationship with JP would not exist.

Keep in mind, I am just another enthusiast learning about the scene, I just have many manfuacturers who look to me for help in marketing.

[Dark Anghell]

actolex, I will have to agree with you on this one. There has been a number of local shops who wanted to be everybody's friend...they all dissapeared within months. Like mentioned earlier, business is business. You provide service and get money in return. If the business is not turning a profit, then there's no reason to keep the place going. JP will definately have to adjust a few things if they want to stay competitive in the US, one of them would be reducing their manufacturing costs. As more people get into the scene, the demand will definately rise and as competition increases JP will have no choice but to either reduce their prices or move out of US market. So educating JP before educating consumers is the best strategy. Once JP knows what to expect, we can begin educating people about the scene...insead of leaving it up to Super Street and the like to publish their interpretation of the trend and most likely steer it in the direction Primedias sponsors want it to go.

I have a lot of thoughts on this and some ideas also, but it's not organised enough to be written :-\

[flipside951]

Interesting, with all this mainstream talk...i smell a VIP version of Fast and the Furious coming one of these days.* :'( Sadly, this is starting to sound like a VIP version of the RJ Devera story.

[V8_Aristo]

Poyet, lol, ok.

I do respect the opinions of the members of this forum. There is still* a lot for me to learn, and daily I'm on here reading. I do think that's funny that there are no threads dedicated to those other companies(there really should be)


I love companies like Answer and Aimgain and would like to see them get their props in the U.S.

Junction is just one company in the VIP pond, I know see Fabulous is getting more attention as well* :)

I wish you the best with your magazine shoot, by the way which magazine ?

Johnny

I do have the means to be heard and would really like to what message are you guys trying to convey ?


Yeah Johnny, I'm also here everyday, trying to learn what I can. I to would like to see some more VIP companies make it out here, but VIPStyle is in such an early stage that there would be no or not enough market for it. I do believe that this style will grow, and if we keep the basic idea going, then it will be unique enough not to mixed in with the rest of "luxury tuning" styles out there. As I am a big fan of the style, I don't want the general public thinking it's a spin off of a dub style or a "wannabe" AMG. Like it or not, if VIPstyle gets emulsified to just another Luxury Tuning then it will be an uphill batlle forever. That's why I would like to either stay underground or have it don't right.

As for my shoot, I haven't gotten a letter of intent yet. I am not a sponsor *****, but I do want a few things just to complete the look I'm going for before the shoot.And as soon as everything is confirmed, then you guys will be the first to know.

Thanks for sharing your influence with us here, I know a lot of people will be glad to hear that we have someone that is willing to here our views on this matter. Some other people think that we are just too arrogant for our own good, but we are just defending the ideals that was set before us. A Nissan G35 or Lexus IS being a true VIP platform? In my own personal opinion, VIP is status, I don't think an executive will take his clients in his/her G35/IS to feel how the car takes a corner or test it's 0-60 times.



It's the opposite way around...I'm helping JP understand the US market and the differences in culture an marketing. As far as getting into the industry....luck had little to do with it. Much of it comes from being an enthusiast that manufacturers can count on. Also, without the help of John and Johnny, my relationship with JP would not exist.

Keep in mind, I am just another enthusiast learning about the scene, I just have many manfuacturers who look to me for help in marketing.


Aren't you LUCKY to have friends like John and Johnny? Aren't you LUCKY that manufacturers found an enthusiast like you and not the other half million enthusiast out there? If you say that luck had nothing to do with it, then aren't you just bragging a little bit? A few members here know who I am and what I do, but I'm not going to brag about it. Do you know why, because I like the equality of being an enthusiast.

[V8_Aristo]

actolex, I will have to agree with you on this one. There has been a number of local shops who wanted to be everybody's friend...they all dissapeared within months. Like mentioned earlier, business is business. You provide service and get money in return. If the business is not turning a profit, then there's no reason to keep the place going.

I agree with you on this point, but this was never part of the discussion.

JP will definately have to adjust a few things if they want to stay competitive in the US, one of them would be reducing their manufacturing costs. As more people get into the scene, the demand will definately rise and as competition increases JP will have no choice but to either reduce their prices or move out of US market. So educating JP before educating consumers is the best strategy. Once JP knows what to expect, we can begin educating people about the scene.

Why do people buy $100 AX jeans, are they made better than $30 Levis jeans? There's more than one way to market a product and brand recognition is one of them, JP (in Japan) and AX has been successful doing so. They do not only sell a product, but they sell a product with a name, and that's why people pay a premium. Lowering prices to compete is always the very last strategy from a marketing standpoint, why, because you wouldn't need to market that product any more since it will sell it's self with the lower price.

I have a lot of thoughts on this and some ideas also, but* it's not organised enough to be written* :-\

If you have time, try to put it into words, someone might benifit from it.

