Re: Ohmigawd.

[ScharfR@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-10-17 12:34:07 EDT, APOWELL@agcom.tamu.edu (Al Powell)
snips fom:

<< aspeer@mail.utexas.edu (Andrew J. Speer) said:
  > I think what needs clarifying is that it is unlikely prices for the
current
 > Passat will carry over to the new one.  If I understand herr Piech, he
 > intends to move VW upmarket, with Audi also taking a step up.  All the
Audi
 > technology you will see on the new Passat will carry a price tag, it's
just
 > that many things that are optional on a Passat now come standard on the
A4.
 > I know this is blashemy but it is kind of like the loaded-up Honda vs.
 > standard Acura argument (with the all important distinction that Audis and
 > VWs are designed and built separately, whereas Hondas and Acuras are
 > essentially interchangeable).
 
 Then Al adds his own 0.02:
 
<OH good.  (gawd).  OH great.  (heavens).  JUST what Audi needs.  
<Didn't they JUST get a toe-hold established in the US by REDUCING 
<prices?  Didn't they note Mazda DROPPING their plan for a premium car 
<division because the market was saturated??????????????????
 
<SAY IT AIN'T SO!!!!  The last thing in the WORLD VW/Audi need to do 
<in the US is try to move "upmarket".  It will be their death-knell in 
< this country.  
 
 <IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  >>


Well, my money says it ain't so.  Check out some of the European information
that has been referenced here recently.  The new Passat is better equipped
for the same or less money than its predecessor.  So was/is the A4.  Check
out the price and equipment of the latest A4 1.8T.  It's a great deal.  Do
you see a pattern?

We've all read snippets about upscale VWs and such, but those cars _if they
ever see the light of day_ are likely to be completely new models, not tarted
up Passats.  Geez, give the idiots some credit.  They've actually made a
number of pretty good moves lately.