Originally posted by mgescuro+Mar 28 2004, 10:16 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (mgescuro @ Mar 28 2004, 10:16 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-desmo9@Mar 22 2004, 12:21 PM
One of the key arguments against the VW Phaeton found in the adjacent 17-page thread will carry-over here. That is, if VW should not tread on Audi's turf in the upper-end of the market, then Audi should not tread on VW's turf at the low end. Minimize overlap in the dual-brand portfolio. However, another of their key arguments against the Phaeton would support the A3 in the U.S. market. Namely, that brand image is key, and for those aspiring to a brand, the VW group needs an Audi offering to counter the 1-series. As good as the Golf's perceived quality and performance has become, some need those little rings on the trunk.
We've come to know someone who's been quite outspoken against the Phaeton as :zippy:... Suddenly, :zippy: will have to dismantle one out of two of his key arguments. Should prove interesting.
<_< <_<
You are tiring if not just a bit pretentious sometimes.
1) VW has no business being in the high-luxury segment. They do not have a brand name to do so. They are currently being laughed at in that segment. It's ridiculous. Plain ridiculous to pay $92K for a VW.
2) Audi can move down market because their brand name is synonymous with luxury. People who can afford $20-25K cars generally CANNOT afford a $65-92K car. So they would want a car that is "premium," even though it's a rehashed Golf.
I have no need to dismantle ANY of my arguments because my arguments are based on 2 tenets:
1) People who can afford a $65-92K car don't want a cheapo brand like VW. (ie - the VW Phaeton DEBACLE)
2) People who can only afford a car in a $20-30K range would love an Audi just for the sake of having an Audi and telling all their friends they have an Audi.
I have always said that it is easier for a brand to move DOWN than UP.
Furthermore, don't you believe that VW launching a $50K sedan is eating into Audi's territory? And Audi decides to launch their $25K car in the US, eating into VW's territory. Don't you find it a bit disturbing that Audi gets a rehashed Golf... and VW gets a Maserati?? I mean... which line is the "Premium" brand??? [/b][/quote]
Don't know just what's pretentious about my arguments. Maybe you picked the wrong word?
A whole paragraph from you there with little real info. So you agree with the A3 coming to America or not? Based on your arguments against the Phaeton....
* You would agree with a U.S.-bound A3 because VW needs an Audi compact to take on the 1-series, 9-2 and others. These people savor "brand" and "image", so the VW brand can't do it alone.
but, in contradictory fashion...
* You would NOT agree with a U.S.-bound A3 because it would make the Audi-brand overlap the VW brand all the more. Just as Phaeton muddies the waters at the higher price points, the A3 swould do it at the lower price points.
Yeah, what's tiring about this is wading through all the contradictions.