Why was Edsel discontinued?
The Edsel, Ford's ill-fated automobile model, was discontinued after just two years of production due to a combination of poor design, marketing missteps, and changing consumer preferences. The Edsel's failure is considered one of the most notorious product flops in business history, serving as a cautionary tale for companies seeking to introduce new and innovative products.
The Edsel's Troubled Beginnings
The Edsel was conceived in the mid-1950s as Ford's answer to the growing popularity of mid-priced cars from General Motors and Chrysler. Backed by a massive $250 million investment and years of market research, the Edsel was touted as the "car of the future" with its distinctive styling and advanced features. However, the Edsel's design, which included a controversial "horse-collar" grille, was widely criticized as unattractive and out of touch with consumer preferences.
Marketing Missteps and Changing Trends
In addition to the Edsel's design flaws, Ford's marketing campaign for the car was also widely panned. The company spent an unprecedented $250 million on pre-launch advertising and promotion, creating a sense of hype and anticipation that ultimately backfired. When the Edsel was finally unveiled in 1957, it failed to capture the public's imagination, and sales quickly plummeted.
The Edsel's demise was also exacerbated by broader changes in the automotive industry. As the economy slowed in the late 1950s, consumers began to favor smaller, more fuel-efficient cars, a trend that the Edsel, with its large, gas-guzzling engines, was unable to capitalize on.
The Aftermath and Lessons Learned
The Edsel's failure was a devastating blow to Ford, costing the company an estimated $250 million and leading to the resignation of several top executives. The Edsel's downfall has since become a cautionary tale for businesses, highlighting the importance of thorough market research, responsive product design, and effective marketing strategies.
The Edsel's failure serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned and well-funded product launches can falter if they fail to align with consumer preferences and industry trends. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the lessons of the Edsel remain relevant for companies seeking to navigate the ever-changing landscape of consumer demand.
Are edsels worth anything?
What is the average sale price of a Edsel? The average price of a Edsel is $30,136.
What is the rarest Edsel?
With such a limited production run-time, the 1960 model included some of the rarest Edsel models of any of the three model years.
Why didn t people like the Edsel car?
According to Standard Catalog of Ford, main reason why Edsel failed was poor quality. Edsel was built at the same place where Ford and Mercury were built. So when workers switched from Ford/Mercury to Edsel - well, they didn't like it, so Edsels were build fast and with many quality issues.
Who took over Ford after Edsel died?
Henry Ford II
Henry Ford II becomes president of Ford Motor Company
The son of Edsel and the grandson of Henry Ford, Henry Ford II, served as president from 1945 to 1960 and as chairman and CEO from 1960 to 1979. When Henry II took over, the company and its bookkeeping practices were in disarray.
How much is a 1958 Edsel worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,450 for a 1958 Edsel Corsair in good condition with average spec.
What was Edsel Ford's illness?
He died of stomach cancer aged 49. Henry Ford temporarily reassumed the presidency of Ford on Edsel's death, then Edsel's eldest son, Henry Ford II, succeeded Henry as president of Ford in 1945.
What was the reason for the Edsel failure?
Not only was Edsel competing against its own sister divisions, but model for model, buyers did not understand what the cars were supposed to be—a step above the Mercury, or a step below it.
Who ran Ford after Edsel died?
Henry Ford
Edsel Ford dies
Edsel was the only child of Henry and Clara Ford. After his death, Henry Ford returned to his former position as president of Ford Motor Company. Today, Edsel's legacy lives on in his contributions to the design of Lincoln cars and his generous backing of art in Detroit.
