The car that time left behind: TM-1
The SD2 was dead - long live the SD2... well, almost. Post-Ryder, the Specialist Division would fall into abeyance, and would become part of the all-encompassing "Leyland Cars" division. TM-1 was the result - a car to replace the Triumph Dolomite and Morris Marina. In essence, the car was almost pure SD2, a car close to Spen King's heart, but in cheapened form, it would make an eminently suitable conventionally engineered Marina.
History relates that the TM1 did not make it much further than this internal document, and certainly, I have not been able to uncover any styling schemes for the Morris version of the car (the Triumph would be almost pure SD2), let alone clay mockups or prototypes. The decision to axe the car was taken by Mark Snowdon in the closing months of 1975, after he considered that the risk of introducing a technically conventional car in 1978/79 (assuming the project remained on schedule) and having BL fall behind their rivals was not acceptable, when there was already a front wheel drive Maxi/Allegro replacement in development at the hands of Gordon Bashford and Spen King. History relates that the decision Snowdon was fundamentally correct, but even the most pessimistic product planners within BL would have believed that the front wheel drive car would take so long to appear. That car was known as the ADO99, which became the LC10, which became the LM10, and eventually emerged in March 1983... almost eight years after it was conceived.
Here are extracts from the model range document, as published internally in September 1975, and if nothing else makes a fascinating insight into the development of new model concepts.
Introduction:
British Leyland now offers two rear wheel drive saloons of much the same size - the Marina and the Triumph Toldeo/Dolomite range. Both have serious product deficincies compared to competition and neither sells in significant volume outside of the UK. Under the earlier BLMC organization, Rover Triumph and Austin Morris divisions separately identified their requirementsfor replacement models. Both proposals were for very similar vehicles, especially in size and package.
Proposals were made to develop these vehicles with some commonality, but no firm plan was adopted and the development of the Triumph replacement (SD2) went ahead on its own. Nevertheless, the case for commonality has remained a strong one, even though in the United Kingdom the current models compete in largely diffent market sectors. Moreover, recent events have made it clear that resources do not exist to develop two deparate models in reasonable time. The proposal has, therefore, been made that a joint programme (TM1) be undertaken to provide the Marina and Triumph small car replacements. This paper describes the proposal.
Strengths and weaknesses of current model ranges:
Competition between BL models:
Only in the low volume specialist sector is British Leyland represented by a single model line, the Dolomite Sprint. In the intermediate and High-Line sectors (representing in 1975 over 37% of TIV) BL has four model lines competing directly.
Strength of Marina in A and B sectors:
Super Marina models have been the best selling cars in the intermediate sector since 1973. The DeLuxe model is also strong in sector A thought outsold by smaller models such as Viva and Escort.
Illogical Allegro/Marina relationship:
Although the Allegro is a smaller car than the Marina with a lower base price for the range, Allegro Highline derivatives actually outsell Marina by more than 2 to 1. By contrast, in 1.3 DeLuxe form, Marina heavily outsells the Allegro.
Triumph models competing in volume sector:
The Triumph Toledo has held a healthy share of sector B (the 1975 figures being depressed by supply problems) competing directly with the Austin Morris products.
Failure of Marina TC in Highline sector:
Marina is the only BL car that can be regarded as a direct competitor to the Cortina in sector C but has achieved less than 10% of Cortina volume.
By product actions prior to TM1 announcement (Triumph small car reallignment andADO73 Marina facelift) some of the UK market weaknesses summarised above will be reduced. However, it requires a new model programmeto make a major improvement in BL's position in the medium saloon market.
Sales performance - Export
Neither the Marina nor the Triumph small cars have made any significant ipact in export markets, in many cases despite the extremely competitive market prices that have been set. In Europe, low volumes are partly due to general weaknesses in the BL marketing organisation. In addition the Triumph marque name has a very poor image due to historic service and quality problems. The overlap of Marina with Allegro is also more significant in Europe where a one-franchise system is in operation.
In overseas terriatories the unsuitability of the Marina under arduous operating conditionshas restricted its volume to markets where good road conditions prevail. In the USA, Marina cannot be sold at a satisfactory profit and will be withdrawn by the end of the 1976 model year at the latest.
Product Strengths and Weaknesses:
This table summarises the major strengths and weaknesses of the current model range which a replacement model must either develop or overcome. In addition to these design items, a very substantial improvement in quality and reliability will be necessary for the full potential of a new model to be fulfilled. This is particularly vital for export terriatories where the currentproducts have a bad reputation in this respect.
