Re: Americans and stick-shifts

[harrison <hsapir@multiverse.com>]

The auto makers do not make these decisions based on nothing however. There is
extensive market research done to decide whether or not to import manual luxury
cars. I remember in 94 when the cabrio was introduced here, I read in Autoweek
that Audi was targeting high income professional women with the cabrio. They
did not believe that the sports car minded person would be interested.
Honestly, I do not disagree. I have heard from a handful of people that they
wish the cabrio came in a 5 speed quattro, but none of them could actually
afford one. And not enough to warrant importing them anyway.

harrison

Fringe Ryder wrote:

> Of course, one factor in the lop-sided sales may be lack of options.  I had
> to special-order my A4Q 2.8 back in August '96 so that I could GET a
> stickshift.  Audi doesn't import stickshift A6 or A8 models into the U.S.
> So of course we will buy more autos.
>
> Fringe
>         '97 2.8L A4Q stick