VW/Audi vs. Subaru sales

[Rave Racer 2000]

----- Original Message -----
From: <rplines at pacifier.com>
To: <quattro at audifans.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2000 11:24 AM
Subject: RE: VW/Audi vs. Subaru sales


> FWIW, the 1999 U.S. sales are as follows:
> Audi- 65,959 (53,761 quattros)
> VW- 312,168 (no AWD models in '99 but 68,151 had electronic Traction
Control)
> Subaru- 106,623 (all AWD)
>
> Subaru has certainly had the most commercial success in the U.S. with AWD.
This
> is most likely due to the lower cost of the viscous system they use in
most of the
> cars.  As an engineer, there is no doubt in my mind that the Audi systems
are better
> in terms of absolute performance (dare I say too good for most people?).
It comes
> down to a question of value.  Performance per dollar spent.  For most
people, the
> viscous system, with it's minor drawbacks is good enough, certainly better
than no
> AWD.  That said, I love my Audi quattro!
> It will be interesting to see what the future holds as Subaru continues to
move up-market
> with more luxury and higher prices, will they lose the bread and butter
customer?
>
        I don't think they will.  Like you said, it is certainly not the
best but it is good enough, and any AWD is usually better than 2WD of any
kind, especially in inclement weather.  Like with AUDI, Subaru has a band of
diehard fans that are willing to suffer for their rides.  I know I do and I
have the better of the two.  That said, Audi's in North America lean toward
an upper scale market, and the VW's have a wider array of choices than the
Subi's which would explain the higher sales.  As much as I refuse to
acknowledge the profitability of anything JAP, Subi's sales are on the rise
and they do offer superior handling (compared to 2WD) at a near affordable
price.  Audi offers style and sophistication in their new cars and
experience and superior engineering in their history (unless you count that
idiot rumor about cars taking off on people).
                                        RR