[actolex]

Aren't you LUCKY to have friends like John and Johnny? Aren't you LUCKY that manufacturers found an enthusiast like you and not the other half million enthusiast out there? If you say that luck had nothing to do with it, then aren't you just bragging a little bit? A few members here know who I am and what I do, but I'm not going to brag about it. Do you know why, because I like the equality of being an enthusiast.



Wow.....just let it go....... If it was all luck, then I've been going about it wrong and wasting a lot of time and effort with the manufacturers for no pay.....and what am I bragging about, that I'm a passionate enthusiast who likes to help manufacturers out???? Yes, I'm lucky to have Johnny as a friend and colleague, but I think if you ask him, he'd feel the same way. Oh, congrats on doing what you're doing without bragging.....you're just a better man than I am. ;) and congrats on your shoot. If I posted this, you'd probably think I’m bragging.... :)

Dark Anghell, thanks for actually reading my post and actually being able to understand it. The fact of the matter is that VIP style will have to be adapted to the US market. Take the number of VIP platforms that do not make it across the ocean from Japan, combine it with the number of enthusiast who actually are into the scene, then reduce it by those enthusiasts who will actually pay top dollar for these products, add several other companies going after these potential customers, and you have a very, very small market.

My question is, will keeping it totally underground, exclusive, and traditional be able to sustain these manufacturers in the US market, or will the "style" have to be adapted to other platforms? Or, will this type of exclusivity force these manufacturers out of the US market all together because they cannot make a profit to stay in business....then it goes back to being exclusive. Not looking at the business side of the issue is the equivalent of not looking at the total picture, and also very naive.

[firelizard]

Isn't Vip supposed to be exclusive?
That's part of what drew me in (Canadian market btw).
If I didn't like the exclusivity I'd have been shopping for wheels at Wal-Mart.
Making Vip accessible to the NA market is good, but if you start having it spoon fed to them, people will completely destroy it.

[V8_Aristo]

Wow.....just let it go.......* *If it was all luck, then I've been going about it wrong and wasting a lot of time and effort with the manufacturers for no pay.....and what am I bragging about, that I'm a passionate enthusiast who likes to help manufacturers out????* Yes, I'm lucky to have Johnny as a friend and colleague, but I think if you ask him, he'd feel the same way.* Oh, congrats on doing what you're doing without bragging.....you're just a better man than I am.* *;) and congrats on your shoot.* If I posted this, you'd probably think I’m bragging.... :)

I didn't say it was all luck, I just said you were lucky. That means a certain number of events and stuaitons fell it your favor, and along with the effort the you put in, you are in a better position than most of us. To say that luck had nothing to do with it, means you had this planned all along and you created this position for yourself and by yourself. I wouldn't have thought you were bragging if you posted this up, but then again, you didn't and I could be wrong.

Dark Anghell, thanks for actually reading my post and actually being able to understand it. The fact of the matter is that VIP style will have to be adapted to the US market. Take the number of VIP platforms that do not make it across the ocean from Japan, combine it with the number of enthusiast who actually are into the scene, then reduce it by those enthusiasts who will actually pay top dollar for these products, add several other companies going after these potential customers, and you have a very, very small market.

My question is, will keeping it totally underground, exclusive, and traditional be able to sustain these manufacturers in the US market, or will the "style" have to be adapted to other platforms? Or, will this type of exclusivity force these manufacturers out of the US market all together because they cannot make a profit to stay in business....then it goes back to being exclusive. Not looking at the business side of the issue is the equivalent of not looking at the total picture, and also very naive.



If the market is too small then it's too small, that's why some of these style are just meant to be underground. HKS USA was established in 1982, at that time, only a few hardcore guys were supporting the product. Others thought these parts were too expensive. Did HKS change their ways, did they start creating products for the domestic car, did they lower their prices so more people can buy it?

I have to use One Ton's quote again, as this really relates now more than ever before.


as i've mentioned many times before, and as told to peter parker by his dying uncle: "with great power comes great responsibility." If you're in a position of "power" or influence, you CAN help lead people along the right path... unfortunately in the US people don't care about what's the true enthusiasts consider "right"... they only care about what will make them the most quick cash. Which is sad, cuz quick cash is never as good as slow, enduring cash

[Dark Anghell]

I am looking at it from the economics stand point as well as personal experiences I have had. Allthough it is true that branding plays a big part, it needs to be done in the right way. I'll give you an example: Do-Luck...very high-end sporty aero kits as well as suspension producs for the high performance japanese cars such as supras, skylines, etc. Japanese market is allready set for that company and people are willing to pay a premium to get it. Now let's look at the US side. When the company first started out, the sales were great all across the board, but after a while consumers wanted more variety from the company, and Do Luck just like JP is very limited in the number of styles they carry. So 3 years later and with no made to the branding strategy as well as extremely high price, people don't want it anymore...demand dropped. Why pay 1000+ dollars for a front bumper that everyone who buys Do Luck will have. People want to be different, and they want to save money at the same time .
Back to JP...
Right now you can think of JP as a monopoly...meaning they set prices and we have no choice but to pay them here in the states. If they were to raise the price and you wanted the style and status that comes with a JP kit...you'll pay no matter what. They produce very small qantities, and they don't have to worry about high manufacturing costs because the markup is good. Now let's see what happens when more firms enter the market and begin making knock-offs or bodykit or making something similar to JP? Well their prices as well as costs will be much lower and now people have more choices...so JP is automatically moved out of it's monopoly positin and it will become a competitive firm. Now they can't charge as much as they did before. They can differentiate themselves (this is where branding, advertising, etc. comes into play), and this will win some customers back, but some will go with the cheaper alternatives. But lets consider a case where a JP kit sells for ~2K while a knock off goes for ~1K...and there's a clear difference in quality, status, and exlusivity...would you buy it then? Most likely.

