[urq] My (brief) chat with the Audi brass - suggestion

[Ado Sigal]

Same from me Wylie.
However, when we are talking parts, we must realize that we want to 
change company's standard policy, and that decision is going to be made 
at the very top, and that is why I suggested the letter to Ingolstadt, 
and with banner sentences printed on the back of the envelope for more 
impact. To explain, Audi has a legal obligation for only ten years of 
parts support. After questioning the only importer in Switzerland about 
NLA parts for later Urq models, they told me that Audi already extended 
parts policy for 5 years more than required, which AMAG is rather proud 
about. So any attempt to approach anyone else but the top dogs, is going 
to be a waste of time and energy. Strongly believe that the several 
clear pointed messages on banners at events (or stickers on the windows) 
would do more than talking to Audi employees, no matter who they are 
(talking is always good, but it could be ignored, a banner on official 
video can't be ignored). If our message fails to reach Audi after the 
contracts with parts manufacturers have finished, we are in trouble, 
because if tools are destroyed, it would cost to much to reproduce. If 
the contracts are prolonged, we are partially saved. That goes 
specifically for body trim, fittings and clips specific to Ur. Number of 
those are NLA even for later cars, as well as the rear bumper support 
and such. So our effort must be clever and effective. For that reason, 
we should decide clearly on a strategy that we should carry out. It 
started as a two prong attack with banners and the letter. For that 
reason we should have two permanent thread addresses (Banner and Letter, 
where listers can exchange and confirm ideas. Invitation thread has 
already split into several threads, and is getting diluted. For that 
reason and with excuse, I would send this mail to the chaps from 
different threads in hope to get your valuable input positively multiplied.

Believe the letter framework should be:

1) It should be strong clear and short.
2) It must clearly point our concern, where our passion, devotion, large 
expense, energy and time had made those cars on the road, presented Audi 
with very best marketing message, and that we can't continue.
3) It must offer life time opportunity to Audi, to make the Urq into the 
permanent marketing symbol, something no other road car manufacturer can 
do, since even for Audi, Ur history and longevity will not be repeated 
again.
4) It also must point what happens, if present scenario continues and we 
are unable to upkeep their marketing image and our bellowed Urq.

The banner should be:

1) Short, strong and pointing to Ur (clearly, or in a sense).
2) Same chosen banner versions should be printed on the back of the 
envelope to  Audi

If they bite, and they support any of it and prolong even just recent 
 contracts, it would be one very good start.

OK fellows, could someone enlarge on these two issues, and  create two 
specific threads (perhaps with above or improved parameters), and we go 
from there.


With regards to all,

Ado

 

Brandon Rogers wrote:

>Thanks Wylie- 
>Your efforts are greatly appreciated - and yes, if nothing else, it
>certainly cannot hurt the cause.  Hopefully it will help.
>
>
>Fellow Ur-q enthusiasts,
>I did get a very brief chance to speak directly with Johan De Nysschen,
>Executive VP of Audi of America, among others whose names I can't recall
>other than Peter Bartlett, and the Area 79 Manager Harry Oxnard, and the
>FOM for the same region, Joe Koteles yesterday evening. 
>
>  I mentioned the
>obsolescence of critical parts required to keep the cars on the road,
>and wondered if he was aware of the issue.  To shorten a not-so-long
>answer, he said he was not, but but would look into it. Joe Koteles,
>who's been with Audi in the fixed ops capacity for a long time, was
>aware of it, and knowing him a whole lot better, I actually was able to
>drive the point home I thought better than in the limited time I had
>with De Nysschen.  He said he would make a point to keep bringing that
>up in his communications with his superiors.  I don't know what good any
>of this may have done, as it could just as easily be lip service as it
>was genuine, but hey, it's a start.
>
>Wylie Bean
>
>  
>