Re: Audi A5 Minivan

["George S Achorn III" <coolidge@nicom.com>]

Bob Rosato Wrote:

>Martin Slotterback wrote:
>>time. I still cant remember the name of the mini van HMMMm  Susan or
>>caroline it is a womans name.
>

>It's called Sharon.  A joint venture with Ford.  I believe its been out
>for a couple of years.  Probably way to expensive to bring to US.

>Bob

	It's actually the Sharan, with an A. It was codeveloped by Ford and is
sold in Europe only. One recently did the showcircuit with a Porsche tuned
VR6 and 911 rims. It's also sold under the SEAT badge (VWs Spanish brand)
under the name Alhambra. It is European only and I believe that has
something to do with the agreement with Ford.
	The A5 minvan would share componentry with the B chassis, much more of a
percentage of shared parts than the Sharan minivan, due to be redesigned
anyway. SEAT could have the Alhambra redesigned like the VW Passat based
version I proposed. In Europe they could keep the Sharan name, but I think
for the US the Vanagon name is more identified with VW. 
	I think an A5 minivan is a great idea, and more would be sold than the
wagons. The trick is with a US factory producing B chassis cars, the wagons
would be easily kept, as costs would drop and more choices would be
available.
	As for sales numbers, I do not understand why VWAG insists on developing
all of the station wagons that it does. BMW makes coupes and cabriolet
versions and even a compact version of their base car (and a wagon in
europe). Why not an A4 coupe. I would think an RS4 Coupe would be a car
with great heritage from the UrQ days. Audi and VW refuse to notice their
marques have heritage except in two designs. The first is the Beatle, and
if you can't see that you shouldn't be in the car business. The second is
the Avus and that is an example of an incredible car that will never see an
open highway. Too bad too, becuause even in V8 form it would have been
quite a super car. Too bad to many Porsche's and Piechs have controlling
positions in VWAG, their family business keeps great Audi Sports Cars from
being produced.
	Later,
	George Achorn
	coolidge@nicom.com

	'94 Jetta GLX
	'93 Corrado SLC
	'93 90 CS (Sister's)
If I could afford it, One of em would be an A4 1.8TQ