Now we can also talk about the exchange rates...since these play big role in how much we pay. With the declining value of the dollar, we are paying more for the products that are made in Japan even though the original prices do not change. So in the future the price of an allready expensive body kit will go up even higher. The costs of shipping it are also increasing, so that will raise the price some more.

So what can JP do about it? Instead of educating consumers when the VIP scene blows up, they should act now and make the nessessary changes. What are they? Well here are a few things they should consider:
1) Reduce their manufacturing costs. I bet this company is very similar in internal structure to Do Luck...where the owner refuses to look for alternative companies to produce his product. It he goes abroad to China, he will be able to cust his costs almost in half without sacrificing the quality of the product.
Outcomes: Now JP can either lower it's prices and make the product more affordable to the expanded market...OR...keep the prices the same, but if the sales volume drops in US, the company will still be making profit.
2)Advertise, advertise and advertise some more. Now advertisement does not have to come from magazines alone...why do younger people buy Luis Vuitton? Most likely because they saw Beyonce or Paris Hilton with a purse and they want one just like it. So imagine if JP gives a few bodykits to some of the more famous rappers, movie stars, etc. and have them attend a few shows and have the car in the rap videos.
Outcome: That's free TV exposure and now the company separated itself from the generic brands. People will buy the product because they want their car to look just like the one they saw in the rap video or because Jay Leno had one.

These are pretty broad suggestions and they can be broken down some more...but you get the picture. The first changes must be internal. Then the company can tackle the consumers.

[V8_Aristo]

Dark Anghell - Those are all very good points as far as US market is concerned, but you have to remember that these Japanese companies are very well established and successful in Japan. They make an excellent product and enjoy a very profitable business. Now if you start lowering prices to accommodate the small US market, then their "bread and butter" business back home will suffer. They would also have to adjust prices in Japan, which they shouldn't have to since it's still very lucrative, but to be fair for both US and Japanese market.

US is different from Japan...people here want choices and they want "good deals" on everything. People in Japan are loyal to the brand, and are willing to pay the extra buck. JP needs to know that and start taking action now...which may inlude putting ads in the magazines, showing why they are different from their future competitors. This wll put them at the front of the race.


I agree with you there!

Which bring me to one of my original points, educate the US market on what JP is and not the other way around.

[firelizard]

Which bring me to one of my original points, educate the US market on what JP is and not the other way around.

Very true. For a company to change in order to gain a market is logical and what your average company will do. But in the case of a company whose basis is high class and exclusivity, the true secret lies in making the market want they product they make, just because they make it.
It's what works for all the big companies like Nike, Adidas etc. They're not exclusive but everybody knows them and wants them because "Nike is good." Look at the Air Force One craze. Rappers popularized some mediocre footwear, and they sold for ridiculous prices. Sure, the actual "doing it" has to be different for the Vip world, but the strategy is essentially the same.
It even worked for drifting, look at Bride seats. Bride has become *the* name in racing seats, and people pay a LOT of money to get the real deal, just so they can say that they didn't get the knock-off.

[Dark Anghell]

Dark Anghell - Those are all very good points as far as US market is concerned, but you have to remember that these Japanese companies are very well established and successful in Japan. They make an excellent product and enjoy a very profitable business. Now if you start lowering prices to accommodate the small US market, then their "bread and butter" business back home will suffer. They would also have to adjust prices in Japan, which they shouldn't have to since it's still very lucrative, but to be fair for both US and Japanese market.


Well this is where JP can price descriminate, and charge its Japanese consumers more than they charge US consumers. Chances are people in Japan are not willing to buy the Japan made product in US and ship it back to Japan.

Another reason that I have overlooked is the advertising budget...it will cost a lot of money to advertise in US, especially if JP want to come in very strong. They can either make up extra expenses by raising prices, or by cutting their manufacturing costs. For example if the body kit manufacturing costs were originally $800 and are now $400...that's $400 per kit that can be spent on manufacturing, sponsorship, or even development of newer styles specifically for the US market (cars like IS 250, 300C, etc. that may not be as popular in Japan).



Oh and I edited my post...I had to cut it short before since I was leaving for work. *:)

[V8_Aristo]

Well this is where JP can price descriminate, and charge its Japanese consumers more than they charge US consumers. Chances are people in Japan are not willing to buy the Japan made product in US and ship it back to Japan.

