Another United Kingdom-based car company is taken seriously in the market for premium cars. There are numerous car manufacturers that originate in the British home market. However, all of them have created their respective niches. Overall, most of them are luxury or sports in purpose, reflecting the British culture's lavish lifestyle and priorities. Panther cars are among them.
Panther cars are the popular name used to refer to vehicles made by auto manufacturer Panther Westwinds. As a company, Panther was founded by limousine and premium car designer Robert Jankel. It was only in 1972 that the firm was established. Compared to other British car makers in its niche, Panther was comparatively and relatively new at that time.
The first Panther cars were retro-styled vehicles that were a hit to many celebrities and famous personalities by that time. The first ever Panther model was the Panther J72, which became really huge among Hollywood stars. Production of the car was done by the company from 1972 to 1981. Eight other Panther models followed until the car brand finally folded up. Among them are the Panther FF, the Panther Lazer, the Panther de Ville, the Panther Rio, the Panther 6 and the Panther Lima.
Unfortunately, Panther as a car brand was not given the opportunity to make its name and presence further felt and appreciated by consumers across the market. In the year 1980, the car company finally filed for bankruptcy after just about eight years of non-profitability. It was said that Panther incurred losses from every single vehicle it made and distributed in the market.
Many car buyers were so disappointed by the collapse of the Panther. Many analysts were surprised by the demise of the car brand. How can a widely patronised car brand fall in sales and margins? The answer lies not on the sales figures and the performance of the cars but on the overall management of Panther.
Because of the enormous trust and good perception the market holds on Panther cars, the company was acquired by South Korean tycoon Young Kim. Eventually, Panther was absorbed by Korean car manufacturer Korean SsangYong Motor Company in 1990. Revival of the Panther brand was heralded by the development and launch of the Panther Solo in the same decade. Apparently, Panther Solo became the last car model manufactured under the car brand.
Many people still believe that the Panther is still a very promising brand. The car name still holds prestige upon itself. It is still regarded as one of the topmost car brands that ever existed in the global car market. Thus, there is a constant clamour for the revival of the Panther car brand.
To date, there is still hope for Panther cars. It is still rolling out in the market. The car brand only needs a good company that will takeover and manage it. The achievement made by Panther cars in its very limited span of existence is one reason why the brand still needs another chance.
Original Authors: Manny
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 10/06/2008
