Audi at the NY Auto Show

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <199804100252.WAA06815@titan.purch.ans.net> Dan Simoes writes:

> - current forecast is even more aggressive.  26 Audi-only showrooms
>   will be open soon, with distinct brand separation in the
>   other dealerships.

Yeah.  I wonder what the _full_ story is.

Here in the UK, those "Audi-only" showrooms have opened at the expense
of the previous combined Audi/VW showrooms.  We used to have three
here - two Audi/VW and one Audi/Porsche.  Now we have one, and it
keeps fewer parts in stock than when it was a combined VW/Audi
franchise.  As far as parts availability and prices are concerned,
Audi's brand separation has been a disaster.

My nearest Audi garage is now almost twenty miles away, instead of four.

"Yes," says the responsible director of Audi (UK), "but you can now
have your car collected and brought back to you."

Hmm.  A few minutes outside the dealership in the morning, watching
customer's cars being driven in, would soon convince _anyone_ that
this is a no-brainer.  No way those morons are driving _my_ car.

--
 Phil Payne
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 01536 723021
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