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Catering to used-car buyers?
In message <3.0.1.32.19971230121740.006c71e8@209.4.72.5> "Doyt W. Echelberger" writes:
[lots of cogent and relevant argument snipped]
> >That is one scenario. Anybody got any other ideas? This problem needs all
> the bright light it can get.
Yes - I can see the need for a profit margin on parts to support on-demand
logistics. Holding stock and paying salaries costs money.
Take 1: I can buy a control pressure regulator with the correct Audi part
number on it direct from my local Bosch distributor for less than
half what my Audi dealership charges for _EXACTLY_ the same
Bosch-manufactured part.
Perhaps Audi could take some lessons in efficiency from Bosch?
Take 2: An original Audi exhaust manifold for the ur-quattro WR costs
around GBP730. Along comes Aelred at Dialynx and manufactures
one for GBP400-odd. All of a sudden, Audi's price drops 60%.
60%!! I assume they're also still making a profit.
Take 3: Audi/VAG decide to split their branding. My local VW & Audi
garage is now VW-only, and the Audi component is 20 miles
away. "Ah", says Len Hunt (Marketing Director, Audi UK),
"this is not a problem because we'll ship any part you desire
from the new [remote] Audi dealership to your local VW
dealership overnight".
The man's on the wrong planet. I can get Audi parts from _ANYWHERE_ in the UK
overnight, usually at 40% to 60% discount. He just moved his service into the
aftermarket's parameters - at TWICE THE PRICE!!
--
Phil Payne
Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club