can anyone tell me...
09-26-2001, 09:03 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 50 50'><circle class='avatar-circle-default' fill='%234cada8' cx='25px' cy='25px' r='20px'></circle><text class='avatar-text-default' x='49%' y='53%' fill='white' text-anchor='middle' alignment-baseline='middle'>"</text></svg>)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
can anyone tell me...
why Mexico has A3/S3's and the US DOESN'T?!?!?! I still can't beleive that they aren't selling them here. It would be perfect for an entry-level car and would help grab younger buyers and get them locked in to the Audi brand. Too bad...
Steve
Steve
09-26-2001, 09:10 AM
#3
Elder Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 14,732
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Because....
In the last 5 years Volkswagen has had a HUGE increase in sales in the US. With their college programs they have kids buying Golfs and Jettas left and right and proffessionals thinking Passatts are Audi A4s for less money.
If the A3/S3 is sold in the US VW will see dramatic decreases in sales of their Golf, Jetta and GTI lines for the much more upscale A3.
VW is trying their hardest right now to rank in with brand recognition with young buyers and the last thing they want is for Audi to go screw it up. In my area, the only Audi commercial I've EVER seen is one crappy A6 one on Speedvision, but nearly every 30 minutes I get an VW slogan slammed into my skull. Its almost as if they don't want Audi as competition... even though the money goes to the same place.
Screwey aint it? Just wait until the D1 comes out and it confuses people who want an S8.
Bleh
If the A3/S3 is sold in the US VW will see dramatic decreases in sales of their Golf, Jetta and GTI lines for the much more upscale A3.
VW is trying their hardest right now to rank in with brand recognition with young buyers and the last thing they want is for Audi to go screw it up. In my area, the only Audi commercial I've EVER seen is one crappy A6 one on Speedvision, but nearly every 30 minutes I get an VW slogan slammed into my skull. Its almost as if they don't want Audi as competition... even though the money goes to the same place.
Screwey aint it? Just wait until the D1 comes out and it confuses people who want an S8.
Bleh
09-26-2001, 09:28 AM
#5
US preferences -- "hatchbacks" were't desirable over the last decade ...
... in the States. In fact, most auto manufacturers did whatever they could to move away from hatchback designs that once defined the "Pocket Rocket" and "Hot Hatch" market of the 80's.
The VW Golf has continued to sell well, despite it's box design, but VWoA/AoA and Audi AG must believe the A3/S3 would be:
1) Viewed as just an "expensive Golf"
2) Not well received due to U.S. tastes
3) Not sell well as "luxury" brand buyers wouldn't be interested in a perceived "entry level" hatchback.
Things are changing though. Amercians see the utility of hatches, and as they move away from trucky SUVs the hatchback has found new life. Also, MB looks to have a winner on it's hands with the new C-Coupé ... though it's styling is far from the traditional hatchback. Finally, other makers are proving the hatchback's popularity, like the Ford Focus ZX3 and Honda's decision to make the next Civic Si a hatch (which is how it was originally introduced in the 80's).
The VW Golf has continued to sell well, despite it's box design, but VWoA/AoA and Audi AG must believe the A3/S3 would be:
1) Viewed as just an "expensive Golf"
2) Not well received due to U.S. tastes
3) Not sell well as "luxury" brand buyers wouldn't be interested in a perceived "entry level" hatchback.
Things are changing though. Amercians see the utility of hatches, and as they move away from trucky SUVs the hatchback has found new life. Also, MB looks to have a winner on it's hands with the new C-Coupé ... though it's styling is far from the traditional hatchback. Finally, other makers are proving the hatchback's popularity, like the Ford Focus ZX3 and Honda's decision to make the next Civic Si a hatch (which is how it was originally introduced in the 80's).
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sundowner
A4 (B8 Platform) Discussion
29
01-19-2012 06:09 AM
Quattrings
A6 / S6 (C6 Platform) Discussion
13
03-15-2006 06:54 AM