Do I really need to explain what will happen to JP's loyal customer base if this would've happend?

Another reason that I have overlooked is the advertising budget...it will cost a lot of money to advertise in US, especially if JP want to come in very strong. They can either make up extra expenses by raising prices, or by cutting their manufacturing costs. For example if the body kit manufacturing costs were originally $800 and are now $400...that's $400 per kit that can be spent on manufacturing, sponsorship, or even development of newer styles specifically for the US market (cars like IS 250, 300C, etc. that may not be as popular in Japan).

Cutting cost always translates to cutting quality.

[firelizard]

Cutting cost always translates to cutting quality.

True, and besides, JP doesn't spend an awful lot of their money on manufacturing. (proportionally to their prices)
Mark-up is already huge and they make a lot of profit. They could advertise if they felt like it I'm sure.

[actolex]

So what can JP do about it? Instead of educating consumers when the VIP scene blows up, they should act now and make the nessessary changes. What are they? Well here are a few things they should consider:
1) Reduce their manufacturing costs. I bet this company is very similar in internal structure to Do Luck...where the owner refuses to look for alternative companies to produce his product. It he goes abroad to China, he will be able to cust his costs almost in half without sacrificing the quality of the product.

>>> This will probably never happen.* JP will not outsource the manufacturing of their kits.

2) Advertise, advertise and advertise some more. Now advertisement does not have to come from magazines alone...why do younger people buy Luis Vuitton? Most likely because they saw Beyonce or Paris Hilton with a purse and they want one just like it. So imagine if JP gives a few bodykits to some of the more famous rappers, movie stars, etc. and have them attend a few shows and have the car in the rap videos.*

>>>>They will advertise.* This is the main reason why they teamed up with Falken.* Falken has an entire tire line (452) that using VIP cars as demo vehicles.* Falken uses JP kits exclusively on their demo cars, and JP cars use Falken tires.* Falken will be contributing most of the advertising dollars in this campaign.

Dark Anghell - Those are all very good points as far as US market is concerned, but you have to remember that these Japanese companies are very well established and successful in Japan. They make an excellent product and enjoy a very profitable business. Now if you start lowering prices to accommodate the small US market, then their "bread and butter" business back home will suffer. They would also have to adjust prices in Japan, which they shouldn't have to since it's still very lucrative, but to be fair for both US and Japanese market.

>>>>Like many Japanese companies, JP sells the product at MSRP.* In the US, this type of pricing does not work.* Here, consumers want it cheap, and they want it now.

US is different from Japan...people here want choices and they want "good deals" on everything. People in Japan are loyal to the brand, and are willing to pay the extra buck. JP needs to know that and start taking action now...which may inlude putting ads in the magazines, showing why they are different from their future competitors. This wll put them at the front of the race.

>>>>Absolutely true….as stated before, Falken is heading up the ad campaign.

Which bring me to one of my original points, educate the US market on what JP is and not the other way around.

>>>>As a business, JP needs to understand the market they will be entering.* The consumers in the US will learn, and have learned what JP is.* JP has told me that they are not going to educate the US market, but they do need to understand the US market.

Very true. For a company to change in order to gain a market is logical and what your average company will do. But in the case of a company whose basis is high class and exclusivity, the true secret lies in making the market want they product they make, just because they make it.
It's what works for all the big companies like Nike, Adidas etc. They're not exclusive but everybody knows them and wants them because "Nike is good." Look at the Air Force One craze. Rappers popularized some mediocre footwear, and they sold for ridiculous prices. Sure, the actual "doing it" has to be different for the Vip world, but the strategy is essentially the same.
It even worked for drifting, look at Bride seats. Bride has become *the* name in racing seats, and people pay a LOT of money to get the real deal, just so they can say that they didn't get the knock-off.

>>>>So what you’re saying is that JP should be as exclusive as Nike and Adidas?* Doesn’t this go against your theory of exclusivity???


Another reason that I have overlooked is the advertising budget...it will cost a lot of money to advertise in US, especially if JP want to come in very strong. They can either make up extra expenses by raising prices, or by cutting their manufacturing costs. For example if the body kit manufacturing costs were originally $800 and are now $400...that's $400 per kit that can be spent on manufacturing, sponsorship, or even development of newer styles specifically for the US market (cars like IS 250, 300C, etc. that may not be as popular in Japan).

>>>>We’ve been talking to JP about developing other kits…like the new IS.* Traditional VIP’ers will cringe (like I said in the article), but they need to develop new applications.* Look at Ings who came out with a new IS kit along with Fabulous (a predominantly VIP manufacturer).* We've also trying to have US spec kits that fit over US crash guards.

True, and besides, JP doesn't spend an awful lot of their money on manufacturing. (proportionally to their prices)
Mark-up is already huge and they make a lot of profit. They could advertise if they felt like it I'm sure.

>>>>Try convincing JP to lower their prices.* John tried before, and we’ve been trying to for the last 8 months.* It’s easier said than done.

