News from VW/Audi/Porsche

[GregoryPC@aol.com]

Sorry, no tech talk.... but...

Current car mags indicate that:

1.  VW will bring the "Synchro" back to the US.

2.  Audi and Porsche will link up, for marketing purposes,  in the US (it
sounds like it will require all Audi or Porsche dealers to carry both...or
maybe it will just tie advertising and image).  It sounds interesting, but I
just do not see the logic.  Will prospective Porsche buyers take an A4 or A6
as an alternative?  Could prospective Audi buyers be convinced that what they
really want is a two-seat supercar like the 911?   Cross marketing is not
driving this idea. 

   My interpretation is:  

   (a) It is known that, to keep production costs down, VW & Audi will be
sharing platforms (as in the prior generation 4000) and more components, but 

   (b) VAG fears blurring the distinction between Audi & VW, therefore 

   (c) Audi will be tied to Porsche for marketing/image purposes, to
overshadow the closeness of the VW/Audi breeds.

This could only work in the US where the average Joe (present company
excepted) can be led to believe that a Plymouth Voyager is a greater status
symbol than a Dodge Caravan.


G Cirillo
Bethesda MD
1991 90Q-20V