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Why Canadian GX would have cooler option? The whole country is pretty much a cooler anyway
Jokes aside, GX sold in Asia and Mideast region, are most equipped with cooler and driver support package as standard configuration. Part of reasons been GX priced in those market is relatively higher, for ones who can afford will want every luxury amenities anyway. For example, the GX460 sold in China is around 1.2 millions RMB (about $200K USD by the time you paid all the fees and drive off the lot). Consider average income in China for educated white collar class is about 50,000 RMB/year (roughly $7,500 USD/year).
A bit off the topic, but have an interesting story to share (related to my line of work):
Back in early 2000, BMW stated a join-venture in China and ready to introduce main stream BMW 3 and 5 series into China market. To maximize the return on investment, BMW executive has insisted to start production on 3 series before 5 provided 3 series was the volume seller and with lower market entry price point. Despite many executives and consultants difference opinions from Chinese side, the BMW-Billiance in China went ahead started 3 series production. When it hits the market, it was completely missed the forecast in terms of sales, and so poorly received by the public! Why? Well, BMW original market assessment has missed two major points regards the 3 series market perception for China:
First one, just as the price of car to average personal income ratio, in China, especially in that time, there is no tier level of affordability for personal cars. Not like in US and Europe, you have a range of cars available to various range of buyers with specific income level. In China, there were only two tiers: ones can afford and ones couldn't! So, for ones who can afford were those only see themselves in 7 series or maybe a 5 if he or she wanted to be a bit low profile.
Second, even more interesting, during that time, for many corrupted officials, most popular gift to their mistress were BMW 3 series. So, unless you were proud of one of such figures, no one wanted to be seen in the BMW 3 series
So, BMW ended up switched production line quickly to 5 series and put 3 series as secondary production to fill the remaining Asia market needs.
Of course, such public perception has changed now days. Especially with the introduction of SAV in BMW line, X1 and X3 have became the most popular BMW cars as entry level for BMW in China.
A bit off the topic, but have an interesting story to share (related to my line of work):
Back in early 2000, BMW stated a join-venture in China and ready to introduce main stream BMW 3 and 5 series into China market. To maximize the return on investment, BMW executive has insisted to start production on 3 series before 5 provided 3 series was the volume seller and with lower market entry price point. Despite many executives and consultants difference opinions from Chinese side, the BMW-Billiance in China went ahead started 3 series production. When it hits the market, it was completely missed the forecast in terms of sales, and so poorly received by the public! Why? Well, BMW original market assessment has missed two major points regards the 3 series market perception for China:
First one, just as the price of car to average personal income ratio, in China, especially in that time, there is no tier level of affordability for personal cars. Not like in US and Europe, you have a range of cars available to various range of buyers with specific income level. In China, there were only two tiers: ones can afford and ones couldn't! So, for ones who can afford were those only see themselves in 7 series or maybe a 5 if he or she wanted to be a bit low profile.
Second, even more interesting, during that time, for many corrupted officials, most popular gift to their mistress were BMW 3 series. So, unless you were proud of one of such figures, no one wanted to be seen in the BMW 3 series
So, BMW ended up switched production line quickly to 5 series and put 3 series as secondary production to fill the remaining Asia market needs.
Of course, such public perception has changed now days. Especially with the introduction of SAV in BMW line, X1 and X3 have became the most popular BMW cars as entry level for BMW in China.
Continuing that same trend of thought, in southeast Asian - specifically in Vietnam, a price of a brand new GX can be easily pushed upward over $400K USD after taxes and fees. I have a chance to travel there for business and leisure quite often. The trend these days is Cadillac Escalade. I stumbled upon a wealthy neighborhood where every single house in the block has an Escalade. lol. It's truly a status symbol while ignoring the fact that the roads and traffic nighmare are terrible for vehicle that size. I'm not saying that's right or wrong but their mentality is my neighbor has so and so and that's why I need to have so and so. lol. Unlike us across the pond, where we choose our car based on features, performance, reliability, etc...
Sure would like to know where to purchase one of these. New member.
Are you looking for a 460 with the cooler? You may want to import one in from Canada. I think most things can be turned over to metric except the odometer. The speedometer is dual so that wouldn't be an issue.
You are right that the speedometer is dual, but everything else is Metric.
In particular everything on the Navigation System is in Metric and cannot be changed. Distances are in kilometers and meters, not miles and feet, so
this would be quite confusing if you are not used to or comfortable with the Metric System.
There might be some things that can be converted in Techstream but not sure and it does appear like you said you are left with a mostly metric vehicle.
Adding the cooler box looks like a lot of work too since the unit appears to be plumbed into the AC lines as well.
Any idea what temp this cooler stays at when powered up?
I'd love this option when taking road trips... need to keep meds cool for 12-20 hours while driving and swapping ice packs is such a pain in the butt
01-25-18, 03:59 PM
GX's with the console cooler