[Dark Anghell]

That's the problem with a lot of the Japanese manufacturers. They are set in their own ways and don't want to change. My friend is very close with the owner of Do Luck Japan, and he's been trying to get the guy to develop more kits, make them more affordable, etc. But no luck...

This is good that they are teaming up with other manufacturers who will do the advertising. But one problem...it will only reach a certain percentage of consumers. I think that internet is a great tool, and also TV programs. Like I mentioned earlier...have certain celebrities advertise the stuff. Target has been doing this for years...on top of TV ads they get "shameless plugs" from celbs who say that they shop at Target. This is "free" advertisement...and so far no aftermarket parts manufacturer has really done it in a big way.

[firelizard]

>>>>So what you’re saying is that JP should be as exclusive as Nike and Adidas?* Doesn’t this go against your theory of exclusivity???

No, that's not really what I meant. I was reffering to the marketing strategy: maintaining an image that will make people want the product for the image. Then not only do they have brand recognition, but they can charge whatever they want. In other words, what they have now with the "tuned in" crowd, but with a larger market.

[Dark Anghell]

Nike is not a very good example for this then mainly because of the price levels we are talking about. Since they have shes ranging from $30-$300. If you look at their marketing plan and their strategy, they actually have about 8 markets that they are catering to, and each has it's own strategy.

I think a good example would be Louis Vuitton on this one. It is also very high priced, yet people are still buying it. Why because of status and style. The question is how did they do that? They don't avertise a whole lot...no direct TV ads. What they do is provide products to stars and have them wear it/carry it to various places and ordinary people always want what the famous have. Also just recentry Pharell got signed with LV to be in charge of their sunglass division. Right away this created a lot of hype. I'm sure they also put ads in fashion magazines as well, but that will only reach consumers that read these magazines.

The same idea goes to JP...if they only put ads in the Superstreet, people who subscribe to the magazine will be able to read about it. Now if are able to get their product in various magazines (Dunlop was a great idea), the number of people that they can reach increases. The next step is to get into magazines that have nothing to do with cars, but instead are catering to businessmen who have the money to afford JP stuff. Like mentioned before, giving away free kits or lending the demo car to be shot in some music video will also give them free advertisement. A lot of rappers want to be the first ones to do something...so let them think that they are the first ones doing it. (even though we are the first in US ;))

But the fact remains the same, JP needs be ready for what is to come. Only then they can begin catering to their future customers. When they enter the market, they have to do it big...otherwise the brand will not catch on.

As far as people who will buy their stuff...I highly doubt that 16-20 year old kids will be able to afford anything more than a Fusa from JP. If they barely have money now to buy actual spoon wheels for their honda, do you reall ythink they will drop almost 5K on a bodykit?? The person who will buy JP stuff has most likely finished school (college at the very least) and have a fairly high payind job...which leaves enough money to pay th ebills and spend the rest on the car. Another consumer would be someone who finished high school, lives with his parents and spends the entire paycheck on their car.

So even if the scene takes off...it won't win that many more customers. At least that will be the case for JP...some of the less expensive companies will see an increase in their customer base (wald, and the knockoff companies). That's why I strongly believe that JP needs to reconsider their pricing points. If they don't...we better see a very strong ad campaign and their branding managers making some miracles.

[clearstar society]

On average, what does it cost to make a mold ?

[Wald GS]

Nike is not a very good example for this then mainly because of the price levels we are talking about. Since they have shes ranging from $30-$300. If you look at their marketing plan and their strategy, they actually have about 8 markets that they are catering to, and each has it's own strategy.

I think a good example would be Louis Vuitton on this one. It is also very high priced, yet people are still buying it. Why because of status and style. The question is how did they do that? They don't avertise a whole lot...no direct TV ads. What they do is provide products to stars and have them wear it/carry it to various places and ordinary people always want what the famous have. Also just recentry Pharell got signed with LV to be in charge of their sunglass division. Right away this created a lot of hype. I'm sure they also put ads in fashion magazines as well, but that will only reach consumers that read these magazines.

The same idea goes to JP...if they only put ads in the Superstreet, people who subscribe to the magazine will be able to read about it. Now if are able to get their product in various magazines (Dunlop was a great idea), the number of people that they can reach increases. The next step is to get into magazines that have nothing to do with cars, but instead are catering to businessmen who have the money to afford JP stuff. Like mentioned before, giving away free kits or lending the demo car to be shot in some music video will also give them free advertisement. A lot of rappers want to be the first ones to do something...so let them think that they are the first ones doing it. (even though we are the first in US ;))

But the fact remains the same, JP needs be ready for what is to come. Only then they can begin catering to their future customers. When they enter the market, they have to do it big...otherwise the brand will not catch on.

As far as people who will buy their stuff...I highly doubt that 16-20 year old kids will be able to afford anything more than a Fusa from JP. If they barely have money now to buy actual spoon wheels for their honda, do you reall ythink they will drop almost 5K on a bodykit?? The person who will buy JP stuff has most likely finished school (college at the very least) and have a fairly high payind job...which leaves enough money to pay th ebills and spend the rest on the car. Another consumer would be someone who finished high school, lives with his parents and spends the entire paycheck on their car.

