Re: Our friends at AofA

[Osman Parvez <oparvez1@nycap.rr.com>]

trharlan@one.net wrote:
> 
> In the mail today:
> 
> ANNOUNCING A FREE OIL CHANGE
> [It's just one of those things we're changing to serve you better}
[snip Ted's justified sarcasm]
> Ted Harlan

I too received the mailing today from AOA. I too found humor in the
description "popular parts". I guess they haven't heard of the term
"oxymoron" yet. :) 

{My personal gripe: Temp Sending Units}

In seriousness though, there is a bright side to this. This is the VERY
first time I have received anything from AOA acknowledging the fact that
I own an older Audi. Ok, so even if they reduced their prices on only a
handful of parts I think that is a step in the right diretion. Audi
parts have been outrageously overpriced. I had a good discussion with
Bill Banks about the pricing, and the availability of aftermarket. He
was frustrated with the lack of competition between aftermarket and
"genuine" parts as well, especially when he saw my Carlsen receipts with
aftermarket P/N's on them. 

Audi is growing by leaps and bounds, with immense popularity for their
new models. The reality of the situation is that many Audi buyers (most)
have never owned a Audi before. If you were to take a look at Oldsmobile
or Caddilac sales, the opposite would be true. Those buyers are loyal to
their brand. Perhaps Audi is recognizing (Finally) the fact that they
need to build owner loyalty, starting from the ground up. 

I think they have learned form some of their mistakes...I hope
especially the sixty minutes fiasco. This mailing looks like a step
forward to me...I'll use the coupon with relish. :)

As a final note... I was really excited when I saw the envelope. My
first thought was... "Invitation to test drive the new TT, or maybe a
sneak peek at the new S4, or hopefully somthing similar to what BMW is
doing with Track events and test drives...." 

I was sorely disappointed, but do see the light at the end of the
tunnel. 

I wonder if everyone they have on record got this mailing?


-- 
Osman Parvez
Albany NY
89 200q 175K (Happy Clutch)
85 Mr2 77K (In Storage)