Proposed strategy for TM1
From a consideration of product strengths and weaknesses of the Marina and Triumph small cars, and of competitive developments, a strategy has been evolved for the replacement of medium saloonmodel range (TM1) to meet the needs of British Leyland through the 1980s.
The proposal for a combined development of the Morris and Triumph models, with a considerable degree of commonality, using the work so far done on the Triumph model as a basis. The major points of strategy are:
Larger size and improved package:
The proposed overall dimensions for the TM1 are 168-inches in length and 68-inches in width (which compares with 169x64.5-inches for the ADO73 and 162x62-inches for the Triumph). The reasons for setting these dimension targets are:
· To be competitive in all general aspects of size.
· To provide a substantial increase in rear shoulder room, which now compares unfavourably to the competition.
· To provide a viable model in the 1.6 - 2.0 higher specified range, where the Marina is currently very weak.
· To provide overall interior space and luggage room fully competitve with other specialist saloons.
· To provide the basis for a competitve style.
· To make a visually larger car to reduce overlap with the Allegro.
Requirements for increased mechanical sophistication:
It is proposed that the TM1 range should be engineered to very high standards of refinement, safety, ride, handling and roadholding. The reasons for setting high standards, and consequent acceptance of additonal design costs, are to address the weaknesses of the Marina and Triumph small car range.
This strategy implies that the Morris version should match the standards required for Triumph and would therefore be expected to be in advance of current volume competition. However, recent new model introductions show that, in the volume markets of the 1980s, high standards should be designed into the model from the beginning.
Higher standards of quality and reliability are a major requirement for both models, as current products do not have a high reputation in these respects. Improvements are included as a major item in the product strategy because they are so critical to the acceptance and success of the new model. It is proposed that the same standards should be applied to both Morris and Triumph versions.
Reduced overlap with Allegro:
It is apparent that a more logical range structure avoiding direct price competition between models of similar specification leves is necessary to give British Leyland its most effective market position. This shift in position is very important for British Leyland in several respects:
It gives a complementary model range, important whatever the franchise structure, but vital if a move is eventually made to a single line franchise in the UK.
With a single franchise already operational in export territories, a complementary product line up is a vital requirement for gaining new business and for reducing operating costs (spares stocking etc), particularly in relation to the limited dealer network and selling effort required.
The opportunity is given for the Allegro and its successor to attain the sales volume which potentially exists for such a model.
Richer model mix:
By making the new Marina a more viable model in 1600-2000cc higher specified versions, considerable opportunities exist for arrying existing owners upmarket and for conquest business from owners of competitive models currently in that sector. This will more than compensate for the probable loss of some sales in the lower profit 1300 sector, although even here the loss should not be substantial and the Allegro can be expected to absorb some of the volume, since removal of price competition with the Marina will allow more selling effort in Allegro in this market segment,
The profit potential of this move in the UK market can be illustrated by comparison of BL's penetrations with Cortina. Although the Cortina price band is similar to the current BL models, the majority of its sales occur at higher prices within the range. The average selling prices are: Marina and Triumph, £1631, Cortina, £1731.
Opportunites in Export markets:
Internation division marketing have identified substantial volume opportunities for the new range both in markets where Marina or Triumph small cars are currently exported, and in new markets where the vehicle potential would justify a new marketing effort.
In Europe, potential sales, as with the whole British Leyland range, will depend on the success of efforts being made to raise British Leyland's image and dealer strength. Provided this can be achieved, the concept of TM1, its marketing position, competitiveness and model range should give the corporation a major opportunity to reduce its dependence on the UK market.
In Rest Of World territories, TM1, particularly with its much improved suspension, is seen as having far more potential than Marina, provided that the required durability standards under arduous operating conditions can be maintained. The new model will allow BL to enter new markets where the current Marina is unsuitable.
In the major territories of Australia, Canada and South Africa, TM1 is also seen as a very competitive addition to the BL line-up. In the United States he sub-compact sector is expected to be very strong in the 1980s with all the US domestic manufacturers offering small saloon models. It is planned to offer the Triumph TM1 model as a specialist alternative to domestic offerings and also to provide a potential trade up for TR7 owners seeking a four seater saloon.
Risks involved in the new strategy
Required Product standards not achieved
It is vital that TM1 meets 1980s standards of ride, handling, refinement, comfort and styling. Achievement of conquest sales, particularly in export territories, depends on the experctations of the model being fulfilled. The next section describing in detail the TM1 specification includes an analysis of the areaswhere there are some risks in not achieving the standards.
Improvements in quality and reliability not achieved
As outlined in previous sections, major improvements over current models are crucial to the success of TM1. Again, these factors are particularly important in export markets.