So even if the scene takes off...it won't win that many more customers. At least that will be the case for JP...some of the less expensive companies will see an increase in their customer base (wald, and the knockoff companies). That's why I strongly believe that JP needs to reconsider their pricing points. If they don't...we better see a very strong ad campaign and their branding managers making some miracles.


Very well written and thought out! :)

[One Ton VIP]

Funny mention of HKS... was just talking to some friends earlier today about how HKS is prob one of the few japanese hipo parts manufs that's going to endure the test of time in the US. Their stuff is super expensive, but worth the $$. A lot of the other japanese companies-even large ones-that have tried to restructure themselves drastically for the US market are the same ones that have either already suffered, or on the verge of suffering, some sort of major economic meltdown. About junction produce, I'm definitely curious how they are able to stay alive all this time... esp over the past 2-3 years where not too many of the up-and-coming VIP cars in japan use JP parts anymore. I'm assuming most of the revenue is coming from the merchandising now? (Like teddy bears and pillows and fusas etc...) One major tidbit that japanese companies need to learn about the US market is how to protect themselves from unscrupulous folks that will always try to make cheap facsimiles of their parts in China, esp bodykits. This is a problem all around the world, but it seems to be way too rampant in the US... mostly cuz our cheap ass, ignorant buying public fuels it... Again, let's do some work to *try* and change that, too... cuz it will only benefit everyone in the end.

If your teenage kid is being a knucklehead and hanging out with the wrong crowd and heading down the wrong path, and cusses at you when you try to talk some sense into him, you don't change yourself and go "well, I'll just live with it." What you do is beat some sense into him until he realizes that you're helping him head towards a better future. You change him. Tough love. Hmmm... like Russell Peter's classic routine:
http://www.speedoh.com/videos/ncosfk_RussellPetersBeatingYourKids.wmv

[actolex]

On average, what does it cost to make a mold ?


I told Tsuzuku-san mold will run about $10k.

[Yurikaze]

Unfortunatly, I think one detail we need to think about is something that will happen when the Vip market in the US blows up.
I'm going to use the drift market as an example.
A few years ago, drifting was presented as the next big cool thing in the "tuner market."
Magazines featured pro-level drift cars, and explored the japanese drift scene. At the time, there was a small enthusiest group in the US, gaining knowledge from overseas and firsthand experiance, much like the current niche of vip enthusiests. Fast forward a couple of years....
Today drifting is more mainstream than any niche in the current tuner market. Today there are several competition series that have been commercialized beyond the reach of the type of person that originally drove in them. That original band of enthusiets have either embraced the americanized version of drifting, have slipped into the background and gone back into the roots of the sport, or have dropped out completly due to disgust or lack of interest. The streets are clogged with beat-ass lowered 240's that bandwagon jumpers traded their hondas for. Drifting is on the verge of becoming played out to the general tuning masses, with F&F3 coming out (a death knell for any tuning subculture it features), and as a sport is being pushed out of reach of the drifters who aren't posers but haven't made it big, due to magazines only covering formula D and D1 putting focus on only these series. Primedia magazines are shifting away from drifting in order to spoon feed the average former honda owner their trend de jour.
Guess what. Now that drifting's intended replacement Time attack is starting to get commercialized, Vip is next.
Unfortunatly, we won't be seeing the vip cars we have come to love and lust after. I have a feeling that a JP equipped LS will be as rare a site on the road that a D1-street level drift car is now. Instead we will see a plethora of 15-year old infiniti Q's with cut springs and knock-off vip-style wheels prowling the streets, while getting stared down by the young super street subscribing thug in the driver's seat. We will see an increase in the theft rate of vip-chassis, and a flood of low-end knock-offs catering to the budget wannabe vip-er. I'm already seeing people on the 240 and drift forums flaunting their new purchases of decade-old LS400's and Q45's. Fortunatly, I think some of the hardcore drift people will even out some of the noobs, as many have looked to the vip market for inspiration, and now have the means to acquire a vip-chassis as a daily, and make informed decisons on modifying it properly. I could be wrong, but this is just my opinion. The real vip core will still exist , but will be fighting against the poser vip on a daily basis.

[Dark Anghell]

EDIT:

You are right on the drift scene. But you have to give credit to Primedia magazines for distorting the view of drifting, promoting alternative brands that may not be following the true drift scene. Hence you get all these kids driving low 240's and AE86's with some knockoff wheels and they think they are drifters because they can get the rear end to slide out when they are coming out of the corener. You can once again thank the magazines for making it OK to have a car like that. Plus they are (the kids) are being supported by their peers on the net who give them thumbs up for purchasing rota wheels instead of giving them a kick in the nuts for not going with Weds, Work, SSR, etc. Also, it's a great opportunity for them to have a car that looks like shit and people will give them props for the "battle scars".

