Interesting comment by Piech --> (okay Ferdie, how about the TTS)
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Interesting comment by Piech --> (okay Ferdie, how about the TTS)
Copyright 2001 AFP-Extel News Limited
AFX European Focus
"Volkswagen AG chairman Ferdinand Piech said the carmaker's Audi unit is "stagnating" and needs to make radical changes, but VW is not thinking of spinning off the brand.
'Audi is going to have make serious changes', Piech said in an interview with the Frankurter Allgemeine Zeitung. "The brand is behaving too conservatively and stagnation is prevailing", he added.
There has been media speculation VW will sell off part of Audi to thwart
hostile takeover threats, but Piech said the company is not considering a
divestment. 'Audi is a defining line inside our model hierarchy', he said."
AFX European Focus
"Volkswagen AG chairman Ferdinand Piech said the carmaker's Audi unit is "stagnating" and needs to make radical changes, but VW is not thinking of spinning off the brand.
'Audi is going to have make serious changes', Piech said in an interview with the Frankurter Allgemeine Zeitung. "The brand is behaving too conservatively and stagnation is prevailing", he added.
There has been media speculation VW will sell off part of Audi to thwart
hostile takeover threats, but Piech said the company is not considering a
divestment. 'Audi is a defining line inside our model hierarchy', he said."
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That's what I thought. Sounds like he's setting up the divestment bomb...
Audi is stagnating? Lessee. Sales are at record levels. (Is this only in the US? Or in Germany, too?) They have the boldest designed car in the world for a modest price. They have the A4, which is a segment leader, depending on which month you check vs. 3 series.
And most of all, they have an owner network that is enthusiastic. I am not just talking about us forumers. I run into people at the dealer all the time and NOBODY treats these cars like daily drivers. There is a passion and a group-think to being an Audi owner in the US.
He is definitely sending secret messages to the shareholders.
And most of all, they have an owner network that is enthusiastic. I am not just talking about us forumers. I run into people at the dealer all the time and NOBODY treats these cars like daily drivers. There is a passion and a group-think to being an Audi owner in the US.
He is definitely sending secret messages to the shareholders.
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Me thinks you're right!!! Granted...
In some countries, the mark is both utilitarian and luxury, depending on the particular model. But, I agree about your observations re: sales and product. I think Audi is finally poised to go stand-alone, I just wonder if any individual/group has the *****...
The good thing about the pairing of VW & Audi is that VW can easily absorb development costs for vehicles like the TT that might have been difficult to justify for Audi during the mid-90's... know what I mean, Vern? Their "relationship" definitely allowed Porsche to exist some very tumultuous markets and product flops...
The good thing about the pairing of VW & Audi is that VW can easily absorb development costs for vehicles like the TT that might have been difficult to justify for Audi during the mid-90's... know what I mean, Vern? Their "relationship" definitely allowed Porsche to exist some very tumultuous markets and product flops...
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Audi stagnating?
They're gaining market share against their main competitor (BMW) in their two main markets: Western Europe and the US; they're winning awards for design and engineering innovations; they've seen huge sales increases in the US in particular, but other markets, too; they're doing well in motor sports. If he thinks that is representative of stagnation, then I can't wait to see what's next.
However, let's keep in mind that Piech is a few months away from retirement.
However, let's keep in mind that Piech is a few months away from retirement.