HerrK

Received this response from Audi today

Hello Robert,

Thank you for reaching out to Audi of America in regard to our European Delivery Program. We value your communication and apologize that it took us some extra time to respond. My name is Dominique and you can consider me as your personal Audi specialist. I look forward to providing whatever assistance possible for you in this matter.

While I regret the concerns that prompt your contact, I appreciate the time and effort you have taken to share your feedback with us. Trust me when I say you are not the only Audi enthusiast that’s disappointed with this transition. The great news is, we hear you all loud and clear. I will be documenting your comments and sharing them with the appropriate parties within Audi of America. We valued this information as we continue to grow and expand our programs. If you ever require further assistance or have any questions in general, please do not shy away from me. You are welcomed to respond directly to this email or call + 1 800 822 2834 anytime.

Best,

Dominique B.

Digital & Social Media Advocate, Audi Customer Experience Center
Audi of America, Inc.
Customer Experience
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
United States of America
Tel. +1 800 822 2834

Kris Hansen

Part of the reason is there are many models that ARENT made in Ingolstadt, so the cars would have to be shipped there to be picked up. It makes no sense to have European delivery for a car made in Mexico, for example. Or Hungary, or whereever else Audi decides to build cars.

superswiss

And those models would simply not be eligible for ED. That's already the case with Mercedes and BMW. BMW makes their X models in the USA and they are simply not available for ED, but all other models that are still made in Europe are. Same for Mercedes. GLC, C-Class sedans and I believe the GLE are all made in the USA and are not available through ED. So consequently the current Q5 made in Mexico hasn't been available for ED. Cars made in other parts of Europe have to be transported to Germany anyway for shipping. Hungary doesn't have a port, so the cars get transported to Emden and loaded onto a vessel. So instead of transporting them directly to Emden, they could continue to transport them to Ingolstadt for delivery and then to Emden from one of the drop off locations just like before. Both BMW and MB have several models that are not eligible for ED, but that hasn't made them terminate the entire program.

Sam2

Nice, I'm glad you heard back. I hope they are genuinely listening and making considerations.

Exactly - that isn't a challenge specific to Audi. While they stated production globalization was the cause in their official communication, I doubt it's the only reason. That one is just the easiest to throw the blame onto, it sounds better than "we don't make enough profit off the enthusiasts that actually select it".

HerrK

As stated & summarized, by "superswiss" I would not expect Audi or other European based Delivery centers to import cars from other continents to deliver in German and turn aroung and ship them back across the Atlantic. Audi "America" is merely saving money on the admistrative costs associated with coordinating the European Delivery program with their dealers and for sure that's the bottom line. The delivery center @ Ingolstadt will continue to operate and delivery vehicles for those on the European continent with every European spec they build or import from other countries RH or LH drive. Personally I am not Audi brand centric. They are not the Holy Grail of German car manufacturerers. Shame on the engineers through the CEO working for Audi/VAG who knew and contributed to cheating on the diesel emissions testing and trying to get away with it.

By the way Audi/VAG/Bosch thanks for the $11K you contributed to pay off our Q5 TDI which we picked up Ingolstadt in 2014. Audi probably spent more money on the very nice professional "Clean Diesel" brochures then they have profited from both of their ED progams to date.

Brand loyalty VAG your not doing it for me and ending your ED program is not a positive sign. Buying another Audi/VAG would be bit of a bitter pill to swallow based their total mishandling of dieselgate. Thankfully I still have other choices between BMW, MB, Volvo, & Porsche (low consideration for this VAG group and majority owners of VAG). If they reinstate their ED program prior to our next planned ED in 2020, I would give them some consideration.

Sam2

I was agreeing with superswiss's points by saying Audi cites a problem that most of those other manufactures find a way to deal with. And I think you'd be surprised how many people of "this VAG group" (meaning Audi owners???) are willing to take the other brands into consideration.

insanefreak

farmerjones

Such a stupid logic....I can't think of a better way to create a life-long enthusiast and repeat buyer than Euro Delivery. You should see the statistics from Euro delivery on loyalty, multiple car purchases, referrals, etc....through the roof. Sure it costs money, but it creates a brand image and customer following that dollar-for-dollar is the best money spent. I'm still so irritated this ended, because there was good chance I was going to do this for my next car. Perhaps they will come around over time. With all their production delays and wonky shipping/port holds etc maybe they just gave up trying to coordinate the whole process....which only shows how many problems they have going on right now in satisfying customers.

bandersen

Hello Porsche Macan…
Audi...it's been fun. The Austrian Ice driving adventure with the Club was way cool....Ingolstadt was my first Audi...surprisingly, my last Audi as well. Thanks for the memories.

Glisse

VAG would much prefer that you buy a Porsche Macan rather than an Audi.