VIP can go down this route as well if we all allow it to go this way. When these new people begin joining this site, it will be our job to convince them that a knock-off JP kit is not the way to go, that having ADR "VIP" wheels is not really VIP. Hopefully some will be steered in the right direction.

Also...as demand for these cars will go up, and what happens when demand fo rsomething rises? The prices on that thing go up. So as soon as dealers catch on to this new trend, the prices on older LS's and Q's will go from 3K to 5 or 6K...so that will scare away/deter a good portion of VIP wanna-bees from getting these cars. Same thing happened to AE86's...when their prices went from $800 to $3500 in about 6 months.

[firelizard]

I agree with the above statements...mainstreaming of trends makes it hard to stay true to the core and not just leave out of disgust.
We're safe for a while though, I think. Until a movie or a rap song come out with it.

[CharismaY33]

see dark anghell saw it too.. when the n00b masses catch on too it its sign up ebay and go to knock off heaven.. thats
what i predicted and thats likely whats its going to evolve too unless they get educated right.. also the price of high mg
luxury vip chassied cars will go up tremendous and my future ementions and others getting there's in wont be possible
no more because of the scene going the wrong way..

ehhh i just hope theres enough voice an direction to see at least one trend not go into shame... thats all

[callaghan.]

Funny mention of HKS... was just talking to some friends earlier today about how HKS is prob one of the few japanese hipo parts manufs that's going to endure the test of time in the US. Their stuff is super expensive, but worth the $$. A lot of the other japanese companies-even large ones-that have tried to restructure themselves drastically for the US market are the same ones that have either already suffered, or on the verge of suffering, some sort of major economic meltdown. About junction produce, I'm definitely curious how they are able to stay alive all this time... esp over the past 2-3 years where not too many of the up-and-coming VIP cars in japan use JP parts anymore. I'm assuming most of the revenue is coming from the merchandising now? (Like teddy bears and pillows and fusas etc...) One major tidbit that japanese companies need to learn about the US market is how to protect themselves from unscrupulous folks that will always try to make cheap facsimiles of their parts in China, esp bodykits. This is a problem all around the world, but it seems to be way too rampant in the US... mostly cuz our cheap ass, ignorant buying public fuels it... Again, let's do some work to *try* and change that, too... cuz it will only benefit everyone in the end.

If your teenage kid is being a knucklehead and hanging out with the wrong crowd and heading down the wrong path, and cusses at you when you try to talk some sense into him, you don't change yourself and go "well, I'll just live with it." What you do is beat some sense into him until he realizes that you're helping him head towards a better future. You change him. Tough love. Hmmm... like Russell Peter's classic routine:
http://www.speedoh.com/videos/ncosfk_RussellPetersBeatingYourKids.wmv




nicely put one ton. i see way too much of people trying to go the cheap route with their cars. I fuckin hate it when kids come in and want an "r34 bodykit for my neon"...and then think 700 is too much haha. i highely dount vip culture will go down the same route as drifting. you can't have a "beater" vip car, where as drifting you can go buy a $500 dollar 240, slam it, and put some old wheels on it say its "just your drifter so it can be shitty". now im not saying thats what drifing is, just how its gotten spoiled. VIPcars need to be more thought out, altho im sure we'll see some haggard attempts at VIP.

[TransformCelsior]

wow this mag article is a sure sign of the growing VIP style.

you have the younger dudes growing out of their civics and 240's wanting to get into something bigger and more luxurious.

it's in-evitable, pretty soon your gonna have axis wheels making some deep lipped dish style wheels It's just a matter of time.

I think the more respectable companies like Work, Weds, SSR, Crimson, Rays, etc have to join in on this "knock off" market and beat em at their own game. I think people would pay a few hunderd bucks more for the genuine article, BUT NOT A FEW THOUSAND BUCKS MORE.

after all it's companies like work, weds, ssr, crimson, rays that create the original design based on class and good taste.

if it weren't for them, companies like ADR, AXIS, MRA, JAZ, etc (all from the same build house) would still be stuck on chrome nasties.

[actolex]

it's in-evitable, pretty soon your gonna have axis wheels making some deep lipped dish style wheels* It's just a matter of time.




Like this..... http://www.axiswheels.com/wheels/vip/axis_vip.jpg

[VIPLifestyle]

