'Classic' parts

[Tom Nas]

Hi all,

Most of you who own older ('80s or before that) Audis have probably noticed
that some parts for these cars aren't available from the Audi dealerships
any more. Notable items are several type 85 trim items, but I've been told
that type 89 Audi 90 rear bumpers are not available new also. My type 82s
show hardly anything but NLA items in ETKA, with only parts shared with VWs
still available.

VW/Audi have taken a look at their competition and have started a service
which collects NLA parts from dealerships where they're collecting dust on
the shelves, and restocking them in a central warehouse in Wolfsburg. Parts
about to be struck from the list but still in stock in the main VAG parts
warehouse will also be transported to Wolfsburg.
This will in time grow into a proper classic car spares operation, with
research into parts still available from the OE manufacturer and at a later
date perhaps reintroduction of (repro) parts.

'Classic' parts will be recognizable in ETKA by the 'C' appearing when you
select the part number.

These parts will be marketed by:

Volkswagen-Audi Classic Parts Center
Weser-Ems Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
Theodor-Heuss-Str. 28b
38436 Wolfsburg
Tel.: +49 (53 61) 30 85 77- 30
Fax: +49 (53 61) 30 85 77- 77
E-Mail: classicparts at t-online.de

While not exactly to the same standard as M-B's and BMW's classic division
I suppose you've got to start somewhere, and this might be a nice idea. At
least VAG are recognizing that NLA parts are starting to become a problem
even for owners of relatively recent cars. By organizing the older parts
supply in this manner, the small-scale and low-volume sale of these parts
might become profitable again. Also, by concentrating the administration of
said parts, it's much easier to estimate demand and organize the
reintroduction of higher-demand parts.

Maybe in a couple of years I won't need a parts donor for every type 82 I'm
trying to keep running... and have to rely on used parts which are as old
as the failed parts I'm replacing.

Tom