This is a very interesting read from
pddnet.com.
They talk about why Makita after so many years, updated the look of
their tools. Be sure to look at the before and after photos.
"With one of the project’s goals being to increase the Latino customer
base, HLB learned that brighter, more colorful schemes would be
preferred over quiet, subtle ones by this demographic. The result was
combining Makita’s traditional teal with the use of more silver
metallic.
Designers also used customer feedback to develop a
concept that looked new, stronger, lightweight, and high-speed without
completely abandoning some of the traditional elements that customers
liked. HLB and Makita describe the finished design as sleek and
aggressive with an almost sinister feel. The use of chrome also helps
from a retail perspective in bringing, according to HLB, more
“eye-catching American flair”. So from an aesthetic perspective, the
re-design delivered strong results." - pddnet.com
Makita
wanted to better compete with the other major power tool brands, and
they wanted a new look, but they also wanted to stay true to Makita.
Makita's plan was to hook you with the new look, and to hold on to you
with the quality of the tools.
Now I have been a fan of Makita tools for a long time now. My boss had
one of the very first 12 volt makita impacts. My very first drill was a
Makita, and still use it to this day(today even). I have known the
quilty of their tool to be very good. Too me it doesnt really matter
what the tool looks like as long as it works well; but I do have to
admit, I like the looks of their newer tools. Too bad for me, my
batteries are in their last days. The next time my local tool store has
a sale, I will have to buy a new impact and drill set. I know, It is
sad. Maybe my mom can get some use out of my old set.
