DG Flugzeugbau and LS: Not united...

ladies and Gentlemen,

check this: http://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/schade-segelflug-e.html

Please note this sentence:

Let's wait for the price list.. maybe we are finally getting our World Class glider.

Bye

Very interesting. Apparently someone else has outbid DG for LS, and thus DG is out of the picture, with someone else getting the LS assets.

However, reading between the lines, it sounds like DG may mount a legal

But maybe not the LS10....

Sounds very good to me. DG could try to remove LS from the market. In the situation that appeared, this means more competition on the market, which always benefits the customer.

Regards,

Sounds to me like the representatives of LAK availed themselves of several opportunities to prevaricate copiously to K. F. Weber & co.

Bob K.

The way in that this deal has all come about is a bit out of order. I understand that the associated parties may feel angry about the whole situation and indeed I also feel the high running feelings are justified.

However, believe it or not, even Eastern Europe is in a market economy and if their products are no good then they will go bust. By trying to force the manufacture to remain in Germany and to refuse a higher bid is nothing short of 'protectionism' and is highly uncompetitive. I only highlight this as the Western European countries (and Japan) have just forced the US to back down over protectionism. (the steel import tariffs that the WTO ruled illegal)

I beleive that German gliders are the best in the World. But frankly the LS quality on the LS8s has been criticised since day one of manufacture and I am not sure how people can think that the Eastern Europeans can not compete. Afterall, they are about to become our EU brothers within the next year. They will be no worse or better than the group.

Great way to welcome them on board.

Owain

At 14:36 02 December 2003, W.J. bill Dean u.K..

In all of this DG/LS debate - haven't we just heard one side of the story? What plans does Walter Eisele & co have for the LS brand? It would be nice to hear, before making judgements.

If the new owners decide not to produce the LS-10, probably they would be quite happy to sell the molds and plans to the highest bidder. So DG still could end up producing one LS glider. Of course, one suspects that the real drawing card for DG was the LS-8, as the DG line lacks a competitive Standard Class glider.

The DG / LS marriage makes sense from the point of view that the LS8 is a proven, certified design with existing molds and an established reputation for competitive performance.

DG does not have a competitive offering from their own stable. They could do well having the LS8 in their catalogue.

I am not so sure about the argument of German or Eastern European manufacture. I am pretty certain that if manufacture of the LS8 recommences, the bulk of it will happen in Eastern Europe. Despite what Mr Weber may be talking about, between the lines it is clear that when he took on LS the plan was to manufacture in Eastern Europe and any other plans are at best only wishful thinking.

The argument then is between an organisation with German based design and sales organization, or a an operation based entirely in Eastern European. The later will probably get LS8's on the market at a lower price, and in the long term that may count the most.

From my own perspective, as an owner of an LS3a, at this point in time the DG option appears the most attractive. The uncertainty is obviously the worst aspect.

As for the LS10, don't hold your breath waiting for it. Both DG and LAK have exiting competing products that are already certified and in production. The LS10 would have to have a significant performance advantage over one of those two before anybody puts up the cash to make it happen.

I don't expect to see the LS4 in production either. How much cheaper is it to deliver an LS4 than an LS8. Particularly after you have paid for the trailer, avionics and shipping. I suspect most buyers would pay the extra and go for the new design with top of the class performance.

Watching this space with great interest.

This may be the best thing that could ever happen..... FOR SHEMP-HIRTH!

They're going to sell a lot of Ventus 2cx/18 ships.