Interesting article.
Elder Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 4,505
Likes: 1
I still don't understand how AoA can succeed in increasing both profitability and sales ...
at the same time, especially while pushing leases over purchases and BMW and MB are agressively discounting in the face of competition from Lexus and Infiniti.
You really have to want an Audi nowadays, and while there are such types (hey, I'm one), they aren't the multitude. Indeed, how many posts of late have told of switching away from Audi because of an inability to turn away from cheaper deals elsewhere?
Well, time will tell.
You really have to want an Audi nowadays, and while there are such types (hey, I'm one), they aren't the multitude. Indeed, how many posts of late have told of switching away from Audi because of an inability to turn away from cheaper deals elsewhere?
Well, time will tell.
Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 1
Lots of customers "moving up" and leasing an Audi - they don't know about AoA's problems with crappy
service. The reason (IMO) that so many Audi service departments stink is that most people don't know or care. If you lease and don't intend to purchase the car, do you really care if the service dept. "got it right" as long as the car runs? Probably not. I'm amazed at how many cars I've been in where there was an obvious problem but the owner/driver didn't notice or care as long as it starts and runs and doesn't leave them stranded. Also I think that many "upscale" consumers have never opened the hood for anything unless the car has broken down. This forum is definitely not the norm.
Look at how long GM ignored all the warning signs - if sales are up and profits are acceptable and the managers are getting bonus checks, they MUST be doing things right, so why change???
Look at how long GM ignored all the warning signs - if sales are up and profits are acceptable and the managers are getting bonus checks, they MUST be doing things right, so why change???
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 4,431
Likes: 0
Let's not ignore the fact that Audi is doing a lot of things right
New Audi customers are wowed by the interior design and materials and then the pleasures keep coming with "easter egg" details. Once the new wears off it's time to discover the real benefits of quattro, the handling, and the solid, rattle-free, interior.
All you need to do is look around at what else is out there and you'll start to appreciate what Audi is doing.
Infiniti? My God, have you been in one? The interior is ****e. It may look nice in pix, but the materials are sub-par for the market.
Lexus has the almighty reliability thing going on, but the suspension settings are super soft and in my opinion the whole marque is set up as some kind of chick car emporium.
The low end A3 surprises people with it's competence, though it's price is way up there in that market.
The A4 is nearly ubiquitous on the road today, but sets the tone for future up market purchases and many sedans pale in comparison.
The C5 A6 could be credited with being Audi's springboard because it really set the bar higher than other cars in it's class. The C6, you know, it looks good from some angles (none of them from the front).
The A8 is just a supreme automobile and it's style, grace, and performance combine into a very desirable package.
Now factor in the TT, the R8, the A5, the A7, the Q7, the Q5, the R4... it's an ONSLAUGHT!
All you need to do is look around at what else is out there and you'll start to appreciate what Audi is doing.
Infiniti? My God, have you been in one? The interior is ****e. It may look nice in pix, but the materials are sub-par for the market.
Lexus has the almighty reliability thing going on, but the suspension settings are super soft and in my opinion the whole marque is set up as some kind of chick car emporium.
The low end A3 surprises people with it's competence, though it's price is way up there in that market.
The A4 is nearly ubiquitous on the road today, but sets the tone for future up market purchases and many sedans pale in comparison.
The C5 A6 could be credited with being Audi's springboard because it really set the bar higher than other cars in it's class. The C6, you know, it looks good from some angles (none of them from the front).
The A8 is just a supreme automobile and it's style, grace, and performance combine into a very desirable package.
Now factor in the TT, the R8, the A5, the A7, the Q7, the Q5, the R4... it's an ONSLAUGHT!
Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 1
I totally agree that Audi design and engineering are excellent - the problems are QC and dealer
service. There are good dealers out there, but there are still too many bad ones. From a sales viewpoint, my Audi purchase was excellent - it's just the service end that has been a total bust in my experience. They are working hard to improve across the board, but it's just frustrating that in my area it hasn't fully taken hold as of yet (from a service perspective).
Quattro is by far the best AWD system (with the Torsen) - this past winter my car was unstoppable compared to more traditional 4-wheel and AWD vehicles. Quiet confindence is how I think of it.
Quattro is by far the best AWD system (with the Torsen) - this past winter my car was unstoppable compared to more traditional 4-wheel and AWD vehicles. Quiet confindence is how I think of it.
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AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 4,431
Likes: 0
I cut the umbilical cord
I fully moved over to the Saab side, but like I said before, this is still the best forum on the 'net. Besides, what am I going to do with all this Audi knowledge over at SaabCentral.com?
:-D
The only thing I can't do right now is change my username over at Boompa.com. That bothers me.
:-D
The only thing I can't do right now is change my username over at Boompa.com. That bothers me.
