[urq] Letter to Audi : first try, the parts...

[Buchholz, Steven]

... that's a problem for Audi to figure out ... and clearly it is a problem other manufacturers have solved.  We're not talking necessarily about having the part on the shelf at the local dealer ... but having the part available at a "reasonable" price.  Audi doesn't actually manufacture most of the parts we would need anyway ... they could use their clout to work with their suppliers to make sure that the parts were available.  My BMW motorcycle is just as old as my V8s ... and it was produced in very small numbers.  I can get pretty much what I need to keep it on the road today.  Yes, I know it is almost 10 years newer than my urq ... but this example and others does show that the "problem" is solvable ... if the manufacturer decides it is important to solve it.  

I think that the angle is the best one we have ... clearly, Audi is considering their history to be important in how they are marketing their current product.  What value would Audi expect in showing the rally cars in the commercials if noone knew what they were?  I think this fact makes it so that now might be a very good time to act.  BTW, I expect that there are TT fans that will be as passionate as we are over the long term ...

Steve B
San José, CA (USA)

> -----Original Message-----
> From: urq-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:urq-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of
> Pasqualoni, James E
> Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 9:37 AM
> To: Ed Kellock; urq at audifans.com
> Subject: Re: [urq] Letter to Audi : first try, the parts...
> 
> The only thing that seems to motivate Audi more than the almighty dollar is
> the euro...
> 
> The trick is, how does one make the increased availability and lower price of
> parts for these cars 'worth it' to Audi?  Suggest perhaps minimum quantity or
> price ordering?  Work with Audi and/or suppliers to create a 'wish list' of
> parts requiring production runs, using GP's and advance purchasing to compel
> Audi to follow through, etc...
> 
> This is exactly the reason, as hard as it was, that I parted with mine.  Such
> an absolute shame.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: urq-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:urq-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of
> Ed Kellock
> Sent: Wednesday, June 28, 2006 12:17 PM
> To: urq at audifans.com
> Subject: Re: [urq] Letter to Audi : first try, the parts...
> 
> I think that angle is not to our best interest.  We're talking about cars that
> are 25+ years old.  I have a hard time seeing any current or recent model in
> the same light as we see our urq right now.  The general new-car buying public
> thinks beyond the end of the warranty period.  Those that do are few and far
> between.
> 
> Ed
> 
> 
> On 6/28/06, Brandon Rogers <brogers at terrix.com> wrote:
> >
> > Exactly- it makes me think twice about purchasing a new VAG product
> > when in the back of my head there is a little voice saying I will have
> > parts availability problems in a few years.
> >
> > Brandon
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: urq-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:urq-bounces at audifans.com] On
> > Behalf Of Buchholz, Steven
> > Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 4:18 PM
> > To: urq at audifans.com
> > Subject: Re: [urq] Letter to Audi : first try, the parts...
> >
> >
> > To my mind a list of parts isn't necessary and might tend to confuse
> > the issue ...
> >
> > The letter I'm contemplating would explain that I am a long time Audi
> > fan, having owned Audis exclusively for over 25 years and having
> > purchased my urq in 1986.  I would express my reasons for choosing
> > Audis ... quattro specifically, but also some of the products and
> > advanced technologies that Audi has brought to the market ... like
> > Procon-Ten or a luxury car in the US with a manual transmission (1991
> > V8Q).  As time has passed the dealers were less and less able to
> > service my cars, so I learned how to fix them myself.  Now I am
> > finding that Audi does not appear willing to provide a supply of the
> > parts that I would need to maintain my cars in operable fashion.
> > Seeing Audi has not forgotten the history of quattro in current ad
> > campaigns, why wouldn't they want to support those of us who make
> > those same cars visible on the streets today by simply continuing to
> > supply the parts people like me need?  I see other marques which
> > support the repair market for fans who made the decision to buy cars
> > other than Audis.  Audi needs to realize that by not supporting the
> > owners of the older models they are sending a message that they don't
> > expect the cars to last that long to begin with, not a good prospect
> > for someone expecting to get high resale value on their premium car
> > purchase!  I remember ads for million mile Volvos.  I also find it
> > painful to admit that while I am starting to realize that I need a car
> > newer than 15 years old, and that car might perhaps be a brand new car
> > ... that I'm finding it difficult to justify for myself the purchase of
> another Audi.
> >
> > ... any others out there have any follow on thoughts in this vein?  I
> > remember meeting Len Hunt in 1999, he seemed pretty jazzed to see so
> > many "classic" Audis gathered at the Historics.  Perhaps it was all
> > just to appease the crowds ... but perhaps it might make sense for
> > those of us in the USA to contact him ... did a web search ... looks
> > like Len is now heading Kia!!!
> >
> > Perhaps there is no hope for us ...
> >
> > Steve B
> > San José, CA (USA)
> > >
> > > Hmm.  It appears to me that a strategy not unlike warfare may be
> > > necessary. By that I mean one must go for a two-pronged attack.
> > >
> > > 1.  Definitely the letter route, whereby specifics are discussed
> > >
> > > and then
> > >
> > > 2. the Banner "we're Upset" Ads for the events.
> > >
> > > Unfortunately, Audi is not in the same position as BMW, MB or
> > > Porsche in this regard.  All of these manufacturers have produced a
> > > great many
> >
> > > cars which are adored and fussed-over by afficianados and collectors.
> >
> > > Aside from the Urq, that really can not be said of vintage Audi cars.
> > >
> > > Plus the fact that these were more or less hand-built and their
> > > (relatively) limited production are also working against us.
> > >
> > > Don't get me wrong, I'm all for it!!!
> > >
> > > Ingo