Retention of existing Marina and Toledo owners in the UK
The upmarket movement of TM1 in size, sophistication and model range implies that the loyalty of the owners of the cheapest Marina and Toledo models will be severely strained by the jump in price required to purchase a new Morris or Triumph TM1 equivalent. The TM1 strategy assumes that losses at the lower end of the range will be more than countered by a considerable increase in strength at the top end, but a reasonable degree of carryover business will reduce the risks associated with gaining volume from competition.
It is particularly important that product and marketing actions on Allegro should be taken to strengthen its position in the cheaper end of the 1300 market left by TM1.
Adoption of SD2 as a basis for TM1
This paper has so far outlined the market and product background, and evolved a strategy for an ideal corporate medium car line for the 1980s. A Triumph small car replacement, SD2, has been under development for three years and possesses the following major features:
Overall length 167.5", overall width 67.9", 5-door fastback style, engine range 1500cc - 2000cc 4V PI, refined suspension system using Macpherson struts and well located live rear axle.
It is considered that this vehicle poessesses all the basic characteristics required for a new Marina replacement as outlined in the strategy paper. The adoption of the existing SD2 design as the basis for the Marina replacement involves an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages discussed above. With regard to the fact that the SD2 was originally designed as a specialist car, the following point should be noted: considerable redesign of the body shell has already been undertaken to make it suitable for high volume production, using a multi-welded floor structure and gateline body assembly.
The advantages are considered to far outweigh the disadvantages. It is considered that the SD2 can form the basis of a new corporate medium car line which will meet the required model strategy in a cost effective way, and that the adoption will have significant advantages in timing and use of resources.
Exterior Styling
Purely speculative computer image of how the TM1 saloon may have looked when considering the description of the car detailed below. The Triumph TM1 would have been pure SD2. Given the way the styling scheme for the car has been devised, it may have proven difficult for the Morris version to have looked vastly differeent from the Triumph variant.
Triumph 5-door
Style as already approved for the SD2 range: Overall styling has a "family" resemblance to the SD1, but maintains a distinctive appearance. Very low bonnet line (lower than TR7) and high penetration nose shape with integral front spoiler. Lower and wider car than current models giving a more modern sporting appearance and improved rear seat width. Deep front and rear bumpers integrated into the shape of the car. Six-light hatchback with unique rear end treatment incorporating enclosed wheel arches.
Morris 4-door and Estate.
Common sheet metal with the Triumph version from the B/C post forward. Common roof panel. Unique 4-door notchback and estate car rear ends. Unique front grille, headlamp and bumper treatments.
Dependent upon the achievement of an acceptable Morris style, it is considered that this proposal will provide the best compromise between maintaining a high level of differentiation for Morris and Triumph models and achieving major advantages in reducing build complexity and body tooling costs. The striking appearance of the cars combined with the functional advantages of a low drag co-efficient should enable the styles to remain competitive with 1980's competition, and establish a distinctive "high-style" image for British Leyland RWD saloons."
Engine usage
Morris TM1 versions - engines and trim variations:
The Morris range will comprise of: 1.3 4dr Base, 1.7 4dr Base, 4dr Diesel, 1.3 4dr Super, 1.7 4dr Super, 1.7 TC 4dr HL, 2.0 TC 4dr HL, 1.7 Estate Base, 1.7 Estate Super. The engine range will comprise of: 1300cc uprated A-Series, 1700 and 2000cc O-Series in Twin-carburettor form and 1700cc Single carburettor. A federalised single carburettor 2000cc version will be offered. 1800cc B-Series diesel.
The 1800 Diesel will provide an important additional model in the range, but its inclusion will be subject to a separate justification dependent on the engine build capacity available.
Triumph TM1 versions - engines and trim variations:
The Triumph range will consist of: 1.5 5dr, 1.7 TC 5dr, 2.0 TC 5dr, 2.0 16V 5dr. The Engine range will comprise of: 1500cc Triumph OHV, 1700 and 2000cc O-Series in Twin-carburettor form, and Triumph Slant 4 2000cc 4V with Bosch PI.
The 1500cc Triumph version is proposed as an interim model only to assist in retaining current small car owners after the Triumph version is launched. Alternative specifications using the 1700 "O" Series will be investigated.
Performance
Most TM1 models offer competitive performance, but the following points must be raised: The proposed 1300 model is fully competitive in performance, but it is essential that the uprated "A" Series engine meets its 67bhp target. The Triumph 1500 model is somewhat uncompetitive, but it is proposed to be phased out after a relitively short time. The 2000 4v PI Triumph is unlikely to be equalled at its price. To continue the current model policy the larger engined models will feature high gearing for maximum fuel economy.
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