So Whatever happened to..

.....no boat will get the traction that the Laser ever achieved is that when it was launched it retailed at the equivalent of £ 3,200 in today’s money

And that is the current L@ser problem in a nutshell...  It WAS the equivalent of GBP 3,200 in today’s money but it is not exactly near that today. 

Many decades have passed and most regular products in most markets, certainly ones that barely change in particular, tend to get less expensive .....not so with this one that has evolved to become the classical 'cash-cow' to its owners who appear to pursue maximum return whatever .... even if the approach allows enough space for the odd viable challenge.  Risky.   Nothing wrong with the cash-cow approach in itself in my book but you have to be adaptable in changing circumstances.

The Aero is doing fantastically well, is properly established already, is well funded and managed and is rapidly looking to be to be a viable long term challenge.  It is now probably too late for the L@ser owners to react without some real damage to its apparent long term cash-cow policy.  (Rule 101 - never underestimate competitors or really believe your own propaganda)......  Market leadership really can lead to eventual market replacement if you don't take real care.  The consequences of not reacting appropriately when challenged in this position can be terminal. 

It may not be at that point in all geographical markets yet of course and there might be other real challengers out there we don't even know about yet ..... time will tell.  L@ser might even eventually react – who knows !  Ultimately markets are dynamic, little can even be partially 'forever' without recognising and responding to challenges in good time.