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

[dave flagg]

I've been watching this thread and am wondering why no one else has picked 
up the ball. I have a 1969 Alfa GTV and although the minor bits are not 
available from Alfa, just about everything you might need for these cars IS 
availble through the aftermarket. Maybe it's because the were lots of Alfas 
built. BUT there were only 640 GTV's imported to the US in 1969. Between 
used parts etc and the aftermarket new hard parts and retoration parts, we 
do very well indeed.
.02
DF
83 TQC
85 TQC
69 Alfa GTV
oh, and the Autohaus inventory
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ado Sigal" <a.sigal at bluewin.ch>
To: <brogers at terrix.com>
Cc: "'Wylie Bean'" <theringmeister at triad.rr.com>; <urq at audifans.com>; 
<mx at maxboostracing.com>; <Michael at siliconoptix.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 01, 2006 1:58 AM
Subject: [urq] My (brief) chat with the Audi brass - suggestion


> 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
>>
>>
>>
>
>
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