Re:Audi Mini/SUV

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

Mike Thomas Wrote:

> Other than the long
>wheelbase Chrysler and Toyota Previa minivans (both big bucks), there
>is nothing comparable on the market, so we are somewhat concerned about
>what to buy when it eventually needs replacement.  I have tried to
>interest my wife in an A6qw, but she now likes the taller driving
>position. 

	I agree, there is a gaping hole in this market. Most minivans are very
similar in size and dimensions, and in this case level of luxury. 
	Maybe you'd be more open towards my other idea. It's a minivan based on
the VW A chassis with the wheelbase of a Jetta and using the retro parts of
the concept one. It'd be more flat nosed than the upcoming beatle but share
alot of parts. Equip it with Syncro for VR6 top of the line models, and
call it ... you guessed it... the Microbus. Make it versatile for people on
the go like the Plymouth Backpack show car and you have a new cult vehicle,
and the first minivan attractive to young people....not just Soccer Moms.
I'll get off that non Audi thread.

>The real problem is that it's a niche vehicle.  Mitsubishi
>never really sold enough to keep it in the US market, and, while I
>would dearly love an Audi version (and would buy one), I don't think
>such a vehicle would do that much better.  

	I am not so sure it would be a niche vehicle. Parts could be shared across
the board. When you consider a short wheelbased A5, long wheelbased A5, VW
short wheelbase version, SEAT version and delivery vans in Europe, the
things could be sold in mass. I really think it is less of a niche vehicle
than the A6 Avant.

>Only five percent of
>Chryslers were AWD; the Toyotas average a bit higher. 

	That figure is affected by two things. First, Chrysler AWD minivans are
offset by Plymouth and base Dodge minivans, the bulk of what they sell.
Less Town & Country (Chrysler) versions are sold. Here is where the VW
version comes in. Selling this in mass will lessen the cost of the Audi
versions. Further, there is nothing in this segment for people who are not
price contious besides the Chrysler.
	A question. If VW federalizes a short wheelbase minivan on this chassis,
and an identical one with Audi fascias and interior, would it be necessary
to federalize the Audi as well? I don't know, so I'm asking.

> Interestingly
>enough, we have been approached by two dealers and three individuals
>asking whether we would be interested in selling the car for nearly
>what we paid!  According to Edmunds, it has retained nearly eighty
>percent of its purchase price.

	This segment is known for resale value, especially a rarer model like
yours.
	LAter-G