Wow. You all make FANTASTIC, informed opinions. I couldn't agree more. As a 240sx owner who caught the drifting bug several years back when I bought my car, I am personally disgusted with what this incredible and challenging motorsport has been watered down to. From skilled, high level Japanese drifters to Formula D, quite possibly the worst public drifting out there(sorry, to me, Formula D is not fun to watch, or to see live, and doing a powerslide in a parking lot is not my idea of a challenging, artful drift). There are even wars within the 240sx community with the veterans suddenly going from humble guys to arrogant, egotistical clowns who think that anyone below them isn't worth their time or respect, all because of the explosion in popularity in drifting. Years ago, people used to confuse my S13 with a Ford Probe, or an FC RX7. Now, I can't even drive to school without someone asking me if I drift. Yurikaze made a very strong point about the 240 guys purchasing older Lexus LS or Infiniti Q. I have personally grown out of the 240sx scene, even though I still have much love for it, but I don't want to be a 30 year old guy still clinging to his "sick drift car". When you grow and mature, your tastes change, and I have gradually moved towards the VIP scene because of its class, purity, and undeniable, effortless, genuine style. You simply cannot deny the beauty of these cars. And as far as the bandwagon jumpers go, you cannot reproduce a quality VIP car with a old GS with cut springs. They can try, but you just can't get to that same level, where as in the 240 community will sing praises to someone with the ugliest 240, just because they drift. Obviously drifing is not all about the bling, show quality cars, because honestly your car will be beat to crap on the track, but at least have SOME personality and be somewhat different than the millions of other flat black 240's with 5Zigen FN01R wheels. Sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to share my opinion from someone who is on both sides of the argument.

[{-.-}]

I see VIP in the USA going the wrong direction cause alot of companies making and sellling parts for those cars that are NOT even a VIPcar or Style in Japan.
So folks buy this stuff and say " Hey VIP companies sell it so my car is VIP "* :uglystupid2:

The Japanese see this in the car magazines and wonder why this is in there........ I just say U.S. market wants that stuff. Goes back to the U.S. cars in the VIP magazine at least they put more of the true VIpcars in there. I listen to both sides you all and my friends over here. It all comes down to the mighty $$ or Yen.

For that thread where someone said VIP is dieing in Japan......... just look at the 2 newest VIP mags alot of NEW products for the 1998 and newer cars. VIP will not die in Japan if it was dieing why would all these new companies jump on the bandwagon at the end.

Im so glad im in Japan cause when I go to a true VIP meet i dont have to put up with some knuckleheads trying to take over with an IS or Benz. Im going to try to make the next VIP meet you all have before Sema but you watch alot of the NON - VIPcars / Style will be showing up............ WHY !! cause the magazines will be there............ :2funny:

For those of you selling car parts....... I think most of you talk a good game on here but when it comes down to who gets parts everyone is VIP ha ha he he

[actolex]

I see VIP in the USA going the wrong direction cause alot of companies making and sellling parts for those cars that are NOT even a VIPcar or Style in Japan.
So folks buy this stuff and say " Hey VIP companies sell it so my car is VIP "* :uglystupid2:

The Japanese see this in the car magazines and wonder why this is in there........ I just say U.S. market wants that stuff. Goes back to the U.S. cars in the VIP magazine at least they put more of the true VIpcars in there. I listen to both sides you all and my friends over here. It all comes down to the mighty $$ or Yen.

For that thread where someone said VIP is dieing in Japan......... just look at the 2 newest VIP mags alot of NEW products for the 1998 and newer cars. VIP will not die in Japan if it was dieing why would all these new companies jump on the bandwagon at the end.

Im so glad im in Japan cause when I go to a true VIP meet i dont have to put up with some knuckleheads trying to take over with an IS or Benz. Im going to try to make the next VIP meet you all have before Sema but you watch alot of the NON - VIPcars / Style will be showing up............* WHY !! cause the magazines will be there............* :2funny:

For those of you selling car parts....... I think most of you talk a good game on here but when it comes down to who gets parts everyone is VIP ha ha he he


One thing we spoke to JP about at IAS was the fact that some of the car manufacturers, Nissan, Toyota, are offering more aftermarket type products via the dealerships. At TAS this year, the big auto makers had booths at the show. Many of the aftermarket companies were not happy since this is eating into their market share. The unfortunate fact is that here in the US, we only have about half the VIP platforms to work with. By default, this narrows the market down for manufacturers of these product lines. Also, look at the new LS....the exhaust comes through the bumper. This eliminates adding an aftermarket exhaust unless you change the whole rear bumper. Again, JP brought this up during our conversation.

[autofashionELROY]

Like this..... http://www.axiswheels.com/wheels/vip/axis_vip.jpg


if you thought that was bad check this out
http://www.exewheels.com/images/KONVEX2_sm.jpg

kinda look like this right?
http://www.weds.co.jp/images/products/kranze/lxz_chrome_ff_b.jpg

[firelizard]

Those knock off are nice. I'd rather see those on a Civic than more Motegi. I think....

[One Ton VIP]

Granted, the simple, one-piece, affordable style of wheel is gaining popularity, but a good number of them at least still have an interesting design. Unfortunately the jp sport wheel has a rather mundane and trite design that even people who aren't into cars (I will use again my mother as a great example) would think looks boring.

[TransformCelsior]

this is actually decent, probably another company using offshore chinese build houses.

at least they are kinda comin up with their own designs.

I can see them on a sporty sedan style .

this is a crazy blocky mesh, I actually like it.

http://www.exewheels.com/images/KonKourse_E90_rear.jpg


http://www.exewheels.com/images/KONVEX2_sm.jpg